Abstract:

Despite the significant presence of women in seaweed production in Indonesia, most of the data collected in official statistics fail to capture their participation. These data gaps reinforce the policy neglect of gender issues in seaweed culture that also affects strategy to increase seaweed production and quality. This study examines the role of women and men in seaweed production in Nusa Tenggara Timur Province, Indonesia. The case study took place in three districts (Alor, Rote and Kupang districts) which represent the production area of seaweed in Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT). The study presents the different characteristics of producers, including their socio-economic classes, and ethnic groups. A value chain analysis was used to provide insights and to help develop strategies to improve women’s contributions to increasing seaweed production. The results demonstrate that men and women contribute similar amounts of labour to most processes in seaweed production in NTT. Therefore, to address issues of improving production and quality, women and men farmers need comprehensive basic and upgraded skills to reduce post-harvest losses. The involvement of both genders in seaweed farming needs recognition and both need to be taken seriously in the planning, and implementation of initiatives in order to improve production and quality.

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Date 2017/12/31

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