Abstract :
Green mussel, Perna viridis (Linnaeus, 1758) farming in Jiabong, Samar in central Philippines is an important livelihood option, yet has remained an “infant” industry. The Industry has potential because of its employment-generation capacity, the increasing market demand for fresh and processed mussels and the social benefits that accrue to the mussel stakeholders. The strategies for the promotion of small-scale entrepreneurship for women in the mussel industry are identified in this study by using a Value Chain Analysis (VCA). There are opportunities that exist and work spaces that women micro-entrepreneurs occupy in the various production stages of the male-dominated mussel industry. These unfold from the current state of women’s productive-reproductive work and community activities, along the entire value chain from the mussel growing stage to its harvesting, processing, and trading (both fresh and processed). In this scenario, there are practical and strategic gender needs which have to be addressed to expand and improve women’s work spaces that have to go beyond the traditional marketing/trading that women are engaged in. Strengthening women’s skills and entrepreneurial capabilities along the value chain will increase women’s income from increased employment and engagement in a more gender equitable mussel industry.
