Gender Roles in Artisanal Fisheries Along the Benue River Corridor, Nasarawa State

This study investigated the gender roles and participation patterns in artisanal fisheries along the Benue River corridor in Nasarawa State, North Central Nigeria. Despite women's significant contributions to fisheries value chains, gender-differentiated roles remain poorly documented in this region. A total of 130 fishing community members, comprising 65 males and 65 females, were interviewed using structured questionnaires in four riparian communities. Data collected covered fishing activity participation, division of labour, decision-making roles, access to productive resources, and income control. Results revealed a clear gender division of labour, with men primarily engaged in active fishing and net setting, while women dominated fish processing, smoking, and marketing. Women's participation in active fishing was restricted in 82 percent of communities due to cultural norms and perceived physical demands. However, women controlled an estimated 60 percent of fish market transactions and contributed significantly to household food security. Women's access to credit, improved fishing gear, and membership in fishing cooperatives was significantly lower than that of men. Female processors reported inadequate storage infrastructure as the most pressing constraint on their economic output. The study concludes that gender-responsive fisheries policies are needed to recognise and strengthen women's roles throughout the fisheries value chain, and recommends the inclusion of women in fisheries management committees and cooperative leadership structures in Nasarawa State. Keywords: gender roles, artisanal fisheries, women empowerment, value chain, Nasarawa State