| Abstrakt: |
There is persistent uproar about the poor quality of processed Rastrineobola Argentea, commonly known as Mukene in Uganda. Efforts put into training women processors on quality control have not deterred poor handling. The purpose of this paper is to explain why discussions about ‘quality’, ought to take into account the realities of actors. Data was collected from 10 focus group discussions with women processors and 20 key informant interviews, at five fishing sites on Lake Victoria and Albert, and thematically analysed. This study applied gender analysis, a social sciences tool, to examine scientific realities about quality in Mukene processing, through the context and standpoint of women processors. Results show that women processors were aware that poorly processed fish was bad for human consumption and brought in low profits. However, challenges that are encountered, such as low operating capital, seasons interfering with sun drying and personal practical needs made compliance with quality standards problematic. We recommend greater access to friendly credit in order to raise the working capital and to economically empower women processors. Additionally, provision of drying technologies for efficiency, reduced drudgery and scheduled sensitization meetings for behavioural change are recommended. The paper affirms that the necessity to meet practical needs is a lived reality embedded in ascribed gender roles that are prioritized by women over scientific demands on controlling quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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