The Contribution of Small-Scale Fisheries to Food Security and Family Income in Chile, Colombia, and Peru

Abstract

Small-scale fisheries in Chile, Colombia, and Peru contribute directly to the livelihoods of more than 400,000 fisherfolk. Direct interviews were conducted, and focus groups with fishers, their families, and official authorities in selected fishing communities in these countries were organized. Along with a survey conducted to estimate the contribution of small-scale fisheries to family protein consumption and income, the results showed wide differences among fishing communities. While in the Colombian Pacific the average family income derived from small-scale fishing activities is around $200 USD per month, less than the official minimum wage in Colombia, in Southern Chile small-scale fisheries-derived family income averages $728 USD per month, more than three times the official national minimum wage. A common major concern among most fishing families is the lack of social healthcare protection. As far as family consumption of protein is concerned, the results of the study show that family fish consumption depends on capture volume, cash disposal, and access to sources of protein other than fish. However, by far the major source of protein of the families involved in small-scale fisheries is fish, regardless of family purchasing power and the availability of other sources of protein. Fish consumption in small-scale fisheries-dependent families ranged between 20–291 Kg/person/year in Colombia, 104–156 Kg/person/year in Chile, and 39–218 Kg/person/year in Peru, each of which are higher than official nationally reported averages. Moreover, when capture volumes decrease or during seasonal closures, families prefer to buy fish locally or in neighboring communities rather than consume beef, chicken, or pork, regardless of price.