Thesis (BS Agribusiness Economics) University of the Philippines Mindanao, 2024

Fisherman are important in the fisheries industry since they have distinct roles in pre-fishing, and post-fishing operations. As the fisheries are susceptible to adversities, fisherwomen become vulnerable to the effects of overfishing, poverty, disruptive fishing process and weak law enforcement. This study analyzed the resiliency of fisherwomen in terms of robustness, adaptability, and transformability. This study aimed to know the resilience capacities fisherwomen employ, the factors that enhance resiliency, and the factors that need improvement. Survey questionnaires were used to gather data on the sociodemographic profiles perceived impacts of challenges for each resilience capacity, and perceived resilience of 86 fisherwomen in Brgy. Daliao, Toril, Davao City determined through random sampling. Three ordered logit regression models were used to analyze how the socio-demographic profile and perceived impacts determine each resilience capacity. Results show that their average age is 44 years old, 55 percent of the sample is married, 66 percent is affected by closed fishing season, and 14 percent reports the presence of marine protected areas in their community. The regression analysis found that marriage positively relates to the three capacities while community decision-making positively affects robustness and adaptability. Results found that higher household income and lack of fishing equipment positively affect robustness while lack of alternative income increases the likelihood of adaptability. Also, age and closed fishing seasons compel fisherwomen to adopt transformative measures for their livelihood. In contrast, natural disasters and few fish population impede the robustness and adaptability, respectively. Lastly, MPAs are found to impede the three resilience capacities as they disrupt livelihoods and disregard fisherwomen in their implementation. From this determined policy implications that would enhance overall resilience should then focus on diversifying livelihoods, improving family relationships, supporting fishers’ associations, and improving law enforcement.