The Role of Women on Economic Activities and Their Contribution to Household Income of The Traditional Fisheries in West Sumatra

Abstract

The objective of this study is to analyze the role of women on the household economy of the traditional fisheries in West Sumatra. The study was conducted in mid year of 2012 to the-90 respondents of women; consisting of fish products processors, traders and women workers for each 30 respondents in the 2 (two) locations of Padang Municipality and Padang Pariaman District, West Sumatra. Analyses were performed by using descriptive, qualitative and GAP analysis.The results of study indicated that women (wife of fishermen) working in the traditional fishery spent most of their time for about 5.80 hours per-day (or of about 139 hours/months). They were able to give contribution to household income on average 27.33% of the total. There are several factors that effects on the contribution to household income, namely; level education of women and working time allocation. To increase the household economic activities of the traditional fisheries in the coastal line areas, endorsement from the government and private sectors in terms of employment and other business opportunities are very important, both fishery sector and other sectors.