Synthesis of the collection ‘small fish for food and nutrition in the global south: a value chain approach’

Abstract

This paper is a synthesis of the collection ‘Small fish for food and nutrition in the Global South: A value chain approach’. Small fish, often the most inexpensive available animal protein, are increasingly perceived as contributing to the food security and nutrition of poor and undernourished populations in the Global South. However, the value chains of these fish remain understudied. Therefore, we ask: what are the myriad ways through which small fish reach consumers in countries in Africa and Asia? The papers in this collection explore the value chains of marine and freshwater small fish, which are often consumed whole, and are rich in micronutrients. We give space to rich case studies of these value chains and further theoretical explorations of its various segments. They show a concern for the often-hidden power relations implicit in these value chains and food systems. Moreover, they show how, despite structural limits imposed by social categories or socio-economic transformation, the agency articulated by actors emerge as central, as they negotiate their engagement within small fish value chains.