Abstract

It is generally thought that the fisherfolk of Barbados are individualistic, and that it is consequently difficult for them to form and sustain organizations. This view is especially prevalent amongst the fisherfolk themselves. It has been supported by studies and apparently validated by history. The nine fishing cooperatives that had formed in the 1960s became inactive by the 1970s. In the 19808 and 90s a company of boat owners and fisherfolk trade unoin were both short-lived. During this periad one new fishing cooperative and a few fisherfolk organizations were formed, but maintained low levels of activity and organization. Against this background the government initiated the Fisherfolk Organization Development Project with the assistance of the Commonwealth Secretariat in May 1997. Since then, nine fisherfolk organizations have been formed or strengthened and a national coordinating council established. This paper describes how through intensive fieldwork, attention to history and socioeconomic factors, provision of training and information, formation of linkages with credit institutions and other means this was accomplished. The next phase of incorporating these organizations into participatory fisheries management or co-management is also described.

PDF Preview