“This paper seeks to assess the state of knowledge in relation to the interrelated subjects of value chains, livelihoods, food systems, and regulatory dynamics in
South Africa’s large- and small-scale fisheries. South Africa’s marine fisheries play an important role in sustaining
the livelihoods and food security of poorer coastal communities. However, the
post-apartheid fisheries dispensation is
marked by structural inequalities between
large- and small-scale fisheries sectors, with direct implications for
livelihoods and food security. Addressing
these inequalities in practice requires
a critical understanding of South Africa’s
fisheries economy and governance system,
and in particular, the way that benefits
from the country’s marine commons are
distributed within society. As a means to
assess the state of knowledge regarding
these subjects, the paper reviews key literature that engages with small-
and large-scale fisheries value chains,
and the livelihoods and food systems
they sustain. Literature on fisheries
governance is also reviewed to assess how
fisheries value chains are shaped by the
regulatory environment. Having reviewed
what is known in the literature about South Africa’s fisheries economy and
governance system, the paper briefly considers the implications of this knowledge for small-scale fisheries value
chains, and for the local livelihoods and
food systems of poorer coastal communities
who depend on small‐scale fisheries. The paper also identifies important knowledge
gaps and future research objectives in
relation to the economics and power dynamics of fisheries value chains. Finally, the paper discusses key themes
emerging from the literature that help
to shed light on the current process in
South Africa’s fisheries.”
