Sumber Daya dan Agensi Istri Nelayan dalam Pengolahan Hasil Perikanan di Desa Pulo Nagan Raya

Abstract

Fishing households in Pulo Village, Nagan Raya Regency, face income uncertainty due to fluctuating catches and the weak bargaining position of fishers relative to traders. This study focuses on how fishers' wives in the Meusare Group process low-value fishery products such as cirik fish and rebon shrimp. The research aims to identify the resources that support this enterprise and how these resources are utilized to establish women's agency in managing both household affairs and business activities. This case study employed a qualitative approach, with data collected through observation, documentation, and in-depth interviews. Thematic analysis was conducted using both deductive and inductive techniques. The findings indicate that access to raw materials, equipment, training, technology, markets, and social networks has increased women's involvement in decisions related to production, pricing, marketing, and financial management. However, the growth of women's organizations remains constrained by limited working capital, product legality issues, domestic workload, dependence on seasonal raw materials, and husbands' dominance in strategic economic decision-making. The study concludes that access to resources expands women's choices and opportunities for decision-making, but does not automatically translate into full control over these resources. Sustainable empowerment therefore requires strengthening capital, business management, market access, and family and institutional support.