ABSTRACT
The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) adversely impacted the fisheries sector of Bangladesh, particularly affecting the outcomes for women workers of the fish and shellfish processing plants (FSPPs). This study aimed to assess the impacts of COVID-19 on the women workers of the FSPPs by collecting data through 151 questionnaire surveys and two focus group discussions (FGDs) from September to December 2021. During COVID-19, 32.1 % of respondents' food consumption decreased slightly, and 16.6 % reduced drastically. Children of 18.2 % of the respondents had no access, and 16.9 % had insufficient access to online class facilities. Increased livelihood costs and decreased household income posed adverse economic impacts on women. Formal paid hours and overtime job opportunities were reduced because foreign buyers cancelled orders during the pandemic. Gender-based violence and social insecurity increased. Respondents (13.2 %) reported increased mistreatment by their husbands during the pandemic. Women workers' mental health deteriorated as their anxiety and insecurity about life increased during the pandemic. This study recommends overcoming the adverse effect of COVID-19 or COVID-like pandemics in the future. To ensure proper food consumption and reduce adverse economic impacts, the government should offer a special relief package, financial incentives and flexible low-interest loans. Related authorities should ensure that every child has the opportunity and access to participate in online classes during COVID-19 or COVID, like pandemics in the future. © Asian Fisheries Society.
ABSTRACT
The dramatic change in various spheres of daily life caused by the COVID-19 virus epidemic has had many ambiguous effects on the Latvian fisheries sector. As part of a national research program project reCOVery-LV to study the virus’s effect on the supply chain, LLU researchers concluded that Latvian fish processing demonstrates a multidirectional effect. The interpretation of statistics and the interviews conducted confirmed the hypothesis that the virus has had negative and positive effects within one sector of the economy. This industry heterogeneity places high demands on support criteria, making them more targeted for successful risk management. The research aims to analyze the fishery sector and identify the COVID-19 pandemic effect on Latvia’s fish sector. As part of the study, all stages of the fish food chain were studied, risks were identified, their relative relevance was determined, and measures were proposed to neutralize these risks. This article summarizes the results of the study, prioritizes the implementation of countermeasures that reduce risks and are recommended by the results of the risk assessment, and complement the results of the study, identifies measures aimed at the long-term and sustainable development of the industry, based on the lessons of the COVID-19 pandemic. © 2021, Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies. All rights reserved.