Power and trust: an investigation into their effects on livelihood relationships in the small-scale fisheries of Lake Victoria, Uganda

Molly, Atkins (2024). Power and trust: an investigation into their effects on livelihood relationships in the small-scale fisheries of Lake Victoria, Uganda. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

Power and trust are key components of the social conditions that mediate livelihood activities in the small-scale fisheries sector. Both power and trust influence how fish move through the value chain, through what hands, as well as the livelihood outcomes for people engaged in small-scale fisheries. However, studies that focus on trust between value chain actors in small-scale fisheries are scarce and understandings of why and how trust is important and between whom in this socio-ecological context is limited. Power relations, on the other hand, have received more attention. Still, there is limited research that examines how power relations influence trust and impact trade relations, a topic with sufficient debate in other fields of study, particularly political science, but lacking in small-scale fisheries, despite the ubiquity of power in small-scale fisheries contexts.
This thesis aims to addresses this gap in knowledge using a case study of small-scale fisheries in Lake Victoria, Uganda. This study gathered insights from over 206 participants, including fishing crew, boat owners, fish traders and processors, across eight locations, through a combination of qualitative research methods including individual interviews (n=41), group interviews (n=13), and focus group discussions (n=9).The study uses power to and power over approaches to investigate power in practice and draws upon sociological perspectives of trust – that focus on relational and behavioural experiences of trust - to explore how trust is encouraged and undermined in small-scale fisheries trading relations. The study draws attention to the increasing complexity of cooperation in small-scale fisheries. The findings reveal the plurality of interpersonal power relations, and the fragility of trust within the socio-ecological context. It exposes how the precarious economy of declining fish stocks and weak governance systems overstrain livelihood relationships and contribute to a generalised environment of apprehension and mistrust.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):