Empowering the Fish Processor Community in West Java Province

Abstract

Indonesia is the largest archipelago country in the world accounting for over 17,000 islands. The West Java Province is one of the country’s 34 provinces and is an important fisheries production centre, owing to its abundance of fish resources. This annual catch of marine life and fish in this area is the source of livelihood of this area’s coastal communities. The fish processing business in West Java is done mostly by women. Any support to the household fish processing business improves the livelihood of local people, benefits the income of the coastal communities and the economy of Indonesia. A simple model of empowerment has been constructed that can be applied to these fishing communities to help them. By identifying external and internal variables, an analysis structural equation model (SEM) capable of simplifying multivariate data to empower home-based fish processors has been formulated. This research can strengthen the theory of community empowerment, pointing out the importance of extension programmes and formulating future strategies, especially in the field of fisheries.

Keywords

West Java Province fish processing empowerment fisheries extension welfare

Introduction

Indonesia is the largest archipelago country in the world with over 17,000 islands. Administratively, the country is made up of 34 provinces of which the West Java Province is one. The West Java Province contains two fishery management areas, the Java Sea in the north and the Indian Ocean in the south. The potential of fish from both areas is estimated to be 1.91 million tonnes per year. This catch of marine life and fish is the source of livelihood of West Java’s coastal communities that include fishermen, fish cultivators, fish processors and other supporting businesses.

Fish resources on the north and south coast of West Java are abundant and are made up of small pelagic, big pelagic and demersal fish. Not surprisingly then West Java represents an important fisheries production centre, owing to its abundant capture and aquaculture resources. All this marine life collectively contributes to the economic growth of Indonesia. That the Indonesian economy has grown from the added value of fish products can be seen in their export value which has increased by 14.45 per cent, per year (Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries [MMAF], 2015). However, on examination, a substantial investment seems to have been made only in home-based fish processor units. The processing of fish includes its heating, freezing, controlling water activity by drying and irradiating it. All these procedures increase the shelf life of fish by containing spoilage and reducing degradation.

The fish processing business in West Java (MMAF, 2013) is done mostly by women and any effort to empower them enhances the quality of fish products within the country and also abroad. Additionally, any support to the household fish processing business improves the livelihoods of local people, benefitting the economies of the coastal communities much more than if this support is given to large corporates that specialise in fish processing. Such initiatives are important for ushering in social change (Lippitt, 1953). But to do that internal and external variables need to be identified to help the empowerment process (Lionberger & Gwin, 1982; Lippitt, 1953).

Any process of empowerment helps to improve the individual, social and economic capacities of a community in meeting their needs and solving their problems (World Bank, 2002). Such a direction has been given by the government by providing equipment, business capital, licensing services and fisheries extension services. This study aims to build a model of empowerment for the small household fish processing units in West Java and has been tested by using a Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) analysis technique.

Methods

The research has been conducted in the Cirebon Regency and Sukabumi Regency of West Java Province from October 2016 until February 2017. The instrument validation has been conducted in November 2016 to 20 fish processors in Cirebon Regency. The data has been collected in both locations in January–February 2017 and it has been done with purposive sampling of a population of 625 respondents from which 150 were taken and from 144 respondents from which 100 were taken, using the with Slovin formula (confidence level, 90 per cent). Interviews have been conducted with those respondents who are either household heads or where the housewife is the owner of a fish processing unit. The collected data has then been analysed by a structural and factor analysis (CFA). The data used for this model has been tested with Mann Whitney (p < .05) so that the characteristic data in both locations is not significantly different and can be used for SEM models. According to Jöreskog and Sörbom (1993), a good model must fulfil the following criteririon: (a) root mean square, the error of approximation (RMSEA), value < .08 or at a 90 per cent confidence interval; (b) p-value < .05 and (c) goodness of fit (GFI) between 0 and 1. The factor analysis and regression have been tested with a t-value > 1.96.

Results and Discussion

The level of empowerment of fish processing households (Y1) has been influenced by internal characteristics (X1) and external support (X2). In addition, the level of welfare has also been strongly influenced by the level of empowerment in fish processing. Mathematically this can be formulated with Y1 = .29 * X1 + .73 * X2, R² = .60, and Y2 = .72 * Y1, R² = .52 ( Figure 1 ).

Figure 1.

Source: The authors.

This implies that efforts to improve the welfare of fish processors should be preceded by an element of empowerment so that the level of empowerment of fish processors can directly improve the welfare of their households. The structural model also shows that the external support is stronger in affecting the level of empowerment as compared to internal characteristics. The age and experience also determine the empowerment of fish processors. The age of fish processors in West Java averages 44–48 years and the average fish processing experience is 12–15 years. In general, fish processors in West Java are still productive and have sufficient experience. A productive age group affects the level of empowerment of fish processors. According to Havighurst (1972), the age interval of 30–60 years, includes a middle adult phase which is very productive in the work and household. The age is also in line with the task of its development. If a person succeeds in achieving his/her duty then the person does not have any difficulty in carrying out his next task (Havighurst, 1972). Age and experience are related to success. Experience has been gained through the observation and imitation over a period of time (Bandura, 1977). In contrast to Rogers (1983), age does not correlate with the rate of adoption of one’s innovation. Therefore, only productive age groups have a positive influence on the level of empowerment of household-scale fish processors.

External Factors

Fisheries Extension

The level of empowerment is significantly influenced by external support. The structural model indicates that one of the main external factors that greatly assists empowerment is the role of fisheries extension programmes in the development of fisheries. Fisheries extension is a system based on certain initiatives that helps those associated with fish and fishing industry in improving their socio-economic conditions. This can be done through a series of programmes and schemes that promote education; show how to use the latest technology to improve fishing techniques and fish processing methods, all of which help in increasing production efficiency and incomes. The effective role of fishery extension is determined by the programme’s intensity, the suitability of the material shared and the focus of extension methods. We did find that the intensity of fishery extension programmes on the northern coast (Cirebon Regency) and the southern coast (Sukabumi Regency) has been low.

The extension methods have often been conducted focussing on areas dealing with socialisation, training, extension visits and study tour. Those fish processors who have been interviewed did feel that they were able to understand the material that was shared during the lecture. They have been interested in developing the business learnings imparted during the study tour and have been able to apply these trainings. But they did say that more regular extension worker visits need to be made, which fish processors in both regions have felt were still rare, some even pointing out that they had never been visited by extension workers at all.

Here the role of the extension agent is very important. The extension agent is a change agent who brings in an element of innovation according to the mandate of the institution he represents (Lippitt, 1953). The success of any fisheries extension programme is determined by the intensity and accuracy of counselling and guidance. It is therefore important that those associated with fishery extension workers should be familiar with the world of fish processors so as to understand the needs and problems faced by them. The counsellor should, in a sense, also be a companion, overcoming communication barriers, making it easier for the processors to adopt, innovate and learn new production enhancing techniques (Rogers, 2003).

Other important external factors include the role of fish processing groups, the role of the government and the role of market support groups. Additionally, fishery education is also an important factor affecting the level of empowerment of fish processing.

The number of fish processors who have participated in the programmes like the socialisation of wastewater treatment, sanitation, hygiene and methods of processing in both areas has been almost the same. However, programmes like training in business management, processing technology and product packaging have been mostly followed by fish processors located on the southern coast (Sukabumi Regency), while study tours and extension work have been more frequently observed on the northern coast (Cirebon Regency). The fish processors in both regions did indicate that the extension materials of the fisheries have been in accordance with their current needs and did adequately deal with the problems they faced. The material that has been presented in both areas also contains aspects of sustainability and creativity. The material disbursed for topics like waste handling and packaging though seem to have been followed only by some processors, but did prove to be useful in encouraging environmentally friendly behaviour and enhancing business creativity. The extension materials have been in accordance with the needs and interests of the target group, covering current issues, containing important aspects of sustainability, ecological diversity and building innovative practises.

Role of Group

It has been noted that another external supporting factor which helps the empowerment of fish processors is the role of the group. The role of the group is directed at furthering cooperation for the effective marketing of products and it also provides a platform of important information sharing. The group is an important place to share information to improve decision-making (Robbins, 1996). The role of an effective group increases the level of creativity which is determined by the social environment (Joyce & Weil, 2003). The group is also a part of a social system based on good relations among its members. Relationships between individuals with honest values are useful in advancing economic and cultural mobilisation (Fukuyama, 1995). Strong groups have been marked by the ability to perform their roles and duties and help each other emotionally (Tuckman & Jensen, 1977). However, this study has revealed that the role of groups in both regions has not been very effective, with some fish processors not even having being placed in groups.

Role of the Government

Currently, the role of government is that of a facilitator in providing equipment, capital and licensing services. The model also shows that government assistance and services have a positive effect on the level of empowerment of fish processors. Overall the provision of equipment and business capital assistance in both regions seems to be low in the fish processor community of both regions. Less than 40 per cent of fish processors in both regions have been receiving equipment assistance and those receiving cash assistance are less than 30 per cent. Those fish processors in the two regions who received this assistance felt it was an adequate amount of working capital. The money they received averaged between USD 2,307–3,846 per group.

In addition, the effectiveness of government agencies can be measured by the amount of public service transactions that have been made according to the required tasks (Fukuyama, 2004). The services that active fish processors require include items such as business licensing, home industry permits and halal labels. In terms of licensing, the fish processors in both studied areas who have received help were less than 20 per cent. Fish processors who are located on the southern coast (Sukabumi Regency) have been more likely to have had their permits taken care of than those on the north coast (Cirebon Regency). The fish processors in both regions consider that accessing the licensing process is easy, fast and cheap.

Market Support Groups

Market support also affects the level of empowerment of fish processors. We agree with the argument put forward by Lionberger and Gwin (1982) that the market determines the degree of the adoption of one’s innovation. The market certainty in the empowering fish processors aims at increasing the volume and selling price of the product. However, the visible market support in both regions has been low to medium. Fish processors on the northern coast (Cirebon Regency) sell products both through intermediary traders and directly to consumers. In contrast in the South coast (Sukabumi Regency), the product sales tend to go directly to consumers in nearby markets or their own stores. The volume of sales in both regions tend to increase, but the selling price of products in the north coast

(Cirebon Regency) is more remunerative than in the south coast (Sukabumi Regency). Access to product sales by fish processors on the southern coast (Sukabumi Regency) seems to be limited to nearby traditional markets or shops on the roadside, close to fish processing plants.

Role of Tourism

Locations with a tourist appeal have also seen good sales. Abon Ikan, shredded fish, is usually sold in stores as souvenir products located in such areas such as Bogor and Rangkasbitung, known tourist areas in Indonesia. The access to the sales of products on the north coast (Cirebon Regency) has been much wider. Processed products from Cirebon are sold outside the region in areas such as Majalengka, Brebes and Bandung. Culture and religious tourism in Cirebon also positively impacts sales, increasing demand for souvenirs. Processed products have also been sold at nearby stalls and markets while crab products have been sent abroad through export companies. Typical products such as smoked fish and stingray crackers are sold at souvenir centres and traditional markets. Peeled shell products are also sold to Jakarta through collecting merchants.

Working Behaviour

The capacity of a fish processor is a valid method to measure the level of empowerment of these households. And the knowledge about food safety and food security norms have made people in developed countries, such as the European Union and the United States, conscious enough to change their consumption behaviour (Oosterveer, 2007) Our field facts have shown that the working behaviour followed by fish processors needs correction. Aspects like not using stainless equipment, not wearing protective headgear or wearing jewellery (gold or otherwise) on their hands, not using cutting boards while weeding fish, or processing fish close to cattle are issues that need to be attended to.

The feasibility of household-scale fish processing in West Java is determined by a proper, hygienic work environment, with workers following appropriate work behaviour. To estimate the feasibility of processing household scale these simple factors need to be included: the fish processing should be located away from dustbins or cattle livestock; the products must be protected against problems such as pest, rats, chickens and other vermin; rust proof equipment like stainless steel needs to be used; harmful preservatives cannot be used; use of protective headgear while processing fish; using cutting boards while weeding fish; washing hands before processing fish; not spitting randomly and not wearing any jewellery (gold or otherwise) on hands and fingers such as rings and bracelets.

Another indicator of empowerment is adopting environmental-friendly work behaviour while processing fish. Our field research has shown that certain unsustainable measures are still being followed. For instance, the fish processors still do not want to use water from a water tank because they see it as a waste of water and of electricity even though it is, ‘a cleaner and a more efficient method. Liquid waste is still being discharged directly into water channels without being properly treated. Such behaviour needs to change because today’s modern consumers prefer to choose food products which are produced in an environmentally friendly and sustainable manner (Oosterveer, 2007). Such an approach aims to reduce emissions, the use of raw materials, energy-intensive packaging and shrink waste piles (Mattsson & Sonesson, 2003), and enhance food security by curtailing the over catching of certain fish and introduce potential new species (Hall, 2011).

A simple assessment of environmental friendliness can be seen in the adopting of a strict discipline while using clean water, such as turning off the tap when not in use; using as much water as necessary and not wasting it by excessive use; saving electricity by switching off lamps if not needed; using a water tank so that electric water pumps can be used more regularly and effectively; managing the disposal of garbage and waste, such as littering, safely and regularly, treating liquid waste before disposing it off into a channel; recycling plastic packaging or cardboard that is still usable; not processing sharks which is a species that is now protected by the government.

Levels of Creativity

The level of creativity is also important in establishing levels of empowerment. The level of creativity is largely determined by a person’s mental attitude related to their decision in solving a problem (Joyce & Weil, 2003). Creativity is a talent and an ability that goes beyond the traditional understanding of the term and can be measured both as a special skill and a general skill. The level of creativity can be measured not only by one type, but must be related to other types of creativity (Baer, 2016; Kaufman, et al., 2008).

The presence of such creativity that can be seen in household-scale fish processing in West Java includes special skills. The indicators of creativity in processing fish that are still relevant today include the following aspects: making quality products; packaging them well and in an interesting manner; diversifying products for sale into tourist centres and gift shops; making them look more appealing; promoting products online and displaying them in exhibitions and providing discounts for new customers eventually turning them into loyal customers.

According to Bandura (1977), these creativity aspects can be instituted through a process of even imitating existing models. Observers can combine several characteristics of different models thus producing a new form. The experience evolves differently from the original source. However, such a creative model can have some limitations: for instance, if the ‘copycat’ version is so different from the original it can be difficult to replicate.

Welfare Measures

The influence of the level of empowerment of fish processing households (Y1) to the level of welfare (Y2) is β = .72 is very valid as the main variable affecting welfare. The model proves that the majority of fish processors are heavily dependent on their core business which is not an additional business. The domestic fish processing business in West Java can be categorised as a full-time business because welfare is more influenced by the empowerment of fish processing business. If 50 per cent of a household's income or assets is said to be dependent on a particular business, then it can be said to be a full-time business (Monke, 2008).

In general, fish processing households in the study sites seem to be prosperous. This can be measured by the state of their homes, specifically their condition, such as quality of the structure, the walls, per capita floor access to adequate sanitation and electrical power and ownership of goods. However, the welfare of domestic fish processing units is relatively similar, especially when seen in indicators like per capita floor area, availability of electric power and sanitation levels.

Welfare indicators as received effectively by the model can be seen in the number of dependents in a household, large business profits, the amount of ownership of household goods, such as motorcycles, TVs, refrigerators, guest chairs (see explanation below) and cars. The business profit indicator is a valid method to measure the level of prosperity of a household that is processing fish.

Our research has indicated that the number of people in a fish processing households in West Java is between 4–7 members, consisting of household heads, housewives and other household members. The number of household dependents is an indicator of welfare.

In addition, the large profits accruing from fish processing business can be taken as an indicator of the successful implementation of welfare measures. The large profits of a household from the fish processing business in West Java average only. If this is compared with the minimum regional wage in the West Java Province which averages USD 154, the profits from the fish processing business on the north and south coast is above the minimum wage. The profit calculation is based on the minimum and maximum profit, per trip data multiplied by the number of trips in a month.

The number of fish processing operations within a month varies depending on the type of processing. Our research shows that a fish processing unit in the north coast (Cirebon Regency) in a month is able to process the following products: abon, 10 times, smoked fish, 24 times, baso, 22 times, salted fish, 17 times, peeled shells, 22 times, fish crackers, 15 times, pindang, 27 times, crabs, 27 times and terasi, 18 times. Fish processors on the northern coast (Cirebon Regency) in total can process daily 20–50 kilogrammes of raw fish per trip. The fish processing in the south coast (Sukabumi Regency) can process the following products in a month: abon, 5 times, baso, 18 times, salted fish, 2 times, pindang, 3 times and terasi, 3 times. The fish processing on the south coast (Sukabumi Regency) is weekly, except for baso

The level of ownership of goods in fish processing households in West Java do not differ significantly. The average fish processor has a television, refrigerator, motorbike and guest chairs. Guest chairs have been included in the calculation of ownership of goods because they become luxury goods and are the pride of households in rural West Java. Households with guest chairs indicate a spacious house, meaning a home with a large living room. Fish processors who owned cars in both areas are less than 10 per cent. A car covers a luxury good and is a symbol of pride for the community.

Welfare typically deals with social, economic and cultural conditions that affect social changes, but it also includes happiness, kindness, leisure, choice and necessity (Fitzpatrick, 2011). Household welfare can be measured by the distribution of income to all household members (Blundell et al., 1994). Income indicators for developing countries will be biased because a farmers’ income is heavily dependent on the season so it should be measured by food and non-food consumption of households (Moratti & Natali, 2012; World Bank, 2003). Welfare measures are simpler to gauge from indicators such as the condition of homes, wall structures, the types of washrooms, lighting source, ownership, number of people per bedroom, the education of the head of a household and the ratio of the number of people working with household members (Department of Statistics, 2004).

The welfare rate of a fish-processing household can be measured by the number of household dependents, the profitability of business and ownership of household goods. The more wealth a unit possesses and the size of a family will bring happiness and satisfaction into a household. The current trend in some developed countries is to measure welfare with indicators such as happiness and life satisfaction. However, the measurement of wellbeing with happy feelings and life satisfaction is vulnerable to a measurement bias because happiness and satisfaction are highly subjective in any society (Diener & Diener, 2005).

Conclusion

Our research has shown that personal characteristics and external support affect the level of empowerment of household-scale fish processing in West Java. While internal factors include age and business experience, external factors include the role of fishery extension programmes, the role of groups, the role of government and market support groups. It has been observed that the level of empowerment of fish processors has been related to a household’s welfare. The level of welfare, in turn, is determined by the presence of big business profits, ownership of household goods and the number of household dependents. Indicators that have determined the level of empowerment is the feasibility of processing, an environmentally conscious attitude and an element of business creativity. Hopefully, this research has strengthened the theory of community empowerment, pointing as it does to the importance of extension programmes and significance of planning for changes, especially in the field of fisheries.

Footnotes

Declaration of Conflicting Interests

The authors declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship and/or publication of this article.

Funding

The authors received no financial support for the research, authorship and/or publication of this article.

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