Strengthening small aquaculture entrepreneurs: the case of a women's association in the Philippines

Book excerpt: Carried out in September–November 2017, this case study of the Binmaley Rural Improvement Club (BRIC) illustrates the process of building organized producers’ capacity to access markets or create a market for, and actively participate in the value chain of their products. It describes the relations of the association with the value chain actors that have a direct role in their farming and processing enterprises and the agencies that have provided assistance. The aim is to identify the factors that have enabled the small aquaculture producers’ organization to become an effective actor in the value chain of their products. The case describes the history of the association and its organizational features. Special attention is given to the development of their processing venture from a few simple products to a variety of higher value product forms, and the evolution of their marketing strategy.