United Fisherwomen Cooperative Project (UFCP)

The United Fisherwomen Cooperative Project (UFCP) was launched by Enatta Foundation to unite artisanal fisherwomen across all coastal communities in Lagos under structured cooperatives. The goal was to create a system that would enhance financial inclusion, streamline resource allocation, improve bargaining power, and foster collective decision-making among fisherwomen. Historically, these women have operated in isolation, facing challenges such as market instability, lack of access to credit, and limited support for business growth. By bringing them together under cooperative societies, UFCP aimed to empower them with better access to finance, training, and sustainable fishing practices.

Achievements of UFCP

1. Formation of Cooperatives – As a key milestone, the project successfully established two registered cooperative societies to facilitate collaboration and collective progress:

ENI-ITAN (Somolu) Agricultural Cooperative Multipurpose Society, which serves fisherwomen in the Somolu area.

ENI-ITAN (Oworo) Fisheries Agricultural Cooperative Multipurpose Society, representing fisherwomen in Oworo and its surrounding coastal communities.

2. Improved Access to Financial Support – Through these cooperatives, members have better access to loans, grants, and government interventions, allowing them to invest in fishing equipment, boats, and storage solutions.

3. Stronger Market Position & Bargaining Power – By uniting under cooperatives, fisherwomen can negotiate fairer prices, secure direct deals with bulk buyers, and reduce reliance on middlemen, ensuring they receive better profits from their labor.

4. Training & Capacity Building – UFCP introduced financial literacy programs, business training, and sustainable fishing workshops, equipping fisherwomen with essential skills to manage their finances, scale their businesses, and improve productivity.

5. Advocacy & Social Inclusion – The project has provided fisherwomen with a unified voice to engage with policymakers and stakeholders on issues affecting their trade, such as climate change, fishing regulations, and market accessibility.

6. Networking & Peer Support – The cooperatives have strengthened community ties, allowing fisherwomen to share knowledge, resources, and innovations, fostering a culture of mutual support and collaboration.

The United Fisherwomen Cooperative Project has laid the foundation for long-term economic empowerment, but there is still much work to be done. Enatta Foundation aims to expand the initiative to include more coastal communities, introduce cooperative-led processing and storage facilities, and create direct market linkages for fisherwomen. By scaling up UFCP, Enatta envisions a future where fisherwomen are not just workers in the seafood industry but leaders, decision-makers, and economic drivers in their communities.