Job Satisfaction in the Coastal Pelagic Fisheries of Senegal

The marine fishery in Senegal, West Africa, is a major source of employment and food security. It currently faces the consequences of ecological degradation. This paper examines job satisfaction among small-scale purse seine fishers, who constitute one of the dominant fishing métiers in Senegal. The research sample consists of 80 purse seine fishers in three locations along the coast with varied degrees of urbanisation. The findings suggest that purse seine fishers are generally satisfied with the extent to which the fishery meets their Social Needs and Self-Actualisation. They are dissatisfied, however, with the degree to which Basic Needs are met, with the way in which Management is carried out, and??to a lesser extent??with the condition of the natural environment. However, the study shows significant differences between the more rural and urbanised settlements. These are most pronounced with regard to the willingness to change fishing type, move to another profession or advise a young person to enter fishing.