Modernization, education, and fish supply chain performance of Akit isolated tribe: the role of trust as mediator

Abstract

Although the Akit tribe fishermen are classified as an isolated community with low education, they play a crucial role in the fish supply chain system for export on Rupat Island, Riau, Indonesia. They have modernized fishing boats and gear, and they have received infrastructure support from the government to increase fish production and income. However, they still face poverty due to their heavy reliance on 'tauke,' individuals who provide capital loans but monopolize the purchase of fish at low prices. The tauke-fisherman relationship is built on mutual trust. Based on data collected from 168 Akit fishermen as respondents, we explored the role of trust (TRS) as a mediator in the effect of fisheries modernization (FMD) and fishermen education (FED) on fish supply chain performance (FSCP). Additionally, we also analized the role of FED as a mediator in the effect of government support (GSP) on the FSCP. Data collection was carried out using a closed questionnaire, and the data were processed using the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) method. Our findings indicate that FMD, TRS, and GSP have a significant impact on FSCP, while FED does not. TRS only acts as a mediator in the relationship between FMD and FSCP, whereas FED does not play a role. FED, however, serves as a mediator in the relationship between GSP and FSCP.