Analysing the Factors Influencing the Inclusive Development of Fisher Folk Concerning Southern Districts of Tamil Nadu

Abstract

The state’s economy depends significantly on the work of fishermen. The purpose of the Development of Fisher folk is to create a community of fishermen that is fully developed in all areas, including education, health, social standing, and economic development. The many Fisher community’s development programs are designed to aid all men, women, youth, and children who work in fishing activities and reside in coastal areas by enhancing their access to education, healthcare, culture, and employment possibilities. The paper examines the factors influencing the inclusive development of fisher folk in southerly districts of Tamil Nadu. Through field surveys, fundamental knowledge is gathered. To compile a thorough profile of the socioeconomic circumstances of the households of the fishermen, an interview schedule has been created. By using convenience sampling, 200 respondents from Tamil Nadu’s southern districts, were included in the final sample set. Therefore, the results revealed that climatic change and inadequate technology significantly impact the Fisher communities’ inclusive development. The outcome of the results also shows the insignificant relation between inadequate facilities for storing the catch impact and inclusive development of fishing communities. Factors influencing inclusive development include socio-demographic characteristics, climate change, lack of occupational return, inadequate storage facilities, lack of knowledge, technology, and financial institutions. Age, marital status, education, and involvement do not significantly impact development. The findings also show that the development of the fishing community is unaffected by a lack of financial institutions, expertise, or awareness. The results confirmed that state assistance was inefficient in reaching the targeted society and emphasised the need for further planned government intervention. By creating additional capacity structure initiatives that maintain and provide continuous social defence and engage the coastal community through an innovative alertness campaign, the authorities may demonstrate their commitment to the full development of aquatic fishermen.