Assessing socio-economic patterns and trends of livelihoods of fisher’s community of the Old Brahmaputra River: A case study in Jamalpur, Bangladesh

Abstract

The current study was assessed the socio-economic patterns and trends of livelihoods of the Old Brahmaputra River fisher's community in the Jamalpur district from July 2021 to June 2022. The livelihood status was analyzed regarding age distribution, family size and composition, religion, marital status, education levels, living standards, diseases, healthcare, electricity, sanitation, drinking water facilities, fishing, and employment status. Most fishermen (45.76%) were 35-50 years old, with 91.53% were Muslim. The average family size for a fisher was medium, with 5-7 members. 33.9% were illiterate, 37.29% could only sign, 20.34% finished primary school, and 8.47% completed SSC. Most fishermen had tin roofs 59.32%, straw roofs 22.03%, semi-paka houses 11.87%, and paka houses 6.78%. Approximately 45.76% of fishers relied on village doctors, 33.9% on the Upazila Health Complex, 8.47% on Kobiraj, and 11.87% on MBBS doctors. Approximately 93.22% of fishermen's homes were equipped with electricity. Fishing was the main activity for more than 57.63% of the fishers. Fishermen have suggested specific management strategies to halt the trend of decreasing fish catches and increasing fish production. These include restricting the use of harmful gear, prohibiting the catching of juvenile fish, creating fish sanctuaries, and releasing fish fry.