Conditions for participation of marginalized households in shrimp value chains of the coastal region of Bangladesh

Abstract

Although shrimp aquaculture generates considerable employment opportunities at different levels, marginalized households are not necessarily able to participate in shrimp value chains due to lack of land and access to other required resources. This study aims to investigate the conditions and determinants of marginalized households' participation in shrimp value chain using both qualitative and quantitative data obtained from 270 households in South-western coastal Bangladesh. We find that marginalized households are engaged in shrimp value chains mostly as labourers. Both the participant and non-participant marginalized households show their keen interest to become shrimp farmers. The study shows that financing, leasing land, attending training for technical knowledge, self-initiative and mental strength are the major conditions for becoming shrimp farmers. The results confirm some previous findings that household income, gender, larger family size with better access to market and required capital are the determinants of participation in shrimp value chain activities. Those who participate in shrimp value chain as respective actors have higher monthly household income than those who do not participate. They are mostly male and they have larger family size than non-participants.