Economic Behavior of Coastal Communities and Strategy in Fulfilling the Needs of Fisherman’s Household

Abstract

The decreasing quality of fishery resources results in resource scarcity, abrasion and flooding. Communities, especially those living near the coast, are often accused of being the cause of the damage and scarcity of these resources. Various government policies and programs are oriented towards efforts to preserve fisheries resources and improve the economy and standard of living of communities around the coast. Research objectives: 1) To describe the activities of fishermen households in earning a living, 2) To describe the economic behavior of fishermen households, namely the income structure and the structure of household expenditure, 3) To analyze the share of food consumption expenditure of fishermen households, 4)To analyze the influence of household income level factors, education of housewives, and number of household members on household food expenditure, 5) To identify social and economic strategies of fishermen households in meeting the economic needs of their households. This research was conducted in Ujung Tanah District, Makassar City, South Sulawesi Province, for eight months. Survey research method by conducting in-depth interviews with fisherman households. Data analysis used descriptive analysis, income and expenditure analysis, and multiple linear regression analysis. The results showed that fishing activities in the sea, fishermen consider the available resources (type of boat and equipment) with preparation before going to sea, such as the duration of time at sea, tamping capacity, distribution of results and the radius of the fishing location. The income structure of fisherman households in Cambayya Village, Ujung Tanah District, Makassar City is sourced from income as a fisherman of IDR 2,602,857 per month with a percentage of 75.38%, and the income earned from side jobs other than fishermen is IDR 850,000 per month with a percentage of 24.61%. The expenditure structure of fisherman households in Cambayya Village, Ujung Tanah District, Makassar City is allocated for food consumption spending on average IDR 974,257 with a percentage of 43.79% and non-food consumption expenditure of IDR 1,250,357 with a percentage of 56.21%. The share of food consumption expenditure for fisherman households in Cambayya Village, Ujung Tanah District, Makassar City is 43.79% and is included in the food secure category. 85.71% of the respondents carried out a social strategy to meet their household needs when not going to sea is to find a side job. On the other side, the economic strategy carried out by fishermen is to involve the family (wife, children, and other family members) in earning a living.