Fishermen's community livelihood and socio-economic constraints in coastal areas: An exploratory analysis

Abstract

The growing interest in alternative employment amongst Bangladeshi fishermen indicates a shift from river fishing. However, a greater willingness is required to encourage river-based fishing, hindered by factors like fish level reduction, water pollution, natural disasters, unfair market prices, and market control by brokers. This challenges fishermen's families, struggling amidst rising prices of essential commodities. The current study aims to evaluate the socio-economic constraints and livelihood of fishermen in the Karnaphuli, Jalkhadar, and Meghna River two Upazila from August 2022 to May 2023. River challenges have reduced fishermen's income, necessitating aid in income, fish sales, market prices, syndicate issues, and natural calamities. Data from these selected river locations were collected through surveys and interviews. We collected 100 respondents' data. Bangladesh has a total number of fishermen of 1,733,328 in 64 districts. amongst them, 97 % are male fishermen, and 3 % of females are connected with fishermen's lives. Of these respondents, 34 % were female, and 66 % the male of the total. Even 66 % of the total respondents had nuclear family status. This study uses Cronbach's Alpha acceptable reliability α=0.95 and findings that fishermen's income is falling daily. In this coastal region, fishermen are considering changing their profession due to various barriers. Hindrances to accessing fish markets include restrictions, inadequate social amenities, and health and education challenges. However, fishermen propose solutions, urging NGOs and governments to establish educational, medical, and social facilities in coastal and rural areas. They emphasize that government support for the economy and the enforcement of fish legislation are vital for enhancing income levels.