Technical Efficiency of Fish Catch and its Socio-Economic Determinants towards Freshwater Fisher Population in North Central Province, Sri Lanka

Abstract

In this study, freshwater fisherman in the area of Sri Lanka's north central province had their technical efficiency of fish catch measured. The study focuses on freshwater fisherman who only make their living in the districts of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa. There are 175 fishing teams in total in the sample. During the survey, comprehensive information is gathered on the monthly catch, its market worth at the time of capture, labor hours, age of catchers, experience, education, boar size, scale type, and other fishing specifics. Data on specific socioeconomic variables and indicators were considered. Descriptive statistics, regression analysis, correlation analysis, frequency analysis, t test, and ANOVA with inefficiency effects are estimated on the basis of cross-sectional primary data on fishing independent variable, dependent variable, and moderator variable. Age of catchers, education, experience, boat size, and labor hours were the independent variables. The monthly income from fishing was employed as a dependent variable, while scale type was used as a moderator variable. According to statistical analysis, technical efficiency is positively influenced by education, experience, boat size, labor hours, and scale type, however it is negatively impacted by the age of the catchers. However, technical effectiveness is declining as catchers get older. According to the study, the technical efficiency can be raised by increasing the experience of fishermen, labor hours, education, use of 18.5-ft boats, and scale for medium size. In addition to employing fewer fisherman than 40, fishing might become more proficient technically. Because physical and mental issues can be noticed when a person is older than 40. A case in point is vision issues. Therefore, it may be inferred by looking at the outcomes employing middle-aged fishermen whose technical performance can be improved.