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A Study on the Livelihood of Fishermen Community at Daspara Village of Mymensingh Sadar Upazila of Bangladesh

M.A. Mansur
Department of Fisheries Technology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh

S.C. Chakraborty
Department of Fisheries Technology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh

M.l. Hossain
Department of Fisheries Technology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh

F.H. Shikha
Department of Fisheries Technology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh

F. Akter
Department of Fisheries Technology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

A study on the livelihood of fishermen community of Daspara village was conducted. Daspara village is located 4 Km away from Bangladesh Agricultural University towards west. Information was collected through questionnaire interview with villagers and fishermen community. Focus group discussion, key informant, case studies, interview etc. were also used during data collection from this village regarding the livelihood of fishermen community. In addition to the information on contextual, resources, institutions and organizations, information on the livelihood strategies, livelihood outcomes of fishermen community were also collected. This study revealed that the fishermen community of Daspara village are living below the low poverty level, resource is limited and health service is inadequate. Lean period of the year is May to October, when some of the fishermen borrow money from the moneylenders with an interest rate above 10%. Information system is still unsatisfactory. Women mobility is increasing, literacy rate is increasing in women, number of dropouts in girls is nearly nil compared to the boy students in the Primary School as well as in High Schools. Climate has been changed over last 20 years, natural resource is declining, some species of fish are endangered species (Pabda, Sarputi). Road communication system has improved during the last 10 years. NGOs (Non Government Organizations) in addition to the Government Departments are also trying to improve the livelihood of fishermen community of Daspara village.

Keywords: Livelihood, Fishermen community, Pabda, Sarputi

Location: Mymensingh

Start Date: 10-11-2002

End Date: 12-04-2003

Program Area: Socio-economic and Policy

Commodity:

Objectives:

This study was undertaken with the purpose of increasing the capability to deliver appropriate, relevant and poverty sensitive information to the fisheries sector. It highlighted the need for research which will improve the livelihood of fishermen community

Methodology:

This study was conducted at Daspara village under Sutiakhali union of Mymensingh sadar upazilla. In this village majority of the villagers are fishermen. Their main occupation is fishing. This village is appropriate for such study. Reasons fo'r selection of this village for the present study are as follows: (i) There are many water resources in this village and near this village. (ii) Majority of the people (household) are fishermen.(iii) They sell their catch (fish) in KR market of BAU, Fish market of Mymensingh town, and in the village market of Sutiakhali. A community based on local (rural) and primary livelihood activities was identified. The community identified for the livelihood study is the fishermen community of Daspara village of Mymensingh sadar upazilla. Before the beginning of community field study a two day orientation was arranged by the participation of at least one member from each of 67 households. This orientation was based on the Sustainable Livelihood Approach (SLA) identified the way how it is utilized in development programmes to benefit poor fishermen households. The orientation presented both a conceptual frame work tor SLA as well as participatory research methodologies including PRA tools such as wealth ranking, seasonal calendar. A number of 70 to 90 fishermen from 67 households joyfully participated in this study. Data collected from the study area were been recorded in master table sheets. Then the tabulation of data was completed. These tabulated data were verified to eliminate all possible errors and inconsistencies. Data entry was done in computer and analysis was done using appropriate computer programme. In most cases finalization of data was done by checking with FGD respondent and key information

Source of Information: Bangladesh J. Agril. Sci. 33(2): 205-214, July, 2006

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

The population of this village is 1750 (male 49% and female 51%). Daspara village has two religious groups the Hindus (85%) and the Muslims (15%). There are appropriately 70 household in the village. Nearly 70% of the inhabitants of Daspara village are fishermen. The primary contextual factor which has influenced the livelihood options of households is increasing number of landless people. As a result some families in Daspara have become homeless. Few of the landless people have taken shelter on the Guccha Gram, Homless members of the fishermen community are not able to secure Bank loan as they do not hve property required as mortgage. They rely on moneylenders as a major source of financial capital. In such matter they have to pay an interest at a rate above 10%. Nearly 50% of total population of the village is women. The study determined that in times of food insecurity, women are the most vulnerable family members as they are the last family members to take food during every meal. While women in the village do have access to health education, the assessment found that women generally lack training and education of broader scope, which could improve their livelihoods and thereby improve the livelihoods of families, particularly children. Although recent trends show that female education s increasing in children, women are still the most vulnerable group in the family. The land less and poor do not have any permanent job and have to depend on the catch of fish. Reduction of natural fishery resources forces them into food insecurity.Opportunities to improve the livelihoods of poor households include the expansion and diversification of skills, training and adult education (human capital). The development of stronger linkage with NGOs and private community based organizations working within the community as well as in urban centre (social capital), formation of cooperative society. The establishment of qroup savings and micro-credit schemes linked to local NGOs (financial capital) and improved management of existing natural resources, such as ponds and open water to enhance bio-diversity (natural capital).

Knowledge Management: Journal