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Investigation on Livelihood Status of Hilsa Fishing Communities in Lakshmipur District

A K JILANI CHOWDHURY
Department of Fisheries Management, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

The present study was carried out to investigate the livelihood status of hilsa fishing communities in Lashmipur district. Data were collected from randomly selected 50 hilsa fishermen by personal interviewing with a well structured questionnaire, Focus Group Discussion (FGD) and Crosscheck Interviews (CI) with key informants. The study revealed that 40% of fishermen had fishing experience of 4-10 years; about 44% of fishermen were fishing in time of both day and night where professional fishermen were 68%. All fishermen used Chandi jal with mesh size of 5 inches and the length of gear was 1898±520 ft. The fishing duration for fishermen per day was 3.84±0.738 hr where catch of fish per fishermen was 15.88±6.407 kg and catch per unit effort was 27.56±10.212 kg. About 88% of fishermen caught hilsa which size was around 1 kg. Among the total interviewed, 62% of fishermen observed decreased of hilsa last 5 years. In the present study, hilsa fishing and marketing cost was Tk. 3590±690.238, where gross hilsa marketing margin was Tk. 25460±5730.192 and net hilsa marketing profit was Tk. 21890±5128.243. The study revealed that 40% of fishermen had annual household income level as Tk. 60,001-90,000 and 40% of fishermen had annual income other than fishing as Tk. 5,001-10,000. During banning period, 40% of fishermen income as Tk. 10,001-20,000 while no income categories had the lowest number 10% and in fishing season it revealed that 44% of fishermen income as Tk. 50,001-80,000 had the highest number. It was found that 70% of fishermen received loans. About 36% of fishermen reported piracy in the fishing area during fishing period where 64% of fishermen faced cyclone, storm and flood. In time of banning period 16% of fishermen were compelled to involve in fishing and 32% of fishermen were involved with day labour. Although 58% of fishermen got subsidy as Vulnerable Group Feeding (VGF) card from government during banning period but it was not sufficient to maintain their livelihood. Among the fishermen, 56% stated that their livelihood status have improved through fishing. In order to develop the livelihood of hilsa fishermen, expansion of education, loan facilities from the government agencies and sustainable management of river fisheries are needed.

Keywords: Livelihood status, Hilsa fishing, Lakshmipur district

Location: Ramgati upazilla, Lakshmipur district

Start Date: 00-06-2011

End Date: 00-12-2011

Program Area: Socio-economic and Policy

Commodity: Hilsa

Objectives:

1. To understand the socio-economic condition of hilsa fishermen of Ramgati upazila of Lakshmipur district, Bangladesh;
2. To identify the impacts of banning season on the socio-economic condition of hilsa fishermen in this region; and
3. To assess the alternative livelihood options for the hilsa fishermen during banning season.

Methodology:

Selection of the study site: The study area and sample units were selected keeping in mind the objectives of the study. The research work had done at Ramgati upazilla under Lakshmipur district. But it was not feasible to cover all unions due to time constraints, distance and budget limitation. The main criteria behind the selection of the study area: 1. Concentration of different type of fishermen 2. Suitability of the objectives of the study and 3. Good communication system to the selected area. Location of the study site: Ramgati upazila (Lakshmipur district) with an area of 570.55 sq km is located at 22°36′20″N 90°59′50″E/ 22.6056°N 90.9972°E , is bounded by Lakshmipur Sadar upazila on the north, Hatiya upazila on the south, Noakhali Sadar upazila on the east, Daulatkhan and Tazumuddin upazilas on the west. Main rivers are the Meghna , Katakhali, Bhulua and Jalsia. It has 12 union parishads, 54 mouzas, 69 villages and 59387 units of house hold. Population of Ramgati upazila 335243; male 51.57%, female 48.43%; Muslim 92.83%, Hindu 7.14%, others 0.03%. Ramgati is located besides Meghna estuary which is one of the most important estuary as hilsa fishing, breeding and feeding ground. Most of the people of Ramgati depend on hilsa fishing for their livelihood. Target group: A large number of hilsa fishermen were known to be engaged in hilsa fish catching in Ramgati. Fishing is the main activity most these people. Data from fisherman were collected for 6 months from June to December, 2011. Sample size: The sample size of fisherman depends on several factors such as financial constraints, the importance of the study, its method of data collection etc. For this study the data were collected from 50 randomly selected fishermen. Data collection method: Design and formulation of questionnaire For data collection from fisherman a questionnaire was prepared in accordance with the objective set for the study. Before preparing the questionnaire, a draft questionnaire was developed and then pre-tested in the study area. The questionnaire was then modified and rearranged according to experience gather from the pre testing. The final questionnaire then developed in logical sequence so that the fisherman could answer chronologically. Question releted to socio-economic condition, income of fishermn, family members and other relevant aspects of livelihood, alternative livelihood, impact of banning period were included in the questionaire. Questionnaire was constructed into English and translated to Bengali during face to face interview. Questionnaire interviews: For questionnaire interviews, simple random sampling method was followed for 50 fishermen in the study area. Fishermen were interviewed at the river sites, on the boat and house. Interview of each fishermen required about an hour. Focus group discussion: For the present study, participatory rural appraisal (PRA) tool such as, focus group discussion (FGD) was conducted with fishermen. FGD was used to get an overview of particular issues such as, livelihood, alternative livelihood, impact of banning period, subsidy from government etc. FGD sessions were held with fishermen at river side, at tea stall where there was spontaneous gathering. Cross-check interviews: After collecting of data through questionnaire interviews and FGD, it was necessary to check the information for justification of collected data. If there were such items which had been contradictory, then informations were collected from key informant. Cross-check interviews were conducted with key person such as, Upazila Fisheires Officer, and relevant NGO workers for confirmation of the relevant information. The interviews of respondents were conducted in their office. Data processing and analysis: After collection of data, these were edited and coded. All the collected data were summarized and scrutinized carefully and recorded. Finally, relevant tables were prepared in accordance with the objectives of the study. Data presented mostly in the tabular form because it is simple in calculation, widely used and easy to understand.

Source of Information: MS Thesis, EXAMINATION ROLL NO: 11 Fish M–JJ–25 M, SEMESTER: JANUARY-JUNE, 2012, REGISTRATION NO: 38091, SESSION: 2011-2012, Department of Fisheries Management, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

Budget:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

The study revealed that 40% of fishermen had fishing experience of 4-10 years; about 44% of fishermen were fishing in time of both day and night where professional fishermen were 68%. All fishermen used Chandi jal with mesh size of 5 inches and the length of gear was 1898±520 ft. The fishing duration for fishermen per day was 3.84±0.738 hr where catch of fish per fishermen was 15.88±6.407 kg and catch per unit effort was 27.56±10.212 kg. About 88% of fishermen caught hilsa which size was around 1 kg. Among the total interviewed, 62% of fishermen observed decreased of hilsa last 5 years. In the present study, hilsa fishing and marketing cost was Tk. 3590±690.238, where gross hilsa marketing margin was Tk. 25460±5730.192 and net hilsa marketing profit was Tk. 21890±5128.243. The study revealed that 40% of fishermen had annual household income level as Tk. 60,001-90,000 and 40% of fishermen had annual income other than fishing as Tk. 5,001-10,000. During banning period, 40% of fishermen income as Tk. 10,001-20,000 while no income categories had the lowest number 10% and in fishing season it revealed that 44% of fishermen income as Tk. 50,001-80,000 had the highest number. It was found that 70% of fishermen received loans. About 36% of fishermen reported piracy in the fishing area during fishing period where 64% of fishermen faced cyclone, storm and flood. In time of banning period 16% of fishermen were compelled to involve in fishing and 32% of fishermen were involved with day labour. Although 58% of fishermen got subsidy as Vulnerable Group Feeding (VGF) card from government during banning period but it was not sufficient to maintain their livelihood.

Knowledge Management: Thesis