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Socioeconomic Conditions of Fishermen of Dekar Haor in Sunamganj

M A Sufian
Dept. of Aquatic Resource Management, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet, Bangladesh

M Kunda
Dept. of Aquatic Resource Management, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet, Bangladesh

M J Islam
Dept. of Aquatic Resource Management, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet, Bangladesh

A T U Haque
Dept. of Environmental Science, North South University, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

D Pandit*
Dept. of Aquatic Resource Management, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet, Bangladesh

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

The investigation was conducted on the livelihood status of fishers in Dekar haor of Sunamganj in Bangladesh for a period of 12 months from June 2013 to May 2014. A total 40 fishers were randomly selected and data were collected from them through direct interview. Focus group discussions were carried out by a previously made checklist. The result showed that the annual income of fishermen varied from BDT 34900 to 176100 with a mean income of BDT 60566.67±23189.27. Maximum (72.5%) fishers were low income levels (BDT 40000-60000) and trying to shift their professions to other subsidiary professions. Relatively middle age group (31 to 45 years) dominated in all study areas. Muslim fishermen are the most dominant in the study area. Average family size was (6.875) persons and majority of joint family with members ranging from 6 to 11. The highest percentage (57%) fishers were illiterate due to economic crises and lack of awareness about education. Maximum (41.15%) fishers’ children were found up to primary level, whereas 29.1% not schooling of children categories and 11.98% children dropped out of school before completing their primary education. Housing and sanitation conditions of the fishermen were not well developed. Most of the fishers get their health services from village doctors and upazila health complex. Women participated in various income generating activities to improve their livelihood along with the household activities. Based on various livelihood parameters, it can be concluded that fishermen are leading very poor state of lives. Community based aquatic resource management strategies should be undertaken with a view to enhance fish production for improve the livelihood condition of the fishers dwelling in the Dekar haor area of Bangladesh.

Keywords: Livelihood, Dekar haor, Fisherman, Questionnaire interview, Focus group discussion

Location: Dekar haor under Sunamganj district

Start Date: 00-06-2013

End Date: 00-05-2014

Program Area: Socio-economic and Policy

Non-commodity: Livelihood

Objectives:

A comprehensive study is essential to investigate the livelihood status of the fishers in and around the haor area. Considering the above context, the main purpose of this study is to survey the socioeconomic conditions of the fishers dwelling in the Dekar haor area of Sunamganj.

Methodology:

The study was conducted in a pre-selected area of Dekar haor under Sunamganj district of Bangladesh to investigate the livelihood status of fishers. Because it consists of a suitable geographical coverage, the physical characteristics and depth of water that ensure adequate coverage in terms of biodiversity and good number of dependent fishers as far as possible. The study was performed for the periods of 12 months from June 2013 to May 2014 to fulfill the requirements of the research objective. The study was based on both primary and secondary data. A total 40 fishers were randomly selected in six villages named Inatnagor, Goniginj, Sultanpur, Chandrapur, Raipur and Noyagaon under Dakshin Sunamganj upazila for the study. Both full time and part-time fishers were randomly selected. Data were collected through personal interview, focus group discussions (FGD) of the fishermen and key informant interview (KII). The primary data were collected through direct interview using a well-structured questionnaire, so that the fishermen could answer chronologically each and every question. Focus group discussions (FGD) were carried out by a previously made checklist. A total of six FGD sessions was conducted in the study areas where each group size was 10-15 fishers. The secondary information was collected from the Department of Fisheries Office, Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) office, WorldFish office of Sunamganj and from different journals regarding the fisheries and socioeconomic condition of the fishermen. Key informant interviews (KII) were made with key person such as Upazila Fisheries Officer (UFO), District Fisheries Officer (DFO), LGED officer, local leaders and WorldFish Sunamganj to cross-check the collected data from the fishermen. After collecting, the data were computed, edited, coded, summarized and processed for analysis. These data were verified to eliminate all possible errors and inconsistencies. All the collected data were accumulated and analyzed by Microsoft Excel program.

Source of Information: J. Sylhet Agril. Univ. 4(1):101-109, 2017 ISSN: 2308-1597

Article Link (Online Journal): www.jsau.com.bd

Funding Source:

Budget:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

From the study, it is clear that the socioeconomic status of the fishers living around the Dekar haor is very poor in relation to land properties, health facilities, drinking water facilities, electricity facilities, housing condition, sanitary facilities and income. They are deprived of basic needs and mostly dependent on the fisheries resources of the hoar. It is notable that fish biodiversity and fisheries resources in the haor are decreasing day by day due to some manmade and natural causes. Fishers get the minimum amount of fishes, which is not enough to meet their family demands. For this reason, most of the fishers are trying to shift their occupation from fishing to agriculture, livestock domestication, day labors, boat pulling, small scale business etc. Aquatic resource management strategies should be undertaken with inputs from scientific research, policy makers, government, non-government organizations and other stakeholders with a view to enhancing fish production, maintaining biodiversity in a sustainable manner and improving the livelihood condition of the fishers dwelling in the Dekar haor area of Bangladesh.

Knowledge Management: Journal