Agricultural Research Management Information System

Home
Research Summary
Search
About Us
- ARMIS
- Brochure
Contact Us
Report
User Request
Data Input
Help
- Operation Manual
  - PDF
  - Video
- Program Area & Commodity
We have reached 37600 number of research entries at this moment.

- Logout

Research Detail

Home
Research
Detail

Socio-economic Profile of Fishermen: an Empirical Study from Sunamganj, Bangladesh

Sangita Das Himu
Department of Aquatic Resource Management, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet 3100, Bangladesh

Md. Ashraf Hussain
Department of Fisheries Technology and Quality Control, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet 3100, Bangladesh

Tofael Ahmed Sumon
Department of Fish Health Management, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet 3100, Bangladesh

Md. Afsar Ahmed Sumon
Department of Marine Biology, Faculty of Marine Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia

Md. Foysal Ahmad
Department of Aquaculture, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet 3100, Bangladesh

Mahfuzur Rahman Talukder
Department of Aquatic Resource Management, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet 3100, Bangladesh

Mrityunjoy Kunda
Department of Aquatic Resource Management, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet 3100, Bangladesh

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

Over the years social aspects of fishermen have been overlooked despite playing a significant role in nutrition, foods security and economic sector of the country. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess the current socio-economic conditions of fishers from Sunamganj district of Bangladesh. Data were collected from two Upazila of Sunamganj through individual and key informant interviews and focus group discussions. Results of this study revealed a dire socioeconomic status of the fisher’s community. Nearly half of the respondents were landless and lived in government and privately-owned land. The illiteracy among interviewed fishermen was 71.6%. Moreover, around 80% of fisherfolk cannot earn more than BDT 10,000 (USD 117) per month. Only 37% of fishers have had secondary income sources. In addition, morbidity data revealed a higher rate of illness of children than that of their parents, most of them receive medical attention from quack. The majority of them also do not have the access to a formal credit system (e.g. bank), they borrowed money from informal sources. Wide-ranging initiatives from both government and non-government organizations need to be taken to improve the well-being of fishers of Sunamganj which will ultimately help in ensuring sustainable use and management of fisheries resources of adjacent areas.

Keywords: Fishermen, Livelihood, Socio-economic status, Sunamganj

Location: Sunamganj district of Bangladesh

Start Date: 00-00-2019

End Date: 00-00-2019

Program Area: Socio-economic and Policy

Non-commodity: Livelihood

Objectives:

The present study aimed to collect updated information on the socio-economic status of fishermen of the Sunamganj District of Bangladesh in order to implement an efficient management program for the improvement of the fishing community's overall livelihood.

Methodology:

The present study was conducted in Sunamganj district of Bangladesh over a period of four months from March to June 2019. Data were accumulated from Tahirpur and Chhatak Upazila of Sunamganj. Fishermen of Tahirpur catch fishes from Tanguar Haor while fishermen of Chhatakfishing in Dekar Haor and The Surma River. Following the administration of a semistructured questionnaire, 120 individuals were selected for the analysis of socio-economic condition who engaged in fishing all the year-round. The questionnaire was pretested in the field and revised accordingly. The questionnaires were aimed at collecting information on the respondent’s demographic characteristics, occupation and income, household condition, water supply and sanitation, credit facilities etc. A total of 10 focus group discussions were conducted consisting of 7 to 12 persons each. In addition, 12 key informants were interviewed such as local government officials, fish traders, teachers and local leaders. Key informants were likely to answer questions by virtue of their understanding and experience. Analysis of collected data were done by Microsoft Excel 2013 and Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS, Version 23).

Source of Information: International Journal of Natural and Social Sciences, 2020, 7(4): 94-102

Article Link (Online Journal): DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.4459278

Funding Source:

1.

Budget:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

This study has found fishermen of Sunamganj are facing a range of problems entailing high illiteracy rate, low income, limited alternative income-generating opportunities, inadequate loan facilities, scarcity of proper health care services, poor living conditions and substandard sanitation facilities. Poor fishers who experience less food security are more likely to use destructive fishing gear and are more non-compliant with fishing laws. Therefore, comprehensive initiatives should be taken by both government and non-government organizations to enhance the well-being of resource-poor fishing communities of Sunamganj to ensure sustainable use and appropriate management of fisheries resources of the adjacent areas.

Knowledge Management: Journal