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Status and Options for Alternative Livelihood of Female Workers in the Shrimp Processing Industries Through the Utilization of Shrimp Process Wastes in Khulna Region

A.A. Airin
Fisheries and Marine Resource Technology Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna-9208, Bangladesh

M.M. Khatun*
Fisheries and Marine Resource Technology Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna-9208, Bangladesh

A.M.H.B. Tareque
Fisheries and Marine Resource Technology Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna-9208, Bangladesh

B. Biswas
Fisheries and Marine Resource Technology Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna-9208, Bangladesh

M.N. Ahsan
Fisheries and Marine Resource Technology Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna-9208, Bangladesh

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

The female labour force is increasing in the shrimp processing industries in shrimp potential zone like the Khulna region. The study was conducted in three areas namely Rayermohal, Dumuria and Rupsha under Khulna district. Data were collected through group discussion and interviews using a semi-structured questionnaire to know the status of female workers and identify options for the utilization of shrimp processing wastes as an alternative livelihood by female workers. The female workers of the joint family (55%) were generally middle-aged (31-45 years), married (93%), Muslim (98%) who can sign (88%) only. The major income of their family came from busineSs or others rather than agriculture and service. The workers faced several obstacles among which looking after family and child, husband's non-cooperation, social status, pollution and disease were noticeable. However, they had well social interaction and whole workers were satisfied with their jobs getting additional income that supported especially their children's education expenses. They would get more money by utilizing shrimp wastes other than sales to others (45%). They were found positive towards alternative livelihoods by utilization of shrimp wastes like shrimp chips (60%), sauce (5%), paste (10%), etc. However, they asked for the assistance of technical knowledge and credit facilities. Most of the respondents (80%) found NGOs as a suitable source for loans.

Keywords: Female worker, Processing industry, Alternative livelihood, Utilization, Shrimp wastes

Location: Three areas namely Rayermohal, Dumuria and Rupsha under Khulna district of Bangladesh

Start Date:

End Date:

Program Area: Socio-economic and Policy

Commodity: Livelihood, Women

Objectives:

As cited above, available data regarding this sector and women's involvement is fragmented so far and often limited to micro-level case studies. Therefore, the present study is conducted to reflect the socio-cultural and economic conditions of female workers involved in shrimp processing industries with the aim to identify alternative income sources using shrimp processing wastes for their sustainable livelihoods.

Methodology:

The study was conducted in three areas namely Rayermohal, Dumuria and Rupsha under Khulna district through group discussion and interviews using a semi-structured questionnaire. The interviewees were selected randomly and proportionately from each area. Among 100 respondents, 40, 40 and 20 respondents were selected from Rayermahal, Dumuria and Rupsha respectively.

Status of Female Workers in Shrimp Industries: The status of female workers in shrimp industries was determined based on some parameters such as1. Socio-economic and cultural condition of female workers in the shrimp processing industry: This was done by analyzing 17 factors viz., age, educational qualification, marital status, types of family, family members, land ownership, etc. 2. Involvement of female workers in shrimp processing industry with their working environment: This was done by analyzing 5 factors such as the reason of involvement, job satisfaction, length of involvement, seasonal fluctuation of works, etc. 3. Social, political and cultural impact on female workers due to working in shrimp processing industry: This was done by analyzing several factors such as social interaction, social status, violence due to working, school-going children drop out etc.

Options for Alternative Livelihood: The respondent's female workers were asked to indicate the alternative use of shrimp wastes as a source of income which indicates the alternative livelihood.

Source of Information: South Asian J. Agric., 2007, 2(1&2):39-44 ISSN 1991-0037

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

Budget:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

Women in the study area were the principal workforce in both the indoor and outdoor sectors of the seafood industry. However, they can hardly maintain a minimum livelihood with an average earning in the current context. Having the differences in economy, education, and job, they always faced social status problems. The female workers were often treated defectively by the employers that might impact negatively their working rights. However, the female workers were going forward to develop their financial and social interaction. Though they used the shrimp wastes for various traditional purposes they should have the proper knowledge about the best alternative use of shrimp wastes. In this regard, the government and non-government agencies should take initiative to train up them as the best user of shrimp wastes. Simultaneously, more additional planning and research should be conducted to identify the root level problems of their development.

Knowledge Management: Journal