The Portraits of Fisher Households in South Coast of Gorontalo: An Empowerment Approach

Abstract

This study aimed to describe the portrait of fishermen's households on the southern coast of Gorontalo using a community empowerment approach. Specifically, the researchers analyzed the ownership of fishermen, fishermen's problems, how to empower fishing communities on the southern coast of Gorontalo. Researchers in collecting data were divided into primary data and secondary data. Researchers obtained primary data using several methods, namely participatory observation, interviews, and Focused Group Discussion. In analyzing the data, the researchers did it qualitatively and the results were presented in an analytical descriptive manner. The results showed that the fishing communities on the southern coast of Gorontalo depend on their livelihood by utilizing coastal and marine resources, while only a small part of them have a sideline from farming. To raise the dignity of the fishing community from poverty, the community empowerment approach is very important. Several fishing community empowerment programs that can be implemented on the southern coast of Gorontalo are procurement of community fishing boats; strengthening human resource capacity; fishery technology development; development of fisherman information systems and market access; strengthening of fishermen's institutions; development of fishery supporting business facilities and infrastructure; and access to capital.