Understanding Livelihood Characteristics and Vulnerabilities of Small-scale Fishers in Coastal Bangladesh

Abstract

Small-scale fishers are considered as one of the most vulnerable communities in Bangladesh but very few studies focused on the livelihood sustainability and vulnerabilities of this professional group. A fieldwork in lower Padma and upper Meghna hilsa sanctuaries identifies different livelihood characters and associated vulnerabilities of the fishers. A conceptual framework known as Sustainable Livelihood Approaches (SLA) has been introduced to analyses the qualitative and quantitative data. The insights of the livelihood strategies provide on small-scale fishers and fisheries management have been explained and explored. Fishers are found solely dependent on fishing, economically insolvent and neglected. In addition, some socio-economic abstractions such as low income, credit insolvency, lack of substitute earning flexibility make them more vulnerable. A number of effective suggestions are elicited from fishers’ perceptions, the implementation of which is crucial to ensure livelihood sustainability of the small-scale fishers.

Fisheries in the Context of Attaining Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Bangladesh: COVID-19 Impacts and Future Prospects

“…The research findings showed that most fishers had inadequate income and poor housing facilities, which is concordant with other studies' findings in Bangladesh [37,38]. Fishers were identified as having not received proper institutional education and bearing the responsibilities of large family sizes [39,40]. They, in turn, cannot afford to send their children to school, which is relevant to SDG 4 which addresses access to quality education.…”

Socio-Economic Conditions of Small-Scale Hilsa Fishers in the Meghna River Estuary of Chandpur, Bangladesh

“…Small-scale fisheries are a sector that is heterogeneous at various levels (spatial, temporal, tool diversity), has different social and cultural importance, has its own characteristics, and is very difficult to define [26]. Small-scale fishers in Bangladesh are among the most vulnerable communities in society, living with extreme stratification, discrimination, social exclusion, and economic domination [19]. Their livelihoods and living conditions are still below average in the adjacent Padma and Meghna Rivers.…”

“…New diagnostic approaches to contextualize fisheries and seek suitable entry points are needed to transform them into social-ecological sustainability and secure future livelihoods [16][17][18]. Small-scale hilsa fishers in Bangladesh are among the most vulnerable communities in society, living with extreme stratification, discrimination, social exclusion, and economic oppression [19]. These fishers occupy a lower position in Bangladeshi society due to their weak economic capacity, limited professional skills, and living options [12].…”

Sense and Manner of WASH and Their Coalition With Disease and Nutritional Status of Under-five Children in Rural Bangladesh: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…Children living in poor sanitary conditions are more exposed to large amounts of pathogens, especially between 6 months and 2 years when they begin to crawl on the floor and throw objects into their mouths. Researchers further suggested that environmental entropy could be a significant factor in poor growth and could compromise the effectiveness of nutritional interventions ( 13 , 14 ). The relationship between diarrhea and malnutrition is complex, although it is well-known that malnourished children suffer frequent episodes of diarrhea, while a child's nutritional status is also affected after the diarrhea episode.…”