Role of Small Scale Fishing on the Livelihood Improvement of Haor Fishermen: An Empirical Evidence from Bangladesh

Abstract

The single most factors affecting the livelihood of haor people of Bangladesh is fishing. Data and information regarding this issue are lacking in Bangladesh, therefore, the study was conducted to assess the extent and determinants of livelihood step up of fishermen in haor area of Sunamganj district, Bangladesh. The present investigation showed that, the majority of the fishermen (60.0%) had small land ownership. Most of them were illiterate (56.3%) and belonged to (53.75%) middle income ($621.0-$915.0) and 6.25% had a small income ranging $305.0-$610. Among the fishermen, 45.0% were received credit from Mahajan and only 12.5% of fishermen had savings. Different livelihood assets were increased to a large extent due to small-scale fishing. Financial, human, social and physical capitals were increased from 32.0% to 76.67%, 45.0% to 75.33%, 42.0% to 62.5% and 30.0% to 73.37%, respectively due to engage in fishing. The logistic regression model revealed four significant variables i.e., family type, farm size, boat ownership and credit access were responsible for the livelihood improvement of haor fishermen. Furthermore, this study also found out constraints which were faced by the fishermen. Among all the constraints, the flash flood was reported to as a major problem by the fishermen.