LIVELIHOOD STATUS OF SMALL SCALE FISHERMEN AROUND PADMA RIVER OF RAJSHAHI DISTRICT

Abstract

The investigation was conducted on the livelihood status of small scale fishermen around the Padma river in Rajshahi district from July 2016 to February 2017. A total of 100 fishermen were surveyed randomly with a structured questionnaire. The livelihood status of fishermen were studied in terms of age, family size and type, occupation, education, housing, drinking water facilities, sanitary facilities, health facilities, credit facilities and monthly income. It was found that most of the fishermen were belonged to the age groups of 20-35 years (50%) represented by 85% muslim and 85% married. 62% fishermen lived in joint and 38% in nuclear family and the average size of most of household was 6-7 people. 66% were illiterate and among them few can sign name only and 60% were school dropout boys. Most of fishermen houses were semi-constructed and some of unconstructed and 77% were connected with electricity. About 85% fishermen were landless represented by 95% rearing poultry and livestock. Regarding health and sanitation 100% fishermen used tube-well water as drinking water and 85% fishermen used sanitary latrines. About 70% fishermen suffered with different type of diseases and most of them go to village doctor for their disease treatment. About 83% fishermen were solely depends on fishing, and remaining 17% involved in other activities beside with fishing. Monthly average income was 5,500 to 6,000 TK. 76% fishermen received loan from NGO‟s and moneylender and 40% loan used for fishing activities. They have few alternative livelihood options to earn their bread other than fishing in the area. It could be concluded that fishermen around the Padma river were mostly illiterate, lack of training exposure, lack of awareness about fishing method and lead pathetic life. However, they need more and more institutional, technical, and organizational support for the betterment of their socio-economic condition and sustainable livelihood. Keywords : Padma river, Livelihood status, Fishermen, Constraints, suggestions.