Case Study on the Socio-Economic Conditions and Alternative Livelihood Strategies of Fisher Community in Terakhada Upazilla Under Khulna District

Abstract

The investigation was carried out to assess the socio-economic conditions and alternative livelihood strategies of fishermen at Terakhada Upazila in Khulna District during August–September 2002. Information was collected from 275 fishermen covering 11 villages under Terakhada Upazila. Of the 275 fishermen, 205 were male and 70 were female. A large proportion (49%) were aged between 26 and 40 years, and the majority were Hindus (66%). About 70% of the fishermen were married, while 90% were literate at different levels of education. The average household size was 6.00 persons, comprising 3.30 males and 2.70 females. The sex ratio of the fish farmers was 100:81.82. On average, 1.45 children per household attended school, including 0.81 boys and 0.64 girls. About 0.28 children per household had dropped out of school, including 0.15 boys and 0.13 girls. About 65% of the fish farmers lived in thatched houses, and 60% did not use electricity. Agriculture was the main secondary occupation (38%). In the study area, 65% of the fish farmers owned less than 50 decimals of agricultural land. The annual income of 25% of the farmers was below Tk. 12,000. Most farmers (56.36%) had a single pond ranging from 11 to 20 decimals in area. These pond areas were generally free from floods, cyclones and other natural calamities. About 65% of all ponds were perennial. Fifty-five percent of the farmers owned their ponds, while the remaining ponds were jointly owned or leased. About 70% of the farmers did not prepare their ponds before stocking fish. Only 40% used pesticides, while 50% used lime and fertilizer. Carp polyculture was practiced in 70% of the ponds. The major cultured species were rui, catla, mrigal, silver carp, grass carp, common carp, rajputi and nilotica. Various types of fishing gears were found to be used in Terakhada Upazila, broadly classified into nets, traps and wounding gears. All farmers harvested fish partially. The average fish production was 7.50 kg/decimal. About 95% of the farmers had no training in fish culture and had never contacted fisheries experts for technical advice. Among the fish farmers, 45.09% borrowed money from NGOs, 30.18% borrowed for agricultural activities, and only 17.82% borrowed for fish farming. The common daily food items of the fish farmers were fish and dal. About 72% of the farmers took three meals per day. Around 92% used tube-well water for drinking, while 63% used closed pits for sanitation. Fever was the most common health problem, affecting 34.91% of the fish farmers, and 47.27% of them received treatment from quacks or nurses.