SOCIO-ECONOMIC CONDITIONS OF FISHERMEN AT JAINTIAPUR UPAZILA IN SYLHET

NAB Bhuiyan, M Kunda*, MA Islam and AHA Rashid
Journal of the Sylhet Agricultural University, Volume 5, Issue 2, 2018, Pages 203-211

Abstract:

This study was conducted to investigate the livelihood status of fishermen of the Sari-Gowain River at Jaintiapur upazila under Sylhet district, Bangladesh. Randomly selected sixty fishermen from four villages were interviewed by using a structural questionnaire based on focused group discussion during December 2017 to May 2018. It is revealed that most of the fishermen (48.25%) were of middle age group (31 to 50 years). Among the respondents, around 78.5% fishermen were Muslim, and rests were Hindu. Around 71.5% respondents had nuclear family and 28.5% had joint family. Their family size ranged from 3-12 members; 10% fishermen had small family with 3-4 members, 60% had medium family with 5-7 family members, and rest 30% had large family with 8-12 family members. About 25.5% of the sampled fishermen received no education, 58.25% could sign only, 10.5% of the fishermen had education up to primary level, and 5.75% of the fishermen had education up to secondary level. Fishing is identified as the main income source for a large amount of fishers (41.5%) whereas 38.5% of the fishermen were involved in agricultural activities, 37.75% were involved in labor, and 23.25% were involved in boating as secondary occupation. About 70.5% of the fishers had access to drinking water from tube-wells and 29.5% used neighbours’ tubewells. Of the sampled fishermen 45.5% used earthen latrine, 4.25% used semi-cemented latrine, and 50.25% used open field for toilet purpose. Most of the fishers (45.25%) were found to live in houses in corrugated tin roof and bamboo wall houses. Among the fishermen 61.25% borrowed money from non-government organizations (NGOs), 30.5% from relatives, and 8.25% were economically self-sufficient. About 69% of the fishermen were dependent on village doctor and Kabiraj for treatment, 21.5% on upazila health complex, and 9.5% on MBBS doctor for health facilities. All of these findings indicate the poor socio-economic conditions which might have negative impact on their livelihoods, and thereby should be improved in order to make positive impact on the fisheries biodiversity of the river.

Keywords:

Social status, fisherman, livelihood, biodiversity


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NAB Bhuiyan, M Kunda*, MA Islam and AHA Rashid. 2018. SOCIO-ECONOMIC CONDITIONS OF FISHERMEN AT JAINTIAPUR UPAZILA IN SYLHET, Journal of the Sylhet Agricultural University 5(2): 203-211.