SOCIOECONOMIC CONDITIONS OF FISHERMEN OF DEKAR HAOR IN SUNAMGANJ

M A Sufian1, M Kunda, M J Islam, A T U Haque and D Pandit
Journal of the Sylhet Agricultural University, Volume 4, Issue 1, 2017, Pages 101-109

Abstract:

The investigation was conducted on the livelihood status of fishers in Dekar haor of Sunamganj in Bangladesh for a period of 12 months from June 2013 to May 2014. A total 40 fishers were randomly selected and data were collected from them through direct interview. Focus group discussions were carried out by a previously made checklist. The result showed that the annual income of fishermen varied from BDT 34900 to 176100 with a mean income of BDT 60566.67±23189.27. Maximum (72.5%) fishers were low income levels (BDT 40000-60000) and trying to shift their professions to other subsidiary professions. Relatively middle age group (31 to 45 years) dominated in all study areas. Muslim fishermen are the most dominant in the study area. Average family size was (6.875) persons and majority of joint family with members ranging from 6 to 11. The highest percentage (57%) fishers were illiterate due to economic crises and lack of awareness about education. Maximum (41.15%) fishers’ children were found up to primary level, whereas 29.1% not schooling of children categories and 11.98% children dropped out of school before completing their primary education. Housing and sanitation conditions of the fishermen were not well developed. Most of the fishers get their health services from village doctors and upazila health complex. Women participated in various income generating activities to improve their livelihood along with the household activities. Based on various livelihood parameters, it can be concluded that fishermen are leading very poor state of lives. Community based aquatic resource management strategies should be undertaken with a view to enhance fish production for improve the livelihood condition of the fishers dwelling in the Dekar haor area of Bangladesh.

Keywords:

Livelihood, Dekar haor, fisherman, questionnaire interview, focus group discussion.


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M A Sufian1, M Kunda, M J Islam, A T U Haque and D Pandit. 2017. SOCIOECONOMIC CONDITIONS OF FISHERMEN OF DEKAR HAOR IN SUNAMGANJ, Journal of the Sylhet Agricultural University 4(1): 101-109.