Assessment of livelihood and food poverty status of the floating fishermen in riverine system of Bangladesh

Abstract

This study assessed the livelihood and food poverty status of floating fishermen who live in a boat for a lifetime and fishing is their main means of livelihood. Dakatia river which has been flowing through Chandpur and Laxmipur district of Bangladesh was selected for this study. Livelihood assessment index based on capital asset framework and calorie intake food poverty status by Foster-Greer-Thorbecke (FGT) approach was estimated. The results revealed that the level of different livelihood capitals of floating fishermen households were lower compared to the national average. The literacy rate was inconsiderable and the majority had no training on income-generating activities. The average income of floating fishers was considerably lower than the national average. Fishing boat was the main physical asset which they also use as their residence. Good relationships and reliability were found among the fishermen communities and they shared knowledge with each other. Conversely, they had a low social status beyond their communities as they were disjunct in the social hierarchy and had no association with local institutions. Consequently, livelihood assessment index of this community was found very low where financial capital index was the lowest. Approximately ninety percent of floating fishermen household members were living below the poverty line which was much higher than the national average and about three-quarters were ultra-poor. The study suggests that increasing education participation, arranging permanent residence, training on diversified income-generating activities and providing financial support are needed for improving livelihood status and reducing the poverty situation of the floating fishermen communities.

Keywords

• Floating fishermen
• Livelihood assessment index
• Food poverty
• Bangladesh