Socio-Economic Aspects of the Fishermen of Lohalia River, Bangladesh

Abstract

This survey aimed at providing base line information of socio-economic aspects of the fishermen engaged in fishing in the Lohalia River, Patuakhali. To asses their socio-economic status, some essential socieconomic information e.g. literacy, income level, religion, gender, health hazards, sanitation and medical facilities, family structure and size, types of fishermen, child labour engagement were taken into account. Results indicated that most of the fishermen (60%) belonged to the age class 21-40 years and dominated by Muslims (75%). Three educational categories were logged where illiteracy was dominant (60 %) and 35% had primary level of education and 5% could only sign. It was found that 20% of toilets were pakka, 60% were semipakka, 15% were kacha and 3% of the fishermen had no sanitary facilities. In addition, 10% fishermen used their own tube-well, 30% fishermen used shared or neighborhood tube-well and the remaining majority (60%) used the government tube-well in Schools area. Lack of scientific knowledge, illiteracy and lack of governmental support were the major constraints. They did not any alternative livelihood options to earn their bread other than fishing in the area. The government as well as non-government organizations (NGOs) should take initiatives to improve their living standard and to develop such techniques or alternatives that can help at least the poor fishermen to hold present profession of fishing in the Lohalia River and its vicinity.