SOCIOECONOMIC CONDITION AND ACTIVITIES OF FISHERMAN AND INTERMEDIARIES INVOLVED IN CHALAN BEEL, BANGLADESH

Abstract

Bangladesh’s coastal and wetland regions are vital to the livelihoods of fishing communities engaged in traditional small-scale fishing. This study was conducted on Handial Union and Bichandak in Chalan Beel and dives into the socio-economic conditions and marketing channels influencing the local fishing industry. A diverse sample of 50 individuals from various stakeholder groups was used to gather insights using questionnaires, Participatory Rural Appraisals (PRA), and in-depth interviews. The analysis was done with Microsoft Excel 2016 and SPSS 26.0, revealing some interesting findings: most stakeholders were men over 40 years old with limited formal education; notably, 62% identified as Muslim. A substantial 86% of participants were actively involved in fishing, while intermediaries like wholesalers (67%), Bepari (69%), Retailers, and Aratdars (64%) also played essential roles in the industry. Families in the community typically consisted of 7 to 9 members, with many households depending on a single income earner, particularly among fishermen (50%). It's worth mentioning that many fishermen and intermediaries sought loans, especially from microfinance institutions, with 52% of fishermen needing financial help during fishing bans. Daily incomes varied widely: fishermen earned between 200 and 1000 BDT, while Aratdars and Bepari made between 2000 and 7000 BDT, and wholesalers earned between 2000 and 4000 BDT. The primary fish species caught included Puti, Shol, Taki, and Chanda, using various methods such as Thela jal, Berjal, Badai jal, and hooks. The fish marketing system involved key players like Fishermen, Aratdars, Bepari, Wholesalers, and Retailers. Our value chain analysis highlighted notable marketing margins and pointed out some significant challenges, such as inadequate transportation and a high number of intermediaries. This study underscores the importance of government support to enhance fish marketing infrastructure and promote sustainability and efficiency in the fishing sector. Ultimately, these findings shed light on the socioeconomic dynamics within the Chalan Beel fishing communities and offer insightful policy recommendations aimed at boosting the sustainability and effectiveness of this vital sector.