PLIGHTS OF FISHERMEN AND SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOOD: A STUDY ON ADJACENT COMMUNITY OF SUNDERBAN IN BANGLADESH

This study was aimed to examine livelihood status, needs, problems and constraints in the Suterkhali union under Dacope Upazila of Khulna district in Bangladesh, as was selected for its significant geographical and socio-economic characteristics. Field level survey was conducted during August 2016 and November 2016. Only 120 officially, by Department of Forest Office, registered fishermen were considered as respondents of this study, which were interviewed from three villages (Nalian, Suterkhali, and Kalabogi) adjacent to Sunderban. Considering a mixed methods research approach, in specific, a purposive sampling technique was designed to collect field level data with observation, personal interview as well as focus group discussion (FGD). Only 92% of housing structures were explored as Kancha with no pacca house. The survey indicates that almost 100% fishermen were not connected to electricity services and majority of them were acquainted with solar energy, 68%. Health services were quite exasperating with 73% was dependent on village doctor and only 15% got health from Upazila hospital. Best part of fishermen, almost 80%, got income level ranges from 9000 to 15000 with a mean of Tk. 12200 BDT following an average monthly expenditure of BDT 8900. It is obvious that fishermen cannot save more accordingly. Financial crisis, as the highest priority concerned, was recorded during study. In fact, many of them wished to swap over this existing profession for better living. Certainly, state and non-state actors should ensure financial support immediately along with safety and security in the rivers and seas. Finally, sustainable livelihood, for this area, can be achieve through a holistic and integrated approach though by all actors, stakeholders and interest groups.