Socio-occupational Dimensions and Livelihood Challenges of Fishers and Fish Farmers in Rajbari, Bangladesh: A Descriptive Comparison

Abstract

The current study aimed to describe and compare the socio-occupational and economic characteristics and major livelihood challenges of fishers and fish farmers in Rajbari District, Bangladesh. A cross-sectional survey was conducted from January to December 2022 involving 150 fishermen and 150 fish farmers. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and field observations and were analysed using descriptive statistics and the Priority Index. The results revealed that the 35-55-year age group was dominant among both fisher and aquafarmer respondents. Fishermen were more likely than fish farmers to belong to households with a larger number of family members. More than 90% of fish farmers had received some form of institutional education, whereas nearly 35% of fishers had no formal education and could only sign their names. For initial health treatment, reliance on formal allopathic treatment was 16.67% higher among fish farmers than among fishers. Similarly, fish farmer respondents generally had better housing conditions and greater access to household assets and amenities, including tube wells, improved cooking facilities, sanitary toilets, televisions, mobile phones, and refrigerators. The income of fishers from fish yield was lower than that of fish farmers, and the majority of fishermen had no savings. Both groups were mostly dependent on middlemen for fish trading. Four-fifths of the fish farmers had received formal training, whereas nearly 30% of fishers had never received any training. Constraint profiles also differed substantially, with high input costs being the most severe problem for fish farmers and annual flooding representing the primary challenge among fishermen. Seasonal effects, limited training access, inadequate technical expertise, weak cooperative assistance, and middleman interference were further barriers to livelihoods. The study suggests that greater educational support, targeted training services, awareness programmes, improved control within the fish value chain, sustainable resource management, and supportive institutional interventions may help strengthen rural livelihood resilience and foster sustainable fisheries development, particularly in areas with high fisheries potential.