Livelihood Pattern of Fishing Communities in South-Central Coastal Regions of Bangladesh

Original Research Article The aim of this study was to assess the livelihood pattern of fishermen in south-central coastal Bangladesh. The study was followed by a triangulation method (combining both quantitative and qualitative approach). Field survey for this study was conducted in Patuakhali district, a region of south-central coastal and three different villages of Patuakhali district namely Fashipara, Nayoripara, khajuraofLatachaply Union at KalaparaUpazila (sub-district) of Patuakhali District in Bangladesh. The method of sampling for the foregoing research was not random rather selective based on the purposes of the research. A total number of 180 respondents were selected randomly for face to face interview from three fishing communities. In addition, five focus group discussions and four case studies were performed in the field with the vulnerable fishermen due to explore the livelihood-induced risk of that particular community. The study reveals that the status of livelihood of the fishing community is very low which reduces their ability to meet their basic needs. It also explores that the fishing community is displaced and migrated highly nearby places due to their social and economic vulnerability, loss of physical resources, and insecurity, and they were suffering severely in terms of their unemployment, lack of housing, health problems, and their low access to the local public services. A fishing community oriented policy should be developed by the government for the betterment of the livelihood of the fishing community of coastal areas in Bangladesh.