Author(s): A. GHOSH, S. S. DANA, P. K. SAHU and K. K. ADAK

Abstract: The Sundarban biosphere reserve and its surrounding buffer zone is a part of the largest mangrove vegetation in the world. Apart from adverse natural phenomenon, existence of underprivileged section of people is very common in Sundarbans region. Along with agriculture, fishery has been the age-old means of pursuing livelihood to inhabitants of Sundarbans. Considering the fact of ecological importance and poverty, many Government and Non-Government organizations have been undertaking different livelihood developmental interventions for fishers in Sundarbans. A profile of socio-economic and livelihood status of people, for whom those interventions are meant for, is very much useful for ensuring effective impacts on livelihood. In this context, the present study was undertaken with an objective to solicit the socio-economic and livelihood profile of fishers in Sundarbans region. A total of 300 respondents, covering of 6 blocks of 24 Parganas (South and North) districts have been considered as the sample size. Results showed that majority of respondents (67%) were middle aged, ranging between 31-60 years of age. Agriculture was mostly-preferred (78.33%) among the options of primary occupation and Fishery was the first choice among majority of respondents (76%) as secondary occupation. As part of Financial capital, 74.67 per cent respondents were found to had an annual income within Rs. 50,000 to 1 lakh which is categorized under middle income group. Human capital reflects the intermediate level of educations and high skill in agri/horti farming with an average experience of 11.08 years. Average pond size of respondents was found to be 1.37 bigha under Natural capital. All respondents had their own inhouse toilet, which is indeed attention-invoking indicator under physical capital. 29.33 per cent respondents possessed fishing nets followed by hundies (15.33%). As far as the social capital was concerned, all the respondents attended training programmes followed by 60 per cent respondents undergone demonstrations and 52 per cent took part in campaigns.

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