Assessment Of Socioeconomic Status And Livelihood Index Among Small-Scale Fishermen Along The Kakinada Coast, Andhra Pradesh, India.

Abstract

This present study provides an overview of the socio-economic characteristics and livelihood capitals of small-scale fishermen (SSF) in Kakinada Coast, Andhra Pradesh, India. It highlights key parameters such as age, sex, household structure, occupational status, income, and expenditure. The study also examines the five central capitals that influence the livelihoods of SSF: human, natural, financial, physical, and social capital. The majority of SSF in Kakinada Coast are in the prime working age group (25-54), with fishing being their primary occupation. The average household size is 4.81, with an average of 2.51 male members and 2.30 female members. Male SSF dominate the community, accounting for 96% of respondents, while females make up only 4%. The physical assets of SSF include large and small boats, fishing gears, drying racks, spades, radios, cooking pots, and jars. Access to natural capital, such as land, open water, usable forest, and aquatic resources, is limited for floating fishers. SSF have a limited level of human capital, including knowledge, skills, education, mental health, disease frequency, and access to training. The livelihood assessment index indicates that SSF possess a moderate level of human, financial, physical, natural, and social capital.