Socio-Economic Analysis of The Estuarine Fishermen Community Along The Nagavali and Vamsadhara Rivers in Andhra Pradesh, India

Abstract

This study conducted an analysis of the socio-economic conditions of fishermen in the estuarine regions of the Nagavali and Vamsadhara rivers in Andhra Pradesh, India. Over a period of two years from June 2012 to May 2014, data was collected to evaluate the livelihood and social status of the fishermen. The study is the first-ever documentation of this specific region. A wide range of data was collected from the study sites to analyze the socio-economic conditions of the fishermen. This included factors such as income generation, age distribution, housing, and literacy rates among the fishermen. It was found that fishing served as the primary source of income for the traditional fishermen, but they also engaged in various non-fishery related activities, which contributed significantly to their annual income. Based on the findings, it is recommended that the fishing profession be legalized and that settlements of traditional fishing communities be supported. These communities should be given priority in receiving necessary support from relevant stakeholders.