Assessment of Livelihood and Poverty Status of the Floating Fishermen in Riverine System of Bangladesh

This study assessed the livelihood and poverty status of floating fishermen who live in a boat for a lifetime and fishing is their main means of livelihood. Dakatia river which has been flowing through Chandpur and Laxmipur district of Bangladesh was selected for this study. This study used livelihood assessment index based on capital asset framework and poverty status was estimated by Foster-Greer-Thorbecke approach based on the calorie intake method. The results of the study revealed that different livelihood capital levels were very low compared to the national average. The literacy rate was inconsiderable and the majority had no training on fishing or any other income-generating activities. The average income of floating fishers was considerably lower than the national average. Fishing boat was the main physical asset which they also use as their residence. Among the fishermen communities, good relationship and reliability were found and they shared knowledge to each other. Conversely, they had a low social status beyond their communities as they were disjunct in the social hierarchy and had no association with local institutions. Consequently, livelihood assessment of this community was found very low where financial capital index was the lowest. About ninety percent of floating household members were living below poverty line which was much higher than the national average and about three quarters were ultra-poor. The study suggests that increasing education participation, arranging permanent residence, training on diversified income-generating activities and providing financial support are needed for improving livelihood status and reducing the poverty situation of the floating fisher communities