Pond Farming and Livelihood Status of Fish Farmers in Subarnachar, Noakhali, Bangladesh Md

Pond Farming and Livelihood Status of Fish Farmers in Subarnachar, Noakhali, Bangladesh Md. Golam Sarwer1,*, Md. Yusuf Ali1, Shuva Bhowmik2, Md. Asadujjaman3 and Mst. S. Sharmin1 1Department of Aquaculture, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh 2Department of Fisheries Technology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh 3Department of Fisheries Management, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh *Corresponding author: Md. Golam Sarwer, Mobile: +8801712729011 and E-mail: [email protected] ABSTRACT The present study was conducted in Subarnachar upazila under Noakhali district of Bangladesh to know the livelihood status of fish farmers with emphasis on pond fish culture. The survey was conducted on 50 fish farmers from April to November 2011. Data were collected through personal visit and questionnaire interview. Secondary data was collected from Upazilla Fisheries Officer. Pond size of the area was 0.24 ha where 64% of the farm operators having ponds of single ownership, 32% having ponds of multi-ownership and 4% having of lease ponds. Percentages of small, medium, large and very large ponds were 26, 38, 28 and 8 respectively, whereas 48% of the ponds were seasonal and 52% are perennial. Polyculture of Indian major carps and exotic carps have been practiced by most of the farmers. Average stocking density was 14,171 fry/ha and the average annual yield of fish was found to be 2,233.18 kg/ha. The average fish production cost was BDT 54,309.6/ha/yr. The average return and net profit were BDT 156,322.6 and BDT 102,013 successively. Although the living condition of the rural fish farmers were poor, livelihood status was found positive and 94% of the farmers have improved their status through fish farming. In the study areas the highest percentage (34%) of fish farmers earned BDT 75,000-100,000 per year. Among the fish farmers 15% was illiterate whereas 19, 31, 14, 12 and 9 percent were educated up to primary, secondary and higher secondary and bachelor level, respectively. In the present study it was found that 42%, 22%, 18%, 8% and 10% of the respondents were related to agriculture, business, service, day labour and fish culture as their principal occupation. Though, lack of adequate fund (48%), lack of technical knowledge (26%) and multi-ownership (12%) were reported as major constraints in study area. It is therefore pond culture is a potential approach for their better livelihood.

Keywords: Constraints, fish farmers, health service, livelihood outcomes and livelihood status.

INTRODUCTION about 3.69% of GDP and around 22.60% of the value addition in agricultural production in 2013-2014 (DoF, Livelihood comprises the capabilities, the assets 2015). (natural, physical, human, financial and social capital), the activities and the accesses to these Total pond area in Bangladesh estimated 305,025 (mediated by institutions and social relations) that hector (ha), of which 90.77 % is cultured, 7.82% is together determine the living gained by the individual culturable and 1.42 % is derelict. Total pond area in household. A livelihood is sustainable when it can Noakhali is 12,322 ha of which 9,857 ha is cultured, cope with and recover from stresses and shocks and 2,218 ha is culturable and 247 ha is derelict (BBS, maintain or enhance its capabilities and assets both 2011). Most of the freshwater pond fish farming now and in future, while not undermining the natural systems in of Bangladesh are either extensive or resource base (Chambers and Conway, 1992). Fish semi-intensive and in very few cases intensive. In provide 60% of the animal protein requirement of the semi intensive culture system ponds are stocked population. Fisheries account for 7% of the total mainly with Indian major carps and exotic carps, employment of the country. This sector contributes fertilizer (mainly cow dung, urea and TSP) is used Agric. Biol. J. N. Am., 2016, 7(3): 134-139

irregularly and supplemental feed consisting of Sundarbans was ranged from 20 to 70 years which rice-bran and oilcakes are given. In extensive more or less agreed with the present findings. method fishes are grown on natural feeds and Education: Education has positive effect on farm feeds and fertilizer are rarely used if used then also productivity. In the present study six categories in small quantity and or irregular basis. Ponds are were used to determine the level of education. normally rained. The stocked fish are not These categories have no education, primary (up specifically selected, predator are not eliminated to 5 class), secondary (6 to 10 class), SSC, HSC and are not fertilized or managed through-out the and bachelor levels. Out of 50 fish farmers, 15% production cycle. In general fish culture in had no education, 19% has primary level (up to 5 Bangladesh is characterized by the use of both class), 31% has secondary level (6 to 10 class), extensive and semi-intensive systems. 14% has SSC level (10 class pass), 12% has HSC MATERIALS AND METHOD level and 9% has bachelor level of education. The reported literacy rate was found higher than the Study area selection and target group: national adult literacy level of 65% (BBS, 2002). Subarnachar upazila of Noakhali district was selected Zaman et al. (2006), found that 23.3% farmers were for the study, because; pond fish culture is heavily illiterate whereas 14.4%, 8.9% and 6.7% were concentrated in this area, various NGOs and DoF educated up to primary, secondary and higher have been working with fish farmers to increase fish secondary or above level respectively. On the production, well communication facilities, relatively contrary, Tasnoova et al. (2008), found that 60% homogenous physiographic condition and finally, Alternate-Rice-Fish farmers and 50% Rice-Cum-Fish suitable for researcher work in this area. Data were farmers were educated up to graduate and above collected during April to November 2011. About 50 level of education. Khan (1986), stated that the level samples were taken from Subarnachar upazila of education is a factor affecting utilization of pond for where every 10 samples were taken from 5 mouza. fish farming. Fish pond with different types of culture system, management practices and farmers age, number of Family type and member: For present study family member; religion status, income level, health families are classified into two types I) Nuclear facilities, sanitary facilities, get of technical family II) Joint family. In the study area 58% assistance, electricity facilities etc. were included in farmers lived with joint families and 42% lived with the sample. For data collection, a set of interview nuclear families (Table 1). Joint family was schedule was designed. Data were collected from the predominant in the study area which also fish farmers using questionnaire interviews, correspondents well with the findings of Ali et al. Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) tools such as (2009), in Mymensingh district. The family size has Focus Group Discussion (FGD) and Cross-check considerable influence on the income and interview with key informants. expenditure of the family. The average family size was estimated at 7.94 in a family which was very high Data Analysis: Data were processed and finally and similar to the findings of Rahman et al. (2012b). analyzed with Microsoft Excel 2007.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Table 1: Family type of pond owners in the study Age distribution: In the present study, the pond fish area farmers were classified into six age group viz.,15 to Family type No. of farmer % of total 25 years, 26 to 35 years, 36 to 45 years, 46 to 55 Nuclear 21 42 years, 56 to 65 years and above 65 years. The Joint 29 58 highest numbers of farmers were within the ages 36 Total 50 100 to 45 years old at 24%. Followed by out of the total fish farmers were 22% belonged to 26 to35 years, Religious status: Religion plays a vital role in the 22% in 46 to 55 years, 12% in 56 to 65 years, 12% in social and cultural environment of people in a above 65 years and 6% in 15 to 25 years. Ali et al. given area. It acts as a notable constraint and (2009), found that most of the fish farmers (50%) modifies social pattern of people. In the study area, belonged to age group of 31 to 40 years in 86% of the pond owners were Muslim and 14% Mymensingh district. Bhaumik and Saha (1994), were Hindus (Table 2). reported that age structure of fishermen at

135

Agric. Biol. J. N. Am., 2016, 7(3): 134-139

Table 2: Religious status of fish farmers in the by the fish farmers in the study areas was higher than study area the national use of 35% (BBS, 2004). Religion No. of farmer % of total Table 5: Electricity facilities in the study area Muslims 43 86 Electricity facilities No. of % of total Hindus 7 14 farmer Others _ _ Yes 34 68 No 16 32 Total 50 100 Total 50 100 Distribution of land of the fish farmers: Average land area of pond owner had 2.21 hectare in Subarnachar upazila ata union where homestead Drinking water source: About fifty respondents, all area 0.53 ha, cultivated land 1.41 ha and pond were used tube-well as drinking water source. It area 0.27 ha (Table 3). Akter (2001), also found that indicates a positive sign for health facilities in the pond farmers had average land area of 1.63 ha. study area. About72 % pond owners had own tube- well (Table 6). Kabir et al. (2012), also found that Table 3: Distribution of land of the fish farmers 100% fishermen’s household used tube-well water for Land status Subarnachar drinking purposes, among them 40% had their own Homestead area 0.53 tubewell, 50% used shared tube-well and remaining Cultivated land 1.41 10% used neighbors tube-well. Pond 0.27 Total 2.21 Table 6: Drinking water source in the study area Drinking water No. of % of total Ownership pattern of house unit and housing source: farmer status: In the study areas, it was found that every Tube-well 36 72 pond owner had own dwelling unit. So most of the Collected from 14 28 house of pond owners had tinshed about 82%. others tube-well Followed by 10% houses were katcha, 6% half Total 50 100 building and 2% building (Table 4). Sarker (2004), observed in his studies that the housing structure of Sanitary facilities: In the study area three types of 70% farmers was tin-shed, 8% katcha and 15% half toilets are used: 1) katcha toilet – made of bamboo cemented building. with inadequate drainage disposal, 2) semi-pucca toilet – made of tin or wood with inadequate Table 4: Housing status of fish farmer in the drainage disposal, and 3) pucca toilet – made of study area brick with good drainage disposal. Large number of Housing status No. of farmer % of total pond operator used semi pucca toilet which was Katcha 5 10 65%. Katcha and pucca toilet were used by 7% Tinshed 41 82 and 28% respondents. The present study revealed Half building 3 6 that the sanitary conditions of the fish farmers were Building 1 2 relatively satisfactory than fish farmers in Total 50 100 Mymensingh district where Ali et al. (2009), in his study found that 62.5% of the farmers had semi- Health facilities: The study showed that 79% of pucca, 25% had kancha and 12.5% had pucca toilet. pond operators were dependent on village doctors, Financial capital: Financial capital denotes the while 17% and 4% got health service from upazila financial resources that people use to achieve their health complex and MBBS doctor, respectively. livelihood objectives. Financial capital of fish farmers Rahman (2007), found that 44% of the farmers represents income, occupation, savings, credit etc. received health service from village doctors, 29% The fish farming sector has the potential to generate from upazila health complex and 27% from MBBS considerable amounts of financial capital to the doctors. resources of associated groups. Quddus et al. Electricity facilities: In the present study, 68% pond (2000), found that, only 34% farmers got bank loan owner had electric facilities and 32% had no for fish culture while majority (53%) of farmers electricity (Table 5). Some of the people used solar expend from their own sources. In the study area, it energy for producing electricity. The use of electricity was seen that small farmers were in

136

Agric. Biol. J. N. Am., 2016, 7(3): 134-139

disadvantageous situation due to poor financial Annual house hold income: The selected fish resources for fish farming and they did not have farmers were grouped into five categories based on financial support from institutional credit. the level of their annual income. The 1st category included the fish farmers having annual income up to Principal occupation: In the study area majority of 24,000 BDT The 2nd, 3rd , 4th and 5th categories the fish farmers were involved in agricultural farming had income levels of BDT 25,000-50,000; BDT as a principal occupation (42%), followed by business 51,000-75,000; BDT 76,000-1,00,000 and > 1,00,000 including small trading and shop keeping (22%). respectively. It is evident that majority of the About 18% of the farmers were occupied with public respondent farmers belonged to 4th category. The and private services while 8% of pond owners’ sales 4th category had the highest proportion (34%) of their labours (both unskilled and skilled labour). farmers while the lowest proportions of farmers (2%) There was 10% pond owners involved in fish farming were in the 1st category (Table 9). In comparison of as a principal occupation (Table 7). Sarker (2004), the present findings to the findings of Rahman et al. found that 17%, 52%, 3% and 28% farmers were (2012a), it was found that the income level of the fish related to agriculture fish culture, business and others farmers of this area was relatively higher than the as secondary occupation in Habigonj district. fishermen of the Nihjum Dwip which is situated at the Table 7: Principal occupation of fish farmers adjacent Upazila to the study area. According to him, Principal No. of % of total the highest percentage (46%) fish farmers earned occupation farmer BDT 50,000 to 75,000 per year, which was lower Agriculture 21 42 than the present findings. Business 11 22 Table 9: Annual incomes of the fish farmers in the Services 9 18 study area Day labours 4 8 Annual household No. of % of total Fish culture 5 10 income (BDT) farmer Poultry raising _ _ Upto 24,000 1 2 Total 50 100 24,000-50,000 9 18 50,001-75,000 13 26 Secondary occupation: Primary occupation cannot 75,001-1,000,000 17 34 provide full time employment and the income >1,000,000 10 20 derived therefore may be insufficient to provide Total 50 100 adequate means of livelihood. In the study area 38% respondents stated that their secondary Source of credit: In the present study, it was occupation was fish farming while, 22%, 26%, 8% found that 91% of the farmers used their own and 6 % were occupied in business, agriculture, money for fish farming and 6% of the farmers services and poultry rising (Table 8). Khatun et al., received loan from bank for farming activities. 3% (2013) found that 22%, 28%, 8% and 6% were of the fish farmers received loan from other occupied in business, agriculture, services and sources. poultry rising as the secondary occupation in Noakhali district. Training of fish farmers: The total interviewed farmers only 18% received formal training (Table Table 8: Secondary occupation of fish farmers 10). Farmers obtained training from Upazila Fishery Office with the help of Department of Secondary No. of % of total Fisheries (DoF). occupation farmer Agriculture 14 28 Experience of fish farmers: According to the Business 11 22 survey 75% of the farmers gained experience by Services 4 8 self study, 5% obtained experience from Department of Fisheries (DoF), 9% from friends Day labours - _ 5% from relatives and 6% from NGOs. Khatun et Fish culture 18 36 al, (2013), found that 78% of the farmers gained Poultry raising 3 6 experience on fish farming by self study, 6% from Total 50 100 friends, 7% from relatives and 10% from NGOs in Noakhali district.

137

Agric. Biol. J. N. Am., 2016, 7(3): 134-139

Table 10: Farmers who obtained training in the their socio-economic condition through fish farming. study area Now, they have better food, cloths, housing Training No. of farmer % of total conditions and children education. However, 8% obtained farmers have not yet improved their status. Impact of Yes 9 18 fish farming were reflected in the process of No 41 82 increased saving, investment and purchasing Total 50 100 capacity which have been increased and unemployment problem was decreased for both man Transforming structures and processes (TSP): and women. The institutions and policies of the transforming Table 11: Improved socio-economic condition structures and processes have a profound through fish farming influence on access to assets. Transforming Improved socio- No. of % of total structures and processes are the institution, economic condition farmer organization, policies and legislation that shape Yes 46 92 livelihoods. Understanding institutional processes No 04 8 allows the identification of barriers and Total 50 100 opportunities of sustainable livelihoods. An absence of appropriate structures and processes is Conclusion a major constraint to the development of fish farming and related activities in study area. Both The fish farming sector plays important economic role private and public sectors do not work properly in Subarnachar upazila through production of with fish farming. NGOs have not played significant valuable cash crop, increasing food production, and role in the development of the industry in general. increasing employment opportunities. However, Thus, lack of institutional and administrative help, concerns have arisen about lack of technical poor infrastructures and extension services have knowledge, poor supply of fish seed and marketing affected livelihoods of poor farmers and associated problems. The lack of technical knowledge in fish groups. farm management may have an effect on productivity. In nutshell, it can be said that, farmers Livelihood outcomes: Livelihood outcomes can be should be given facilities on training program and thought of as the inverse of poverty. Contributing to input availabilities, they should also be provided with the eradication of poverty and food insecurity credit facilities, motivated to utilize all types of water depends on equitable access to resources, access of bodies for fish culture as well as integrated culture disadvantaged groups to sufficient, safe and should be adopted. The fish farmers should be given nutritionally adequate food. Livelihood outcomes of facilities for education so that they can be well aware fish farming and related activities are positive and of their problems and prime rights. Effective linkage most of the people have increased their income. should be developed between upazila fisheries office Institutional and organizational supports, extension and pond owners. However, All the water resources services, more fish farming knowledge and should be utilized for fish culture to get maximum marketing are needed for sustainable livelihoods. production by using suitable technology. The survey suggests that farmers have improved their socio-economic conditions through fish REFERENCES farming, as confirmed by 92% fish-farmers. Only Akter, N (2001). An Economic Analysis of Pond Pangas Fish 8% of the farmers have not improved their socio- Production in a Selected Area of Trishal Upazila in economic conditions due to poor knowledge on fish Mymensingh District. M.S. Thesis, Bangladesh Agricultural farming, high price of fish feed, poor marketing University, Mymensingh. facilities and lack of money for fish farming (Table Ali, H., Azad, M.A.K., Anisuzzaman, M., Chowdhury, M.M.R., 11). Ara (2005), found that 98% of the fish growers Hoque, M and Sharful M.I (2009). Livelihood Status of the could improve their livelihood status through fish Fish Farmers in Some Selected Areas of Tarakanda Upazila farming. of Mymensingh District. J. Agrofor. Environ., 3(2): 85- 89. Ara, Y (2005). Assessment of Small Scale Fresh Water Fish n spite of poor resources livelihood outcomes of fish Farming for Sustainable Livelihoods of the Rural Poor farming are positive and most of them increased their Farmers. M.S. Thesis, Department of Fisheries Management, income, food security and basic needs. The study Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh. suggests that 92% of fish farmers have improved

138

Agric. Biol. J. N. Am., 2016, 7(3): 134-139

BBS, (2002). Statistical Yearbook of Bangladesh Bureau of Quddus, M.A., Rahman, M.S and Moniruzzaman, M (2000). Socio- Statistics, , Statistical Division, Ministry of Planning, economic Conditions of the pond owners of Demra, Dhaka. Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh J. Fish. Res., 4(2): 203-207. 660p. Rahman, M., Rahman, M.M., Hasan, M.M and Islam, M.R (2012b). BBS, (2004). Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics, Statistics Division, Livelihood Status and the Potential of Alternative Income Ministry of Planning, Government of the People’s Republic of Generating Activities of Fisherman Community of Nijhum Bangladesh, Dhaka, 673p. Dwip Under Hatiya Upazila of Noakhali District, Bangladesh. Bangladesh Res. Publicat. J., 6(4): 370-379. BBS, (2011). Fisheries Statistical Year book of Bangladesh. Fisheries Resources Survey System, Department of Rahman, M., Tazim, M.F., Dey, S.C., Azam, A.K.M.S and Islam, Fisheries, Bangladesh, Dhaka, 41p. M.R (2012a). Alternative Livelihood Options of Fishermen of Nijhum Dwip Under Hatiya Upazila of Noakhali District, Bhaumik, U and Saha, S.K (1994). Perspective on Socio-economic Bangladesh. Asian J. Rural Dev., 2(2): 24-31. Status of the Fishermen Engaged in Fishing in the Estuaries of Sundarbans. Environ-Ecol., 12(1): 181-185. Rahman, M.M (2007). Studies on Pond Fish Farming and Livelihoods of Rural Fish Farming in Some Selected Areas of Chambers, R and Conway, R (1992). Sustainable Rural st Kurigram District. M.S. Thesis, Department of Fisheries livelihoods: Practical Concept for the 21 century. Management, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Discussion paper, IDS No. 296. Mymensingh. DoF, (2015). National Fish Week 2015 Compendium (in Sarker, C (2004). Socio-economic Aspects of Pond Fish Cultured Bangla). Department of Fsiheries, Ministry of Fisheries Women in Some Selected Areas of Habigonj District. An M.S. and Livestock, Bangladesh. 148p. Thesis, Department of Fisheries Management, Bangladesh Kabir, K.M.R., Adhikary, R.K., Hossain, M.B and Minar, M.H Agricultural University, Mymensingh, (2012). Livelihood Status of Fishermen of the Old Tasnoova, S., Iqbal, K.M., Iwamoto, I and Haque, M.M (2008). Brahmaputra River, Bangladesh. World Appl. Sci. J., 16(6): Economic Performance of fish Based Farming Systems in 869-873. Bangladesh. J. Fish. & Aqua. Sci., 3(3): 206-212. Khan, M.S (1986). Socio-economic Factors in the Development of Zaman, T., Jewel, M.A.S and Bhuiyan, A.S (2006). Present Status Fisheries. Bangladesh J. Agril. Econ., 10(2)2: 43-47. of Pond Fishery Resources and Livelihood of the Fish Khatun, S., Adhikary, R.K., Rahman, M., Sikder, M.N.A and Belal Farmers of Mohanpur Upazila in Rajshahi District. Univ. J. Hossain, M (2013). Socioeconomic Status of Pond Fish Zool. Rajshahi Univ., 25: 31-35. Farmers of Charbata, Noakhali,Bangladesh. Int. J. Lifesc. Bt & Pharm. Res. 2(1): 356-365.

139