Between the ban and the Blue Sea: Socioeconomics and livelihood choices of small scale Rushikulya fishers, Odisha, India

Abstract

The Rushikulya fishers residing nearby the sea turtle conservation area of Ganjam district of Odisha, India face immense pressure of job loss during the fishing ban period of seven months every year. In this study, logistic regression (LR) modelling and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) technique were employed for understanding the socio-economic status and the alternative livelihoods choice priority by those small scale fishers during the ban period. The results of LR modelling revealed that fishing experience, primary and secondary household occupations were significantly contributing to the increase in the fisher household’s per capita income. AHP technique suggested that fish marketing and poultry keeping topped the list of preferences within fisheries-related and non-fisheries related groups of alternative livelihood choices, respectively. Such prioritization of livelihood choice preferences will enhance targeted policy implementation leading to minimizing negative economic impact of the ban period on fishers