Socio-economic Empowerment of Fisherwomen in Southern States of India

Abstract

In India women play a vital role in fisheries and allied activities. Contributions of fisher-women penetrate every aspect of post-harvest handling, preservation, processing and marketing of seafood products and provide an integral link between producers and consumers. This study was carried out in the coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. From these states, 13 districts and 28 villages were selected. A total of 5 744 households were covered. Assessment of the socio-economic status indicated that very few households (15.41%) maintained livestock for income generation. About 60% of the fisherwomen carried out post harvest activities to earn income. Food expenditure comprised 60.68% of earned income contributing to a major share of spending. Much of India’s national food security rests on the shoulders of its fisherwomen. Giving comprehensive care for these women, empowering them both socially and economically is a practical necessity if India’s fisheries sector is to be satisfactorily sustained.