Common pool resource dependency and its impact on current income and its equity among fisher households in selected districts of Tripura State, North-east India

Abstract

The study has assessed the common pool resource dependency and income distribution pattern across households involved in fisheries in the North-east Indian state of Tripura. The study was carried out based on the responses of 230 sample households involved in common pool resource collection. The findings of the study revealed income quartile-wise households dependency on different common pool resources to total current income. The dependence on common pool resources does not decline with total current income, instead there was evidence of a decline first and then increase in dependence on common pool resources. The contribution of income from capture fisheries was 18.84, 14.32, 6.70 and 3.6% to the total income of lowest quartile, 25-50%income quartile, 50-75 income quartile and top 25% income quartile respectively. Considering the importance of income generated from capture fisheries resources, the study attempted to find out Gini concentration and Lorenze curve for 90 households involved in capture fisheries. The Gini concentration ratio of 0.207 revealed almost equitable distribution of income across the households involved in capture fisheries. Considering these facts, the study suggested policy measures for sustainable management of open water bodies in the state which will lead to bring in more income to the fishers which would also help to bring equity among households income.

Keywords: Capture fisheries, Gini ratio, Income equity, Lorenz curve