Fisheries as a tool to improve livelihoods of tribal populace of Sagar island, Sundarban: a SWOT analysis

Abstract

The confluence of Ganga River gave birth to the largest Island in Biosphere Reserve, namely Sagar Island. It is a national pilgrimage site. Around, 56 thousand people of Sagar Island belong to Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes communities, constituting 25% of the whole population, are vulnerable, poor and marginalized populace. A study was conducted to identify the present socio-economic status of the tribal populace in the island and possibility of fisheries intervention for improving the livelihoods of the fishers. Scientific pond culture intervention resulted in 883 kg/acre production from the homestead ponds of the tribal fishers and they were utilizing 6.6% of the produce for their                       self-consumption and 93.3% for income augmentation. Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats analysis was made to set a way forward for socio-economical upliftment by planners and policymakers. It has been observed that hardworking nature, women's participation, simple life and proximity to nature are the strength of the community. However, poverty; low education; alcoholism; less capital, limited social interaction and extension contact are the weakness that leads to their underdeveloped situation. These marginalized populations face a lot of livelihood threats like the effect of climate change, inaccessibility, overexploitation of resources, high input costs and less income etc. On the other hand, opportunities like quality seeds, fishery resources, women's involvement, the scope of eco-tourism, and help from GOs and NGOs can help the community with their prompt development. A direct engagement in the fisheries sector can support this populace in income generation, mainstream inclusion, knowledge enhancement about government support and women empowerment by overcoming all the threats and challenges to their development.