Social capital, community based management, and fishers’ livelihood in Bangladesh

• Published in: Ocean & coastal management Vol. 54; no. 2; pp. 173 - 180
• Main Authors: Islam, Gazi Md. Nurul, Yew, Tai Shzee, Abdullah, Nik Mustapha R., Viswanathan, K. Kuperan
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 01.02.2011; Elsevier
• Subjects: Assets; Bangladesh; Capital; Earth sciences; Earth, ocean, space; Exact sciences and technology; Fisheries; fisheries management; Geomorphology, landform evolution; household income; Households; humans; Income; issues and policy; livelihood; Management; Marine; Marine and continental quaternary; natural capital; poverty; Poverty relief; Public policy; Social capital; social factors; Surficial geology; Bangladesh; Asia; ISW, Bangladesh; investment; projects; management; regression; policy
• ISSN: 0964-5691; 1873-524X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2010.10.026

This paper examines the impact of Community Based Fisheries Management (CBFM) on fishing households’ welfare in Bangladesh. It analyses how the various types of livelihood assets contribute to fishers’ household incomes. The study found that fishers in CBFM project areas have improved their access to different assets including social, human, physical, financial and natural capitals. The regression results show that social capital contributed significantly to household income, indicating that social factors play very important roles in poverty alleviation in Bangladesh. Future poverty alleviation policy options need to give priority to investments in human, physical and natural capital assets. ► We examine impacts of Community Based Fisheries on fishers' welfare in Bangladesh. ► We analyze how the various types of livelihood assets contribute to fishers' income. ► Fishers in Community Based project areas have increased access to social capital. ► Social capital contributes to household income and can reduce poverty in Bangladesh.