IMPACT OF INLAND FISHERIES DEVELOPMENT SCHEMES ON LIVELIHOOD ASSETS OF FISHERMEN

The study investigates the impact of fisheries development schemes on the livelihood assets of fishermen in Telangana, India, focusing on changes in natural, financial, human, and social capitals. Using an ex-post facto research design, data from 240 fishermen across six districts were analyzed, employing statistical methods like the Wilcoxon signed-rank test to assess changes. The results reveal significant positive transformations across all livelihood capitals: natural capital increased by 145.25%, financial capital by 84.82%, human capital by 75.24%, and social capital by 76.73%. These gains are attributed to expanded aquatic resources, enhanced market access, improved water availability, and effective training programs. The findings underscore the efficacy of fisheries development schemes in bolstering livelihood assets and fostering sustainable economic growth within Telangana’s fishing communities.