From Owner to Labor: Effects of Occupational Transformation on Livelihood in Fishing Communities of Coastal Bangladesh

The study explores occupational transformation’s effects on fishing owners –the holders of fishing boats and nets. Using a mixed methods approach, data were collected from Raruli and Godaipur Unions (smaller than Upazila), Paikgaccha Upazilas in Khulna district, and Jalalpur Union in Satkhira district. Questionnaire surveys, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions were performed to collect data. The current study shows that coastal fishing owners were not interested in changing their fishing occupation. They were compelled to transform their occupation due to various challenges, including cyclones and storm surges, money lender’s business, a decrease in the navigability of rivers, the price increase of fishing equipment, and a decrease in fish in rivers and sea. The findings also show that the changes in occupation create financial and social crises in their livelihood, such as decreased income, dropout, increasing poverty, and breakdown of social networks. The study argues that occupational transformation among fisher owners will lead to serious degradation of status. The current study suggests that the government and non-government organizations should take initiatives such as easy loans, life-threatening measures, and alternative livelihoods to make their lives adaptable and sustainable.