Spatially Enabled E-Governance for Inclusive Fishermen Empowerment through Web-GIS and Socioeconomic Data Integration

Abstract Accurate beneficiary targeting remains a persistent challenge in small-scale fisheries empowerment programs, frequently leading to inclusion and exclusion errors that reduce the effectiveness of poverty alleviation initiatives in coastal communities. This study evaluates the effectiveness of an e-governance-based information system in improving the identification and selection of eligible beneficiaries for fishermen empowerment programs. A mixed-methods approach was adopted, integrating household socio-economic surveys, spatial mapping, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and Web-GIS development to establish a comprehensive database of traditional fishing households. The information system incorporates multidimensional indicators, including occupational categories, geographic location, socio-economic characteristics, livelihood needs, and program eligibility. Comparative analyses were conducted between conventional manual targeting procedures and the proposed digital platform. System usability and functionality were refined through iterative development, progressing from a Kodular-based prototype to a WordPress-based content management system with integrated Web-GIS capabilities. The findings demonstrate that the e-governance system substantially improves targeting accuracy, transparency, and administrative efficiency through real-time data validation and spatially enabled decision support. The integrated database facilitates cross-sectoral verification of household characteristics and reveals significant variations in socio-economic conditions and development needs among different categories of fishing households. Compared with conventional approaches, the proposed system reduces targeting errors while strengthening evidence-based resource allocation and policy implementation. The study contributes to the growing literature on digital governance in small-scale fisheries by demonstrating how integrated socio-economic and spatial information systems can support more equitable, transparent, and effective coastal development policies. These findings provide practical guidance for governments seeking to strengthen information system governance and improve the sustainability of fisheries empowerment programs. This research contributes to addressing SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), and SDG 16 (Strong Institutions) through e-governance within marine fisheries systems.