Impact of the Patuakhali Barguna aquaculture extension project on the livelihoods of rural poor in the coastal zone of Bangladesh | |
| Author | Pasha, A. K. M. Mostafa Anwar |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no.AQ-04-23 |
| Subject(s) | Aquaculture--Bangladesh Rural poor--Bangladesh |
| Note | A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science, School of Environment, Resources and Development |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Series Statement | Thesis ; no. AQ-04-23 |
| Abstract | The coastal zone is termed as a resource full area but access to the resources is difficult for majority of people: they belong to land less, marginal and small farmers groups. The coastal peoples are vulnerable to natural disasters, low agricultural production and lack of physical infrastructures. Development initiatives from governments are inadequate due to policy and budget constraints. Less access right to resources, indiscriminate development and absence of necessary physical facilities limits the livelihoods options for the coastal rural people. Patuakhali Barguna Aquaculture Extension Project (PBAEP)--a Danida funded government project working in the two coastal districts of Bangladesh since October, 1997 to improve the socio-economic condition of rural poor people i.e. to improve livelihoods through development of aquaculture as there is a great potentials of aquaculture. To analyze impacts of PBAEP on livelihoods of poor farmers; a survey was conducted to collect primary data from 120 farmers of four Unions of Kalapara Upazila under Patuakhali district. Out of them fifty percent were from the project phase out area and the rest from non-project area. Secondary data were also collected from different sources. All data and information was analyzed to draw a profile of livelihoods of the coastal rural people of Patuakhali district. The human, natural, physical, financial and social assets of rural people were described, transforming structures and processes were narrated; how they cope with vulnerability also discussed. Impact of PBAEP is analyzed with the help of some pre-selected indicators by comparing previous and present situation of farmers trained and followed up by the extension trainers of the project i.e. the change in aquaculture before and after project intervention and also compared with non-project farmers to get the real picture. It was found from the analysis that after the project intervention; farmers have changed their culture practice. They are maintaining 3 layer species composition, stocking relatively big size fingerling and stocking density has reduced to 50% from their previous practice. Within project area 95% farmers are using fertilizer where it is 41 % in case of non-project farmers. Farmers in project site are producing 13.35 kg fish per decimal; before project the amount was 6.34 kg and in non-project site, the present production is 9.22 kg/ decimal. At the same time, per capita fish consumption increased from 8 kg to 13kg/ year. Involvement of women in aquaculture is also ensured by the project. The project has created a positive impact on the livelihoods of rural people engaged in aquaculture. For sustainable small-scale aquaculture, fish farmers should be organized and coordinated extension service is necessary. Emphasis on indigenous technology should be given and easy access to institutional credit and lowering of NGO's rate of interest might be contribute to the livelihoods of rural poor people of the coastal zone of Bangladesh. |
| Year | 2004 |
| Corresponding Series Added Entry | Asian Institute of Technology. Thesis ;no. AQ-04-23 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development (SERD) |
| Department | Department of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources (Former title: Department of Food Agriculture, and BioResources (DFAB)) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Aquaculture and Aquatic Resources Management (AQ) |
| Chairperson(s) | Ikejima, Kou; |
| Examination Committee(s) | Amararatne Yakupitiyage;Bart, Amrit;Yang Yi; |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | The Royal Danish Embassy in Dhaka;AIT fellowship; |
| Degree | Thesis (M.Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2004 |