Assessing the impact of socioeconomic aspects on the food security of artisanal fishermen in Chattogram

Abstract

This study examines the socioeconomic conditions, food security, and dietary diversity of artisanal fishing communities in three coastal locations of Chattogram, Bangladesh: South Kattoli, Bhatiary, and South Salimpur. This research work has been carried out during the period of October 2024 to December 2024. A total of 90 respondents (30 respondents from each study area) were questioned through a combination of field surveys, questionnaire interviews, participatory rural appraisal (PRA) methods and focus group discussions (FGD). The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) 18-item core module questionnaire was used to determine the respondent’s food security status, and the Household Dietary Diversity Scores (HDDS) were calculated using data from 9 food groups. The research reveals significant variations across these locations. While artisanal fishing is predominantly a male occupation, influenced by traditional gender roles, the study identifies variations in religious composition, educational attainment, family structure, and housing conditions. Access to sanitation and drinking water is relatively poor across all locations. Livelihood diversification, primarily through boat repair, net making, and agriculture, is common, but opportunities for further diversification appear limited. Income levels, though higher than the national average, remain modest and potentially unstable. Fishing experience is distributed differently across the locations, with Bhatiary having a higher concentration of experienced fishermen. Property ownership varies, with South Salimpur and Bhatiary showing higher rates than South Kattoli, while reliance on traditional financing (Mohajon) and rented properties is also observed. Food security assessments reveal varying degrees of vulnerability, with South Kattoli and Bhatiary exhibiting low food security, while South Salimpur shows slightly better conditions. Dietary diversity is predominantly medium across all locations, though variations in low and high diversity levels suggest differing levels of homogeneity and heterogeneity within the communities. Regression analysis indicates that age positively influences both food security (β = 0.09) and dietary diversity (β = 0.10), while marital status (β = -2.78) generally has a negative impact. The influence of gender, access to credit, and income varies across the locations, highlighting the complex interplay of socioeconomic factors on the livelihoods and well-being of these fishing communities.