Food aid programme during restricted hilsa fishing period: effectiveness and management perspective

Md. Mahamudul Hasan  Mredul; Md. Ektear  Uddin; A K M Kanak Pervez; Farhana Yesmin; Antara Binte  Akkas

doi:10.17017/j.fish.144

Md. Mahamudul Hasan Mredul Department of Aquaculture, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Dumki, Patuakhali, Bangladesh
Md. Ektear Uddin Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Dumki, Patuakhali, Bangladesh
A K M Kanak Pervez Department of Agronomy and Agricultural Extension, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi 6205, Bangladesh
Farhana Yesmin Department of Aquaculture, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh
Antara Binte Akkas Faculty of Fisheries, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Dumki, Patuakhali, Bangladesh

DOI: https://doi.org/10.17017/j.fish.144

Keywords: Fishing restriction period, fishing ban, food assistance, hilsa fisher, livelihood, hilsa conservation

Abstract

Hilsa (Tenualosa ilisha) is geographically and economically important species in Bangladesh. To conserve hilsa, the government of Bangladesh has introduced fishing ban for certain periods of the year and also provides food assistance to hilsa fishers during the restriction period. Inadequate management often pushes real fishers out of the assistance programme and therefore, this study focused on assessing the effectiveness of the programme with a view to proposing a better management practice. A total of 202 randomly selected fishermen, living in the villages adjacent to Andharmanik River of Patuakhali district of Bangladesh, were interviewed. The Andharmanik River is famous for the natural breeding of hilsa. Results suggest that the amount of food provided and its distribution pattern were not that effective for the fishermen. Effectiveness was significantly related to the number of earning able family member, income difference between peak and restricted season and loan facility during the restriction period. This study also explained income difference trajectories of the fishermen community. Community-based management with facilitation by the state fisheries department and local government entity may enhance the programme effectiveness. More awareness programme and research are needed in this regard.

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