Socio economic status of crab fishers and marketers in navanthurai fishing village in Jaffna Estuary, Sri Lanka

Abstract

The present study was carried out in Navanthurai fishing village with the objective of identifying socio economic problems related to livelihood of crab fishers and marketers. Primary data were gathered using a pre-tested questionnaire from 48 families and personal interviews. Mean age of crab fishers, retailers, auctioneers and wholesalers were 43.3, 47.5, 33 and 35.6 years, respectively. Among them, 20% of crab fishers and 12.5% of retailers have received only primary education (Grade 1 to 5) and all the wholesalers and auctioneers have completed above junior secondary education. Only 20.8% of crab fishers had their own crafts. Ownership of craft and the level of education were found to be significantly related to the income of crab fishers (P<0.01). Annual income of a fisher ranged between Rs.180,000.00 and Rs. 600,000.00. However, their monthly average crab harvest was 212.8 kg/person. Alcoholism, poor financial management and improper waste management were the major problems faced by the fishing community in the Navanthurai fishing village.