Livelihood Assessment of the Fish Farmers Converted from Agricultural Farming in Selected Areas of Mymensingh District, Bangladesh

The study was undertaken to determine the socio-economic impact on agricultural farmers converted to fish farmers of Muktagachha Upazila in Mymensingh district. Questionnaire survey method was followed to collect data from the sample farmers. From the survey it was found that all 30 fishermen were male. Large portions (34%) of fishermen were in the age group between 41 and 50. It was also found that 86% of the fishermen families lived in joint families and 57% family consist of 6 to 10 family members. All the fishermen families enjoyed electricity facilities. Major portion of the fishermen community took their health service from the Upazila Health Complex. Moderate educational status were observed in the study area though 14% possessed no education, 20%, 22%, 14% and 9% were educated up to primary, SSC, HSC and higher education, respectively. Majority of the farmers (50%) used their own land for fish farming. Only 7% fishermen borrowed loan from commercial bank/friends or relatives while 67% used their own money for culturing fish. Only 8 fishermen (27%) had received training on fish culture. About 86 % farmers increased their family income through fish farming. Almost every fisherman expressed that they were happy but not fully satisfied by culturing fish due to some obstacles.