Assessment of Sustainable Livelihood Interventions and ... · Out of the 30 potential and sustainable livelihood needs assessed through participatory tools, considering the factors

i

Final Report

Assessment of Sustainable Livelihood Interventions and Entrepreneurial Skills among Coastal Women Self Help Groups

using Participatory Methodologies (Research Project Programme under the Discipline 'Gender Studies')

(Ref: Sanction Order F. No. 02/275/2011/RP dated 31 March 2012)

submitted by

Dr. J. CHARLES JEEVA Senior Scientist, ICAR-CIWA, Bhubaneswar

Sponsored by

Indian Council of Social Science Research (Ministry of Human Resource Development)

Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi - 110 067

ICAR- Central Institute for Women in Agriculture (Indian Council of Agricultural Research)

Bhubaneswar-751 003, Odisha

2015

ii

PROJECT PROFILE

Project Title : Assessment of Sustainable Livelihood Interventions and Entrepreneurial Skills among Coastal Women Self Help Groups using Participatory Methodologies

Discipline : Research Project Programme under the Discipline Gender Studies

ICSSR Reference

: Sanction Order F. No. 02/275/2011/RP dated 31 March 2012

Project Director : Dr. J. Charles Jeeva Senior Scientist ICAR- Central Institute for Women in Agriculture Plot No.50-51, Mouza-Jokalandi Post-Baramunda, Bhubaneswar – 751 003, Odisha Phone : 0674-2386220; Fax : 0674-2386242 E-mail : [email protected]

Institution of Affiliation (April, 2012- August, 2013)

: ICAR- Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (Indian Council of Agricultural Research) CIFT Jn., Matsyapuri P.O., Willingdon Island Cochin-682 029, Kerala

Institution of Affiliation (July, 2014- May, 2015)

: ICAR- Central Institute for Women in Agriculture (Indian Council of Agricultural Research) Plot No.50-51, Mouza-Jokalandi Post-Baramunda, Bhubaneswar – 751 003, Odisha

Project Staff : At ICAR- Central Institute of Fisheries Technology: Smt. S. Soma

Research Assistant (04-06-2012 to 07-08-2013)

Mr. P.J. Antony Sijo Research Investigator (04-06-2012 to 31-12-2012)

Ms. Jolsana Jeevan Research Investigator (21-01-2013 to 07-08-2013)

At ICAR- Central Institute for Women in Agriculture: Ms. Pooja Bijaya Kalyani Mishra

Research Assistant (02-02-2015 to 31-05-2015)

Ms. Trupti Rout Research Investigator (02-02-2015 to 31-05-2015)

Duration of the Study

: Two Years and Four Months April, 2012-August, 2013: ICAR-CIFT, Cochin July, 2014-May, 2015: ICAR-CIWA, Bhubaneswar

mailto:[email protected]

iii

Award/ Recognition

An article produced out of this project work titled ‘Policy Interventions for Sustainable Empowerment of Women in Coastal Ecosystem: A Participatory Assessment’ authored by J. Charles Jeeva, Jolsana Jeevan, S. Soma and P.J. Antony Sijo was presented in the “International symposium on Greening Fisheries: Towards green technologies in fisheries”, held at Kochi, Kerala, India during 21-23 May 2013. The paper was presented the Best Paper Award (Poster) under the Technical Session on Action Blue- Societal Initiatives for a better Tomorrow in Fisheries.

The project team receiving the award…

Certificate

iv

Statement of Expenditure

ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology, Cochin

v

Statement of Expenditure

ICAR-Central Institute for Women in Agriculture, Bhubaneswar

vi

vii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I feel proud to place on record my heartfelt gratitude to Indian Council of Social

Science Research (ICSSR), New Delhi for the financial support granted for

conducting this study. I am much indebted to the Directors of the affiliating

Institutions viz., ICAR- Central Institute of Fisheries Technology, Cochin and

ICAR- Central Institute for Women in Agriculture, Bhubaneswar for according

permission to carry out this research study, and for their continuous support and

encouragement throughout the course of this study. Last but not the least, I am

thankful to all the respondents of the study, for their kind cooperation extended

during the research investigation.

(J. CHARLES JEEVA)

viii

ix

ABSTRACT

Assessment of Sustainable Livelihood Interventions and Entrepreneurial Skills among Coastal Women Self Help Groups using Participatory Methodologies

by

Dr. J. CHARLES JEEVA

This study aimed at identifying and documenting the need-based and sustainable livelihood interventions required for the coastal women self help group members. The resource availability, the perceived needs of the respondents, marketing scope, and the sustainability issues of the identified livelihood interventions were assessed in participatory mode. The project also aimed at the assessment of their entrepreneurial skills for managing micro-enterprises using participatory tools. The objectives of the study were; to conduct a baseline survey for assessing the socio-economic status of the coastal women SHG members; to assess and document the need-based and sustainable livelihood requirements as perceived by the coastal women self help groups using participatory approach; to assess the entrepreneurial skills possessed by the coastal women self help groups to manage the micro-enterprises using participatory approach; to find out the relationship between the socio-economic variables and entrepreneurial skills of the coastal women SHG members; and to document the constraints as perceived by the coastal women SHG members in carrying out the alternate livelihood ventures. Pertaining to the objectives of the study, ex-post-facto research design was followed. The universe of the study consists of members of the women self help groups in coastal villages in the selected districts of Kerala. The total sample size was 240 women representing 24 self help groups from eight fishing villages viz., Mayyanad and Thangaserry in Kollam, Chellanam and Njarakkal in Ernakulam, Nattika and Azhikode in Trichur and Dharmadam and Azhikode in Kannur districts. The primary data on the selected 22 socio-economic variables, the constraints in functioning as a group and suggestions to improve the performance of the coastal women self help groups were collected through interview method using structured questionnaires. Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) tools used for resource assessment of the locale are; resource map, transect walk map, mobility map and daily routine analysis. The need-based and sustainable livelihood interventions required for the coastal women SHG members were assessed by conducting group monitoring workshops at each village, and the data were collected using a participatory monitoring tool viz., ‘H form’ method. The data on entrepreneurial skills and group dynamism of the coastal women SHG members were also collected using this participatory tool viz., ‘H form’ methodology. From the PRA tools such as resource and transect maps, it could be understood that the villages have rich fishery resources both in capture and culture sectors, by way of artisanal marine fishing, fishing through Chinese fishing nets and cast nets in backwaters, estuaries and ponds, and culturing prawn in aquaculture ponds. Crab and oyster culture are also supporting the livelihood of fisherfolk. The vast backwater resources and aquaculture ponds provide a huge potential for aqua-tourism in the locale of study. The agricultural resources include paddy, mango, coconut, banana, jack fruit, tapioca and vegetable crops. The typical Pokkali paddy cultivation is also in practice. Mangrove plantations are also available. There was huge potential for marketing of these agricultural produces as fresh, as well as after

x

processing, and making it into different value added edible products for marketing in nearby retail markets, and through urban markets. The maps also revealed the livelihood opportunities through the livestock resources such as cattle, goats and poultry. The infrastructural facilities of the locale are also depicted in the resource and transect maps. The Socio-economic profile of the coastal women SHG members revealed that the mean age of the women was between 40 and 45 yrs. About 60 to 98 percentage of the respondents were possessing higher secondary level of education. It was also observed that none of the respondents was illiterate. Almost, all the respondents were married. The declining trend in joint family system was observed in the case of fishermen communities in this study area, as almost all the respondents belonged to nuclear families with an average family size of four to five. The average annual family income was between Rs. 1.00 to 1.50 lakh, with the self income of about Rs. 48,000/-. The mean value of assets was Rs. 14.00 lakhs and the value of household articles was Rs. 59,000/-. On an average, they were indebted to the tune of about Rs. 1.50 lakhs. Nearly, 90% of the respondents reported that the ‘decision making pattern’ was both by men and women in the family. From the daily routine analysis, it could be understood that the respondents were spending about 8 hrs for their livelihood activities, and about 7-11 hrs on household responsibilities. Almost 85-98%of the respondents from all the four districts reported that extent of family support for involvement in SHG activities was good. Wholesale agents were the major marketing source followed by door-to-door sale of the products made through SHGs. Local shandies and retail market channels also play a significant role in their marketing support. Through the participatory assessment, 30 potential microenterprises suitable for coastal women self help groups were identified. Out of the 30 potential and sustainable livelihood needs assessed through participatory tools, considering the factors such as resources availability, marketing scope and the entrepreneurial skills, aqua tourism (Index: 83.33) was found to be the most potential livelihood option for women in coastal eco-system, especially as a group activity for the women SHGs. Fish drying units (80.42), preparation of value added fish products (77.08), catering units (77.08), fish/ prawn feed manufacture (69.17), fish/ prawn seed collection (64.17) and collection of bi-valves such as oyster, clam, etc. (61.67), were also found to be the most potential and sustainable livelihood need for the women SHGs in coastal areas of Kerala. Between 50% to 60% of the respondents preferred coastal aquaculture such as fish, prawn and bi-valves culture, preparation of herbal medicines, collection of sea weeds, tailoring and vegetable cultivation in backyards. The other livelihood avenues identified were; collection of ornamental fishes, small-scale units, aquarium units/ornamental fish culture, backyard poultry, traditional health sector, petty shops, floriculture, making coconut by-products, agriculture, dairy unit, milling units (flour mills), processing of fruits and vegetables, jute based products making, goatery, cora grass based products, florists (bouquet making), coir based products making units and vermi-compost preparation. From the findings, it could be understood that the group dynamism among the respondents was good with reference to the parameters viz., team spirit (index: 79.58), mutual cooperation (79.17), sense of belongingness/ ‘we’ feeling (78.75), mutual trust among the group members (78.75), group cohesion (77.50), adherence to the norms and values of the group (77.50), perceived significance of self help (72.50), perceived importance of group activity (72.50), and accountability (70.00%).

xi

Out of the 34 parameters assessed for the entrepreneurial skills for managing the micro-enterprises, it could be found that the extent of entrepreneurial skills possessed by them were good with reference to the parameters such as; enthusiasm, economic motivation, planning, time management, organizing, achievement motivation, quality consciousness, interpersonal skills, staffing, coordinating, tolerance to stress, commitment, persistence and negotiating skills. Seven characteristics of the women SHG members such as, decision making pattern, training exposure, educational status, occupational experience, information source utilization, family support and job satisfaction acted as crucial ones in determining the entrepreneurial skills. Lack of access to institutional finance was reported as a major constraint, which trap the women micro entrepreneurs in the clutches of private money lenders. The technological constraints were the lack of awareness on the available technologies and lack of actual adoption. The technological needs were mostly unfelt, whereas the need for the infrastructural facilities and basic amenities were felt very well. Apart from lack of access to institutional finance, the institutional constraints were low level of participation in social organizations, lack of contact with extension agency, lack of proper market structure and lack of awareness on whom to approach for deriving the benefits of welfare or development schemes or technologies etc. The difficulty in transportation was another major factor limiting their market access to other areas. There is also no proper storage facility in the study area where value added products, which otherwise have a longer shelf life, can be stored till a better price can be realized. Irregular supply of raw materials which results in irregular production and lack of regular income was also posed as a major constraint, in addition to lack of modern fish processing facilities, inadequate extension services and fish storage facilities. Other personal constraints of women in coastal areas are livelihood related health hazards, lack of alternate employment opportunity in off season, lack of access to development departments, lack of ownership of assets, time constraint to look after child care and household activities, no time or mind set to keep social contacts, irresponsible nature of spouse indicated by alcoholism/ gambling, and gender discrimination. The results indicated a need for more interventions in the form of training, technical guidance, financial support and entrepreneurship development. Expansion of non-formal education, empowerment of women through promotion of rural women entrepreneurship, increased involvement of NGOs, market promotion through co-operatives and NGOs, selection of technologies by taking into consideration the availability of local resources, integrated approach and formation of women demand groups are some of the immediate concerns. From the study, we have been able to draw a few conclusions; that livelihood diversification activities are very likely to be central to the construction of sustainable livelihoods for women in coastal eco-system, and their importance will not diminish in the near future. There are ample and sustainable resource base in the coastal eco-system to support the livelihood of women and enhance their income, and women have the required entrepreneurial skills to manage the alternate livelihood avocations and microenterprises. The findings of the present study would be helpful in planning and implementing the suitable extension mechanisms and schemes through both government, non-government as well as private sector interventions in the selected areas. The study would also contribute to the sociological research methodologies having explored the participatory research tools that can be used in need and impact assessment studies.

xii

CONTENTS

CHAPTER

TITLE

PAGE

I

INTRODUCTION

2

II

REVIEW OF LITERATURE

11

III

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

23

IV

FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION

44

V

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION

94

REFERENCES

104

APPENDICES- INTERVIEW SCHEDULES

110

xiii

LIST OF TABLES

TABLE

TITLE

PAGE

1. Gendered Role Performance in Fishing Allied Activities-Kerala 32

2. Gendered Role Performance in Fishing Allied Activities- Selected

Districts

33

3. List of Socio-economic Variables Selected for the Study 35

4. The Quarter-wise Time frame of Activities Followed 42

5. Socio-economic Profile of the Coastal Women SHG Members 63

6. Daily Routine Analysis of Sample Respondents from Kollam and

Ernakulam Districts

64

7. Daily Routine Analysis of Sample Respondents from Thrissur and

Kannur Districts

65

8. Occupational Status (Self) 72

9. Occupational Status (Household members) 72

10. Participatory Assessment (’H’ form Method) of Need based and

Sustainable Livelihood Requirements as Perceived by Women SHGs

76

11. Tabulation of H Form to Assess the Group Dynamics of Women

SHGs

81

12. Tabulation of H Form to Assess the Entrepreneurial Skills of Women

SHGs: Group Entrepreneurial Skills of SHG Members

84

13. Correlation and Regression Analyses between the Socio-Personal

Variables and Entrepreneurial Skills of the Women SHG Members

88

14. Perceived Constraints of Coastal Women SHG Members in Carrying

out the Alternate Livelihood Ventures

90

15. Perceived Suggestions 92

xiv

LIST OF FIGURES

FIGURE

TITLE

PAGE

1-3. Maps of the Study Area 24

4-6. Selected Villages in Kollam District 25

7-9. Selected Villages in Ernakulam District 26

10-12. Selected Villages in Thrissur District 27

13-15. Selected Villages in Kannur District 28

16. Pictursque Village Profile in Coastal Areas 34

17. The ‘H’ Form 37

18. The ‘H’ Form Method 38

19. Field Visits and Primary Data Collection from the

Respondents

39

20. Secondary Data Collection from Departmental Records 40

21. Mobility Map – Mayyanad, Kollam 45

22. Resource and Transect Maps of Village Mayyanad, Kollam 46

23. Mobility Map – Thangaserry, Kollam 47

24. Resource and Transect Maps of Village Thangasserry, Kollam 48

25. Mobility Map – Njarakkal, Ernakulam 49

26. Resource and Transect Maps of Village Njarakkal, Ernakulam 50

27. Mobility Map – Chellanam, Ernakulam 51

28. Resource and Transect Maps of Village Chellanam, Ernakulam 52

29. Mobility Map – Nattika, Thrissur 53

30. Resource and Transect Maps of Village Nattika, Thrissur 54

31. Mobility Map – Azhikode, Thrissur 55

32. Resource and Transect Maps of Village Azhikode, Thrissur 56

33. Mobility Map – Azhikode, Kannur 57

34. Resource and Transect Maps of Village Azhikode, Kannur 58

35. Mobility Map – Dharmadam, Kannur 59

36. Resource and Transect Maps of Village Dharmadam, Kannur 60

37. Rich Resource Base of the Study Area 61

38. Daily Routine Analysis of Sample Respoendents in Kollam,

Ernakulam, Thrissur and Kannur Districts

66

39. Educational Status of Sample Respondents in Kollam,

Ernakulam, Thrissur and Kannur Districts

66

40. Marital Status 67

41. Family Type 67

42. Decision Making pattern 67

43. Type of House 68

44. Ownership of House 68

45. Information Source Utilization 69

46. Extent of Family Support for SHG Activities 69

xv

47. Extent of Participation in Extension Programmes 70

48. Training Exposure 70

49. Marketing Channels Used 71

50. Engagement of Coastal Women in Natural Resource

Management

74

51. Need based, Potential and Sustainable Livelihood Options for

Coastal Women SHGs

77

52. Potential Livelihood Options for Women in Coastal Areas 78

53. Potential Livelihood Options for Women in Coastal Areas 79

54. Overall Group Dynamics Index 82

55. Radar Chart on Extent of Entrepreneurial Skills of Women

SHGs

85

56. Entrepreneurship (Indices) 86

57. Existing Entrepreneurial Activities of Women in Coastal Areas 86

Sustainable Livelihoods & Entrepreneurial Skills among Coastal Women SHGs

1 | P a g e


2 | P a g e

CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION 1.1. Indian Fisheries Scenario Fisheries is one of the fastest growing food sectors of India. Fish production in India has increased at a higher rate compared to food grains, milk, eggs and other food items. Fisheries sector contributes about 1.2% of the National GDP and to 5.3% of the agricultural GDP. Fishing, aquaculture and a host of allied activities are sources of livelihood to over 14 million people. More than six million fishermen and fish farmers in the country directly depend on fisheries and aquaculture for their livelihood. In addition, another eight million people are estimated to be engaged in fishery related ancillary activities. The quantity of marine products exported was in the order of 10,51,243 MT valued at Rs. 33441.61 crores in the year 2014-15 (MPEDA, 2015). 1.2. Role of Women in Indian Fisheries Women play critical roles in fisheries, particularly in the pre- and post-harvest sectors. Even though the fishing activities are men’s domain, a small percentage of women do take part in passive fishing like collection of seaweeds, mussels, clams and other bivalves from the near-shore waters. Notably, of the 756,391 fisherfolk involved in fishing-related activities, 365,463 are women (approximately 48%). In fisheries, the post-harvest sector provides maximum employment to women. Every 5 kg of fish produced provided employment for 2 persons - one in active fishing and one in post-harvest sector. About 5 lakh women are employed in pre and post-harvest operations in the marine fisheries sector alone in the total work force of 12 1akh persons. The involvement of fisherwomen in the fisheries related activities provides additional income to their family. But the income they are getting is not always the same as compared to the wages for men for the same work (Abha et al, 2014). Marine fisheries sector in Kerala provides a highly distorted picture of gender involvement, with women Workers Participation Ratio limited to 11.9 percent. Women in a fishing community are subject to responsibility of household management including food, childcare, education, health and financial management including getting and repaying the debts. The off season cues an additional burden of resource management. While all these factors add to impasse of women, realization that active fishing alone cannot support the family due to highly fluctuating earnings owing to uncertainty in marine fisheries has necessitated mainstreaming women to adopt profitable enterprises. The active participation of women in fisheries needs to be recognized, as they help to ensure distributive justice among rural poor ensuring economic stability. Hence empowerment of fisherwomen should be treated as an agenda of top priority in all fisheries development programmes. Fish handling and marketing continue to be the traditional activity of certain coastal communities and in most of the cases, the volume of business is also very small and income generated thus cannot even earn them the daily bread for all the members of


3 | P a g e

the family. It is not the lack of technology but the method of implementation which hinders development activities particularly in the rural areas. Micro enterprises often fail due to very small investments, inadequate training, lack of quality concern, irregular production and supply to the market and lack of managerial skills. As a result, either they close the business after a while or become subjects of exploitation by middlemen. The methods suggested below can help in making the enterprises successful, viz., organizing, training and skill development, finance and marketing (Krishna, 2004). Presently, participation of women in aquaculture is limited but there exists enormous potential for enhancing their livelihood options by way of involvement in aquaculture and processing, particularly in edible oyster culture, mussel culture, ornamental fish culture, shrimp culture, seaweed culture, aqua feed cottage industries and preparation of value added products. Location-specific and need-based training programmes for fisherwomen can enhance their technical know-how and awareness, enabling them to start gainful employment ventures. These ventures can be taken up by fisherwomen Self Help Groups (SHGs) taking advantage of participatory action to ensure earnings and sustainability. Women play an important role in fishing community all over the world. This role encompasses social and economic responsibilities and duties, both within and outside the family, including marketing, processing and also harvesting of aquatic products. Developmental efforts over the last few decades have made it clear that sustained improvements in the productivity and the lives of fisherfolk depend on the recognition of this crucial role of women, to supplement the family income and to maintain social and cultural foundation of the fishing communities. However, the women workers in the fishing sector are the most backward among the working women. Traditional beliefs, superstitions, neglect, economic weakness and low level of literacy are the major factors responsible for their backwardness. The women in the traditional fishing households do not get the security they deserve in terms of food and nutrition due to poverty, which necessitated the need for livelihood interventions for their empowerment. 1. 3. Statement of the Problem Women are disproportionately represented among the poorest in society and need more help than men in securing sustainable livelihoods. Women are discriminated against in the formal labour market and so are usually obliged to seek an income on the margins of the economy, in the informal sector. Women-headed households are on the increase as a result of economic recession, changing labour needs, increasing urbanisation, and the break-up of extended family structures. In some male-headed households, women are now the main source of income. Women-headed households are usually more vulnerable in times of crisis, as they have fewer resources to draw upon (Mayoux, 1999). Livelihood strategies do not merely refer to narrowly defined economic practices. Rather, livelihood strategies involve transformative struggles through which women work to empower themselves by reshaping their identities, lives and relationships


4 | P a g e

within households and communities. Even while women may have differential place-based opportunities and constraints, there are nonetheless similarities in their livelihood approaches. It is clear that they are actively making decisions regarding how best to meet their own needs and those of their families (Ann et al. 2004). A livelihoods approach furthermore facilitates the disaggregation of households according to the different goals they pursue and shows people, including the poor, to be active agents responding to social and economic change within the circumstances in which they find themselves (Beall & Kanji, 1999). Because it provides a means to link macro-level processes to micro-level outcomes and responses, a livelihoods approach provides us with a view into how people are coping with or adapting to economic restructuring in all its complexity. Many livelihoods analysts largely ignore the role played by gender and generation in influencing differential access and ability to command resources on the part of individual household members (Beall, 2002). While the studies that do incorporate gender have provided a clear understanding of the constraints and barriers women face (e.g. Masika & Joekes, 1996; Whitehead & Kabeer, 2001) and have begun to consider the role played by different household configurations (Francis, 2000), what is needed is more empirical research on the practices women and men employ to secure their livelihoods and on women’s agency in negotiating the constraints and opportunities before them. Fisheries sector in India has great importance in terms of employment, income generation, poverty alleviation, export promotion and foreign exchange earnings. Fisher’s access to new knowledge and information needs to be strengthened so as to empower them to harness the new market and trade opportunities as well as to face the new challenges. Emerging challenges in livelihood security necessitate group action in rural (fisheries) system, development of social capital and capacity building of fisher families, especially the womenfolk as well as diversification in livelihood options with adequate integration of rural enterprises. Female empowerment is about improved ability to bring about changes that will enhance women’s well-being at the household, community and national levels. Bringing about such well-being requires that women first acquire the power to change their social environment. This can be achieved by training in livelihood options. Involvement of women in productive activities is a very important strategy for poverty alleviation in the society and for overall empowerment of women. Micro-enterprises by women should not be only seen as means for economic empowerment (Femeena et al, 2014). Any initiative related to micro-enterprises with women, designed with a right frame and implemented with a right approach can prove to be an important tool for social and political empowerment along with economic empowerment. Gendered lens has been increasingly adopted by the development interventions which can play a significant role in developing and disseminating successful strategies to mitigate rural poverty. For achieving this objective, it is essential that the extension system need to be re-oriented and revitalised with new knowledge base in emerging technologies and methodologies. Besides effective cooperation and coordination among the stakeholders, what is most essential is to infuse positive and favourable intentions and attitude, self-confidence and capacity for self-determination among the clientele system.


5 | P a g e

The socio-economic dimension and the incorporation of the concept of self help groups (SHGs) in development policy has been a recent phenomenon and has been successfully used by various government and non-governmental agencies to implement development programmes. Various studies in the recent past have indicated that this concept is here to stay, particularly in implementing grass root level schemes intended for employment and income generation (Nikita et al., 2010). Traditionally, women played a significant role in fisheries sector, particularly in post harvest activities with most of the post harvest handling, processing and marketing being carried out by them. Though they have been marginalized, as a result of the changes that have taken place as a part of development of the sector, they still continue to dominate various sectors like processing and marketing. However, innate poverty, illiteracy, lack of suitable avenues for earning and gender bias have been creating obstacles for the development of fisherwomen. Improper selection of group activities for livelihood, lack of cooperation and zeal among the members of the group, non-availability of adequate amount of raw materials, lack of demand of the products and lack of marketing facilities are a few problems confronting the performance of self help groups. Women in coastal communities are subject to responsibility of household management including food, childcare, education, health and financial management including getting and repaying the debts. While these factors add to impasse of women, realization that active fishing alone cannot support the family due to highly fluctuating earnings owing to uncertainty in marine fisheries has necessitated mainstreaming women to adopt profitable enterprises. Fish handling and marketing continue to be the traditional activity of certain coastal communities and in most of the cases, the volume of business is also very small and income generated thus cannot even earn them the daily bread for all the members of the family. It is not the lack of technology but the method of implementation which hinders development activities particularly in the coastal areas. Alternate livelihood enterprises/ micro enterprises often fail due to improper selection of enterprises, very small investments, inadequate training, lack of quality concern, irregular production and supply to the market and lack of managerial skills. As a result, either they close the business after a while or become subjects of exploitation by middlemen. In this background, this study intends to assess the need-based and sustainable livelihood interventions required for the coastal women self help group members and their entrepreneurial skills for managing micro-enterprises using participatory approach. 1.4. Aim of the Project The project aims at identifying and documenting the need-based and sustainable livelihood interventions required for the coastal women self help group members. The resource availability, the perceived needs of the respondents, marketing scope, and the sustainability issues of the identified livelihood interventions were assessed in


6 | P a g e

participatory mode. The project also aims at the assessment of their entrepreneurial skills for managing micro-enterprises using participatory tools. 1.5. Research Questions What is the present socio-economic status of the coastal women SHG members

in the study area? What are the need-based and sustainable livelihood interventions required for

the socio-economic well-being of the coastal women self help groups? What are the entrepreneurial skills possessed by the coastal women self help

groups to manage the micro-enterprises? Is there any significant relationship between the socio-economic variables and

entrepreneurial skills of coastal women self help groups? What are the perceived constraints in carrying out the alternate livelihood

ventures?

1. 6. Hypotheses There exists need-based livelihood interventions which can support the family

income and socio-economic well-being of coastal women self help groups on a sustainable basis.

The coastal women self help groups possess the entrepreneurial skills required to manage the micro-enterprises.

There is significant relationship between the socio-economic variables of the women self help groups and their entrepreneurial skills.

1.7. Specific objectives of the study To conduct a baseline survey for assessing the socio-economic status of the

coastal women SHG members To assess and document the need-based and sustainable livelihood

requirements as perceived by the coastal women self help groups using participatory approach

To assess the entrepreneurial skills possessed by the coastal women self help groups to manage the micro-enterprises using participatory approach

To find out the relationship between the socio-economic variables and entrepreneurial skills of the coastal women SHG members

To document the constraints as perceived by the coastal women SHG members in carrying out the alternate livelihood ventures.

1.8. Implications The main objective of the project is to identify and document the need-based livelihood interventions, which are able to sustain itself through employment generation, income generation and able to achieve larger goal of improving the standard of living of coastal women.


7 | P a g e

The results of the study would indicate the need for more interventions in the form of training, technical guidance and entrepreneurship development. Despite the potential the fisheries sector offers, fisherwomen have not been able to earn in a sustainable way round the year. The active participation of women in fisheries needs to be recognized, as they help to ensure distributive justice among rural poor ensuring economic stability. Hence empowerment of fisherwomen should be treated as an agenda of top priority in all fisheries development programmes. Suitable sustainable micro-level ventures can be implemented through self help groups, with the back up of technical and developmental agencies. The main issue in the context of capacity building in fisheries is that of identification of technologies and methods of implementing them so that the fisherfolk living in the lower rung of development can lead their lives with human dignity. It is not the lack of technology but the methods of implementation which hinders fisherfolk development activities particularly in the rural areas. Micro enterprises started without adequate capacity building back up often fail due to very small investments, inadequate training, lack of quality concern, irregular production and supply to the market and lack of managerial skills. Thus the study would help in making the fisherfolk-managed enterprises sustainable by way of identification of the right and need-based technological interventions. The findings of this study would be interesting to the planners, policy makers, administrators and social scientists to evolve suitable extension strategy for effective technology transfer. Collective action is the key to success in micro enterprise although it is not an easy task to motivate and organize people. The help of an external agency such as government institution or voluntary agency is required for initiating such an activity. The findings of the present study would be helpful in planning and implementing the suitable extension mechanisms and schemes through both government as well as private sector interventions in the selected areas. The study would also contribute to the sociological research methodologies by way of exploring the participatory monitoring and evaluation tools that can be used in need and impact assessment studies. 1.9. Conceptual Framework Concepts used: Livelihood interventions, Entrepreneurship, Micro-enterprise, Self Help Groups, Capacity building Relevance and applicability of the concepts to the study: Economic empowerment is critical for the well being of coastal communities. Freedom from hunger, adequate income, and security of material assets are central issues in


8 | P a g e

their lives. Poverty and vulnerability will not be reduced without broad- based growth fuelled by alternate livelihood interventions and income generating activities. Economic growth cannot be sustained if poor women and men, who may be 50 percent or more of a country's population, are excluded from optimal engagement in productive activities. Involvement of such large numbers of poor people in more productive livelihoods can only happen when a country's overall domestic investment climate fosters entrepreneurship, job creation, competition, and security of property or benefit rights. In this context, the concepts listed above will have significant relevance in this study. Operationalisation of the concepts: Livelihood interventions: It is the sum of efforts needed to demonstrate, nurture, enhance and use the skills of people and institutions to ensure the means of living and progress towards sustainable development. It is concerned with people embodied skills and competences. It is concerned with technology and technological transformation of resources for socio-economic ends. Entrepreneurship: Entrepreneurship is a means of empowerment of rural and urban poor. Entrepreneurship development generates income, increases employment and thus leads to national growth. Small community enterprises have done much more than boosting their individual members' incomes, but have strengthened management capacities and ultimately enlarged the credit pool. Entrepreneurship boosts individual members' incomes and strengthens management capacities. It provides a first hand model, which builds confidence for other neighbourhoods. Micro-enterprise: Micro enterprise is a business, which is very small, and within the financial means and capabilities of rural folk who may not have business experience. The 'manager' of such an enterprise will be the main person, if not the only person; carrying out all the work. Though a micro enterprise is small to begin with, it can grow, depending on the success the owner/manager makes of it. The enterprise should be such that it helps the owner to increase his earnings. Self Help Groups: A self-help group is a small economically homogenous group of people having common goal of socio-economic development, for discussing their problems and resolving through appropriate participatory decision-making. Capacity building: Capacity building often refers to assistance which is provided to entities, usually societies, which have a need to develop a certain skill or competence, or for general upgrading of performance ability. Capacity building is "activities which strengthen the knowledge, abilities, skills and behaviour of individuals and improve institutional structures and processes such that the organization can efficiently meet its mission and goals in a sustainable way".


9 | P a g e

1.10. LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY As the study is based on the information obtained through participatory research tools and interview schedules, the response may not be free from respondents’ subjective perception. The study is primarily qualitative in nature. However, care had been taken to get the information as objective as possible. Since the locale of the study was confined to only one State viz., Kerala, generalizations could be restricted to area as under investigation in particular, and other areas where similar conditions prevail in nature. Though, there were negligible constraints of time, resources available and research facilities, utmost care was taken to conduct the study as objective and systematic as possible. 1.11. AN OUTLINE OF THE REPORT

The report is divided into five chapters. The first chapter focuses on the scenario of Indian fisheries, role of women in fisheries, functioning of self help groups in coastal areas, research problem, objectives, scope, limitations, key concepts and the abbreviations used in this study. Chapter two critically reviews the related research studies pertaining to the objectives of the study. This examination will facilitate our understanding of the livelihood needs of women in coastal eco-system, their entrepreneurial skills, and other associated issues. In chapter three, research design, locale of the study, selection of the respondents, selection, operationalisation and measurement of the variables, research tools used for data collection, statistical tools used for analysis of data, and hypotheses formulated for the study. This lays the foundation of the study. Chapter four presents the findings and discussion. Chapter five briefly summarizes all the above chapters together with implications of the study and suggestions for future research. The references and the appendices including interview schedule have been attached at the end. 1.12. ABBREVIATIONS USED IN THIS STUDY

Abbreviation Expansion

CIFT Central Institute of Fisheries Technology

CIWA Central Institute for Women in Agriculture

CMFRI Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute

GDP Gross Domestic Product

ICAR Indian Council of Agricultural Research

ICSSR Indian Council of Social Science Research

NGO Non Government Organization

OBC Other Backward Classes

PDS Public Distribution System

PRA Participatory Rural Appraisal

SAS Statistical Analysis System

SHG Self Help Group

SPSS Statistical Packages for Social Sciences


10 | P a g e


11 | P a g e

CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF LITERATURE The review of literature examines women’s multiple gender identities and livelihood strategies in rural environments. They reflect an understanding of gendered livelihood strategies that stem from rich fieldwork experiences of different researchers. This chapter critically reviews the available literature pertaining to the study. A thorough review of literature is necessary to get acquainted with the research area which facilitates in developing sound research methodology and operationalizing the needed concepts. This also helps to know the available information related to the objective of the proposed research and provides a basis for interpretation of findings. Every effort has been putforth to review the literature available in connection with the present study. Based on the objectives enumerated earlier, an attempt has been made to present the available literature under the following titles:

2.1. Socio-economic Profile of the Coastal Women SHG Members 2.2. Need-based and Sustainable Livelihood Requirements as Perceived by the

Coastal Women Self Help Groups 2.3. Women Empowerment and Entrepreneurial Skills of Self Help Groups to

Manage the Micro-Enterprises 2.4. Relationship between the Socio-economic Variables and Entrepreneurial

Skills of the Coastal Women SHG Members 2.5. Constraints as Perceived by the Coastal Women SHGs in Carrying out the

Alternate Livelihood Ventures

2.1. Socio-economic Profile of the Coastal Women SHG Members

Abha et al (2014) reported that majority of the fisherwomen involved in the dry fish production and trade were middle-aged. They had more than 10 years (10-25 years) of experience in dry fish production and handling, with high social participation through self help groups (SHGs), and moderate decision making power in family and their trade.

Sheela (2008) reported that nearly 40% of the women in oyster cultivation in

Kerala belonged to middle age group, and only 22.86% of the women had more than 10 years of experience in fishing related activities. It could be seen that more than half of them belonged to OBC category (52.21%), about 28% belonged to general and the remaining 20% belonged to SC category. She also reported that more than 30% of women in oyster cultivation in Kerala were having primary and middle level of education and only 1.4% was illiterate (cannot read/write).


12 | P a g e

The socio-economic profile of the fish processing women from Chellanam fishing village in Kerala revealed that the mean age was 38 years with all the women being literate and on an average had high school education (Geethalakshmi et al., 2012).

Shanthi et al (2010) found that 90% of the women involved in crab culture belonged to Hindu religion. Fifty percent belonged to the most backward classes, 47% belonged to scheduled caste and 3% belonged to scheduled tribes.

Sheela (1997) while evaluating the training programme for fisherwomen on

preparation of food from seaweeds at Ramanathapuram district of Tamil Nadu reported that about 33 percent of the respondents had primary level of education followed by high school education (27%), secondary education (20%) and illiterates (20%). She also reported that 70 percent of the fisherwomen of Ramanathapuram district of Tamil Nadu involved in seaweed collection had nuclear type of family.

The number of employment days of the women in oyster cultivation in Kerala

have been reported as 180 days (Sheela, 2008). Nikita et al. (2010) reported the average number of working days in a year as

130 among the fisherwomen self help group members. Earlier studies observed that 40% had medium level of income between Rs. 5

100 to Rs.10 000 per annum (Sheela, 2008). It has also been observed that 39.76% of the fisherwomen in the southern

states were earning an income of less than Rs 24 000 per annum. Next to this, 26.44% of the respondents earned an annual income between Rs 24 000 and Rs 36 000 (Vijaya, 2013).

Another study reported that 42% of the women had a monthly income between

Rs.2 000 and Rs. 3 000, 39% had monthly income between Rs.1 000 and Rs. 2 000, 10% of the respondents had income between Rs. 3 000 and Rs. 4 000 per month and 9% had monthly income above Rs. 4 000 (Shanthi et al., 2010).

Shyam and Geetha (2013) reported that among various aspects on which their decision making ability was studied, the women fish processors in Kerala had more freedom to decide on attending religious events, family health issues, choice of guest and entertainment at social functions and purchasing the assets for home.

Narayanakumar et al (2005) also observed that the role of women in decision-

making is unfortunately limited. Ponnusamy et al. (2004) revealed that 34.30 percent of the fisherwomen of self

help groups were functionally literate followed by primary, secondary and middle


13 | P a g e

class education. He also found that majority (65.70 %) of the fisherwomen respondents had high level of economic motivation followed by low (25.70 %) and medium (8.60 %) levels. He also reported that most of the fisherwomen of self help groups had low (40.00 %) to medium (34.30 %) levels of social participation.

Gist of the Review: From the review of above studies, it could be inferred that majority of the women in coastal eco-system were middle-aged, high school educated, had nuclear type of family, had more than 10 years of experience in fishing related activities, had 150 days of employment per year, earning an income of less than Rs 24 000 per annum, high level of economic motivation, medium level of social participation and moderate decision making power in family and their trade.

2.2. Need-based and Sustainable Livelihood Requirements as Perceived by

the Coastal Women Self Help Groups

There is tremendous potential for aquaculture diversification in the coastal belts of Kasargod District and water bodies have ample scope for the judicious utilisation for finfish culture as well as for prawn and crab farming (Asokan et al., 2001).

Vipinkumar et al (2013) reported that the adoption of bivalve farming when accomplished through organised cooperative groups of women is achieving considerable significance because of its tremendous profitability. Though bivalve culture possesses the potential as an exclusive women based independent enterprise, it would be vital to look up on the gender issues in the selection of suitable sites and various operations fulfilling the essential parameters for undertaking bivalve culture.

Mahalakshmi et al. (2009) reported that the information need and assistance for preparation of high quality and hygienic dry fish had a high ranking among the fisherwomen from the coastal areas in Tamilnadu. It has also been reported that better packaging, promotion and market information are needed for dry fish, and preparation of other value added fish products.

Sheela (2008) reported that the areas in and around Ashtamudi lake in Kerala had enormous potential to develop edible oyster culture as an alternative avocation for women. The study indicates that group farming appears to be the ideal means for the propagation of oyster culture in this region.

Mary Thomas et al (1996) reported that fisherwomen in Kerala had mostly performed the roles such as peeling of shrimps and pre-processing of fish (37.78%), and fresh fish marketing (25.19%), than the roles such as fish drying and marketing (11.11%), fishing net fabrication (2.96%), backwater fishing (3.70%) and other roles (4.44%). Whereas, the fisherwomen respondents of


14 | P a g e

Tamilnadu had performed only five roles and the roles such as fresh fish marketing (50%), fishing net fabrication (19.45%), and fish drying and marketing (16.67%) were performed by more percentage of respondents than the roles such as only 'household activities' (6.94%) and other roles (6.94%).

Shanthi et al. (2010) reported that the community-based crab fattening project implemented for alternative livelihood purpose especially for coastal women Self Help Groups, has proved to be a great success not only in terms of generating extra income but also in creating an awareness among fisherfolk about the value of brackishwater resources and the need for conservation and its sustainable utilization.

As with other development initiatives which profess to be 'gender neutral', ecotourism runs the risk of disadvantaging and marginalising local women. The work of Regina (2000) considers both positive and negative ways in which women are engaging with ecotourism enterprises in Third World contexts. Such examples could help to guide agencies which wish to find ways of facilitating local level empowerment of both men and women through ecotourism in the future.

Microenterprise mode of working for SHGs ensures labour saving by using manpower from groups. This facilitates an additional income for participating group members by deploying their leisure time (Femeena et al., 2013).

Traditionally, fisherwomen played a significant role in fisheries sector, particularly in post harvest activities with most of the post harvest handling, processing and marketing being carried out by them. Though they have been marginalized, as a result of the changes that have taken place as a part of development of the sector, they still continue to dominate various sectors like processing and marketing (Narayanakumar et al, 2005).

Geethalakshmi et al (2012), observed that majority of the women in coastal areas of Kerala were engaged in fish processing activities like fish drying, preparation of value added fishery products and fish marketing, with four years of work experience. On an average, they were engaged for 197 days in fish processing activities.

The common occupation in which women engaged were beach work, small-scale

fish trading, fish curing, drying, net making, peeling and processing plant work. Altogether, 28% of women were engaged in small-scale fish trading. Fish curers, dryers and net makers constitute 21% of the total women work force. Across the states, in Karnataka, 64.19% were involved in sun-drying while in Tamilnadu, the proportion of fish vendors is maximum (75.15%). About 50% of the fisherwomen were involved in value addition in Kerala (Vijaya, 2013).


15 | P a g e

Based on a study on crab fattening in Tamilnadu, Shanthi et al (2010) reported that nearly 28% of the respondents were engaged in fish marketing as their primary occupation.

House-based ventures are more preferred by women and finds suitable to their present social fabric. Aqua-feed making using indigenous resources as a cottage industry may be developed to suit the needs of the aquaculture industry. Development of backyard hatcheries to cope with the local demand patterns of quality seeds of fish/ shrimps could be taken up. It is better to promote ‘men and women partnership firms’ instead of exclusively women oriented enterprises. It is seen that husband-wife enterprises with one or two helpers in fish processing/ marketing and other fishery related activity yield better prospects (Vijaya, 2013).

Gist of the Review: From the review of above studies, it could be inferred that there are ample livelihood opportunities for women in coastal ecosystem such as; aquaculture diversification, bivalve farming, fish marketing, crab fattening, edible oyster cultivation, dry fish production, fishing net fabrication, backwater fishing, pre-processing and processing of shrimp, aqua tourism, preparation of value added fish products, aqua feed making and other micro-enterprises. Traditionally, fisherwomen played a significant role in fisheries sector, particularly in post harvest activities with most of the post harvest handling, processing and marketing being carried out by them. Though they have been marginalized, as a result of the changes that have taken place as a part of development of the sector, they still continue to dominate various sectors like processing and marketing. House-based ventures are more preferred by women and finds suitable to their present social fabric.

2.3. Women Empowerment and Entrepreneurial Skills of Self Help Groups to Manage the Micro-Enterprises

Regarding the measurement of women’s empowerment, Naila (1999) reported

that women's empowerment is the process by which those who have been denied the ability to make strategic life choices acquire such an ability. A wide gap separates this processual understanding of empowerment from the more instrumentalist forms of advocacy which have required the measurement and quantification of empowerment.

Shyam and Geetha (2013) conducted a study which focused on the empowerment status of fisherwomen in Kerala across the four occupational groups viz., fish retailer, fish vendor, dry fish makers, and value added fish producers. The specific objectives were to estimate the social, political and economic empowerment of fisherwomen involved in processing and marketing of fish and fishery products in Kerala. The study revealed that highest level of gender discrimination faced by all the respondents across the four different


16 | P a g e

occupational groups were in handling, transporting and storing bulk quantities of fish resources. The assessment of the empowerment indicated that the maximum empowerment was among the value added fish producers followed by retailers and least for the dry fish makers and vendors. The fisherwomen were politically empowered and less empowered legally. Overall, the results showed that, in Kerala, the fisherwomen were more politically empowered and also the composite fisherwomen empowerment index was high indicating better status of fisherwomen in former than in latter.

Femeena et al (2013) reported that development of entrepreneurship can be stimulated through a set of supporting institutions, and through deliberate innovative action which stimulates changes and fully supports capable individuals or groups. Investigations show favourable financial returns for production of value-added fishery products in the micro-enterprise mode and indicate encouraging prospects. Preparing value added products out of the locally available fish varieties was found as a feasible alternative from the results of financial analysis of different options of fish based products such as cutlets, fish balls and pickles either as standalone products or in combination. Further, training on food safety measures have helped to maintain the quality of fish based products. There is a need for promotional efforts to introduce new and improved value-added fishery products through co-ordinated efforts between financial, marketing and fisheries institutions.

Kiranjot and Sukhjeet (2006) reported that empowering women particularly rural women is a challenge. Micro- enterprises in rural area can help to meet this challenge. Micro-enterprises not only enhance national productivity, generate employment but also help to develop economic independence, personal and social capabilities among rural women. Following are some of the personal and social capabilities which are developed as a result of taking up enterprise among rural women; economic empowerment, improved standard of living, self confidence, enhanced awareness, improvement in decision making status, sense of achievement, increased social interaction and improvement in leadership quality.

Abha et al (2014) reported that the participation profile revealed that majority of the fisherwomen were dependent on men for raw material procurement and marketing related functions. Very few fisherwomen independently managed the whole production process as well as marketing. Except in fishing and to a great extent in marketing, the most other activities in dry fish production process such as sorting, cleaning, salting/curing, drying, packing and storage were done by women only. Though the decision making pattern on dry fish trade was jointly by both women and men, women had moderate power than men in influencing the decisions.

Formation of self help groups has greatly helped rural women to understand

their rights, gain access to information, attain economic independence, give them freedom of expression, help confidence building, improve access to credit,


17 | P a g e

and in general, build their personality and respect in the society. The empowerment of women through SHGs leads to benefit not only the individual women and women groups, but also the family and community as a whole through collective action and solidarity (Murugan and Dharmalingam, 2000).

The concept of self help groups has been successful for the outcomes it has been able to deliver in selected sectors (Anand, 2004; Jayaraman, 2008; Lina et al, 2008; Sreedaya et al, 2001).

Vipinkumar et al. (2014) observed that the genesis of Self Help Groups and their subsequent advancements in social mobilisation in marine fisheries sector do play a significant role in reducing the vicious circle of indebtedness among marine fisherfolk.

Sajesh et al (2011) based on the survey conducted in Kozhikode district of Kerala state to assess the impact of SHGs on the empowerment of rural women, found that SHGs have contributed significantly to the empowerment of rural women. SHG members’ personal traits as well as group and social activities were the major determinants of empowerment.

Linda (1998) proposed participatory methodologies for integrating

empowerment concerns into ongoing programme learning. Micro-finance programmes for women are currently promoted not only as a strategy for poverty alleviation but also for women's empowerment. However, the complexity of empowerment itself and interlinkages with policy make conventional research methodologies extremely lengthy and costly. The quantitative and qualitative information obtained by participatory methodologies on an ongoing basis would be directly and immediately available to inform policy decisions and enable independent outsider research to be cost-effectively targeted to issues where it is really needed for policy development.

A livelihoods approach offers a people-centered perspective that allows detailed insight into the impacts of changing macro-level economic circumstances on local communities, households and individuals (Francis, 2000).

According to Ellis (2000), livelihoods may be defined as ‘the assets (natural, physical, human, financial and social capital), the activities (strategies of use), and the access to these (mediated by institutions and social relations) that together determine the living gained by the individual or household’. Central to this definition is an understanding of the way in which social institutions and ideologies define access to resources and inform the strategy options available to different members of a community.

Gendered livelihoods encompass the material realities and ideological processes that shape and are shaped by economic strategies in diverse geographical locations (Ann et al. 2004).


18 | P a g e

Microfinance for women has been a popular poverty-alleviation strategy among development agencies since the mid-1980s. It has also been considered an effective vehicle for women’s empowerment. Support consists most typically of the provision of small loans, either to individuals or groups. Group loans are based on traditional rotating credit arrangements. This strategy has received large amounts of funding in recent years from the major development agencies and banks, to programmes that support poor women entrepreneurs (Wolfensohn, 1995).

Gist of the Review: From the review of above studies, it could be inferred that in Kerala, the fisherwomen were more politically empowered. Development of entrepreneurship can be stimulated through a set of supporting institutions, and through deliberate innovative action which stimulates changes and fully supports capable individuals or groups. Micro-enterprises not only enhance national productivity, generate employment but also help to develop economic independence, personal and social capabilities among rural women. Formation of self help groups has greatly helped rural women to understand their rights, gain access to information, attain economic independence, give them freedom of expression, help confidence building, improve access to credit, and in general, build their personality and respect in the society.

2.4. Relationship between the Socio-economic Variables and Entrepreneurial Skills of the Coastal Women SHG Members

Swathilekshmi and Dineshbabu (2011) observed that variables such as age,

family type, material possession and social participation had a positive and high association with the level of aspiration of women dry fish wholesalers. The findings imply that the fisherwomen’s level of aspiration was affected by age, family type, material possession and social participation. Other profile characteristics such as education, occupation, annual income, occupational experience, communication behaviour and economic motivation were not having a significant association with their level of aspiration.

Nikita et al (2010) reported that the variables, age and family income showed negative relationship with group dynamics. The variables, marital status, family type, family size, investment on any enterprise, indebtedness, experience in the field, number of days of work in a year, average annual self income, innovativeness and information sources utilization did not show any relationship with the group dynamics. The variables, economic motivation, social participation and training undergone showed positive and highly significant relationship at one percent level, whereas the variables, educational qualification and risk orientation showed positive and significant relationship at five percent level of probability. The results indicated that when these scores improve, the group dynamism could be more efficient and vice-versa.


19 | P a g e

Mary Thomas et al (1996) reported that among the respondents from Tamilnadu, it was seen that aged, married fisherwomen engaged in income generating activities in addition to their household family roles had higher role performance scores than the young and unmarried women. But, the two variables viz., education and extent of land possessed had significant negative correlation with the role performance and so their status perception might have influenced them for the non-performance of certain roles.

Anbarasan (1985) reported that factors such as the age, marital status, education and employment generally influenced the fisherwomen's role and status in the fishing villages of Tamilnadu.

Govind et al. (1992) reported that the participation of farm women in farm activities had negative correlation with the three variables farm size, annual income and social participation out of the 13 socio-personal variables analysed.

Swathilekshmi et al. (2007) reported that out of the fourteen variables studied, eight variables had shown significant positive influence in differentiating the high from the low adopter categories of shrimp farmers. The eight variables in the descending order of their importance were efficiency, perceived risk, feasibility, policies, cost, complexity, immediacy of returns and multiple advantages.

Ponnusamy et al. (2004) reported that family type and size did not show any

influence on awareness, knowledge and adoption.

Brajmohan et al. (2003) reported that pre-processors showed a positive and significant relationship between education, number of days employed per year, experience, contact with extension agency, exposure to media and perception of profitability with technology adoption.

Gist of the Review: The review of above literature revealed that the variables age, education, family type, social participation, economic motivation, risk orientation, training undergone, experience, contact with extension agency, exposure to media and perception about profitability are some of the significant variables that positively influence the entrepreneurial skills.

2.5. Constraints as Perceived by the Coastal Women SHGs in Carrying out the Alternate Livelihood Ventures

Krishna (2004) lamented that it is not the lack of technology, but the method of

implementation which hinders women fisherfolk development activities, particularly in the rural areas. Micro enterprises often fail due to inadequate training, very small investments, lack of quality concern, irregular production and supply to the market and lack of managerial skills. The methods such as organizing women, training and skill development, finance and marketing, if followed can help in making women managed enterprises sustainable.


20 | P a g e

Ponnusamy et al. (2004) identified lack of assured market as the foremost

problem expressed by fisherwomen in adoption of post harvest fishery technologies. This was followed by lack of well organized distribution network, poor working capital, non-availability of raw materials during off-season to ensure regular supply of products, and non-availability of attractive, cheap and flexible packaging material.

Improper selection of group activities, lack of cooperation and zeal among the members of the group, non-availability of adequate amount of raw materials, lack of demand of the products and lack of marketing facilities are a few problems confronting the performance of self help groups (Rao, 1999 and Anand, 2004).

Frances, C. (2000) suggested that policies and approaches are inadequately gendered and particularly omit to recognise the relational nature of gender. Such approaches are further criticised for promoting women's development to the neglect of men, for perpetuating normative generalisations about men and women and for an excessive focus on public manifestations of gendered participation and decision making.

Innate poverty, illiteracy, lack of suitable avenues for earning and gender bias have been creating obstacles for the development of fisherwomen. Their role in decision-making in their family is also unfortunately limited (Narayanakumar et al, 2005).

Abha et al (2014) reported that the coastal fisherfolk had poor access to

transportation facilities, as they were not permitted to transport the products in public conveyances to the markets due to the foul smell of dry fish. In few areas, fisherwomen collectively arrange for the transportation facilities such as trucks or mini vans to reach the distant markets. However, the portion of dry fish produces sold in distant markets is minimal. There was no organized marketing, and the channels at most of the places were not well-defined and there were also price fluctuations for the same variety of dry fishes at different places. Non-availability of good quality raw materials, lack of alternative drying methods during rainy season, lack of proper infrastructural facilities for drying, lack of open and clean space, contamination with sand, microbes, attack of insects, birds, and animals, non- availability of proper storage facilities, inadequate credit facilities, exploitation by middlemen and transportation during marketing were the major constraints in dry fish trade as perceived by fisherfolk. Lack of scientific waste disposal facilities, raised drying platforms and proper water supply were also observed as general constraints in the dry fish production process in the coastal villages.

Nikita et al. (2009) reported that approximately 10 lakh people are engaged in

seafood processing industry in India and their livelihood is under threat because of the scarcity of raw materials. It has been reported that the work stress and


21 | P a g e

health hazards of the fish processing works are considerably high due to the productivity demand and the low levels of technology used.

Nikita et al. (2010) identified the need for the exposure to new and innovative technologies which can cater to the competition in current marketing scenario. Besides marketing per se, 66% of the women involved in fish drying expressed that financial constraints were the major drawback in their activity. The difficulty in transportation was another major factor limiting their market access. There is also no proper storage facility in the area where dried products, which otherwise have a longer shelf life, can be stored till a better price can be realized.

Bandyopadhyay and Bhawesh (2002) while studying the constraints in traditional

shrimp farming in West Bengal stated that about 25.00 percent of the farmers strongly resented to the habits of groupism and favouritism of extension personnel, giving undue preference to some farmers over others. About 20.00 percent of them reported that many a time, scientific terms used by extension personnel were unfamiliar and hence, they were unable to understand.

Kathleen and Christian (2002) found lack of adequate information regarding product production as a problem. Information such as specific management practices was not available or difficult to obtain.

Vimala et al. (2006) reported that the requirements of the aquafarmers were ranging from simple recommendations to complex technical assistance. They expect technical information to be circulated in the form of hand-outs and simple publications. Training programmes are felt necessary by the farmers for crisis management and resolving problems.

Gist of the Review: The review of above literature revealed that lack of assured market as the foremost problem expressed by fisherwomen in adoption of post harvest fishery technologies. This was followed by lack of well organized distribution network, poor working capital, non-availability of raw materials during off-season to ensure regular supply of products, and non-availability of attractive, cheap and flexible packaging materials. Improper selection of group activities, lack of cooperation and zeal among the members of the group, non-availability of adequate amount of raw materials, lack of demand of the products and lack of marketing facilities are a few problems confronting the performance of self help groups. Lack of adequate information regarding product production is also a major problem. Information such as specific management practices are usually not available or difficult to obtain.


22 | P a g e


23 | P a g e

CHAPTER III

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Research methodology is a way to systematically solve the research problems (Kothari, 1984). It is a detailed plan of method, which gives a clear picture about the procedure adopted in conducting the research. This chapter deals with the description of procedure followed in sampling, collection of data and statistical tools used in analysis of data to accomplish the objectives of the study. The details of methodology followed for the present investigation are presented under the following sub-heads.

3.1. Research design 3.2. Locale of the study 3.3. Selection of the respondents 3.4. Selection, operationalisation and measurement of the variables 3.5. Tools of data collection 3.6. Statistical tools used for analysis of data 3.7. Hypotheses formulated for the study 3.8. Milestones and Phasing of Activities

3.1. RESEARCH DESIGN Research design is the entire process of planning and carrying out the research or investigation. Pertaining to the objectives of the study, ex-post-facto research design was followed. Ex-post-facto research design is the ‘systematic empirical enquiry in which the researchers do not have direct control of influencing (independent) variables, because their manifestations have already occurred’ (Kerlinger, 1995). It is the description of the present situation as an effect of some previously acting causal factors. The investigator starts with the observation of the dependent variable(s), and retrospectively studies the independent variables for their possible effects on the dependent variable(s). In the present investigation, the independent and dependent variables were already in place, hence, ex-post-facto research design was employed for the study. 3.2. LOCALE OF THE STUDY 3.2.1. Selection of Locale of the study The universe of the study consists of members of the women self help groups in coastal villages in the selected districts of Kerala. The identified districts for the study were Kollam, Ernakulam, Trichur and Kannur. The four districts were chosen to ensure equitable geographical/ spatial distribution. The total sample size was 240 women representing 24 self help groups from eight fishing villages in four coastal districts in Kerala. The villages identified for the study were; Mayyanad and Thangaserry in Kollam, Chellanam and Njarakkal in Ernakulam, Nattika and Azhikode in Trichur and Dharmadam and Azhikode in Kannur districts.


24 | P a g e

Fig. 1-3. Maps of the Study Area


25 | P a g e

Fig. 4-6. Selected Villages in Kollam District

Village Mayyanad Village Thangasserry


26 | P a g e

Fig. 7-9. Selected Villages in Ernakulam District

Village Chellanam Village Njarakkal


27 | P a g e

Fig. 10-12. Selected Villages in Thrissur District

Village Azhikkode Village Nattika


28 | P a g e

Fig. 13-15. Selected Villages in Kannur District

Village Azhikkode Village Dharmadam


29 | P a g e

3.2.2. Description of the locale of study From the Marine Fisheries Census 2010 of Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), Cochin, carried out in nine costal districts of Kerala namely, Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur and Kasaragod during April-May, 2010, the significant features of he coastal areas in Kerala are summarized below. Fishing Villages and Landing Centres There are 222 marine fishing villages wherein fishermen reside. The maximum

number was in Thiruvananthapuram district (42) and minimum was in Kannur district (11). The number of fishing villages in the remaining districts varied between 16 and 35. The total number of marine fish landing centres was 187, of which 51 belonged to Thiruvananthapuram district. The minimum number of landing centres was Malappuram district (11).

Population There were 1, 18, 937 fishermen families in the state with a population of

6,10,165. The maximum number of families was in Thiruvananthapuram (33,340) followed by Alappuzha (20, 278). Of the total fisherfolk population, Thiruvananthapuram accounted for 24% followed by Malappuram (16%), Alappuzha (15%) and Kozhikode (13%). Among 1, 18, 937 fishermen families, 98% belonged to traditional fishermen. The average number of families in a village was 536, with 2,748 persons per village. The average family size was 5.1 with a maximum 6.6 in Kasaragod and Malappuram districts. Adult males constituted 36%, adult females 35% and children 29% of the marine fisherfolk population in Kerala. Women formed 49% of the population and the female to male ratio was 966 for 1000 males. This ratio was maximum in Kasaragod district (1007) and minimum in Kollam (935) district.

Poverty

There were 65,459 (55%) families below poverty line. Among the nine coastal districts, the largest proportion of fishermen families below poverty line was found in Kasaragod (70%) and Kollam (68%).

Education

In Kerala, 73% of fisherfolk (excluding children below 5 years) were educated with different levels of education. About 33% of the fisherfolk had primary level of education, 34% had secondary level, 6% had above secondary level and rest 27% of the population was unschooled.


30 | P a g e

Occupational Profile

There were 54,407 fisherfolk engaged in fishing allied activities, such as marketing (38%), labourers (27%), peeling (18%), curing/ processing (10%) and making/ repairing net (6%). Women outweighed men in fishing allied activities accounting about 67%. Among the major fishing allied activities, women dominated in peeling (96%), curing/ processing (84%) and marketing (79%). Largest number of fisherfolk engaged in fishing allied activities belonged to Thiruvananthapuram district (39%) whereas this was only 3% both in Thrissur and Kannur districts. Major share (84%) of those engaged in marketing of fish belonged to the three districts Thiruvananthapuram (58%), Kasaragod (16%) and Kollam (10%). Thiruvananthapuram (34%), Kollam (26%) and Alappuzha (14%) districts accounted 74% of those involved in making/repairing net. About 59% of the fisherfolk engaged in curing/ processing belonged to Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam districts.

Religion Christians constituted 43% of the fishermen families followed by Hindus (29%)

and Muslims (28%). In most of the northern districts, fishermen families were dominated by Hindus expect in Malappuram where Muslims formed the majority. Only 2% of the fishermen families belonged to SC/ST.

Membership in Co-operatives 42% of the adult fisherfolk were having membership in co-operative societies

of which 68% were in fisheries co-operative societies. This proportion was highest in Ernakulam district (44%).

Craft (Fishing Boats) in the Fishery There were 21,781 crafts in the fisheries of which 4,722 were mechanized,

11,175 motorized and non-motorized formed the rest. Trawlers (78%), ringseiners (10%) and gillnetters (10%) were the main crafts in the mechanized sector. Ernakulam (1,588), Kollam (1,065) and Kozhikode (993) districts accounted for bulk of the mechanized crafts in Kerala. No mechanized crafts were observed in the fishery of Thiruvananthapuram district. In Kerala, of the total 3,678 trawlers, 28% belonged to Ernakulam, 26% each to Kollam and Kozhikode districts, which altogether constituted 80%. Mechanized ringseiners were mainly observed in Malapuram (30%) and Kozhikode (22%) districts, whereas most of the mechanized gillnetters were observed in Ernakulam (88%) district. Majority of the motorized crafts were operated in Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, Malappuram, alappuzha and Kasaragod districts, while non-motorized crafts were more in Thiruvananthapuram and Alappuzha districts.


31 | P a g e

Craft/Gear (fishing Nets) owned by the fisherfolk There were 13,985 crafts owned by fisherfolk, of which 780 were mechanized,

6,671 motorized and 6, 534 non-motorized. Trawlers accounted for 47% of the mechanized crafts owned by fisherfolk, followed by ringseiners (23%) and gillnetters (12%). Though no mechanized crafts were in operation in Thiruvananthapuram district, fishermen owned mechanized crafts like trawlers, gillnetters and dolnetters which were operated in other districts or states. Important gears owned by fisherfolk were trawlnets, gillnets, driftnets, seines and castnets. Sharing pattern was more visible in seines, tralnets and gillnets.

Infrastructure In Kerala, 85% of the fishermen houses were pucca houses. There were 469

primary schools, 182 secondary schools, 58 technical institutions and 38 colleges in the fishing villages of Kerala. All the fishing villages were elctrified, 93% had bus stop/bus stand and 86% of the fishing villages had cell phone coverage. There were 351 ice factories, 270 curing yards, 192 peeling sheds, 119 boat yards, 40 freezing plants and 28 cold storages in Kerala.

The gendered role performance in fishing and allied activities in the nine coastal districts of Kerala, and the selected villages of this study are given in the following tables (Table 1 & 2).


32 | P a g e

TABLE 1. GENDERED ROLE PERFORMANCE IN FISHING ALLIED ACTIVITIES-Kerala

* Includes persons engaged in auctioning, ice breaking, collection of bivalves, collection of other shells, collection of seaweed, collection of ornamental fish etc.

District Marketing of fish

Making/ Repairing Net

Curing/ Processing

Peeling Labourer Others*

Male Female Male Female Male Female Male Female Male Female Male Female

Thiruvananthapuram 1560 10362 478 659 233 2047 83 43 3282 2140 105 48 Kollam 282 1709 522 369 207 888 38 290 1079 572 54 18 Alappuzha 384 302 421 36 141 473 54 6215 296 531 53 25 Ernakulam 308 130 65 21 149 289 55 2431 400 153 30 17 Thrissur 340 51 135 6 25 371 3 236 87 151 15 0 Malappuram 374 127 114 15 24 39 37 1 3766 454 27 17 Kozhikode 497 93 29 39 22 606 77 180 324 216 129 16 Kannur 415 216 127 15 106 52 1 18 326 132 132 12 Kasaragod 82 3186 294 23 1 4 12 43 156 326 16 22 Total 4242 16176 2185 1183 908 4769 360 9457 9716 4675 561 175


33 | P a g e

TABLE 2. GENDERED ROLE PERFORMANCE IN FISHING ALLIED ACTIVITIES- Selected Districts

* Includes persons engaged in auctioning, ice breaking, collection of bivalves, collection of other shells, collection of seaweed, collection of ornamental fish etc.

Sl. No.

District Marketing of fish

Making/ Repairing Net

Curing/ Processing

Peeling Labourer Others*

Male Female Male Female Male Female Male Female Male Female Male Female

1 KOLLAM a Mayyanad 14 55 21 24 5 36 3 47 2 0 0 0 b Thangassery 19 23 59 0 0 10 0 0 125 8 1 0

2 ERNAKULAM a Chellanam 6 3 2 0 1 54 0 18 0 0 0 1 b Njarakkal 26 35 7 0 0 30 0 560 11 2 10 0

3 THRISSUR a Nattika 26 4 1 0 4 1 0 0 4 0 12 0 b Azhikode 43 2 1 0 3 5 3 141 11 31 1 0

4 KANNUR a Azhikode 25 61 10 0 34 7 0 1 20 81 40 0 b Dharmadam 48 2 47 0 0 2 0 0 16 0 4 0


34 | P a g e

Fig. 16. Pictursque Village Profile in Coastal Areas


35 | P a g e

3.3. SELECTION OF THE RESPONDENTS The total sample size was 240 women representing 24 self help groups from eight fishing villages in four coastal districts in Kerala. The respondents of the study were selected using multi-stage stratified random sampling procedure. At the first stage, four districts were selected from the population of nine coastal districts in Kerala. At the second stage, two coastal villages were selected from each district using simple random sampling procedure. At the third stage, three self help groups were selected from each coastal village. At the last stage, 10 women self help members from each self help group were selected using simple random sampling procedure. The total sample size was 240 women representing 24 self help groups from eight fishing villages in four coastal districts in Kerala (4x2x3x10). The units of observation was the respondents of the study viz., the each selected member of the self help groups. 3.4. SELECTION, OPERATIONALIZATION AND MEASUREMENT OF THE VARIABLES

A list of independent variables covering the socio-economic profile was prepared and sent to 65 experts in the field of extension for studying the relevancy of the variables for inclusion in the study. Responses were received from 30 judges in time and based on the high mean score obtained, 22 independent variables were selected. The operationalization and measurement procedures of the variables are given in the interview schedule given in Annexure III. The independent and dependent variables selected for the study are listed in Table 3.

Table 3. List of socio-economic variables selected for the study

S. No. Variables

A. Independent variables

1. Age

2. Educational status

3. Marital status

4. Family type

5. Family size

6. Occupational experience

7. Number of days employed/year

8. Annual income-self

9. Annual income-household members

10. Value of assets

11. Value of household materials

12. SHG membership

13. Extent of indebtedness

14. Information source utilization

15. Social participation

16. Decision making pattern

17. Family support

18. Extension participation


36 | P a g e

19. Training exposure

20. Participation in group activity

21. Hours spent in economic activity

22. Job satisfaction

B. Dependent variable

1. Extent of Entrepreneurial skills 3.5. TOOLS OF DATA COLLECTION 3.5.1. Interview Schedules The primary data on the selected socio-economic variables, the constraints in functioning as a group and suggestions to improve the performance of the coastal women self help groups were collected through interview method using structured questionnaires. Data were collected from the selected respondents using structured and pre-tested interview schedule. Secondary sources were also used to collect relevant particulars pertaining to the study. The interview schedules developed for the study have been presented in Annexure II and III. 3.5.1.1. Pre-testing of Interview Schedule Prior to administering the interview schedule to the sample respondents, they were pre-tested under similar conditions outside the study area i.e., among the non-sample respondents. Based on the responses obtained in pre-testing, appropriate changes were made in the schedule, duly avoiding ambiguous and irrelevant items. 3.5.2. Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) Tools used in the Study 3.5.2.1. Resource Map Resource map is a participatory tool to assess the various resources of the village viz., agricultural, animal husbandry, fisheries and forest resources, area under cultivation etc. 3.5.2.2. Transect Walk Map This is a systematic exercise conducted for initial survey of the village by the research team along with key informants for exploration of the village structure, resources, infrastructure facilities, soil type, topography, vegetation, land use pattern, plantations, water potential, livestock distribution, etc. The whole area of the villages were divided into different zones, and covered by the team.


37 | P a g e

3.5.2.3. Mobility Map Mobility map gives an idea about the movement of SHG members outside the village for various purposes related to agriculture, animal husbandry, fisheries, and for other services. 3.5.2.4. Daily Routine Analysis Daily routine diagram is the pictorial representation of the daily activities performed routinely by a person. This diagram helps us to analyze how a woman of SHG is spending her time from wake-up to going to bed. 3.5.3. ‘H’ form Methodology – A Participatory Tool used for Assessment of Livelihood Needs and Entrepreneurial Skills The need-based and sustainable livelihood interventions required for the coastal women SHG members were assessed by conducting group monitoring workshops at each village, and the data were collected using a participatory monitoring tool viz., ‘H form’ method. The data on entrepreneurial skills and group dynamism of the coastal women SHG members were also collected using this participatory tool viz., ‘H form’ methodology. The original H-form method was particularly designed for monitoring and evaluation of programmes. It was developed in Somalia for assisting local people to monitor and evaluate local environmental management. The method can be used for developing indicators, evaluating activities, and to facilitate and record interviews with individuals or group discussions (Ashok et al., 2005). The diagram showing the ‘H’ form is given in Fig.17 and 18.

Fig.17. The ‘H’ Form

0 10

Statement/ Indicator to be Scored Positive Aspects Negative Aspects


38 | P a g e

For the present study, a modified H form method was used. A large sheet of paper was taken and folded in the form of ‘H’. The paper was unfolded and the ‘H’ lines were darkened with pen. The statement/ indicator to be assessed was written in the top centre of the ‘H’ form. On the left of the horizontal line of ‘H’, the score of ‘0’ representing ‘poor’ and at the right side, the score of ‘10’ representing ‘extremely good’ was written. The groups were asked to discuss and place their group consensus score along the line between 0 – 10. They were also asked to justify their scores by giving positive and negative reasons for their score. For each livelihood need/ entrepreneurial skill/ statement or indicator for measuring the group dynamism, each ‘H’ form was constructed. Thirty four indicators were identified for assessing the entrepreneurial skills and 15 indicators for group performance based on review of literature, discussions with subject matter specialists and personal insights of the researcher as a result of the experience gained during the numerous group meetings conducted during the initial bench mark survey stages of the project. The index was calculated for each indicator as the ratio of actual group consensus score to the maximum possible score (10) and expressed in percentage.

Fig.18. The ‘H’ Form Method


39 | P a g e

Fig. 19. Field Visits and Primary Data Collection from the Respondents


40 | P a g e

Fig. 20. Secondary Data Collection from Departmental Records


41 | P a g e

3.5.4. Drawing Inferences

The data collected were codified, classified, tabulated and analyzed to draw meaningful findings. The findings from the analysis of data were suitably interpreted and necessary conclusions and inferences were drawn. 3.6. STATISTICAL TOOLS USED FOR ANALYSIS OF DATA The standard statistical tools viz., mean, frequency, percentage analysis, standard deviation, 't' test, 'F' test, correlation and regression analyses were used. The SPSS and SAS software were used for the analysis of data. The following statistical tools were employed for analyzing the data of this study. 3.6.1. Mean and Standard Deviation To enable us to comprehend the significance of the whole values in a single effort, mean scores were calculated. It gives an idea about the average value of the obervations. To have an idea about the homogeneity (less dispersed) or heterogeneity (more dispersed) of the distribution, standard deviation was calculated. Both mean and standard deviation together, give a complete idea about the distribution. 3.6.2. Frequencies and Percentage Analysis Frequencies and percentage analysis were done to make simple comparisons wherever necessary. Corrections to percentage were made to two decimals. 3.6.3. Simple Correlation Coefficient Simple Correlation Coefficient was employed to assess the relationship between the independent and dependent variables. 3.6.4. Multiple Regression Analysis Multiple regression analysis was used to study the effect of independent variables over dependent variable. 3.6.5. Coefficient of Regression (R2) Coefficient of regression (R2) was used to measure the extent of variation in dependent variable, which can be explained by the independent variables together.


42 | P a g e

3.7. HYPOTHESES FORMULATED FOR THE STUDY Based on the objectives of the study, the following hypotheses were formulated to answer the research questions. There exists need-based livelihood interventions which can support the family

income and socio-economic well-being of coastal women self help groups on a sustainable basis.

The coastal women self help groups possess the entrepreneurial skills required to manage the micro-enterprises.

There is significant relationship between the socio-economic variables of the women self help groups and their entrepreneurial skills.

3.8. Milestones and Phasing of Activities Table 4. The quarter-wise time frame of activities followed

Sl. No.

Activities/ Time Frame Year I Year II

Q1

Q2

Q3

Q4

Q1

Q2

Q3

Q4

1. Tools of data collection & pre-testing

i. Identification of socio-economic variables and construction of interview schedule

ii. Pre-testing of questionnaires in a non-sampling area

2. Data collection

i. Identification of sampling units

ii. Data collection

iii. Conducting workshops (Participatory Assessment Workshops)

3. Data analysis and report writing

i. Codification and tabulation of data

ii. Data analysis

iii. Report writing


43 | P a g e


44 | P a g e

CHAPTER IV

Findings and Discussion The findings of the study are presented in this chapter. The findings are discussed and the inferences are drawn in the light of the objectives setforth. These are presented under the following sections:

4.1. Participatory Assessment on Availability of Resources to Support Livelihood

4.2. Socio-economic Profile of the Coastal Women SHG Members

4.3. Need-based and Sustainable Livelihood Requirements as Perceived by the Coastal Women Self Help Groups

4.4. Entrepreneurial Skills Possessed by the Coastal Women Self Help Groups to Manage the Micro-Enterprises

4.5. Relationship between the Socio-economic Variables and Entrepreneurial Skills of the Coastal Women SHG Members


4.7. Suggestions as Perceived by the Coastal Women SHGs to Mitigate the Constraints in Carrying out the Alternate Livelihood Ventures

4.1. Participatory Assessment on Availability of Resources to Support Livelihood

The availability of resources to support the livelihood of women SHGs were assessed through the Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) tools such as, Resource Map, Transect Walk Map and Mobility map. The maps depicted the fishery resources, agricultural resources, livestock resources, the fishing methods in practice, types of fishing nets in use, the institutional facilities such as financial institutions, markets, the developmental departments where government schemes can be availed, and other infrastructural facilities available in the locale. The transect maps also showed the land use pattern, land slope, available water bodies, etc. The mobility map revealed the movement of the women SHG members from their villages, such as the direction, the average distance travelled, and the purpose of the mobility for availing various services. The resource, transect and mobility maps pertaining to the locale of the study viz., Mayyanad and Thangasserry villages in Kollam district, Njarakkal and Chellanam villages in Ernakulam district, Nattika and Azhikode villages in Thrissur district and Azhikode and Dharmadam villages in Kannur district of Kerala are presented in the following sections.


45 | P a g e

4.1.1. Livelihood Resources of Village Mayyanad, Kollam District From the PRA tools such as resource and transect maps (Fig. 22), it could be understood that the village has rich fishery resources both in capture and culture sectors, by way of artisanal marine fishing, fishing through Chinese fishing nets and cast nets in back waters, estuaries and ponds, and culturing prawn in aquaculture ponds. The fishing nets in use are gillnets, cast nets, Chinese fishing nets, traps, and line fishing.

The agricultural resources include paddy, mango, coconut, banana, jack fruit, tapioca and vegetable crops. There was huge potential for marketing of these agricultural produces as fresh, as well as after processing, and making it into different value added edible products for marketing in nearby retail markets, and through urban markets in Kollam. The maps also reveal the livelihood opportunities through the livestock resources such as cattle, goats, poultry and ducks. The infrastructural facilities of the locale are also depicted in the resource and transect maps.

From the mobility map (Fig. 21), it could be inferred that the women SHG members, on an average were travelling from a minimum distance of 3.5 kms to the maximum of 4.5 kms for the purposes related to their livelihood activities such as visiting the panchayat offices, fishery department viz., MATSYAFED, markets, financial institutions etc. The other movements were upto the distance of 12.5 kms for availing the facilities/ services such as visits to the electricity office, railway station, hospitals etc.

Fig.21. Mobility Map – Mayyanad, Kollam


46 | P a g e

Coconut

Mango

Banana

Vegetables

Paddy field

Jackfruit

Tapioca

Fishing nets

Duckery

Aquaculture

Boat Jetty

Pond

Houses

School

Temple/church

Playground

Railway track

Main road

Petrol pump

Govt. offices

Pattern Zone-1 Zone-2 Zone-3 Land use pattern Cultivated area Cultivated, habitat

areas Cultivated, habitat areas

Land slope S W S W S W

Water bodies Sea, estuary Ponds Ponds

Crops Nil Paddy, tapioca,

banana

Paddy, tapioca,

banana

Trees Coconut, jackfruit, mango

Coconut, mango, jackfruit

Coconut, mango, jackfruit

Plantation Mangroves Nil Nil

Livestock Cattle, goat, poultry,

duckery

Cattle, goat, poultry,

duckery

Cattle, goat, poultry

Fisheries Capture (sea, estuary) Aquaculture (ponds) Aquaculture (ponds)

Fishing method Cast net, gill net, traps, line fishing

Nil Cast net

Fig. 22. Resource and Transect Maps of Village Mayyanad, Kollam


47 | P a g e

4.1.2. Livelihood Resources of Village Thangaserry, Kollam District

From the PRA tools such as resource and transect maps (Fig. 24), it could be understood that marine capture fisheries is the predominant livelihood activity of the village. Artisanal marine fishing is the major source of livelihood for the fisherfolk, using fibre re-inforced plastic fishing crafts, plank built fishing crafts, and gill nets. Lines are also used for capturing shark and seer fishes, and traps for lobster resources. Cast nets are also in use. The availability of fish pre-processing and processing units in the periphery of the village, and the community based fish processing units run by women SHGs also ensures the livelihood potential though fishery based enterprises.

The agricultural resources are very scarce, as this village is very adjacent to the sea, though coconut and mango are available. The maps also reveal that the livelihood opportunities through the livestock resources are also limited, though poultry is available in limited numbers. The infrastructural facilities of the locale are also depicted in the resource and transect maps.

From the mobility map (Fig.23), it could be inferred that the women SHG members, on an average were travelling to a distance between 1-2 kms for the purposes related to their livelihood activities such as visiting the public distribution system (PDS) stores, panchayat offices, fishery department viz., MATSYAFED, markets, financial institutions etc. The other movements were upto the distance of 7 kms for availing the facilities/ services such as visits to the electricity office, railway station, hospitals, corporation office, collectorate etc.

Fig.23. Mobility Map – Thangaserry, Kollam


48 | P a g e

Shark

Fishing nets

Aquaculture

Boat jetty

Pond

Coconut

Mango

Factory

Temple/church

Mosque

Houses

Govt offices

Light house

Hospital

School

Pattern Zone - 1 Zone - 2

Land use pattern Habitat area Habitat area

Land slope W E W E

Water bodies Sea, backwater Nil

Crops Nil Nil

Trees Coconut, mango Coconut, Mango

Plantation Nil Nil

Livestock Poultry Poultry

Fisheries Capture, culture Capture

Fishing method Cast net, gill net Cast net , gill net

Fig. 24. Resource and Transect Maps of Village Thangasserry, Kollam


49 | P a g e

4.1.3. Livelihood Resources of Village Njarakkal, Ernakulam District

From the PRA tools such as resource and transect maps (Fig. 26), it could be understood that the village has rich fishery resources both in capture and culture sectors, by way of artisanal marine fishing, fishing through Chinese fishing nets and cast nets in backwaters, estuaries and ponds, and culturing prawn in aquaculture ponds. Crab and oyster culture are also supporting the livelihood of fisherfolk. The fishing nets in use are gillnets, cast nets, Chinese fishing nets, traps, and line fishing. The vast backwater resources and aquaculture ponds provide a huge potential for aqua-tourism in this village.

The agricultural resources include paddy, mango, coconut, banana, jack fruit, tapioca and vegetable crops. The typical Pokkali paddy cultivation is in practice in the village. Mangrove plantations are also available. There was huge potential for marketing of these agricultural produces as fresh, as well as after processing, and making it into different value added edible products for marketing in nearby retail markets, and through urban markets in Ernakulam. The maps also reveal the livelihood opportunities through the livestock resources such as cattle, goats and poultry. The infrastructural facilities of the locale are also depicted in the resource and transect maps.

From the mobility map (Fig. 25), it could be inferred that the women SHG members, on an average were travelling from a minimum distance of 2 kms to the maximum of 5 kms for the purposes related to their livelihood activities such as visiting the panchayat offices, fishery department viz., MATSYAFED, markets, financial institutions etc. The other movements were upto the distance of about 8 kms for availing the facilities/ services such as visits to the electricity office, railway station, hospitals etc.

Fig.25. Mobility Map – Njarakkal, Ernakulam


50 | P a g e

Shrimp

Crab

Aquaculture

Fishing nets

Boat jetty

Poultry

Cattle

Pokkali paddy

Coconut

Mango

Market

Houses

Main road

Canal

Ship/anchor

Temple/ church/

Mosque

Bank/ other offices

Playground

School


Land use pattern Cultivated area Cultivated area, habitat area

Land slope W E W E

Water bodies Sea, ponds Backwater, ponds

Crops Pokkali paddy Pokkali paddy

Trees Coconut, mango Coconut, mango

Plantation Mangroves Mangroves

Livestock Nil Cattle, poultry, goatery

Fisheries Capture, culture Capture, culture

Fishing method Cast net, gill net, traps, line

fishing

Cast net, gill net

Fig. 26. Resource and Transect Maps of Village Njarakkal, Ernakulam


51 | P a g e

4.1.4. Livelihood Resources of Village Chellanam, Ernakulam District

From the PRA tools such as resource and transect maps (Fig. 28), it could be understood that the village has rich fishery resources both in capture and culture sectors, by way of artisanal marine fishing, fishing through Chinese fishing nets and cast nets in backwaters, estuaries, canals and ponds, and culturing prawn in aquaculture ponds. Artisanal marine fishing is the major source of livelihood for the fisherfolk, using fibre re-inforced plastic fishing crafts, plank built fishing crafts, and gill nets. Ring seine nets are in use for capturing sardine resources. The availability of fish pre-processing and processing units in the periphery of the village, and the community based fish processing units run by women SHGs also ensures the livelihood potential though fishery based enterprises. Preparation of value added fish products and dry fish production has enormous scope in this village.

The agricultural resources include paddy, mango, coconut, banana, jack fruit, tapioca and vegetable crops. The typical Pokkali paddy cultivation is in practice in the village. Mangrove plantations are also available. There is huge potential for marketing of these agricultural produces as fresh, as well as after processing, and making it into different value added edible products for marketing in nearby retail markets, and through super markets in Ernakulam. The maps also reveal the livelihood opportunities through the livestock resources such as cattle, goats and poultry.

From the mobility map (Fig. 27), it could be inferred that the women SHG members, on an average were travelling from a minimum distance of 0.5 kms to the maximum of 17 kms for the purposes related to their livelihood activities such as visiting the panchayat offices, fishery department viz., MATSYAFED, markets, super markets in the city, financial institutions etc.

Fig.27. Mobility Map – Chellanam, Ernakulam


52 | P a g e


Land use pattern Cultivated area Cultivated area

Land slope E W E W

Water bodies Sea, ponds, canal Backwater, ponds, canal

Crops Pokkali paddy Pokkali paddy

Trees Coconut, jack fruit, mango Coconut, jack fruit, mango


Livestock Cattle, poultry, goatery Cattle, poultry, goatery

Fisheries Capture (marine), culture (backwater)

Capture (marine), culture (backwater)

Fishing method Cast net, gill net, traps, line fishing Cast net, gill net, traps, line

fishing

Market Kannamaly Kannamaly

Aquaculture

Crab

Shrimp

Fishing nets

Landing centre

Cattle

Poultry

Pokkali

paddy

Coconut,

jackfruit,

mango

Houses

Offices

Hospital

Temple/

church

Bank

Post office

School

Fig. 28. Resource and Transect Maps of Village Chellanam, Ernakulam


53 | P a g e

4.1.5. Livelihood Resources of Village Nattika, Thrissur District

From the PRA tools (Fig. 30), it could be understood that the village has rich fishery resources both in capture and culture sectors, by way of artisanal marine fishing, fishing through Chinese fishing nets and cast nets in backwaters, estuaries and ponds, and culturing prawn in aquaculture ponds. Oyster culture is also supporting the livelihood of fisherfolk. The major fishing nets in use are gillnets, cast nets and Chinese fishing nets. The vast backwater resources and aquaculture ponds provide a huge potential for aqua-tourism in this village.

The agricultural resources include paddy, mango, coconut, banana, jack fruit, tapioca and vegetable crops. Integrated farming system model, involving agricultural, livestock and fishery resources are also in practice in the village. Mangrove plantations are also available. The maps also reveal the livelihood opportunities through the livestock resources such as cattle, goats and poultry. The infrastructural facilities of the locale are also depicted in the resource and transect maps.

From the mobility map (Fig. 29), it could be inferred that the women SHG members, on an average were travelling from a minimum distance of 0.5 kms to the maximum of 4.5 kms for the purposes related to their livelihood activities such as visiting the panchayat offices, fishery department viz., MATSYAFED, markets, super markets in the cities, financial institutions etc. The other movements were upto the distance of about 5 kms for availing the facilities/ services such as visits to the electricity office, post office, hospitals etc.

Fig.29. Mobility Map – Nattika, Thrissur


54 | P a g e

Fishing nets

Paddy

Integrated Farming System

Vegetable

cultivation

Coconut

Mango

Banana

Cattle

Houses

Main road

Offices/bank

Market

Educational

Zone

Temple/church/ Mosque

Eye hospital/

hospital

Petrol pump

Pattern Zone - 1 Zone - 2 Zone - 3

Land use pattern Cultivated area,

habitat area

Cultivated area,

Habitat area

Cultivated area,

Habitat area

Land slope W E W E W E

Water bodies Sea, estuary Ponds Ponds

Crops Paddy, banana Paddy, Banana Paddy, Banana

Trees Coconut , mango Coconut , Mango Coconut , Mango

Plantation Mangroves Nil Nil

Livestock Cattle, Poultry, Goat Cattle, Poultry, Goat Cattle, Poultry, Goat

Fisheries Capture (marine), Culture (BW ponds)

Capture, culture Capture, culture

Fishing method Cast net, gill net Cast net, gill net Cast net, gill net

Market Thriprayar Thriprayar Thriprayar

Fig. 30. Resource and Transect Maps of Village Nattika, Thrissur


55 | P a g e

4.1.6. Livelihood Resources of Village Azhikode, Thrissur District

From the PRA tools (Fig. 32), it could be understood that the village has rich fishery resources both in capture and culture sectors, by way of artisanal marine fishing, fishing through Chinese fishing nets and cast nets in backwaters and estuaries, and culturing prawn and oyster in aquaculture ponds. The major fishing nets in use are gillnets, cast nets and Chinese fishing nets. The vast backwater resources and aquaculture ponds provide a huge potential for aqua-tourism in this village. Fish pre-processing and processing units also support the livelihood.

The agricultural resources include mango, coconut, banana, jack fruit, tapioca and vegetable crops. Mangrove plantations are also available. The maps also reveal the livelihood opportunities through the livestock resources such as cattle, goatery and poultry. The infrastructural facilities of the locale are also depicted in the resource and transect maps.

From the mobility map (Fig. 31), it could be inferred that the women SHG members, on an average were travelling to a distance of about 2 kms for the purposes related to their livelihood activities such as visiting the panchayat offices, boat jetties, fish landing centres, fish processing plants, fishery department viz., MATSYAFED, markets, super markets in the cities, financial institutions etc. The other movements were upto the distance of about 6 kms for availing the facilities/ services such as visits to the electricity office, post office, hospitals etc.

Fig.31. Mobility Map – Azhikode, Thrissur


56 | P a g e

Fishing nets

Landing

centre

Fish processing

Coconut

Mangroves

Poultry

Cattle

Market

Houses

Main road

Offices/Poli

ce station

Petrol pump

Resort

Hospital

Temple/

church/

mosque

Bank

Beach

School


Land use pattern Habitat area Cultivated area, habitat area

Land slope W E W E

Water bodies Sea, ponds, canal, river River

Crops Nil Nil

Trees Coconut Coconut


Livestock Cattle, poultry Cattle, poultry, goatery

Fisheries Capture Capture, culture

Fishing method Cast net, gill net, Chinese net Cast net, gill net

Fig. 32. Resource and Transect Maps of Village Azhikode, Thrissur


57 | P a g e

4.1.7. Livelihood Resources of Village Azhikode, Kannur District

From the PRA tools such as resource map and transect map (Fig. 34), it could be understood that the village has rich fishery resources both in capture and culture sectors, by way of artisanal marine fishing, fishing through Chinese fishing nets and cast nets in backwaters, estuaries, canals, river and ponds, and culturing prawn and oyster in aquaculture ponds. The major fishing nets in use are gillnets, cast nets, scoop nets and Chinese fishing nets. The vast backwater resources and aquaculture ponds provide a huge potential for aqua-tourism in this village. Fish pre-processing and processing units also support the livelihood.

The agricultural resources include paddy, mango, coconut, banana, jack fruit, tapioca and vegetable crops. Mangrove plantations are also available. The maps also reveal the livelihood opportunities through the livestock resources such as cattle, goatery and poultry. The infrastructural facilities of the locale are also depicted in the resource and transect maps.

From the mobility map (Fig. 33), it could be inferred that the women SHG members, on an average were travelling from a minimum distance of 0.5 kms to the maximum of 3 kms for the purposes related to their livelihood activities such as visiting the fish landing centres, panchayat offices, fishery department viz., MATSYAFED, markets, super markets in the cities, financial institutions etc. The other movements were upto the distance of about 10 kms for availing the facilities/ services such as visits to the electricity office, post office, railway station, hospitals etc.

Fig.33. Mobility Map – Azhikode, Kannur


58 | P a g e

BW Aquaculture

Landing centre

Fishing

Shark

Paddy

Coconut

Mango

Vegetables

Cattle

Houses

Mosque

School

Hospital

Post office

Temple/ church

Light house

Resort

College


Land use pattern Cultivated area, habitat area

Habitat area

Land slope W E W E

Water bodies Sea, pond Nil

Crops Vegetables Nil

Trees Coconut Coconut

Plantation Nil Nil

Livestock Cattle, poultry, goatery Nil

Fishing method Cast net, gill net Cast net, gill net, scoop net

Market Azhikode Azhikode

Fig. 34. Resource and Transect Maps of Village Azhikode, Kannur


59 | P a g e

4.1.8. Livelihood Resources of Village Dharmadam, Kannur District

From the PRA tools (Fig. 36), it could be understood that the village has rich fishery resources both in capture and culture sectors, by way of artisanal marine fishing, fishing through Chinese fishing nets and cast nets in backwaters, estuaries, canals, river and ponds, and culturing prawn and oyster in aquaculture ponds. The major fishing nets in use are gillnets, cast nets and Chinese fishing nets. Shore seines are also used. The vast backwater resources and aquaculture ponds provide a huge potential for aqua-tourism in this village. Fish pre-processing and processing units also support the livelihood.

The agricultural resources include paddy, mango, coconut, banana, jack fruit, tapioca and vegetable crops. Pepper, beetle wine, cardamom and cashewnut resources are also available ensuring better scope of marketing fresh agricultural produces, and also through value addition. Mangrove plantations are also available. The maps also reveal the livelihood opportunities through the livestock resources such as cattle, goatery and poultry. The infrastructural facilities of the locale are also depicted in the resource and transect maps.

From the mobility map (Fig.35), it could be inferred that the women SHG members, on an average were travelling from a minimum distance of 1 kms to the maximum of 2 kms for the purposes related to their livelihood activities such as visiting the fish landing centres, panchayat offices, fishery department viz., MATSYAFED, markets, super markets in the cities, financial institutions etc.

Fig.35. Mobility Map – Dharmadam, Kannur


60 | P a g e

Beach landing

centre

Fishing nets

Beetle wine

Cardamom

Cashewnut

Paddy

Mango

Coconut

Cattle

Market

Houses

Main road

Offices/bank

Railway track

Well

University

Temple/

church/

Mosque

College/ School


Land use pattern Cultivated area, habitat area Cultivated area, habitat area

Land slope W E W E

Water bodies Sea, river River

Crops Cardamom, paddy, banana, tapioca, pepper

Cardamom, paddy, banana, tapioca, pepper

Trees Coconut plant Coconut plant, cashew, Mangrove

Livestock Cattle, poultry, goatery Cattle, poultry, goatery

Fishing method Cast net, gill net Cast net, gill net

Market Mithalepedika Palayad

Fig. 36. Resource and Transect Maps of Village Dharmadam, Kannur


61 | P a g e

Fig. 37. Rich Resource Base of the Study Area


62 | P a g e

4.2. Socio-economic Profile of the Coastal Women SHG Members The socio-economic profile of the coastal women SHG members of the study area are presented in Table 5. On the perusal of the socio-economic profile of the fisherwomen SHGs in the study area, it could be found that there were no significant differences among the respondents from the four districts pertaining to the variables viz., age, educational status, marital status, family type, decision making pattern, family support for the involvement of women in entrepreneurial activities, participation in group activity, job satisfaction and extent of entrepreneurial skills. Significant differences (at 5% level of probability) were observed in the variables viz., family size, occupational experience, number of days employed/year, annual income of self, value of household materials, social participation and hours spent in economic activity. Highly significant differences (at 1% level of probability) was observed among them, with regard to the variables viz., annual income of household members, value of assets, number of years of membership in SHGs, extent of indebtedness, information source utilization, extension participation and training exposure. The mean age of the women was between 40 and 45 yrs. This is in accordance with the findings of earlier studies which reported that majority of the clientele in fisheries were middle-aged (Abha et al , 2014; Sheela, 2008). The mean score on education was about 4.7. About 60 to 98 percentage of the respondents were possessing higher secondary level education. It was also observed that none of the respondents was illiterate. The literacy rate in Kerala state is relatively higher in India, which might be also one of the reasons for this result. This is in accordance with the findings of Geethalakshmi et al., 2012. Almost, all the respondents were married. The declining trend in joint family system was observed in the case of fishermen communities in this study area, as almost all the respondents belonged to nuclear families with an average family size of four to five. The average annual family income was between Rs. 1.00 to 1.50 lakh, with the self income of about Rs. 48,000/-. The mean value of assets was Rs. 14.00 lakhs and the value of household articles was Rs. 59,000/-. On an average, they were indebted to the tune of about Rs. 1.50 lakhs. Nearly, 90% of the respondents reported that the ‘decision making pattern’ was both by men and women in the family. Regarding the socioeconomic profile, Abha et al. (2014) have reported that majority of the fisherwomen involved in the dry fish production and trade were middle-aged. They had more than 10 years (10-25 years) of experience in dry fish production and handling, with high social participation through self help groups (SHGs), and moderate decision making power in family and their trade. Sheela (2008) reported that nearly 40% of the women in oyster cultivation in Kerala belonged to middle age group, and only 22.86% of the women had more than 10 years of experience in fishing related activities. The socio-economic profile of the fish processing women from Chellanam fishing village in Kerala revealed that the mean age was 38 years with all the women being literate and on an average had high school education (Geethalakshmi et al., 2012).


63 | P a g e

Table 5. Socio-economic Profile of the Coastal Women SHG Members

** Significant at 1% level ; * Significant at 5% level; NS- Non Significant

Var.

No.

Variables Kollam (n1=60) Ernakulam (n2=60) Thrissur (n3=60) Kannur (n4=60) ‘F’ value

Mean SD Mean SD Mean SD Mean SD

X1 Age (years) 42.15 11.42 40.83 9.55 44.83 11.08 43.60 8.08 3.818NS

X2 Educational status (scores) 4.47 0.87 4.82 0.60 4.77 0.62 4.95 0.22 4.626 NS

X3 Marital status (scores) 1.98 0.13 1.98 0.13 1.98 0.13 1.93 0.25 3.250 NS

X4 Family type (scores) 1.00 0.00 1.00 0.00 1.17 0.38 1.23 0.43 4.651 NS

X5 Family size (Nos.) 3.77 1.03 5.92 2.02 4.55 1.67 4.98 2.45 18.474*

X6 Occupational experience (years) 3.28 2.14 4.63 3.09 3.76 1.97 3.53 1.79 23.818*

X7 Number of days employed/year 336.92 43.95 308.83 47.53 309.08 56.32 337.92 27.74 19.729*

X8 Annual income-self (Rs.) 46350.00 12156.92 40380.00 20540.57 57123.33 20349.19 63383.33 14079.79 10.955*

X9 Annual income-household members (Rs.)

150683.33 65097.97 141166.67 73537.18 174800.00 95546.92 159375.00 102442.11 32.334**

X10 Value of assets (Rs.) 877000.00 259943.28 1162833.33 485271.52 1995000.0 1482916.85 1707627.12 673629.74 65.974**

X11 Value of household materials (Rs.) 50666.67 13131.24 63700.00 23833.68 50166.67 14466.99 47316.67 15573.22 18.346*

X12 SHG membership (years) 3.80 1.58 6.53 4.28 9.37 4.03 6.10 3.10 45.2608**

X13 Extent of indebtedness (Rs.) 167750.00 114601.10 175333.33 156136.80 200000.00 196365.28 88200.00 72813.86 30.878**

X14 Information source utilization

(Nos.)

2.00 0.00 1.52 0.50 4.23 1.32 4.75 1.20 44.201**

X15 Social participation (scores) 1.05 0.22 1.35 0.32 1.50 0.52 1.05 0.22 8.407*

X16 Decision making pattern (scores) 2.93 0.25 2.98 0.13 2.88 0.32 2.83 0.38 2.976 NS

X17 Family support (scores) 2.02 0.13 2.32 0.23 2.02 0.13 2.28 0.18 4.094 NS

X18 Extension participation (scores) 2.13 0.87 2.90 0.92 2.00 0.86 3.55 1.20 28.474**

X19 Training exposure (Nos.) 0.82 0.27 0.93 0.25 1.48 1.11 0.88 0.29 34.626**

X20 Participation in group activity

(Nos.)

1.12 0.32 1.22 0.49 1.22 0.42 1.30 0.46 3.250 NS

X21 Hours spent in economic activity (hours)

7.22 0.88 7.25 1.72 5.60 2.07 6.92 1.28 14.651*

X22 Job satisfaction (scores) 2.00 0.00 2.00 0.00 2.00 0.00 2.00 0.00 2.976 NS

Y1 Extent of entrepreneurial skills (index)

63.82 8.17 68.77 10.99 65.20 9.96 63.09 7.33 5.094 NS


64 | P a g e

Table 6. Daily Routine Analysis of Sample Respondents from Kollam and Ernakulam Districts

Time Activity

Respondent:

Smt. Sudha Johnson

Mayyanad -Kollam

Respondent:

Smt. Prameela Joseph

Thangassery - Kollam

Respondent:

Smt. Mary Grace

Chellanam- Ernakulam

Respondent:

Smt. Isha

Njarakkal- Ernakulam

04:00 AM - Wakeup - -

05:00 AM Wakeup Prayer Wakeup Wakeup

06:00 AM Prayer Household works Prayer Household works

07:00 AM Household works Household works Household works Household works

08:00 AM Household works Household works Household works Household works

09:00 AM Household works Livelihood (Dryfish production) Household works Household works

10:00 AM Livelihood (Flour mill) Livelihood (Dryfish production) Livelihood (Dryfish production) Livelihood (Pickle & detergent powder making)

11:00 AM Livelihood (Flour mill) Livelihood (Dryfish production) Social activities in Panchayat Livelihood (Pickle & detergent powder making)

12:00 AM Livelihood (Flour mill) Lunch Time Social activities in Panchayat Livelihood (Pickle & detergent powder making)

01:00 PM Lunch time Livelihood (Dryfish production) Social activities in Panchayat Lunch Time

02:00 PM Livelihood (Flour mill) Livelihood (Dryfish production) Lunch time Livelihood (Pickle & detergent powder making)

03:00 PM Livelihood (Flour mill) Livelihood (Dryfish production) Social activities in Panchayat Livelihood (Pickle & detergent powder making)

04:00 PM Livelihood (Flour mill) Livelihood (Dryfish production) Social activities in panchayat Livelihood (Pickle & detergent powder making)

05:00 PM Livelihood (Flour mill) SHG works (Accounts) Social activities in Panchayat Livelihood (Pickle & detergent powder making)

06:00 PM SHG works ( Accounts ) Household works Household works Livelihood (Pickle & detergent powder making)

07:00 PM Household works Prayer Household works Household works

08:00 PM Prayer Household works Household works Household works

09:00 PM Household works Household works Supper Household works

10:00 PM Household works Going to bed Going to bed Household works

11:00 PM Going to bed - - Going to bed

12:00 PM - - - -


65 | P a g e

Table 7. Daily Routine Analysis of Sample Respondents from Thrissur and Kannur Districts

Time Activity

Respondent: Smt. Seenath Muhammad

Azhikode -Thrissur

Respondent: Smt. Viji

Nattika - Thrissur

Respondent: Smt. Lathika, K.

Azhikode- Kannur

Respondent: Smt. Shailaja, P.

Dharmadam- Kannur

04:00 AM - - Wakeup Wakeup

05:00 AM Wakeup Wakeup Household activities SHG activity (Catering)

06:00 AM Household activities Prayer Household activities SHG activity (Catering)

07:00 AM Household activities Household activities Household activities SHG activity (Catering)

08:00 AM Household activities Household activities Household activities SHG activity (Catering)

09:00 AM Household activities SHG Activities (Accounts work) SHG activities (Bakery) SHG activity (Catering)

10:00 AM SHG activities (Pickle, Fish drying

and value added product making)

SHG activities (Flour making and packing) SHG activities Wage earning (Spinning mill)

11:00 AM SHG Activities SHG activities (Flour making and packing) SHG activities Wage earning (Spinning mill)

12:00 AM SHG Activities SHG activities (Flour making and packing) SHG activities Wage earning (Spinning mill)

01:00 PM SHG Activities, Lunch break SHG activities (Flour making and packing) SHG activities, Lunch time Wage earning (Spinning mill)

02:00 PM SHG Activities Lunch time SHG activities Wage earning (Spinning mill)

03:00 PM SHG Activities SHG work (Flour making & packing) SHG activities Wage earning (Spinning mill)

04:00 PM SHG Activities SHG activities (Flour making and packing) SHG activities Wage earning (Spinning mill)

05:00 PM SHG Activities SHG activities (Flour making and packing) SHG activities SHG activity (Catering & Herbal

medicine preparation)

06:00 PM SHG Activities Household activities SHG activities SHG activity (Catering & Herbal


07:00 PM Household activities, Prayer Prayer Household activities, Prayer SHG activity (Catering & Herbal


08:00 PM Household activities Household activities Household activities Household activities, Prayer

09:00 PM Household activities Household activities Household activities Household activities

10:00 PM Going to bed Going to bed Going to bed Household activities

11:00 PM - - - Going to bed

12:00 PM - - - -


66 | P a g e

Fig. 38. Daily Routine Analysis of Sample Respondents in

Kollam, Ernakulam, Thrissur and Kannur Districts From the daily routine analysis (Table 6, 7 and Fig. 38), it could be understood that the respondents were spending about 8 hrs for their livelihood activities, and about 7-11 hrs on household responsibilities.

Fig. 39. Educational Status of Sample Respondents in

Kollam, Ernakulam, Thrissur and Kannur Districts

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

Kollam Ernakulam Thrissur Kannur

Ho

urs

Sp

en

t/ D

ay

Rest

Livelihood

Household

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

Illiterate Can read and write

Primary Middle Secondary Collegiate

Pe

rce

nta

ge

Kollam

Ernakulam

Thrissur

Kannur


67 | P a g e

From Fig. 41, it could be seen that nearly 80 to 100 percent of the fisherwomen

belonged to nuclear family systems. The declining trend in joint family system, the general trend observed now in any Indian family system was also observed in the case of fishermen communities in this study area too. This is in accordance with the findings of Sheela (1997 and 2004) and Sharma (2000).

0 20 40 60 80 100 120

Kollam

Ernakulam

Thrissur

Kannur

%

Fig.40 . Marital Status

Unmarried

Married

0

20

40

60

80

100

120


Pe

rce

nta

ge

Fig.41. Family Type

Nuclear

Joint

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100


Pe

rce

nta

ge

Fig. 42. Decision Making Pattern

Male Head

Female

Both


68 | P a g e

The percentage distribution of the respondents pertaining to their type of house and ownership pattern are given in Fig. 43 and 44.

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90


%

Fig. 43. Type of House

Concrete

Tilled

Thatched

0

20

40

60

80

100

120


Fig. 44. Ownership of House

Owned

Rent


69 | P a g e

Information Sources Utilization Matsyafed and Matsya Bhavan, the public sector extension wings of the State Department of Fisheries, Govt. of Kerala were the major institutional sources of technical information, utilized by the fisherwomen self help groups for information pertaining to their livelihood. The utilization pattern of other information sources such as mass media, and personal localite sources of information is given in Fig. 45.

All the respondents were members in SHGs. About 5% of them were also members in co-operative societies and about 2% were office-bearers in village panchayaths.

From Fig. 46, it could be found that almost 85-98% of the respondents from all the four districts reported that extent of family support for involvement in SHG activities was good.

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

%

Fig. 45. Information Sources Utilization

Kollam

Ernakulam

Thrissur

Kannur

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100


Fig. 46. Extent of Family Support for SHG Activities

Yes-Fully

Yes-Partially

No


70 | P a g e

Extension Participation and Training Exposure

The percentage distribution of respondents with regard to their extent of participation in various extension programmes such as kisan mela, method demonstrations, field tours, group meetings, and training exposure are given in Fig. 47 and 48.

0

20

40

60

80

100

Pe

rce

nta

ge

Fig.47. Extent of Participation in Extension Programmes (Multiple Responses)

Kollam

Ernakulam

Thrissur

Kannur

0 10 20 30 40

Soap making

Pickle making

Value added fish products

Home appliances

Fish marketing

Tailoring

MNREGP training

Fish drying methods

Goatery

Bakery items

Accounting

Flour making

Brick manufacturing

SGSY training

Jam and squash making

Percentage

Fig. 48. Training Exposure (Multiple Responses)

Kannur

Thrissur

Ernakulam

Kollam


71 | P a g e

The mean score on participation in extension activities was between 2.00 and 3.55. The earlier studies by Sujathkumar and Sripal (1992) and Kumaran et al. (2004) also indicated ‘inadequate’ extension participation among the clientele in fisheries. The difference in the time schedule of the extension personnel and clientele was found as a major constraint in participation of clientele in extension activities such as field days, method demonstrations, training programmes, group meetings or seminars, exhibitions, tours, etc. The average number of training programmes undergone by the respondents was 1. Majority of them had low level of exposure to training programmes. The probable reasons might be the lack of opportunities to undergo training and time constraint. Though the clientele evinced keen interest to undergo training in latest developments in fisheries and allied sectors, the time factor was a major constraint obstructing their participation in training and demonstration programmes. This is in accordance with the findings of Devi (2004) and Vimala et al. (2004). Institutions Offered Training The training programmes were organized by the institutes such as village panchayats, fishery offices of State government viz., MATSYAFED, NGOs, social service wings of Religious organizations, Block Development Offices etc. As part of different social security schemes of Central and State Governments also, training programmes were organized for the women SHGs. Marketing Channels Used

The percentage distribution of respondents based on the marketing channels used by them is given in Fig. 49, from which it could be understood that wholesale agents were the major source followed by door-to-door sale of the products made through SHGs. Local shandies and retail market channels also play a significant role in their livelihood support.

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

Wholesale Retail Petty shops Door to door sale

Local shandies Direct sale to restaurants

Homesteads

Pe

rce

nta

ge

Fig. 49. Marketing Channels Used

Kollam

Ernakulam

Thrissur

Kannur


72 | P a g e

Occupational Profile of the Respondents The occupational profile of self and family members are presented in Table 8 and 9.

Table 8. Occupational Status (Self)

(* Small scale units: Rice flour making units, paper star making, detergent soap making, pickle making, catering units, home appliances, textile unit, bakery units, tailoring unit, etc.)

Table 9. Occupational Status (Household members)

(* Self-employed: welder, plumber, auto/ taxi services, tailoring, electrician, mobile phone services, painter, DTP units, carpenter, etc.)

S. No

Occupational Status (Self)

Kollam (n1=60)

Ernakulam (n2=60)

Thrissur (n3=60)

Kannur (n4=60)

f* % f* % f* % f* %

1. Fish drying 14 23.33 16 26.67 12 20.00 10 16.67

2. Marketing of fish 12 20.00 10 16.67 8 13.33 10 16.67

3. Service sector 2 3.33 0 0.00 4 6.67 2 3.33

4. Wage earnings (including pre-processing and processing of fish, MNREGP)

10 16.67 12 20.00 14 23.33 16 26.67

5. Fishery allied activities (mending/ repair of fishing nets)

8 13.33 6 10.00 8 13.33 6 10.00

6. Preparation of value added fish products

2 3.33 2 3.33 4 6.67 2 3.33

7. Fish seed collection 2 3.33 2 3.33 0 0.00 2 3.33

8. Herbal medicine preparation 2 3.33 2 3.33 4 6.67 2 3.33

9. Vegetable production 2 3.33 5 8.33 2 3.33 2 3.33

10. Small scale units* 6 10.00 5 8.33 4 6.67 8 13.33

S. No

Occupational Status (Household members)

Kollam (n1=60)

Ernakulam (n2=60)

Thrissur (n3=60)

Kannur (n4=60)

f* % f* % f* % f* %

1. Fishing 32 53.33 36 60.00 38 63.33 35 58.33

2. Fishery allied activities 12 20.00 10 16.67 8 13.33 11 18.33

3. Self employed * 6 10.00 6 10.00 4 6.67 6 10.00

4. Service sector (Domestic) 2 3.33 4 6.67 4 6.67 4 6.67

5. Wage earnings 2 3.33 2 3.33 4 6.67 2 3.33

6. Service sector (Abroad) 4 6.67 1 1.67 0 0.00 1 1.67

7. Marketing 2 3.33 1 1.67 2 3.33 1 1.67


73 | P a g e

Women of fishing communities in the coastal areas of Kerala are indispensable partners in fisheries and rural development. The results revealed that women have also found a niche for themselves in other fields such as flour making unit, tailoring, pickle making, DTP work, poultry and goat farming etc. In addition to those jobs, some were also involved in alternate livelihood options including petty businesses, catering services, jewellery making, travel agency etc. The coastal women face constraints like non-availability of inputs in time, impossibility of fish drying in the rainy season, emergence of low cost products from private companies, variations in the price of raw materials, competition from the monopolists of the area etc. The suggestions proposed were that the adoption of modern techniques and provide adequate support from the local bodies. Most of the household members of SHG’s are involved in fishing. Fishing is perceived to be a full-time occupation of men; the involvement of women is just as significant. Together with their male counterparts, women are engaged in activities like making fishing nets, gears, repairing or maintaining the gears, sorting of fingerlings, fish processing, transportation and marketing. As time progresses, this complementary role of women is changing and women’s involvement in these activities is becoming a full time occupation. One of the most documented differences between the work of women and men in coastal areas is the segregated nature of the fishing activity. Studies show that men tend to fish offshore or in major inland water bodies, while women fish close to shore. Women tend to be more involved than men in post-harvest activities, particularly in small-scale fisheries. These differences are important, as women’s tasks have often not been counted in economic analyses or received the same level of investment. Women’s economic activities may also be more difficult to categorise than men’s. Women tend to juggle multiple activities whereas men’s work is often clearly focused on one set of interrelated activities. Women continue to be in marginal employment and have low levels of skills. Lack of education, information and lack of training and low level of literacy; aggravate the situation of their deprivation. Women are provided the lowest paid jobs and paid wages lower than men. It has been observed that, in fact a greater proportion of the fisherwomen’s income is spent to meet the necessities of the family.


74 | P a g e

Fig. 50. Engagement of Coastal Women in Natural Resource Management


75 | P a g e

4.3. Need-based and Sustainable Livelihood Requirements as Perceived by the Coastal Women Self Help Groups Through the participatory assessment, 30 potential microenterprises suitable for coastal women self help groups were identified and presented in Table 10 and Fig. 51. Out of the 30 potential and sustainable livelihood needs assessed through participatory tools, considering the factors such as resources availability, marketing scope and the entrepreneurial skills, aqua tourism (Index: 83.33) was found to be the most potential livelihood option for women in coastal eco-system, especially as a group activity for the women SHGs. The rich water bodies such as backwaters, aquatic resources, and being the tourist destination, aqua tourism has great potential for livelihood security and economic empowerment of women in coastal ecosystem. Fish drying units (80.42), preparation of value added fish products (77.08), catering units (77.08), fish/ prawn feed manufacture (69.17), fish/ prawn seed collection (64.17) and collection of bi-valves such as oyster, clam, etc. (61.67), were also found to be the most potential and sustainable livelihood need for the women SHGs in coastal areas of Kerala. Between 50% to 60% of the respondents preferred coastal aquaculture such as fish, prawn and bi-valves culture, preparation of herbal medicines, collection of sea weeds, tailoring and vegetable cultivation in backyards. The other livelihood avenues identified were; collection of ornamental fishes, small-scale units, aquarium units/ornamental fish culture, backyard poultry, traditional health sector, petty shops, floriculture, making coconut by-products, agriculture, dairy unit, milling units (flour mills), processing of fruits and vegetables, jute based products making, goatery, cora grass based products, florists (bouquet making), coir based products making units and vermi-compost preparation. However, nearly 40% of the respondents preferred ‘wage earning’ rather than starting their own microenterprises due to their low level of risk orientation. From the review of earlier studies, it could be inferred that there are ample livelihood opportunities for women in coastal ecosystem such as; aquaculture diversification, bivalve farming, fish marketing, crab fattening, edible oyster cultivation, dry fish production, fishing net fabrication, backwater fishing, pre-processing and processing of shrimp, aqua tourism, preparation of value added fish products, aqua feed making and other micro-enterprises. Traditionally, fisherwomen played a significant role in fisheries sector, particularly in post harvest activities with most of the post harvest handling, processing and marketing being carried out by them. Though they have been marginalized, as a result of the changes that have taken place as a part of development of the sector, they still continue to dominate various sectors like processing and marketing. House-based ventures are more preferred by women and finds suitable to their present social fabric (Sheela, 2008; Shanthi et al., 2010; Geethalakshmi et al., 2012 and Vijaya, 2013).


76 | P a g e

Table 10. Participatory Assessment (’H’ form Method) of Need based and Sustainable Livelihood Requirements as Perceived by Women SHGs

(* Small scale units: tuition centres, paper bags/ star making units, detergent soap making, pickle making, marketing of home appliances, textile units, bakery units, candle making units, jewellery making units, handicrafts-traditional arts, beauty parlours, etc.)

Sl. No.

Potential Livelihood Opportunities Group Consensus Scores (Maximum Score of 60 on 10-point rating scale) Index Rank

Kollam (n1=60)

Ernakulam (n2=60)

Thrissur (n3=60)

Kannur (n4=60)

Overall Score (Max:240)

1. Aqua-tourism 52 54 48 46 200 83.33 1

2. Fish drying units 48 54 45 46 193 80.42 2

3. Preparation of value added fish products 44 52 44 45 185 77.08 3

4. Catering units 44 52 44 45 185 77.08 4

5. Fish / prawn feed manufacture 36 50 36 44 166 69.17 5

6. Fish/prawn seed collection 32 46 32 44 154 64.17 6

7. Collection of bi-valves (oyster, clam, etc.) 32 48 32 36 148 61.67 7

8. Coastal aquaculture (fish, prawn, bi-valves culture) 28 48 28 32 136 56.67 8

9. Herbal medicine preparation 24 45 32 26 127 52.92 9

10. Collection of sea weeds 30 36 28 32 126 52.50 10

11. Tailoring 22 44 30 30 126 52.50 11

12. Vegetable cultivation/ marketing 25 44 32 22 123 51.25 12

13. Collection of ornamental fishes 26 36 26 30 118 49.17 13

14. Small-scale units* 30 36 32 18 116 48.33 14

15. Aquarium units/ Ornamental fish culture 29 32 24 28 113 47.08 15

16. Backyard poultry 18 32 32 18 100 41.67 16

17. Traditional health sector 18 32 30 16 96 40.00 17

18. Petty shops 12 32 25 14 83 34.58 18

19. Floriculture 16 32 24 8 80 33.33 19

20. Making coconut by-products 12 30 22 12 76 31.67 20

21. Agriculture 8 24 30 12 74 30.83 21

22. Dairy unit 12 30 16 12 70 29.17 22

23. Milling units (flour mills) 14 25 18 8 65 27.08 23

24. Processing of fruits and vegetables 12 22 18 12 64 26.67 24

25. Jute based products making 8 18 14 8 48 20.00 25

26. Goatery 8 18 8 8 42 17.50 26

27. Cora grass based products 8 16 12 6 42 17.50 27

28. Florists (bouquet making) 6 12 8 12 38 15.83 28

29. Coir based products making units 8 12 12 4 36 15.00 29

30. Vermi-compost preparation 4 8 8 12 32 13.33 30


77 | P a g e

0.00 10.00 20.00 30.00 40.00 50.00 60.00 70.00 80.00 90.00

Aqua-tourism

Fish drying units

Preparation of value added fish products

Catering units

Fish / prawn feed manufacture

Fish/prawn seed collection

Collection of bi-valves (oyster, clam, etc.)

Coastal aquaculture (fish, prawn, bi-valves …

Herbal medicine preparation

Collection of sea weeds

Tailoring

Vegetable cultivation/ marketing

Collection of ornamental fishes

Small-scale units*

Aquarium units/ Ornamental fish culture

Backyard poultry

Traditional health sector

Petty shops

Floriculture

Making coconut by-products

Agriculture

Dairy unit

Milling units (flour mills)

Processing of fruits and vegetables

Jute based products making

Goatery

Cora grass based products

Florists (bouquet making)

Coir based products making units

Vermi-compost preparation

Fig. 51. Need-based, Potential and Sustainable Livelihood Options for Coastal Women SHGs


78 | P a g e

Fig. 52. Potential Livelihood Options for Women in Coastal Areas

Aqua-Tourism as Potential Livelihood Option in Coastal Kerala


79 | P a g e

Fig. 53. Potential Livelihood Options for Women in Coastal Areas

From the results presented in Table 10 and Fig. 51, the hypothesis that there exists need-based livelihood interventions which can support the family income and socio-economic well-being of coastal women self help groups on a sustainable basis is accepted.


80 | P a g e

Group Dynamics of Women SHGs The group dynamics among the women SHGs assessed through the participatory tool viz., ‘H’ form methodology is presented in Table 11 and Fig. 54. From the findings, it could be understood that the group dynamism among the respondents was good with reference to the parameters viz., team spirit (index: 79.58), mutual cooperation (79.17), sense of belongingness/ ‘we’ feeling (78.75), mutual trust among the group members (78.75), group cohesion (77.50), adherence to the norms and values of the group (77.50), perceived significance of self help (72.50), perceived importance of group activity (72.50), and accountability (70.00%). The group dynamics indices were found to be moderate with reference to the parameters viz., decision making ability, communication skills and sustainability, i.e., the confidence to sustain the group activity. The group dynamism was found to be low with reference to the parameters viz., knowledge on record keeping/ inventory management, leadership qualities and establishment of linkages with external institutions. It could be observed from the group monitoring workshops in which the group dynamics were assessed, that the group members became organized into groups capable of taking up self employment ventures through subsequent training and capacity building programmes. The significant impact of SHG could be observed in terms of the performance of the self help groups and the perceived importance of functioning as a group. Group activity is a social concept that aims at helping others as well as oneself through any activity that is done collectively or in small groups. Positive group dynamics has a definite impact on the approach of the group to problems and the willingness of the members in tackling the problems. The results indicated a need for more interventions in the form of training, technical guidance and entrepreneurship development to improve the scores on the parameters such as the decision making ability, communication skills, confidence to sustain the group activity, knowledge on record keeping/ inventory management, leadership qualities and establishment of linkages with external institutions. Nikita et al (2010) in a study on group dynamism observed significant developments in terms of the evaluation of the organizational and financial performance of the self help groups, effective internal control through regular meetings, proper maintenance of performance evaluation records of the groups, increased awareness about the new government schemes and projects, good loan repayment record of the group members and accounting system adopted by women self help groups for efficient financial monitoring. Thrift and credit mobilization enhanced the availability of financial resources to meet immediate requirements of the family.


81 | P a g e

Table 11. Tabulation of H Form to Assess the Group Dynamics of Women SHGs

Sl. No

Statements / Indicators Group Dynamics Index (%) Rank

Kollam Ernakulam Thrissur Kannur Overall

1 Mutual trust among the group members 71.67 85.00 81.67 76.67 78.75 3

2 Mutual cooperation 76.67 81.67 80.00 78.33 79.17 2

3 Team spirit 75.00 83.33 81.67 78.33 79.58 1

4 Group cohesion 76.67 80.00 76.67 76.67 77.50 5

5 Sense of belongingness/ ‘we’ feeling 71.67 85.00 81.67 76.67 78.75 3

6 Perceived significance of self help 70.00 80.00 70.00 70.00 72.50 7

7 Perceived importance of group activity 70.00 80.00 70.00 70.00 72.50 7

8 Adherence to the norms and values of the group 76.67 80.00 76.67 76.67 77.50 5

9 Communication skills 56.67 70.00 56.67 56.67 60.00 10

10 Establishment of linkages with external institutions 43.33 43.33 43.33 43.33 43.33 15

11 Sustainability- confidence to sustain the group activity 50.00 56.67 50.00 50.00 51.67 12

12 Decision making ability 56.67 70.00 56.67 56.67 60.00 10

13 Leadership development 46.67 46.67 46.67 46.67 46.67 14

14 Accountability 66.67 80.00 66.67 66.67 70.00 9

15 Knowledge on record keeping/ inventory management 50.00 50.00 50.00 50.00 50.00 13

Mean 63.89 71.44 65.89 64.89 66.53

SD 12.03 14.80 14.06 12.95 13.27


82 | P a g e

78.75

79.17

79.58

77.50

78.75

72.50 72.50

77.50

60.00

43.33

51.67

60.00

46.67

70.00

50.00

Fig. 54. Overall Group Dynamics Index Mutual trust among the group members

Mutual cooperation

Team spirit

Group cohesion

Sense of belongingness/ ‘we’ feeling

Perceived significance of self help

Perceived importance of group activity

Adherence to the norms and values of the group

Communication skills

Establishment of linkages with external institutions

Sustainability- confidence to sustain the group activity

Decision making ability

Leadership development

Accountability

Knowledge on record keeping/ inventory management


83 | P a g e

4.4. Entrepreneurial Skills Possessed by the Coastal Women Self Help Groups to Manage the Micro-Enterprises The findings of participatory assessment of extent of entrepreneurial skills possessed by the coastal women self help groups have been presented under the five sections viz., socio-personal, psychological, technical, managerial, and economic & financial, in Table 12, and Fig. 55 and 56. The overall entrepreneurship index was 65.22 with the SD of 10.15. Out of the 34 parameters assessed for the entrepreneurial skills for managing the micro-enterprises, it could be found that the extent of entrepreneurial skills possessed by them were good with reference to the parameters such as; enthusiasm, economic motivation, planning, time management, organizing, achievement motivation, quality consciousness, interpersonal skills, staffing, coordinating, tolerance to stress, commitment, persistence and negotiating skills. The extent of entrepreneurial skills possessed by them were moderate with reference to the parameters such as; vision and goal setting, awareness on technologies, self confidence, technical knowledge and skill, risk orientation, accountability, budgeting, financial foresight, inventory management, computational skill, decision making ability, communication skills, social mobility and market perception. The indices were low with respect to the indicators such as; leadership, positive attitude towards self employment, innovativeness, change proneness, information seeking behaviour, and knowledge on establishment procedures Femeena et al (2013) reported that development of entrepreneurship can be stimulated through a set of supporting institutions, and through deliberate innovative action which stimulates changes and fully supports capable individuals or groups. Abha et al (2014) reported that the participation profile revealed that majority of the fisherwomen were dependent on men for raw material procurement and marketing related functions. Very few fisherwomen independently managed the whole production process as well as marketing. Except in fishing and to a great extent in marketing, the most other activities in dry fish production process such as sorting, cleaning, salting/curing, drying, packing and storage were done by women only. Though the decision making pattern on dry fish trade was jointly by both women and men, women had moderate power than men in influencing the decisions. Formation of self help groups has greatly helped rural women to understand their rights, gain access to information, attain economic independence, give them freedom of expression, help confidence building, improve access to credit, and in general, build their personality and respect in the society. The empowerment of women through SHGs leads to benefit not only the individual women and women groups, but also the family and community as a whole through collective action and solidarity (Murugan and Dharmalingam, 2000). From the results presented in Table 12 and Fig. 55, the hypothesis that the coastal women self help groups possess the entrepreneurial skills required to manage the micro-enterprises is accepted.


84 | P a g e

Table 12. Tabulation of H Form to Assess the Entrepreneurial Skills of Women SHGs: Group Entrepreneurial Skills of SHG Members

Sl. No

Statements / Indicators Entrepreneurship Index (%) Rank

Kollam Ernakulam Thrissur Kannur Over-

all

Socio-personal

1 Decision making ability 60.00 61.67 60.00 58.33 60.00 25

2 Information seeking behaviour 53.33 51.67 51.67 50.00 51.67 33

3 Communication skills 61.67 58.33 56.67 55.00 57.92 26

4 Leadership 58.33 51.67 51.67 50.00 52.92 29

5 Mobility 53.33 60.00 58.33 56.67 57.08 27

6 Commitment 68.33 78.33 73.33 70.00 72.50 11

7 Interpersonal skills 75.00 78.33 73.33 70.00 74.17 8

Psychological

8 Achievement motivation 75.00 81.67 73.33 71.67 75.42 5

9 Positive attitude towards self employment

53.33 53.33 53.33 51.67 52.92 29

10 Self confidence 75.00 68.33 65.00 63.33 67.92 17

11 Economic motivation 73.33 83.33 81.67 73.33 77.92 1

12 Risk orientation 58.33 66.67 66.67 63.33 63.75 19

13 Innovativeness 58.33 51.67 51.67 50.00 52.92 29

14 Persistence 71.67 76.67 70.00 68.33 71.67 13

15 Enthusiasm 73.33 83.33 81.67 73.33 77.92 1

16 Tolerance to stress 73.33 76.67 71.67 68.33 72.50 11

17 Change proneness 56.67 51.67 50.00 50.00 52.09 32

Technical

18 Awareness on technologies 70.00 70.00 68.33 65.00 68.33 16

19 Technical knowledge and skill 53.33 70.00 68.33 65.00 64.17 18

20 Quality consciousness 70.00 80.00 76.67 71.67 74.59 7

21 Knowledge on establishment

procedures

40.00 38.33 38.33 38.33 38.75 34

22 Computational skill 65.00 61.67 60.00 58.33 61.25 23

23 Inventory management 65.00 61.67 60.00 58.33 61.25 23

Managerial

24 Vision and goal setting 68.33 71.67 70.00 66.67 69.17 15

25 Planning 71.67 83.33 78.33 73.33 76.67 3

26 Organizing 68.33 81.67 78.33 73.33 75.42 5

27 Staffing 71.67 78.33 75.00 70.00 73.75 9

28 Coordinating 70.00 80.00 70.00 71.67 72.92 10

29 Time management 71.67 85.00 73.33 75.00 76.25 4

Economic and Financial

30 Market perception 41.67 65.00 60.00 60.00 56.67 28

31 Financial foresight 51.67 68.33 63.33 63.33 61.67 22

32 Accountability 63.33 65.00 60.00 60.00 62.08 20

33 Budgeting 63.33 65.00 60.00 60.00 62.08 20

34 Negotiating skills 66.67 80.00 66.67 71.67 71.25 14

Mean 63.82 68.77 65.20 63.09 65.22

SD 9.35 11.99 10.21 9.06 10.15


85 | P a g e

Fig. 55. Radar Chart on Extent of Entrepreneurial Skills of Women SHGs

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

Decision making ability Information seeking …

Communication skills

Leadership

Mobility

Commitment

Interpersonal skills

Achievement motivation

Positive attitude towards …

Self confidence

Economic motivation

Risk orientation

Innovativeness

Persistence

Enthusiasm

Tolerance to stress Change proneness

Awareness on technologies Technical knowledge and skill Quality consciousness

Knowledge on …

Computational skill

Inventory management

Vision and goal setting

Planning

Organizing

Staffing

Coordinating

Time management

Market perception

Financial foresight

Accountability

Budgeting Negotiating skills

Kollam

Ernakulam

Thrissur

Kannur


86 | P a g e

Further, significant differences were also observed in the extent of entrepreneurial skills among the respondents from the four districts viz., Ernakulam, Thrissur, Kollam and Kannur (Fig. 56.).

Fig. 57. Existing Entrepreneurial Activities of Women in Coastal Areas

60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70

Kollam

Ernakulam

Thrissur

Kannur

Fig. 56. Entrepreneurship (Indices)


87 | P a g e

4.5. Relationship between the Socio-economic Variables and Entrepreneurial Skills of the Coastal Women SHG Members In order to find out the degree of relationship between the socio-personal characteristics and entrepreneurial skills, simple correlation coefficients were worked out. To determine the strength of various socio-personal characteristics influencing the entrepreneurial skills, the data were subjected to multiple regression analysis. The results are given in Table 13. The perusal of Table 13 revealed that out of the 22 variables of women SHG members, the variables, educational status, marital status, family type, family size, number of days of work in a year, annual self income, value of assets, value of household materials, SHG membership, extent of indebtedness, decision making pattern, extension participation, participation in group activity and hours spent in economic activity did not show any relationship with the entrepreneurial skills. It could be found that age showed negative and significant relationship at five percent level of probability. The variables, occupational experience, annual income of household members, information source utilization and job satisfaction showed positive and highly significant relationship at one percent level of probability, whereas the variables, social participation, family support and training exposure showed positive and significant relationship at five percent level of probability. The results indicated that when these scores improve, the entrepreneurial skills could improve, and vice-versa. The earlier studies of Swathilekshmi and Dineshbabu (2011) observed that variables such as age, family type, material possession and social participation had a positive and high association with the level of aspiration of women dry fish wholesalers. Nikita et al (2010) reported that the variables, age and family income showed negative relationship with group dynamics. The variables, economic motivation, social participation and training undergone showed positive and highly significant relationship at one percent level, and, educational qualification and risk orientation showed positive and significant relationship at five percent level of probability. Mary Thomas et al (1996) reported that among the respondents from Tamilnadu, it was seen that aged and married fisherwomen engaged in income generating activities in addition to their household family roles had higher role performance scores than the young and unmarried women. From the results, it could be understood that a woman SHG member with more entrepreneurial skills might have had more occupational experience, more annual income of household members, better information source utilization behaviour, job satisfaction, more social participation, better family support and good training exposure. Therefore, the extension efforts would have to be enhanced for increasing the entrepreneurial skills of the women SHGs through the use of pluralistic extension methods like training programmes, demonstrations, group meetings, publications, radio programmes, television programmes and information and communication technology based approaches.


88 | P a g e

Table 13. Correlation and Regression Analyses between the Socio-Personal Variables and Entrepreneurial Skills of the Women SHG Members (n=240)

Var. No.

Variables Correlation coefficients (r)

Regression Coefficient (b)

SE of ‘b’

‘t’

X1 Age -0.274* 0.048 0.086 0.559

X2 Educational status 0.042 0.512 0.255 2.003*

X3 Marital status 0.003 0.382 0.794 0.733

X4 Family type -0.112 -0.299 0.319 -0.939

X5 Family size 0.121 0.009 0.890 0.010

X6 Occupational experience

0.381** 0.444 0.131 1.858*

X7 Number of days employed/year

0.089 0.036 0.069 0.527

X8 Annual income-self 0.062 0.027 0.020 1.318

X9 Annual income-household members

0.369** -0.019 0.010 -1.918

X10 Value of assets -0.109 0.002 0.006 0.350

X11 Value of household materials

0.128 0.252 0.675 0.098

X12 SHG membership 0.155 0.364 0.266 1.368

X13 Extent of indebtedness

-0.071 -0.366 0.215 -1.700

X14 Information source utilization

0.359** 0.479 0.239 2.001*

X15 Social participation 0.217* -0.213 0.547 -0.390

X16 Decision making pattern

-0.114 0.870 0.196 1.382**

X17 Family support 0.241* 0.646 0.311 2.076*

X18 Extension participation

0.055 -0.077 0.133 -0.578

X19 Training exposure 0.228* 0.952 0.975 0.098**

X20 Participation in group activity

0.155 0.364 0.266 1.368

X21 Hours spent in economic activity

-0.071 -0.366 0.215 -1.700

X22 Job satisfaction 0.359** 0.479 0.239 2.001* (** Significant at 1% level; * Significant at 5% level;

R2 = 0.711; F = 3.070**; Constant = 75.529)


89 | P a g e

It could also be seen from the results in Table 13 that out of the 22 variables, the regression coefficients of two variables viz., decision making pattern and training exposure were significantly and positively influencing the entrepreneurial skills at one percent level of probability. The variables, educational status, occupational experience, information source utilization, family support and job satisfaction had contributed significantly and positively towards the dependent variable at five percent level of probability. All the other 15 regression coefficients were non-significant and they were not significantly influencing the variation in the entrepreneurial index scores of the respondents.

Even though the variables, average annual family income and social participation showed positive and significant correlation values, and, age showing negative and significant relationship, they were found to be non-significant in the multiple regression analysis. This suggested that the earlier significant correlation values might be due to the influence of other variables on them. Further, the analysis revealed that a unit of change in the components such as, decision making pattern, training exposure, educational status, occupational experience, information source utilization, family support and job satisfaction, ceteris paribus, would result in 0.870, 0.952, 0.512, 0.444, 0.479, 0.646 and 0.479 units of change in the dependent variable, respectively. For example, this suggested that if other variables were kept constant, a unit increase in the variable, ‘training exposure’, would increase the entrepreneurial skills of the respondents by 0.952 units.

The R2 value was found to be 0.711, indicating that the 22 characteristics taken together accounted to 71.10 percent of variations in the entrepreneurial skill level. The ‘F’ value was found to be highly significant at one percent level of probability. The prediction equation derived from the analysis is as follows:

Y = 75.529 + 0.048X1 + 0.512X2 + 0.382X3 - 0.299X4 + 0.009X5 + 0.444X6 + 0.036X7 + 0.027X8 - 0.019X9 + 0.002X10 + 0.252X11 + 0.364X12 - 0.366X13 + 0.479X14 - 0.213X15 + 0.870X16 + 0.646X17 - 0.077X18 + 0.952X19 + 0.364X20 - 0.366X21 + 0.479X22

Thus, it could be concluded that seven characteristics of the women SHG members such as, decision making pattern, training exposure, educational status, occupational experience, information source utilization, family support and job satisfaction acted as crucial ones in determining the entrepreneurial skills.

From the preceding discussion and based on the significant ‘F’ test values under multiple regression analysis, it could be established that the selected socio-personal characteristics of women SHG members have influenced the variation in the entrepreneurial skills. Hence, the hypothesis that there is significant relationship between the socio-economic variables of the women self help groups and their entrepreneurial skills is accepted.


90 | P a g e


The constraints as perceived by the coastal women SHG members in carrying out the alternate livelihood ventures/ managing micro-enterprises were documented by collecting data through interview method using structured schedules, and presented in Table 14. Table. 14. Perceived constraints of coastal women SHG members in carrying out the alternate livelihood ventures

* Multiple Responses Lack of access to institutional finance was reported as a major constraint, which trap the women micro entrepreneurs in the clutches of private money lenders. The technological constraints were the lack of awareness on the available technologies and lack of actual adoption. The technological needs were mostly unfelt, whereas the need for the infrastructural facilities and basic amenities were felt very well. The socio-economic constraints were the low level of literacy, lack of gainful subsidiary occupation, low income, lack of financial assistance and distress sale of fish to moneylenders. Apart from lack of access to institutional finance, the institutional constraints were low level of participation in social organizations, lack of contact with extension agency, lack of input supply to support adoption, lack of proper market

S. No

Constraints Overall (n=240)

f* %

1. Lack of access to institutional finance 112 46.67

2. Lack of awareness on available technologies 98 40.83

3. Transportation/ mobility constraints 96 40.00

4. Inadequate storage facilities 92 38.33

5. Inadequate extension services 88 36.67

6. Gender discrimination 86 35.83

7. Livelihood related health hazards 84 35.00

8. Seasonal variations in arrival of raw materials 82 34.17

9. Seasonal fluctuations in price of raw materials 82 34.17

10. Emergence of low cost products from super markets 82 34.17

11. Lack of access to development departments 80 33.33

12. Time constraint to look after childcare and household works 64 26.67

13. Control of local markets by wholesale dealers 64 26.67

14. Seasonal variations in sales 52 21.67

15. Seasonal variations in the business of traditional products 52 21.67

16. Seasonal unemployment 52 21.67

17. Constraints of fish drying in rainy season 40 16.67

18. Water scarcity 40 16.67

19. Seasonal variations in arrival of tourists 38 15.83


91 | P a g e

structure and lack of awareness on whom to approach for deriving the benefits of welfare or development schemes or technologies etc. The difficulty in transportation was another major factor limiting their market access to other areas. There is also no proper storage facility in the study area where value added products, which otherwise have a longer shelf life, can be stored till a better price can be realized. Irregular supply of raw materials which results in irregular production and lack of regular income was also posed as a major constraint, in addition to lack of modern fish processing facilities, inadequate extension services and fish storage facilities. Other personal constraints of women in coastal areas are livelihood related health hazards, lack of alternate employment opportunity in off season, lack of access to development departments, lack of ownership of assets, time constraint to look after child care and household activities, no time or mind set to keep social contacts, occasional cases of irresponsible nature of spouse indicated by alcoholism/ gambling, and gender discrimination. An earlier study (Krishna, 2004) has observed some of the constraints in manning the micro enterprises as; lack of experience or knowledge, lack of finance (undercapitalized), poor location, too much investment tied up in fixed assets, poor inventory management, poor credit practices, poor cash flow management, taking too much profit for oneself, poorly planned growth or expansion, poor attitudes, poor employees or ill-trained, lack of diversification in activities such as value addition and poor time and task management. Often such microenterprises fail due to the factors such as; wrong selection, inadequate information, managerial incompetence, lack of mobility, lack of quality concern, irregular and untimely production and supply, lack of experience, poor financial management (failure to plan, inappropriate location, poor inventory control, default in credit payment, family climate), neglect, fraud, disaster and other unforeseeable reasons. The fish trading women face severe competition from not only the menfolk who use two wheelers in domestic marketing but also agents of the export companies resulting in the non-availability of quality fishes which commands high consumer preference in local markets. Fisherwomen spend half of her time in fish markets, which are very unhygienic and lack basic facilities like drinking water and proper sanitation. Women are being marginalized due to increasing mechanization, commercialization and centralization of fish landings. The women engaged in door-to-door fish marketing have to spend long hours on foot with head loads. In dry fish making, technical constraints were unfavorable climatic conditions, maggots attack, insect infestation, causing losses in quality and quantity, and lack of storage facilities. The other constraints observed were; the lack of diversification in activities such as value addition, poor marketing skills and need for the exposure to new and innovative technologies which can cater to the competition in current marketing scenario. Besides marketing, majority of the women expressed that financial constraints were the major drawback in their activity.


92 | P a g e

4.7. Suggestions as Perceived by the Coastal Women SHGs to Mitigate the Constraints in Carrying out the Alternate Livelihood Ventures

The suggestions as perceived by the coastal women SHGs to mitigate the constraints in carrying out the alternate livelihood ventures are presented in Table 15. Table 15. Perceived Suggestions

The results indicated a need for more interventions in the form of training, technical guidance, facilitating access to institutional finance and entrepreneurship development. Expansion of non-formal education, empowerment of women through promotion of rural women entrepreneurship, increased involvement of NGOs, market promotion through co-operatives and NGOs, selection of technology transfer programmes by taking into consideration the availability of local inputs/ resources, integrated approach and formation of women demand groups are some of the immediate concerns. The technology to be implemented successfully and adopted by the people needs to be economically superior to the existing practice and, feasible in terms of natural resources, raw materials and infrastructure. The policies and approaches are to be adequately gendered. Micro-finance programmes for women are to be promoted not only as a strategy for poverty alleviation but also for women's empowerment. Policy development to support the women in coastal ecosystem requires appropriate institutional arrangements and effective organizations and structures, which extends assistance in the areas of training, credit, technology and marketing through SHGs. Focus on the strengthening of fisheries cooperatives, including the promotion of those of fisherwomen, making it necessary to link microfinance to appropriate technology development and transfer to women clients are crucial for the success of women's microenterprises. Technologies and practices to improve women's working and living conditions are required. They need to be empowered with information, technology, finance and marketing assistance to improve the quantity and quality of women's microenterprises. Collective action is the key to success in micro enterprise although it is not an easy task to motivate and organize people. The help of an external agency such as government institutions or voluntary agencies is required for initiating such an activity.

S. No

Suggestions Overall (n=240)

f* %

1. Adoption of modern techniques 108 45.00

2. Support from local bodies and authorities 104 43.33

3. Regular supply of raw materials 96 40.00

4. Media support for the SHG activities 92 38.33

5. Adequate training exposure 88 36.67

6. Providing more self help opportunities 76 31.67

7. Promotion of women entrepreneurship 74 30.83

8. Market linkages in connection with local bodies 62 25.83

9. Adequate exposure on branding, labelling and publicity 62 25.83


93 | P a g e


94 | P a g e

CHAPTER V

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION 5.1. THE PROBLEM Women in coastal communities are subject to responsibility of household management including food, childcare, education, health and financial management including getting and repaying the debts. While these factors add to impasse of women, realization that active fishing alone cannot support the family due to highly fluctuating earnings owing to uncertainty in marine fisheries has necessitated mainstreaming women to adopt profitable and sustainable enterprises. The project aimed at identifying and documenting the need-based and sustainable livelihood interventions required for the coastal women self help group members. The resource availability, the perceived needs of the respondents, marketing scope, and the sustainability issues of the identified livelihood interventions were assessed in participatory mode. The project also aimed at the assessment of their entrepreneurial skills for managing micro-enterprises using participatory tools. 5.2. OBJECTIVES

To conduct a baseline survey for assessing the socio-economic status of the

coastal women SHG members To assess and document the need-based and sustainable livelihood

requirements as perceived by the coastal women self help groups using participatory approach

To assess the entrepreneurial skills possessed by the coastal women self help groups to manage the micro-enterprises using participatory approach

To find out the relationship between the socio-economic variables and entrepreneurial skills of the coastal women SHG members

To document the constraints as perceived by the coastal women SHG members in carrying out the alternate livelihood ventures.

5.3. GIST OF THE REVIEW OF RELATED STUDIES Majority of the women in coastal eco-system were middle-aged, high school

educated, had nuclear type of family, had more than 10 years of experience in fishing related activities, had 150 days of employment per year, earning an income of less than Rs 24 000 per annum, high level of economic motivation, medium level of social participation and moderate decision making power in family and their trade.

There are ample livelihood opportunities for women in coastal ecosystem such

as; aquaculture diversification, bivalve farming, fish marketing, crab fattening, edible oyster cultivation, dry fish production, fishing net fabrication, backwater


95 | P a g e

fishing, pre-processing and processing of shrimp, aqua tourism, preparation of value added fish products, aqua feed making and other micro-enterprises.

Micro-enterprises not only enhance national productivity, generate employment but also help to develop economic independence, personal and social capabilities among rural women. Formation of self help groups has greatly helped rural women to understand their rights, gain access to information, attain economic independence, give them freedom of expression, help confidence building, improve access to credit, and in general, build their personality and respect in the society.

The variables age, education, family type, social participation, economic

motivation, risk orientation, training undergone, experience, contact with extension agency and exposure to media are some of the significant variables that positively influence the entrepreneurial skills.

Lack of assured market was the foremost problem expressed by fisherwomen in

adoption of post harvest fishery technologies. This was followed by lack of well organized distribution network, poor working capital, non-availability of raw materials during off-season to ensure regular supply of products, and non-availability of attractive, cheap and flexible packaging materials. Lack of adequate information regarding product production is also a major problem. Information such as specific management practices are usually not available or difficult to obtain.

5.4. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY Pertaining to the objectives of the study, ex-post-facto research design was followed. The universe of the study consists of members of the women self help groups in coastal villages in the selected districts of Kerala. The total sample size was 240 women representing 24 self help groups from eight fishing villages viz., Mayyanad and Thangaserry in Kollam, Chellanam and Njarakkal in Ernakulam, Nattika and Azhikode in Trichur and Dharmadam and Azhikode in Kannur districts. The primary data on the selected 22 socio-economic variables, the constraints in functioning as a group and suggestions to improve the performance of the coastal women self help groups were collected through interview method using structured questionnaires. Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) Tools used in the Study are; Resource Map, Transect Walk Map, Mobility Map and Daily Routine Analysis. The need-based and sustainable livelihood interventions required for the coastal women SHG members were assessed by conducting group monitoring workshops at each village, and the data were collected using a participatory monitoring tool viz., ‘H form’ method. The data on entrepreneurial skills and group dynamism of the coastal women SHG members were also collected using this participatory tool viz., ‘H form’ methodology.


96 | P a g e

The standard statistical tools viz., mean, frequency, percentage analysis, standard deviation, 't' test, 'F' test, correlation and regression analyses were used. The SPSS and SAS software were used for the analysis of data. 5.5. SALIENT FINDINGS 5.5.1. Participatory Assessment on Availability of Resources to Support Livelihood From the PRA tools such as resource and transect maps, it could be understood that the villages have rich fishery resources both in capture and culture sectors, by way of artisanal marine fishing, fishing through Chinese fishing nets and cast nets in backwaters, estuaries and ponds, and culturing prawn in aquaculture ponds. Crab and oyster culture are also supporting the livelihood of fisherfolk. The vast backwater resources and aquaculture ponds provide a huge potential for aqua-tourism in the locale of study.

The agricultural resources include paddy, mango, coconut, banana, jack fruit, tapioca and vegetable crops. The typical Pokkali paddy cultivation is also in practice. Mangrove plantations are also available. There was huge potential for marketing of these agricultural produces as fresh, as well as after processing, and making it into different value added edible products for marketing in nearby retail markets, and through urban markets. The maps also reveal the livelihood opportunities through the livestock resources such as cattle, goats and poultry. The infrastructural facilities of the locale are also depicted in the resource and transect maps. 5.5.2. Socio-economic Profile of the Coastal Women SHG Members The mean age of the women was between 40 and 45 yrs. About 60 to 98 percentage of the respondents were possessing higher secondary level education. It was also observed that none of the respondents was illiterate. Almost, all the respondents were married. The declining trend in joint family system was observed in the case of fishermen communities in this study area, as almost all the respondents belonged to nuclear families with an average family size of four to five. The average annual family income was between Rs. 1.00 to 1.50 lakh, with the self income of about Rs. 48,000/-. The mean value of assets was Rs. 14.00 lakhs and the value of household articles was Rs. 59,000/-. On an average, they were indebted to the tune of about Rs. 1.50 lakhs. Nearly, 90% of the respondents reported that the ‘decision making pattern’ was both by men and women in the family. From the daily routine analysis, it could be understood that the respondents were spending about 8 hrs for their livelihood activities, and about 7-11 hrs on household responsibilities. Almost 85-98 %of the respondents from all the four districts reported that extent of family support for involvement in SHG activities was good. Wholesale agents were the major marketing source followed by door-to-door sale of the products


97 | P a g e

made through SHGs. Local shandies and retail market channels also play a significant role in their livelihood support. 5.5.3. Need-based and Sustainable Livelihood Requirements as Perceived by the Coastal Women Self Help Groups Through the participatory assessment, 30 potential microenterprises suitable for coastal women self help groups were identified. Out of the 30 potential and sustainable livelihood needs assessed through participatory tools, considering the factors such as resources availability, marketing scope and the entrepreneurial skills, aqua tourism (Index: 83.33) was found to be the most potential livelihood option for women in coastal eco-system, especially as a group activity for the women SHGs. Fish drying units (80.42), preparation of value added fish products (77.08), catering units (77.08), fish/ prawn feed manufacture (69.17), fish/ prawn seed collection (64.17) and collection of bi-valves such as oyster, clam, etc. (61.67), were also found to be the most potential and sustainable livelihood need for the women SHGs in coastal areas of Kerala. Between 50% to 60% of the respondents preferred coastal aquaculture such as fish, prawn and bi-valves culture, preparation of herbal medicines, collection of sea weeds, tailoring and vegetable cultivation in backyards. The other livelihood avenues identified were; collection of ornamental fishes, small-scale units, aquarium units/ornamental fish culture, backyard poultry, traditional health sector, petty shops, floriculture, making coconut by-products, agriculture, dairy unit, milling units (flour mills), processing of fruits and vegetables, jute based products making, goatery, cora grass based products, florists (bouquet making), coir based products making units and vermi-compost preparation. From the findings, it could be understood that the group dynamism among the respondents was good with reference to the parameters viz., team spirit (index: 79.58), mutual cooperation (79.17), sense of belongingness/ ‘we’ feeling (78.75), mutual trust among the group members (78.75), group cohesion (77.50), adherence to the norms and values of the group (77.50), perceived significance of self help (72.50), perceived importance of group activity (72.50), and accountability (70.00%). 5.5.4. Entrepreneurial Skills Possessed by the Coastal Women Self Help Groups to Manage the Micro-Enterprises Out of the 34 parameters assessed for the entrepreneurial skills for managing the micro-enterprises, it could be found that the extent of entrepreneurial skills possessed by them were good with reference to the parameters such as; enthusiasm, economic motivation, planning, time management, organizing, achievement motivation, quality consciousness, interpersonal skills, staffing, coordinating, tolerance to stress, commitment, persistence and negotiating skills.


98 | P a g e

5.5.5. Relationship between the Socio-economic Variables and Entrepreneurial Skills of the Coastal Women SHG Members Out of the 22 socio-economic variables of women SHG members, the variables, educational status, marital status, family type, family size, number of days of work in a year, annual self income, value of assets, value of household materials, SHG membership, extent of indebtedness, decision making pattern, extension participation, participation in group activity and hours spent in economic activity did not show any relationship with the entrepreneurial skills. It could be found that age showed negative and significant relationship at five percent level of probability. The variables, occupational experience, annual income of household members, information source utilization and job satisfaction showed positive and highly significant relationship at one percent level of probability, whereas the variables, social participation, family support and training exposure showed positive and significant relationship at five percent level of probability. The results indicated that when these scores improve, the entrepreneurial skills could improve, and vice-versa. Out of the 22 variables, the regression coefficients of two variables viz., decision making pattern and training exposure were significantly and positively influencing the entrepreneurial skills at one percent level of probability. The variables, educational status, occupational experience, information source utilization, family support and job satisfaction had contributed significantly and positively towards the dependent variable at five percent level of probability. Seven characteristics of the women SHG members such as, decision making pattern, training exposure, educational status, occupational experience, information source utilization, family support and job satisfaction acted as crucial ones in determining the entrepreneurial skills. 5.5.6. Constraints as Perceived by the Coastal Women SHGs in Carrying out the Alternate Livelihood Ventures Lack of access to institutional finance was reported as a major constraint, which trap the women micro entrepreneurs in the clutches of private money lenders. The technological constraints were the lack of awareness on the available technologies and lack of actual adoption. The technological needs were mostly unfelt, whereas the need for the infrastructural facilities and basic amenities were felt very well. The socio-economic constraints were the low level of literacy, lack of gainful subsidiary occupation, low income, lack of financial assistance and distress sale of fish to moneylenders. Apart from lack of access to institutional finance, the institutional constraints were low level of participation in social organizations, lack of contact with extension agency, lack of input supply to support adoption, lack of proper market structure and lack of awareness on whom to approach for deriving the benefits of welfare or development schemes or technologies etc. The difficulty in transportation was another major factor limiting their market access to other areas. There is also no proper storage facility in the study area where value


99 | P a g e

added products, which otherwise have a longer shelf life, can be stored till a better price can be realized. Irregular supply of raw materials which results in irregular production and lack of regular income was also posed as a major constraint, in addition to lack of modern fish processing facilities, inadequate extension services and fish storage facilities. Other personal constraints of women in coastal areas are livelihood related health hazards, lack of alternate employment opportunity in off season, lack of access to development departments, lack of ownership of assets, time constraint to look after child care and household activities, no time or mind set to keep social contacts, occasional cases of irresponsible nature of spouse indicated by alcoholism/ gambling, and gender discrimination. 5.5.7. Suggestions as Perceived by the Coastal Women SHGs to Mitigate the Constraints in Carrying out the Alternate Livelihood Ventures The results indicated a need for more interventions in the form of training, technical guidance, facilitating access to institutional finance and entrepreneurship development. Expansion of non-formal education, empowerment of women through promotion of rural women entrepreneurship, increased involvement of NGOs, market promotion through co-operatives and NGOs, selection of technologies by taking into consideration the availability of local resources, integrated approach and formation of women demand groups are some of the immediate concerns. 5.6. CONCLUSION

Women play an important role in fishing community all over the world. This role encompasses social and economic responsibilities and duties, both within and outside the family, including marketing, processing and also harvesting of aquatic products. Developmental efforts over the last few decades have made it clear that sustained improvements in the productivity and the lives of fisherfolk depend on the recognition of this crucial role of women, to supplement the family income and to maintain social and cultural foundation of the fishing communities. Fish handling and marketing continue to be the traditional activity of women in coastal communities, and in most of the cases, the volume of business is also very small and income generated thus cannot even earn them the daily bread for all the members of the family. Women in the coastal ecosystem are disproportionately represented among the poorest in society and need more help than men in securing sustainable livelihoods. Women-headed households are on the increase as a result of economic recession, changing labour needs, increasing urbanisation, and the break-up of extended family structures. Even while women may have differential place-based opportunities and constraints, there are nonetheless similarities in their livelihood approaches. It is clear that they are actively making decisions regarding how best to meet their own needs and those of their families. Various studies in the recent past have indicated that this concept is here to stay, particularly in implementing grass root level schemes intended for employment and income generation.


100 | P a g e

The main objective of the study was to identify and document the need-based livelihood interventions, which are able to sustain itself through employment generation, income generation and able to achieve larger goal of improving the standard of living of coastal women. The results of the study indicated the need for more interventions in the form of training, technical guidance, financial support and entrepreneurship development. From the study, we have been able to draw a few conclusions; that livelihood diversification activities are very likely to be central to the construction of sustainable livelihoods for women in coastal eco-system, and their importance will not diminish in the near future. There are ample and sustainable resource base in the coastal eco-system to support the livelihood of women and enhance their income. 5.7. IMPLICATIONS OF THE STUDY

The main objective of the study was to identify and document the need-based

livelihood interventions, which are able to sustain itself through employment generation, income generation and able to achieve larger goal of improving the standard of living of coastal women. The results of the study indicated the need for more interventions in the form of training, technical guidance, financial support and entrepreneurship development.

The findings of the present study would be helpful in planning and implementing the suitable extension mechanisms and schemes through both government, non-government as well as private sector interventions in the selected areas.

The study would also contribute to the sociological research methodologies by way of exploring the participatory monitoring and evaluation tools that can be used in need and impact assessment studies.

Livelihood strategies do not merely refer to narrowly defined economic practices. Rather, livelihood strategies involve transformative struggles through which women work to empower themselves by reshaping their identities, lives and relationships within households and communities.

Micro-finance programmes for women are to be promoted not only as a strategy for poverty alleviation but also for women's empowerment. Formation of SHGs has greatly helped rural women to understand their rights, gain access to information, attain economic independence, give them freedom of expression, help confidence building, improve access to credit, and in general, build their personality and respect in the society.

From the study, it could be found that women are quite interested in learning new things that enable them to improve the quality of decision making and putting it into new use as a joint learning process which lead in their empowerment. More women need to be trained in specific skills depending on the local requirements.


101 | P a g e

5.8. RECOMMENDATIONS Despite the potential the fisheries sector offers, fisherwomen have not been able

to earn in a sustainable way round the year. The active participation of women in fisheries needs to be recognized, as they help to ensure distributive justice among rural poor ensuring economic stability. Hence empowerment of fisherwomen should be treated as an agenda of top priority in all fisheries development programmes. Suitable sustainable micro-level ventures can be implemented through self help groups, with the back-up of technical and developmental agencies.

Expansion of non-formal education, empowerment of women through promotion of rural women entrepreneurship, increased involvement of NGOs, market promotion through co-operatives and NGOs, selection of technology transfer programmes by taking into consideration the availability of local inputs/ resources, integrated approach and formation of women demand groups are some of the immediate concerns.

One of the key features of the SHG development includes focused priority on livelihood activities and creation of sustainable livelihoods and enhanced incomes for households. This will facilitate inclusiveness through enhanced livelihood opportunities for the poor through investment into assets, improvements in productivity and income, and access of the poor to common resources and benefits and augment the livelihood strategy at household level.

Policy development to support small-scale fisheries requires appropriate

institutional arrangements and effective organizations and structures. They will include fisheries sector policies, but may include a diversity of other policy areas that relate to small-scale fishers and fish workers such as poverty alleviation policies, rural development policies, and education and health policies.

Policy instruments and interventions in infrastructure such as financial

institutions, markets instruments, physical infrastructure, access to information etc. and customized capacity building measures to create awareness and disseminate desired knowledge would be effective.

The acceptance of entrepreneurship as a vital force for development by itself will

not lead to rural development, and advancement of rural enterprises. What is needed in addition is an environment enabling entrepreneurship in rural areas. The existence of such environment largely depends on policies promoting rural entrepreneurship. Initiatives for women in communities should be integrated and subsume in the government's programmes for women in general.

Location-specific and need-based training programmes for fisherwomen can enhance their technical know-how and awareness enabling them to start gainful


102 | P a g e

employment ventures. The capacity building aims at skill enhancement and not just knowledge and information. Livelihood enhancement requires many things other than imparting knowledge such as market linkage, technology infrastructure and so on. Livelihood support requires many inputs, but different elements become critical at different points of time; identify critical bottlenecks and work on removing those.

The availability of institutional credit has to be reviewed, and the financial institutions have to play a major role in women empowerment by supporting the women-run microenterprises through institutional finance.

5.9. SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE RESEARCH The literature on rural livelihoods is vague regarding the specific unit of analysis

that should be the focus of livelihoods-research. Many studies of rural development have chosen nuclear households as the central unit of analysis, treating the household as a unified actor, with decision-making undertaken by the household head (usually presumed male). It must be acknowledged that the household is internally complex and multi-active, so it must be disaggregated, hence studies on the different roles and activities of individuals (men; women) may be considered.

Second, research must be based on the premise that members of households

normally pursue a portfolio of activities, and that they play an important role in the pursuit of sustainable livelihoods. In addition, the geographical spread of households and the internal relationships between members vary according to context, and women, men and children have different degrees of autonomy of action and control over resources. As a result, the way in which diversification incomes are controlled and used needs to be studied in relation to norms relevant to each context.

Further research needs to examine both the local non-governmental institutions

which support the rural women groups in their attempts to diversify, as well as the ways and means women secure access to diversification opportunities via social networks.

Exclusive case studies on successful women-run microenterprises may be taken

up, which can serve as role models for replications in similar coastal eco-systems across the country.

A study on impact of alternate livelihood interventions on economic

empowerment of women could be taken up. Action research on development of a gender-specific model for social and

economic empowerment of women in coastal eco-systems may be taken up.


103 | P a g e


104 | P a g e

REFERENCES Abha, S., Sahoo, P.K., Krishna, S., Anil, K., Tanuja, S., Jeeva, J.C. and Rajashree, N. (2014) Gender Roles and Livelihood Analysis of Women in Dry Fish Processing: A Study in Coastal Odisha. Fish. Technol. 51: 267-273. Anand, J. S. (2004) Self-help groups in empowering poor women- some experience from Kerala, India. In: Alleviating Poverty: Case Studies of Local Level Linkages and Processing in Developing World. Eds: V. Menon, P.G. Nair and K. N. Nair. Rainbow Publishers, Noida, p. 285-309. Anbarasan, Karuna (1985) Factors that influence the role and status of fisherwomen. BOBP/WP/33, Madras, India. Ann M. Oberhauser , Jennifer L. Mandel & Holly M. Hapke (2004) Gendered livelihoods in diverse global contexts: an introduction, Gender, Place & Culture, 11:2, 205-208 (http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10). Ashok, A., Snehalatha, N., Premkumar and Carter, J. (2005) Participatory Monitoring and Evaluation: Field Experiences, NGO Programme- Karnataka-Tamil Nadu, Series I, 2005, Intercooperation Delegation, Hyderabad, India. p. 33-38. Asokan, P. K., Vipinkumar,V.P., Appukuttan, K.K., Surendranathan, V. G. and Sivadasan, M. P. (2001) Mussel culture in backwaters of Kasargod District, Kerala. Mar. Fish. Inf. Serv. T& E Ser., 169. p. 9-11. Bandyopadhyay, P. and Bhawesh, T. Sawant. (2002) Constraints in traditional shrimp farming in West Bengal, Ind. J. of Extn. Education, 38(1&2):95-98. Beall, Jo (2002) Living in the present, investing in the future: household security among the urban poor, in: Carole Rakodi & Tony Lloyd-Jones (Eds) Urban Livelihoods: a people-centered approach to reducing poverty, pp. 71–87 (London, Earthscan Publications). Beall, Jo & Nazneen, Kanji (1999) Households, livelihoods and urban poverty. Presented at the Conference on Urban Governance, Partnership and Poverty, University of Birmingham, August (accessed at: www.livelihoods.org). Brajmohan, Singh, D. P. and Thiagarajan, R. (2003) Technological gap in the adoption of post harvest technology. In Seafood Safety (Surendran, P.K., Mathew, P.T., Thampuran, N., Nambiar, V.N., Joseph, J., Boopendranath, M.R., Lakhsmanan, P.T and Nair, P.G.V., Eds), SOFT(I), Cochin, pp: 580-588. Devi, Arunmozhi, M.C. (2004) Research-Extension-Clientele linkages in dairy sector in Karnataka. Unpub. Ph.D. Thesis, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar.

http://www.livelihoods.org/


105 | P a g e

Ellis, Frank (2000) Rural Livelihoods and Diversity in Developing Countries (Oxford, Oxford University Press). Femeena, H., Sangeetha K. Prathap, Jeeva, J.C., Saleena, M. and Remya M. Babu. (2013) Economic feasibility analysis of fisherwomen based microenterprises. Indian J. Fish. 60 (1): 125-130. Femeena, H., Jeeva, J.C., Sangeetha, K.P., Saleena, M. and Remya, M.B. (2014) Attitudinal model constructs towards alternate livelihood avocations among women in fisheries enterprises- A case study in Ernakulam district, Kerala. Ind. J. Fisheries. 61 (3): 135-138. Frances, C. (2000) Analysing Gender Roles in Community Natural Resource Management Negotiation, Life courses and social inclusion, IDS Bulletin, Volume 31, Issue 2, pages 60–67. Francis, Elizabeth (2000) Making a Living: changing livelihoods in rural africa (London & New York, Routledge). Geethalakshmi, V., Jeeva, J. C., Balasubramaniam, S., Parvathy, R. and Nasser, M. (2012) Information and training needs of coastal fisherfolk of Ernakulam district in Kerala, J. Global Communication, 5 (1): 9-15. Govind, Santha., Subramanyan, V.S. & Alagesan, V. (1992) Tamilnadu Journal of Extn. Education, 3, 406. Jayaraman, R. (2008) Performance analysis of fisherwomen self help groups. Tamil Nadu Journal of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, 4(2): 52-55. Jeeva, J.C. Femeena, H. and Saleena, M. (2011) Market-led Livelihood Interventions in Rural Aquaculture Sector: Participatory Monitoring of Self Help Groups. Paper presented at National Seminar on “Innovation in farming system research and Extension for inclusive development”, 24- 25 November 2011, Madras Veterinary College, Chennai. Kiranjot Sidhu and Sukhjeet Kaur (2006) Development of Entrepreneurship among Rural Women. J. Soc. Sci., 13(2): 147-149. Krishna, S. (2004) Empowerment of fisherwomen, In Current Scenario and future Needs of Indian fisheries, Decennial Publication of Forum of Fisheries Professionals, Visakhapatnam. p.61. Lina Joy, Prema, A. and Krishnan, S. (2008) Determinants of group performance of women-led agro-processing self-help groups in Kerala, Agricultural Economics Research Review, 21 (Conference Number): 355-362.

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/idsb.2000.31.issue-2/issuetoc



106 | P a g e

Linda, M. (1998) Participatory Learning for Women's Empowerment in Micro-Finance Programmes: Negotiating Complexity, Conflict and Change, IDS Bulletin, Volume 29, Issue 4, pages 39–50. Kathleen, D. Kelsey and Christian Marigers, S. (2002) A case study of stake holders’ need analysis for extension education, J. of Extension, 40 (9) (www.joe.org). Kerlinger, Fred, N. (1995) Foundations of behavioural research. Prism Books Pvt. Ltd, Bangalore. Kothari, C.R. (1984) Research methodology-methods and techniques. Chaitanya Publishing House, Allahabad. Kumaran, M., Kalaimani, N. and Deboral Vimala. (2004) Awareness and perception of shrimp farmers on feed and seed management. Fishery Technology, 41 (1): 67-70. Mahalakshmi, P., Deboral, V., Krishnan, M. and Ravishankar, T. (2009) Needs assessment of ICT users for implementation of aquacultural development projects in Coastal Areas, Fish. Technol. 46: 73-78 Mary Thomas, Balasubramaniam, S. and Kandoran, M. K. (1996) Role Performance of Fisherwomen and the Associated Variables. Fishery Technology. Vol. 33(1) pp : 51 - 57. Masika, Rachel & Joekes, Susan (1996) Employment and sustainable livelihoods: a gender perspective. BRIDGE Report No. 37 (available at: www.livelihoods.org). Mayoux, L. (1999) ‘Questioning virtuous spirals: microfinance and women’s empowerment in Africa’, Journal of International Development November–December:957–984. MPEDA (2015) Marine Products Export Development Authority, Govt. of India, Cochin (www.mpeda.com). Murugan, K.R. and Dharmalingam, B. (2000) Self help groups-new women’s movements in Tamil Nadu. Social Welfare, 47 (8):9-12. Naila, K. (1999) Resources, Agency, Achievements: Reflections on the Measurement of Women's Empowerment, Development and Change, Volume 30, Issue 3, pages 435–464. (http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1467-7660.00125/abstract). Narayanakumar, R., Ravichand.Y and Suryaprakasa Rao, V. (2005). Fisherwomen’s Knowledge, Aptitude and Practice (KAP) of Alternate Income-generating Activities: A Case Study in A.P, Fishing Chimes (Online Monthly Indian Fisheries Journal), 25 (4). Nikita, G., Geethalakshmi, V., Unnithan, G. R., Murthy, L. N. and Jeyanthi P. (2007) Women in the Seafood Processing Sector in the Post Globalization Scenario - An



http://www.joe.org/

http://www.livelihoods.org/

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/dech.1999.30.issue-3/issuetoc

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1467-7660.00125/abstract


107 | P a g e

Analysis. Paper presented at 2nd Global Symposium on Gender and Fisheries held during the 8th Asian Fisheries Forum, 21 November 2007, Kochi. Nikita, G., Geethalakshmi, V., Unnithan, G. R., Murthy, L.N., and Jeyanthi, P. (2009) Women in Seafood Processing, Yemaya, Issue 30, March 2009. Nikita, G., Charles Jeeva, J., Parvathy, R. and Nasser, M. (2010) Assessment of Group Dynamics among Fisherwomen Self Help Groups: A Participatory Monitoring Approach, Journal of Global Communication, Vol. 3, No. 2, pp 23-28. Ponnusamy, K., Jayanthi, M., Kumaran, M. and Thenmathi, N. (2004) Influence of socio-economic variables on level of adoption of prawn/ fish pickle making technology. Fishery Technology, 41 (1): 63-66. Rao, M.K. (1999). Organizing and implementing income-generating activities through self-help groups in fisheries and agriculture, NABARD, Bangalore. pp. 350. Regina, S. (2000) Promoting Women's Empowerment Through Involvement in Ecotourism: Experiences from the Third World, Journal of Sustainable Tourism, Volume 8, Issue 3, pp 232-249. Sajesh, V.K., Ramasundaram, P. and Premlata Singh. (2011) Impact of Self Help Groups on the Empowerment of Rural Women: A Case of Kudumbasree Programme in Kerala. Indian Journal of Extension Education. 47 (3 & 4) : 14-19. Shanthi, B., Ambasankar, K., Krishnan, M., Balasubramaniam, C.P., Kannappan, S., Chandrasekaran, V.S., Merline, J. K. and Gayathri, G. (2010) Crab fattening: a livelihood option for the coastal women Self Help Groups. Fish. Technol. 47: 185 – 188. Sharma, C. (2010) Women Fish Vendors in India: An Information Booklet. International Collective in Support of Fish Workers, Chennai, India. Sharma, Nishi. (2000) Force influencing participation in adult literacy campaign. Ind. J. of Extn. Education, 36 (1&2). Sheela, I. (1997) Training programme for fisherwomen on preparation from seaweeds- an evaluation study. Marine Fisheries Information Service, 137: 11-13. Sheela, I. (2004) Linkages among research, extension and clientele systems in marine fisheries in Kerala. Unpub. Ph.D. Thesis, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar. Sheela, I. (2008) Adoption of oyster culture by women in Kerala. Fish. Technol. 45: 237-242 Shyam S. Salim and R. Geetha. (2013) Empowerment of fisherwomen in Kerala – an assessment. Indian J. Fish., 60(3) : 73-80.

http://www.tandfonline.com/loi/rsus20?open=8#vol_8

http://www.tandfonline.com/loi/rsus20?open=8#vol_8

http://www.tandfonline.com/toc/rsus20/8/3


108 | P a g e

Sreedaya, G. S., Sushama, N.P.K. and Nehru, S.M. (2001) Perception of officials about self help groups involved in vegetable cultivation, J. of Tropical Agriculture, 39 : 87-88. Sujathkumar, N.V. and Sripal, K.B. (1992) Constraints in the adoption of new technologies as perceived by traditional fishermen. J. of Extn. Education, 3(1):439-441. Swathilekshmi, P.S., Balasubramani, N., Vimala, Deboral and Chandrakandan, K. (2007) Factors responsible for discriminating between high and low adopter categories of shrimp farmers. Fishery Technology, 44 (1) : 113-116. Swathilekshmi, P.S. and Dineshbabu, A.P. (2011) Association Between Profile Characteristics and the Level of Aspiration of Women Dry Fish Wholesalers. Indian Journal of Extension Educatio, Vol.47, No. 1 & 2, :129-133. Vijaya, Khader (2013) Socio-economic empowerment of fisherwomen in Southern States of India. Fish. Technol. 50: 258-264. Vimala, D. Deboral, Ramachandran, S. and Nila Rekha, P. (2004) Strengthening extension programmes in shrimp farming. Fishery Technology, 41(2):155-158. Vimala, D. Deboral, Sarada, C. and Krishnan, M. (2006) Aquafarmers perceptions on extension services- a paired comparison approach. Fishery Technology, 43 (2):224-229. Vipinkumar, V.P., Sahoo, P.K., Krishna, S, Ambrose, T.V. and Jiban Dash, S.S. (2013) Gender perspectives and dynamics of bivalve farming Self Help Groups. Indian J. Fish., 60(3) : 59-66. Vipinkumar, V.P., Shyam S. Salim, Pushkaran, K.N., Harshan, N. K., Salini, K.P. and Sunil, P.V. (2014) The role of Self Help Groups on coastal indebtedness in marine fisheries sector – a case study from Kerala, south India. Indian J. Fish., 61(1) : 36-41. Whitehead, Ann & Kabeer, Naila (2001) Living with uncertainty: gender, livelihoods and pro-poor growth in rural sub-Saharan Africa. Institute of Development Studies: Working Paper 134. Wolfensohn, J. D. (1995) ‘Women and the Transformation of the 21st Century’, address by the World Bank President to the Fourth UN Conference on Women, Beijing, 15 September (http://www.worldbank.org/gender/how/womenand.htm).

http://www.worldbank.org/gender/how/womenand.htm


109 | P a g e


110 | P a g e

Annexure I ICSSR Project- Schedule I- Village Profile

Assessment of Sustainable Livelihood Interventions and Entrepreneurial

Skills among Coastal Women Self Help Groups using Participatory Methodologies

(Supported by ICSSR, Govt. of India, New Delhi)

Name of the Village: ________________________ Date: ________

I. Village Profile 1. Number of Households : 2. Number of Fishermen Households : 3. Number of Women SHGs functioning : ______; Total members:____

4. Sex Composition : Male: Female:

5. Literacy Percentage : Male: Female:

6. Average size of households (No. of family members) :

7. Occupational profile in the village :

Occupation No. of people employed

a) Primary 1. 2.

b) Subsidiary 1. 2.

8. Infrastructural facilities available in the village:


111 | P a g e

9. Fisheries profile of the village:

a. Types of crafts and gear in use : b. Post harvest activities undertaken :

10. Agricultural Profile (Area under different crops): 11. Animal Husbandry Profile of the village : II. Participatory Rural Appraisal Information Required: 1. General Transect of the Village 2. Resource Map of the Village 3. Mobility Map of the women SHG members 4. ‘H’ Form Methodology to Assess the Livelihood Interventions required for SHGs 5. ‘H’ Form Methodology to Assess the Entrepreneurial Skills of SHGs

(Note: The Statistics Handbook of the Village/ any other records on Village Profile and Village Map to be obtained)


112 | P a g e

Annexure II ICSSR Project-Schedule II- Socio-economic Profile of Respondents

Assessment of Sustainable Livelihood Interventions and Entrepreneurial Skills

among Coastal Women Self Help Groups using Participatory Methodologies

(Supported by ICSSR, Govt. of India, New Delhi)

Name of the Village: _______________________ Date: ________

Respondent No.________

I. Socio-personal profile 1. Name : 2. Address : 3. Age (completed years) : 4. Educational status :

Illiterate/ Can read and write/ Primary/ Middle/ Secondary/ Collegiate 5. Marital Status : Married/ Unmarried 6. Type of family : Nuclear/ Joint 7. Size of family (No. of family members) :

a) Male : b) Female : c) Children :

8. Occupational status of self :

Occupation Experience (Yrs)

No. of days employed/ Year

Annual Income (Rs.)

a) Primary

b) Subsidiary


113 | P a g e

9. Occupational status of household members :

Occupation No. of members involved

Experience (Yrs)

No. of days employed/ Year

Annual Income (Rs.)

a) Primary

b) Subsidiary

10. Type of house : Concrete/ Tiled/ Thatched 11. Ownership of House : Owned/Rent 12. If on rent, monthly rent : Rs. ………………… 13. Value of assets including house and land : Rs. 14. Value of household articles : Rs. 15. Name of SHG, in which you are a member : 16. No. of years of membership with the SHG : 17. Investment in any enterprise :

a) Yes/ No : b) If yes, purpose/ enterprise : c) Amount invested : d) Institution/ source of finance :

18. Indebtedness: Have you taken loan from any source? a) Yes/ No :

b) If yes, purpose/ enterprise : c) Amount of credit taken : d) Institution/ source of finance :

19. Information sources utilization: Please mention the sources do you use to know about any improved aspect in fisheries/ related to your occupation:


114 | P a g e

20. Social participation:

S. No. Organization Membership Office bearer

1. Village panchayath

2. Cooperative society

3. Committees

4. Youth clubs

5. Mahila mandals

6. SHGs

7. If any other (specify)

21. Decision making pattern in the household: Who takes major decisions in the house?

a) Male Head b) Female c) Both 22. Does your family support your involvement in SHG? a) Yes b) No c) Partially 23. Extension participation: Please indicate your frequency of participation in the following extension activities in the last one year.

S. No. Extension activities Frequency of participation

Regular Occasional Never

1. Kisan mela

2. Method demonstrations

3. Training programmes

4. Group meetings

5. Exhibitions

6. Tours

7. If any others (specify)

24. Have you attended any training in fisheries/ related to your occupation?

a) Yes/ No b) If yes, please furnish the following details

Sl. No Subject of training Institute/ Place Duration

25. Individual Economic Activities undertaken:

S. No.

Economic activities taken up

Investment (Rs.)

Average Annual Profit (Rs.)

Remarks


115 | P a g e

26. Economic activities undertaken as a group:

S. No.

Economic activities taken up

No. of members

Investment (Rs.)

Average Annual Profit (Rs.)

Remarks

II. Daily Routine of Self

Time Activity

4:00 AM

5:00 AM

6:00 AM

7:00 AM

8:00 AM

9:00 AM

10:00 AM

11:00 AM

12:00 PM

01:00 PM

02:00 PM

03:00 PM

04:00 PM

05:00 PM

06:00 PM

07:00 PM

08:00 PM

09:00 PM

10:00 PM

11:00 PM

12:00 PM

III. Role Performance- Please indicate the roles performed by you and the approximate time spent per day on these roles

Sl. No.

Roles performed Hours spent/ day

A. Social

B. Economic

C. Others (Please, specify)


116 | P a g e

IV. Need Assessment- Please List out the Livelihood Interventions Need 1. 2. 3. V. Are you satisfied with your present nature of work?

a) Satisfied/ Not satisfied b) If not satisfied, please mention the areas of dissatisfaction.

VI. Please state your areas of interest for working in the near future.

1. 2.

VII. Marketing: What are the marketing channels used by you for selling your products and specify the constraints associated with marketing? VIII. Constraints and Suggestions: Please list out the constraints in the various roles performed by you and your suggestions for solving them.

Sl. No Constraints Suggestions

IX. Mobility Map (Movement of the Respondent outside the Village for various purposes):

Assessment of Sustainable Livelihood Interventions and ... · Out of the 30 potential and sustainable livelihood needs assessed through participatory tools, considering the factors

Documents