# Impact of Socio-Economic Fluctuations on Fishermen and Their Families in the Coastal Area of Vizianagaram District of Andhra Pradesh, India

Gopal Anapana, Santoshi Barri, Bheeshma Dunna, Venkata Rathnamma Vakita

► To cite this version:

Gopal Anapana, Santoshi Barri, Bheeshma Dunna, Venkata Rathnamma Vakita. Impact of Socio-Economic Fluctuations on Fishermen and Their Families in the Coastal Area of Vizianagaram District of Andhra Pradesh, India. National Seminar on Community Health and Sustainable Development Goals (Perspectives, Challenges, and Policies), Department of Sociology & Social Work, Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India, Mar 2023, Guntur, India. pp.215-225. hal-05269407

HAL Id: hal-05269407

https://hal.science/hal-05269407v1

Submitted on 19 Sep 2025

HAL is a multi-disciplinary open access
archive for the deposit and dissemination of sci-
entific research documents, whether they are pub-
lished or not. The documents may come from
teaching and research institutions in France or
abroad, or from public or private research centers.

L'archive ouverte pluridisciplinaire HAL, est
destinée au dépôt et à la diffusion de documents
scientifiques de niveau recherche, publiés ou non,
émanant des établissements d'enseignement et de
recherche français ou étrangers, des laboratoires
publics ou privés.

<figure><img src="image_1.png" /></figure>

Distributed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License
<figure><img src="image_2.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_3.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_4.png" /></figure>

COMMUNITY HEALTH AND
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

(PERSPECTIVES, CHALLENGES AND POLICIES)

<figure><img src="image_5.png" /></figure>

UGC National Seminar Proceedings

Editor

Prof. M. Trimurthi Rao

Department of Sociology and Social Work
ACHARYA NAGARJUNA UNIVERSITY

Nagarjuna Nagar - 522 510, Guntur
Andhra Pradesh, India
Community Health and Sustainable
Development Goals
(Perspectives, Challenges and Policies)

Dedicated to

Late (Shri) Prof. Y. C. Simhadri

Sociologist and Former Vice-Chancellor&

Founder, Dept. of Sociology, Social Work & IRPM, ANU
&

Late (Shri) Prof. M. Lakshmipathi Raju

Social Worker and Founder Head,

Dept. of Sociology, Social Work & IRPM, ANU

Editor

Prof. M. TRIMURTHI RAO

Dept. of Sociology & Social Work

Acharya Nagarjuna University

Nagarjuna Nagar - 522510

Guntur District, A.P, India
COMMUNITY HEALTH AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
(PERSPECTIVES, CHALLENGES AND POLICIES)

ISBN 978-93-5813-217-5

All rights reserved with the Editor

Prof. M. Trimurthi Rao

Editor

Dept. of Sociology and Social Work

Acharya Nagarjuna University

Nagarjuna Nagar - 522 510

Guntur District, A.P., India
The Department of Sociology and Social Work, Acharya Nagarjuna University is planned to conduct the ANU & UGC Sponsored Two Day National Seminar on "Community Health and Sustainable Development Goals (Perspectives, Challenges and Policies)" on 20th & 21st March 2023.

**Organizing Committee**

**Chief Patron**

**Prof. Raja Sekhar, P**
Hon'ble Vice-Chancellor, ANU

**Patrons**

**Prof. P. Varaprasada Murthy**
Rector, ANU

**Prof. B. Karuna**
Registrar, ANU

**Prof. Ch. Swaroopa Rani**
Principal, University College of Arts, Commerce & Law, ANU

**Prof. Saraswati Raju Iyer**
E.C Member & Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, ANU

**Prof. K. Sunita**
Officer on Special Duty, ANU

**Seminar Director**

**Prof. M. Trimurthi Rao**
Department of Sociology and Social Work
Acharya Nagarjuna University

**Organizing Secretary**

**Prof. V. Venkateswarlu**
Head, Dept. of Sociology and Social Work, ANU

**Treasurer**

**Prof. K. Dhanalakshmi**
Dept. of Sociology and Social Work, ANU
## About Acharya Nagarjuna University

Acharya Nagarjuna University is quite significant in that the greatest Buddhist preceptor and philosopher Acharya Nagarjuna founded University on the banks of river Krishna some centuries ago. In 1967, Andhra University started a Post Graduate Centre in Nallapadu, Guntur District, Andhra Pradesh, as an Extension Center to cater to the needs of higher education of the people of this region. It is in the fitness of things that a University should grow from this Center to fulfill the desires of the people of this belt. Accordingly, Nagarjuna University came into being in September 1976.

Acharya Nagarjuna University since then has grown into a large University with Academic Departments having over 450 affiliated colleges offering Under Graduate, Post Graduate, Engineering, Education, Law, Pharmacy, and Oriental Languages courses. Now it has 55 Post Graduate teaching cum research courses on the campus, one PG Centre at Ongole, while around 70 affiliated colleges offer P.G.Courses.

## About The Department

Department of Sociology and Social Work was established in the year 1992 by then Vice-Chancellor and Sociologist Prof. Y.C. Simhadri. Both Social Work and Sociology are fieldwork and employment oriented courses theoretically and practically designed under the semester system, to provide professional orientation and societal perspective outlook to the students. The syllabi are designed to incorporate requirements for UGC NET and also other competitive examinations like UPSC, APPSC, and NGOs. The Department of Sociology and Social Work has a vision and mission in providing contemporary education on social issues/ social problems and has the capacity to work in diversified ways individually and collectively to provide a valuable skill set for communities in crisis situations. Through the fieldwork, project work, and course design of the Dept. of Sociology and Social Work has been very active in the creation of awareness and tackling social problems through its extension programs highly useful to students, the public, and the government. Further, the faculty has produced a good number of Ph.D. and M.Phil. Degrees besides research projects have been undertaken. In addition, the faculty has published voluminous books; and articles in reputed journals. Besides the department has organized a good number of national and international seminars since its inception on various contemporary themes.
Major Themes

* Different perspectives on the health and well-being of the community /society.

* Understand the 2030 agenda of the third SDG in the context of possible policy implications for the benefit of the community.

* The impact of COVID-19 on the general health and mental health of the people.

* Identify the health status and discuss the reproductive health issues.

* Identify the health status and discuss the reproductive health issues.

* Accessibility, availability, and affordability of health care services for the population in the state of Andhra Pradesh.

Sub Themes

* Perspectives on health and well-being of community and Diaspora.

* Health, 2030 Agenda of SDG-3.

* COVID-19 and Health.

* Mental Health and Physical Health.

* Access to Healthcare, Diaspora, and Human Rights.

* International and National Policies on health.

* Reproductive health of marginalized communities.

* Health status and health needs of interstate migrant workers in India.

* Government and NGOs' role in the field of health.

* Social Work and Health.

* Health of Children and Women.
ACHARYA NAGARJUNA UNIVERSITY

The National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) Awarded ANU as 'A' Grade University

Prof. RAJA SEKHAR PATTETI

M.A. (Eng.), M.A. (Psy.), M.Phil., Ph.D.

VICE-CHANCELLOR

<figure><img src="image_6.png" /></figure>

Nagarjunanagar - 522 510

Guntur District, A.P., India

Phone: Off: 0863-2346101, Fax: 0863-2293378

Resi: 0866-2494813, Mobile: 9704464829

e-mail: nu_vc@yahoo.co.in

derrida.derrida@gmail.com

website: http://www.anu.ac.in

## Foreword

<figure><img src="image_7.png" /></figure>

It is indeed a pleasure to write foreword to the book entitled "Community Health and Sustainable Development Goals (Perspectives, Challenges, and Policies)" which the Department of Sociology and Social Work are bringing out in the book form the proceedings of the seminar at the appropriate time when there is a global response on the public health

issues and sustainable development goals during and after COVID-19 pandemic. Thenational policy on health reiterates that the objectives and principles of public health equally enshrined in the Indian constitution.

There still exists a wide gap between the goals enunciated in the constitution, legislations, policies, plans, programmes and related mechanisms on the one hand and the situational reality of the health problems of community in India on the other. The paper writers dealt with wide range of issues relating to problems and challenges of community health and sustainable development goals and to suggest good interventions for policy making.

I appreciate the judicious combination of the papers belonging to various disciplines compiled in the book, highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary focus for delineating the multi-faceted dimensions of community health and sustainable development goals.

Since the Department of Sociology and Social Work has been undertaking series of development programmes in the adopted villages and urban slums, working with communities, groups, women, rendering counselling for people in distress using social work methods, practices and interventions, it is in the fitness of the things that, this volume is brought out to throw light on various health issues, problems faced by children, youth, women and aged in the marginalised communities. Though the volume is result of the two day national seminar keeping in view to fulfil the needs of the students, research scholars and teachers of various disciplines of the social science.

PROF. RAJA SEKHAR, P
Vice-Chancellor
Preface

<figure><img src="image_8.png" /></figure>

The present volume is the outcome of the papers presented in ANU & UGC sponsored two day National Seminar on "Community Health and Sustainable Development Goals (Perspectives, Challenges and Policies)" organised by the Department of Sociology and Social Work, Acharya Nagarjuna University. The book is compiled with the themes of seminar to present the subject in a meaningful form.

Though the book is the result of the proceedings of the seminar has been taken to arrange the papers by giving it a touch of sequence, logic, rationale, cohesion and above all an integration of the whole subject matter on Community Health & SDGs.

The book contains the articles by senior academicians, teaching the subjects in their respective disciplines of sociology, social work and the other social science and health related disciplines. The writers have discussed the various issues concerning community health and SDGs. The discussions undertaken by the national and international organizations to improve the health of the community in India were discussed at length. There is good correlation between community health and sustainable development goals.

This book spells out various perspectives on community health, the issues and problems that confront with the health and SDGs so as to highlight the implications of the policies, strategies and interventions. It also focuses on the role of social activists, social workers, NGOs and different institutions working in the field of health sector.

The great credit of the book is the comprehensive manner in which, it has dealt with all aspects of the subject. The presentation is simple and lucid and compiled for the benefit of the students, research scholars and teachers dealing with the subject. Many of the issues raised in this book will be discussed not only for the students, research scholars and teachers but will be thought provoking even for the policy makers.

Prof. M. TRIMURTHI RAO
Editor

Dept. of Sociology & Social Work
Acharya Nagarjuna University
Contents

<table><thead><tr><td>S.No.</td><td>Name of the Author/s</td><td>Title of the Article</td><td>Page No.</td></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>1</td><td>Dr. I. Satya Sundaram</td><td>India's Food Security and Malnutrition</td><td>1-12</td></tr><tr><td>2</td><td>Anjali Ashokan</td><td>Adivasi Health, Strengths, Challenges, and the way forward: A Review of Studies</td><td>13-22</td></tr><tr><td>3</td><td>Prof. T. Srinivas</td><td>A Sociological Study on Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karykram (RBSK) in Telangana towards Sustainable Community</td><td>23-28</td></tr><tr><td>4</td><td>Ediga Niranjan Goud, Dr. Haritha Kodali & Prof. Sai Sujatha. D</td><td>Patient Satisfaction on Total Hospital Care in Oncology Setting</td><td>29-36</td></tr><tr><td>5</td><td>Mamata Sogaraju, M.S. Chaitanya Kumari</td><td>Multimedia Intervention for Knowledge Empowerment of Rural Pregnant Women</td><td>37-45</td></tr><tr><td>6</td><td>Dr. S. Sahiti</td><td>Poverty and Health, Poverty and Income Inequality in India: Social Work Response</td><td>46-53</td></tr><tr><td>7</td><td>Dr. Premajyothi, D Mr. Satheesh Metri</td><td>Social Work Practice in Community Health in the Context of COVID-19</td><td>54-75</td></tr><tr><td>8</td><td>Thiruveedula Seshu Babu, Prof. Saraswati Raju Iyer</td><td>Social Work Practice with Persons with Disabilities</td><td>76-92</td></tr><tr><td>9</td><td>Y.Rajesh, Prof.V.Venkateswarlu</td><td>Violence Erodes Women's Mental Health - Need for Intervention Strategies</td><td>93-105</td></tr><tr><td>10</td><td>Dr. Lakshmi Naik Pathlavath, Prof. K. Dhanalakshmi, Prof. M. Nageswara Rao</td><td>Health Status of Tribal Women in India: A Review</td><td>106-112</td></tr><tr><td>11</td><td>Dr. K. Suneetha and Dr. B. Venkata Subbareddy</td><td>Sustainable Development and Older Persons: Special Emphasis on Health Care</td><td>113-121</td></tr><tr><td>12</td><td>Prof. Amal Kumar Basu, Jitendra Kumar Singh</td><td>Government Support to provide Optimum Health Care to the People in West Bengal</td><td>122-126</td></tr><tr><td>13</td><td>Dr. P. Venkata Rao</td><td>Role of Government in the Community Health Sector with reference to Health Care Delivery System through ASHA Workers</td><td>127-132</td></tr><tr><td>14</td><td>R S Swetha, Prof. V.Venkateswarlu</td><td>COVID-19 Pandemic in Andhra Pradesh - Public Health Strategies</td><td>133-138</td></tr><tr><td>15</td><td>Dr. Prabhakar Akurathi</td><td>Sustainable Development Goals -Health Aspects</td><td>139-143</td></tr></tbody></table>
<table><thead><tr><td>S.No.</td><td>Name of the Author/s</td><td>Title of the Article</td><td>Page No.</td></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>16</td><td>Ravi Babu J,<br/>Prof. K. Dhanalakshmi</td><td>Well-being of India and the Role of SDGs</td><td>144-152</td></tr><tr><td>17</td><td>K Swaroop Paul<br/>Kumar,<br/>Prof. V. Venkateswarlu</td><td>Role of Non-Governmental Organizations in improving Health Conditions of Rural people in India</td><td>153-160</td></tr><tr><td>18</td><td>Dr. R. Madhumathi</td><td>Impact of COVID-19 on Mental Health of Children with Disabilities and their Families</td><td>161-166</td></tr><tr><td>19</td><td>Dasari Yedukondalu,<br/>Prof. M. Trimurthi Rao</td><td>Public Health Care System in Andhra Pradesh: The Role of Non-Governmental Organizations</td><td>167-176</td></tr><tr><td>20</td><td>Dr. A. Kusuma,<br/>K. Chinna Veeranna</td><td>Health Problems of Female Child Labour in Agriculture Families: A Study</td><td>177-185</td></tr><tr><td>21</td><td>Mrs. P. Lavanya</td><td>A Study to Assess the Nutritional Health Status of Lactating Mothers Residing in Rural Areas of Tirupati</td><td>186-193</td></tr><tr><td>22</td><td>Dr. Kasi Rao Kate &<br/>Prof. Y. Ashok Kumar</td><td>Mental Health Consequences Of People During Covid-19: A Study</td><td>194-198</td></tr><tr><td>23</td><td>Lavanya Kumari .K</td><td>A Study to Evaluate the Effectiveness of Structured Teaching Program Regarding Awareness of Dengue Fever among Mothers of Under-Five Children in Rural Areas of Guntakal</td><td>199-206</td></tr><tr><td>24</td><td>Ramesh Kalangi &<br/>Prof. M. Trimurthi Rao</td><td>Role of Community Health Workers in Participating of Sustainable Developments Goals in Guntur District of Andhra Pradesh</td><td>207-214</td></tr><tr><td>25</td><td>Anapana Gopal,<br/>Santoshi Barri,<br/>Bheeshma Dunna &<br/>Prof. Venkata<br/>Rathnamma V</td><td>Impact of Socio-Economic Fluctuations on Fishermen and their Families in the Coastal Area of Vizianagaram District of Andhra Pradesh, India</td><td>215-225</td></tr><tr><td>26</td><td>Dr. G. Kondala Rao</td><td>COVID-19 Pandemic: The Role of Regional News Unit, Vijayawada</td><td>226-233</td></tr><tr><td>27</td><td>Dr. Y. Rajeswari,<br/>Dr. Venkata Prasad<br/>Rao Sriram</td><td>Impact of ICDS on Nutritional and Health Status: A Study in Dharmavaram Project of Sri Satya Sai District of Andhra Pradesh</td><td>234-243</td></tr><tr><td>28</td><td>Nevin Sulthan S.N,<br/>Prof. A. Malathi</td><td>Mental Health tales of Struggles, Shaming, Solidarity, Strength and Healing</td><td>244-253</td></tr><tr><td>29</td><td>Reddy Venkatesh,<br/>Prof. M. Trimurthi Rao</td><td>Sustainable Development Indicators among Rural Women: A Comparative Analysis of NFHS 4 and NFHS 5</td><td>254-260</td></tr><tr><td>30</td><td>Prof. (Dr.) Ghanta<br/>Satyanarayana</td><td>Epitome of Right to Health and Health Care under Article 21: A pursuit by India</td><td>261-267</td></tr></tbody></table>
<table><thead><tr><td>S.No.</td><td>Name of the Author/s</td><td>Title of the Article</td><td>Page No.</td></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>31</td><td>K. Anand Achari</td><td>SDG in Community Health, A Review After COVID-19 Pandemic</td><td>268-273</td></tr><tr><td>32</td><td>Dr. Dilip Bathena, Prof. M.Trimurthi Rao</td><td>Impact of Population Explosion on Community Health and Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Health and Wellbeing)</td><td>274-281</td></tr><tr><td>33</td><td>S. Delhiswara Rao & Prof. M.Trimurthi Rao</td><td>Health issues of Tribal Families in Seethampeta Mandal, Manyam District of Andhra Pradesh</td><td>282-289</td></tr><tr><td>34</td><td>Dr. Kondru Sudheer Kumar</td><td>Health Needs of Interstate Migrant Workers in India- A Brief Analysis</td><td>290-293</td></tr><tr><td>35</td><td>Dr. Babu Namburu</td><td>Health Aspects of Ageing</td><td>294-304</td></tr><tr><td>36</td><td>G.Sivanna, K. Yerri Lakshmi</td><td>Role of Integrated Child Development Service (ICDS) on Nutrition and Health Care: A Study in Gooty Project Area of Anatapuramu District of Andhra Pradesh</td><td>305-316</td></tr><tr><td>37</td><td>Bhukya Krishna Nayak, Prof. K. Dhanalakshmi</td><td>Reproductive Health of Tribal Population in India: A Review</td><td>317-321</td></tr><tr><td>38</td><td>Kunchala Venkata Rao</td><td>The Impact of COVID-19 on Health and Mental Health of People: Sustainable Development Goals</td><td>322-329</td></tr><tr><td>39</td><td>Kasi Lalitha Manogna, Dr. Charly Daniel</td><td>Health Status And Health Needs Of Interstate Migrant Workers In India</td><td>330-332</td></tr><tr><td>40</td><td>Dr.G.Anita, M. Sambasiva Rao</td><td>Coverage of News Papers and Public health: A study of COVID 19 in Andhra Pradesh</td><td>333-334</td></tr><tr><td>41</td><td>Dr.P.Subbarama Raju</td><td>The Impact of COVID-19 on Healthcare Givers Wellness: A Study in Nellore District of Andhra Pradesh</td><td>335-346</td></tr><tr><td>42</td><td>Siva Brahmam.K, Prof.M.Trimurthi Rao</td><td>A Study on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and the Sustainability Practices of ITC ltd, Chirala.</td><td>347-353</td></tr><tr><td>43</td><td>S L P Kumari Kolipaka, Dr.K. Dhanalakshmi</td><td>Ensure Healthy Lives and Promote Well-Being for All Ages</td><td>354-358</td></tr><tr><td>44</td><td>K.Avulaiah, Prof. V.Venkateswarlu</td><td>Impact Of Climate Change On Women's Health: Need for New Initiatives</td><td>359-371</td></tr><tr><td>45</td><td>D.Sai Charan Gupta</td><td>Reproductive Health Issues In India- Role of 3rd Goal In Sustainable Development Goals</td><td>372-377</td></tr></tbody></table>
<table><tr><td>46</td><td>J. Rushikesh</td><td>Global Health And Well Being: SDG-3</td><td>378-381</td></tr><tr><td>47</td><td>Ramavath Devi Sri Prasad Naik</td><td>Impact of COVID -19 on The General Health and Mental Health of People in Society</td><td>382-390</td></tr><tr><td>48</td><td>Nageswara Rao Velpula, Prof. M.Trimurthi Rao</td><td>Promoting Sustainable Development in the Fishing Industry: Solutions for Health and Economic Challenges of Fishermen Communities</td><td>391-397</td></tr></table>
Impact of Socio-Economic Fluctuations on Fishermen and Their Families in the Coastal Area of
Vizianagaram District of Andhra Pradesh, India

Gopal Anapana¹, Santoshi barri², Bheeshma dunna³, Venkata Rathnamma V⁴

1 – Research Scholar, Department of Zoology & Aquaculture, Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur.

2, 3 – Graduate students, Maharajah’s College (A), Vizianagaram.

4 – Professor, Department of Zoology & Aquaculture, Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur.

Corresponding author: Anapana Gopal.

Corresponding author mail I'd: [gopalzoology@gmail.com](mailto:gopalzoology@gmail.com)

**Abstract:**

Fishing is one of the major income sources for the people who live along the sea's shore, and in some areas, fishing is the only income source as well. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the socioeconomic status and its fluctuations among fishers in the coastal area of Vizianagaram district, Andhra Pradesh. During field surveys, we randomly interviewed the fishermen and their families with the well-prepared questionnaire. We visited 08 villages, and 850 fishermen's families participated in the interview. All of them are Hindu; very few are Christians. Mostly middle-aged fishermen (36–50 years old) are involved in fishing activities. Almost 84% of all families have only one earner, either a father or a son. The majority of the fishermen and their family members were found illiterate (74%). Due to economic problems, 54% of teenagers drop out after high school every year for the sake of their families. Almost 87% of the population is unaware of higher education. Girls from fishing families are studying only up to the tenth grade (80%); a few are studying intermediate (49%); and very few are studying graduation (24%). The monthly income of these fishing families (75–85%) is > Rs. 15,000/- (18.7 USD; 1 USD = Rs. 82). In these villages, 57% of people live in kutcha houses. They spent Rs. 250–350 for their daily expenditures. Almost 48% of families do not have a bore and depend on municipal water for drinking. Around 71% of families do not have bathrooms, and 85% do not have access to a latrine. More than 41% of people drink alcohol on a regular basis, and 34% chew tobacco. So many of these villages' streets lack a proper drainage system. Every year, in the months of June to September, the entire family migrates to Mangamaripeta (Bheemili) and Visakhapatnam for fishing. To further the education of fishermen's children, opportunities should be provided and encouraged financially. Appropriate support should be provided to fishermen by creating awareness about alternative employment opportunities. These villagers are economically poor, have a high percentage of illiteracy, and face unhygienic conditions. Necessary steps should be taken by the government's organizations, NGOs, and respective stakeholders to improve the literacy level as well as livelihood status.
**1. Introduction:**

Fishing is one of the major income sources for the people who live along the sea's shore, and in some areas, fishing is the only income source as well. One of the oldest occupations in India is fishing. The fishing sector has occupied a major place in the Indian economy. This sector plays a role in employment creation as well as in exporting industries. Fishing is one of the major income sources for the people who live along the sea's shore, and in some areas, fishing is the only income source as well. The measure of an individual's or family's socio-economic status (SES) depends on the individual's or family's economic and social position in relation to others, and also other parameters influence their socio-economic status, like physical assets, social position, social participation, income, education, occupation, family effluence, caste, muscle power, political influence, etc. (Reza et al., 2015).

Vizianagaram district, a state of Andhra Pradesh, has a 4124 sq. km. area, a 19.30 lakh population, 982 villages, and 53.2% literacy (https://vizianagaram.ap.gov.in/about-district/). There is a coastal belt of 28 km in the district, with 8 main villages and 16 hamlets consisting of 6993 fishermen who are suited to the Pusapatirega and Bhogapuram mandals. The fishermen of the coastal area of Vizianagaram district catch marine fish worth about 1834 M.Ts. per year. (https://vizianagaram.ap.gov.in/about-district/)

Due to a lack of knowledge among fishermen and fishing communities, this leads to poor planning and implementation of various fisheries management programs (Devi et al., 2012b; Devi et al., 2014). The present study was conducted to evaluate the socioeconomic status and its fluctuations among fishers in the coastal area of Vizianagaram, Andhra Pradesh, India.

**2. Selection of the Study Area:**

The present study was carried out in the coastal area of Vizianagaram district in Andhra Pradesh state. We selected 8 villages, i.e., Chintapalli, Pathivada-Barripeta, Pulgeddapalem, Tammayyapalem, Thippalavalasa (Pusapatirega Mandal), and Pedakondarajupalem, Chinakondarajupalem, and Chepalakancheru (Bhogapuram Mandal). The majority of these villagers from these villages belong to the fishing community and are involved in fishing-related work. The present study was carried out in the 8 villages of the Vizianagaram district of Andhra Pradesh for a period of one year (January 2022–February 2023).

**3. Materials & Methods:**

In the present study, the information was collected by interviewing 895 respondents from the eight villages above at random. For tabulation, calculation of percentage, frequency, and statistical analysis, we used MS-Excel.

**4. Results and Discussion:**

The socio-economic status of fishermen's families and its fluctuations play a key role in their livelihood. In the present study, we concentrated on some socio-economic parameters like gender, age, family type
and size, religion, education, marital status, occupational status, income status, house infrastructure and house type, number of household earners, type of ration card, government subsidies, loans, and DWCRA groups, account in the bank, fishing gear and boats, source of finance for fishing or business, communication facilities, and mass media participation, migration, and fishing occupation for the next generation.

**4.1 Gender:**

The study revealed that almost all fishermen were men; women were not involved in fishing; they were mostly involved in fish processing only. *B.M. Yadav et al. 2020*, in their study in Ratnagiri, Maharashtra, reported that males comprised a higher percentage (82.8%) than the females (17.2%). However, females were involved in the preparation of fishing gear, fish processing, and marketing.

**4.2 Age:**

The study revealed that 58% of the respondents were aged between 30 – 50 years, which indicates that mostly middle-aged groups actively participated in fishing related activities.

**4.3 Family type and size:**

During the investigation process, based on the number of family members; the fishermen's families were divided into mainly two categories: small families (<5 members) and large families (>5 members). The study revealed that nearly 80% of families were small, and 20% were large families. Almost 45% of people belong to a joint family, and the remaining people are in a nuclear family.

*Bhargavi et al., 2020*, conducted their study in Andhra Pradesh, India, and reported that 48.7% of the respondents had a family size of 5 members. *Anon (2005)* studied the socio-economic status of fishermen in Nuvvulrevu village, Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh, and found that 38% of the families consisted of 5 members. *Bhargavi et al., 2020*, carried out a study on the socioeconomic status of the fisher women community in Vizianagaram district of Andhra Pradesh, India, and found that the majority of the respondents lived in nuclear families (64.9%), whereas the remaining 35.1% lived in joint families.

**4.4 Religion:**

In this study, it was observed that the peoples of eight villages involved in the fishing occupation were 87% Hindu, while 13% of the people converted to Christianity. *B.M. Yadav et al. 2020*, in their study in
Ratnagiri, Maharashtra, reported that 100% of the fishermen were Hindu. In the last two years, some of the members have converted to Christianity.

**4.5 Education:**

Of the 895 respondents, majority 61.8% were illiterate, in that 18% peoples were completed their school level education (SSC), remaining 8% people they can read and write Telugu language. Due to economic problems, 54% of teenagers drop out after high school every year for the sake of their families. Almost 87% of the population is unaware of higher education. Girls from fishing families are studying only up to the tenth grade (80%); a few are studying intermediate (49%); and very few are studying graduation (24%). From 1 – 2 years onward, girls were trying to join higher education, but boys were not interested in continuing their education for so many reasons. Personally, we observed the environment, surrounding people, and their economic problems.

Similar low levels of education status among the fishermen community in different parts of the country were also reported earlier (Devi et al. 2012). As high as 80% illiteracy was also observed in the fishermen community of Rampur district, Uttar Pradesh (Saxena et al. 2014).

**4.6 Marital status:**

In terms of marital status, the majority of the fishermen were married, while 23% were unmarried. Dr.Jayaselvi (2016) studied the economic and health status of fishermen in Tiruchendur and reported that out of the total respondents, 86% of them got married and 14% of them were unmarried. Nayak and Mishra (2008), in their study in Ganjam district, Orissa, reported that out of the total population, 16,976 are unmarried, 19,504 are married, and 1,235 are widows.

**4.7 Occupational status:**

In the present study, it was observed that more than 87% of villagers are fishermen or involved in fishing-related activities, 11.2% are involved in other businesses, and only 1.2% of fishermen go to daily labour work. Raghavan et al. (2016) reported that the main occupation of 90% of fisher families was fishing; the majority of the fishermen were doing fishing throughout the year, and the rest were part-time fishermen; they were engaged in both fishing and labour work.

**4.8 Income status:** The main source of income for the villagers is fishing. The monthly income of fishermen was categorized into three groups, i.e., less than 15000/- (low level), 15000–25000/- (middle
level), and more than 25000/- (higher level). According to the study, 78% of people had a middle-level income, 16% had a low-level income, and the remaining 6% had a higher-level income.

## 4.9 House infrastructure and house type:

Almost 48% of families do not have a bore and depend on municipal water for drinking. Around 71% of families do not have bathrooms, and 85% do not have access to a latrine. 29% of people have bathrooms without latrines. We observed that almost 80% of people use outside places for latrines due to joint families, a lack of latrines, a lack of septic tanks, etc. In these villages, 43% of people live in pucca houses, and 57% live in kutcha houses without any facilities.

## 4.10 Number of household earners:

The results showed that almost 84% of all families have only one earner, either a father or a son, followed by 12.3% of families with two earners and 3.7% of families with three earners.

## 4.11 Type of ration card:

In the study area, ration cards were divided into three categories, such as pink, white, and no ration card. In 2021 onwards, the AP government introduced rice cards in place of white ration cards. The ration card, or rice card, represents the income status of the family and can be produced in place of an income certificate. According to the findings of the current investigation, the majority of fishermen (98.2%) had white ration cards, and 1.8% had pink ration cards.

## 4.12 Government subsidies:

The AP government is providing subsidies and YSR-Matsyakara Bharosa to every registered fisherman. All the registered fishermen (97.3%) were getting Rs. 10,000 per year, which was credited directly to their accounts in the month of May. And also provide compensation of Rs 10 lakhs to fishermen or their family members on the eve of death or permanent disability.

## 4.13 Loans and DawCRA groups:

Almost 93.5% of the women from fishermen's families joined DawCRA groups and took loans from the government. Some members (24%) have obtained gold loans from SBI and other banks.
**4.14 Account in the bank:** Almost every fisherman (100%) holds a bank account at SBI, Cooperative bank, or another bank. Their family members also hold a bank account. Mostly women hold bank accounts at APGVB Bank.

**4.15. Fishing gear and boats:**

Fishing gear and boats are needed by every fisherman to continue their daily work. In these villages, every fisherman contains an average of 10–15 different types of fishing gear, but only 62% of fisherman only contain their own boats; 27% of people contain boats in a cumulative manner, i.e., purchase boats in groups; and 11% of people have no boats but joined with other groups for fishing.

**4.16. Source of finance for fishing or business:**

During the study, it was observed that 28% of fishermen were using their own savings for fishing activities and to purchase fishing-related equipment (gear, boats), while the majority (54.8%) borrowed money from fish suppliers, 9.6% took help from finance companies, and 7.6% approached banks.

**4.17. Communication facilities and mass media participation:**

The study found that communication facilities (such as schools, markets, and transportation) were observed among fishermen. All the fishermen were using cell phones and GPS during the fishing. Of the 895 respondents, 61% had a high level of communication facilities, 23% had a moderate level, and 16% had a low level.

**4.18 Migration:**

The study revealed that every year, in the months of June to September, the entire family migrates (87%) to Mangamaripeta (Bheemili) and Visakhapatnam for fishing. Because at that time their native area's seashore was affected by wild tides and was not suitable for fishing. After the month of September, they again came back to their own houses.

**4.19. Fishing occupation for the next generation:**

In this study, a unique question was asked of every fisherman: "Would you like to continue fishing as your primary or secondary occupation for your next generation?". The study reported that around 68.7% of fishermen say no and 31.3% say yes to continuing this present occupation for the next generation. The reason behind not handing over their occupation to the next generation may be due to a lower catch
of fish, less profit, high business operation costs, and high risk at sea. But the young ones almost 81%—
were opting for fishing as a primary occupation for their survival.

## Interview with fisherman and their family

<figure><img src="image_9.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_10.png" /></figure>

## Tabular representation of the socio-economic status survey results

<table><thead><tr><td>S.No</td><td>Character</td><td>Category</td><td>Percentage</td></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td rowspan="2">1.</td><td rowspan="2">Gender</td><td>Men</td><td>100</td></tr><tr><td>Women</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td rowspan="2">2.</td><td rowspan="2">Age</td><td>Yung age (17-30)</td><td>24</td></tr><tr><td>Middle age (30-50)</td><td>58</td></tr><tr><td rowspan="5">3.</td><td rowspan="5">Family Size</td><td>Old age (&gt; 50)</td><td>18</td></tr><tr><td>Small</td><td>80</td></tr><tr><td>Large</td><td>20</td></tr><tr><td>Nuclear</td><td>55</td></tr><tr><td>Joint</td><td>45</td></tr><tr><td rowspan="5">4.</td><td rowspan="5">Religion</td><td>Hindu</td><td>87</td></tr><tr><td>Christian</td><td>13</td></tr><tr><td>Muslims</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>Illiterate</td><td>61.8</td></tr><tr><td>Primary</td><td>8</td></tr><tr><td rowspan="4">5.</td><td rowspan="4">Education</td><td>Secondary</td><td>18</td></tr><tr><td>Higher secondary</td><td>8.9</td></tr><tr><td>Graduation</td><td>3.3</td></tr><tr><td>Married</td><td>77</td></tr><tr><td rowspan="3">6.</td><td rowspan="3">Marital Status</td><td>Unmarried</td><td>23</td></tr><tr><td>Fishing</td><td>87</td></tr><tr><td>Daily labour</td><td>1.8</td></tr><tr><td rowspan="2">7.</td><td rowspan="2">Occupational Status</td><td>Business</td><td>11.2</td></tr><tr><td>Less</td><td>16</td></tr><tr><td rowspan="2">8.</td><td rowspan="2">Income Status</td><td>Middle</td><td>78</td></tr><tr><td>High</td><td>6</td></tr><tr><td rowspan="5">9.</td><td rowspan="5">House Infrastructure</td><td>Without bore well</td><td>48</td></tr><tr><td>Without bathroom</td><td>71</td></tr><tr><td>Bathroom, not access to latrine</td><td>29</td></tr><tr><td>Use outside places for latrine</td><td>80</td></tr><tr><td>House type</td><td>Pucca / Pukka house</td><td>43</td></tr></tbody></table>
<table><caption>**Graphical representation of the socio-economic status survey results**</caption><tbody><tr><td></td><td></td><td>Kutch house</td><td>57</td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td>One</td><td>84</td></tr><tr><td rowspan="3">10.</td><td rowspan="3">Number of Household Earners</td><td>Two</td><td>12.3</td></tr><tr><td>Three</td><td>3.7</td></tr><tr><td>White</td><td>98.2</td></tr><tr><td rowspan="2">11.</td><td rowspan="2">Type of Ration Card</td><td>Pink</td><td>1.8</td></tr><tr><td>No ration card</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td rowspan="2">12.</td><td rowspan="2">Government Subsidies</td><td>Yes</td><td>97.3</td></tr><tr><td>No</td><td>2.7</td></tr><tr><td rowspan="2">13.</td><td>DWCRA Groups</td><td></td><td>93.5</td></tr><tr><td>Taking other loans also</td><td></td><td>24</td></tr><tr><td rowspan="2">14.</td><td rowspan="2">Account in the Bank</td><td>Yes</td><td>100</td></tr><tr><td>No</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td rowspan="4">15.</td><td rowspan="2">Fishing Gear</td><td>Yes</td><td>100</td></tr><tr><td>No</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td rowspan="3">Fishing Boats</td><td>Own boats</td><td>62</td></tr><tr><td>Cumulative boats</td><td>27</td></tr><tr><td>No boat</td><td>11</td></tr><tr><td rowspan="4">16.</td><td rowspan="4">Source of Finance For Fishing or Business</td><td>From own savings</td><td>28</td></tr><tr><td>Burrowed from suppliers</td><td>54.8</td></tr><tr><td>From finance company</td><td>9.6</td></tr><tr><td>From bank</td><td>7.6</td></tr><tr><td rowspan="3">17.</td><td rowspan="3">Communication Facilities and Mass Media Participation</td><td>Low</td><td>16</td></tr><tr><td>Middle</td><td>23</td></tr><tr><td>High</td><td>61</td></tr><tr><td rowspan="2">18.</td><td rowspan="2">Migration</td><td>Yes</td><td>87</td></tr><tr><td>No</td><td>13</td></tr><tr><td rowspan="2">19.</td><td rowspan="2">Fishing occupation for the Next Generation (Parents)</td><td>Yes</td><td>31.3</td></tr><tr><td>No</td><td>68.7</td></tr><tr><td rowspan="2">20.</td><td rowspan="2">Fishing occupation for the Next Generation (youngsters)</td><td>Yes</td><td>81</td></tr><tr><td>No</td><td>19</td></tr></tbody></table>

<figure><img src="image_11.png" /></figure>
Government subsidies & Type of ration card

<figure><img src="image_12.png" /></figure>

Fishing occupation for the Next Generation (youngsters)

<figure><img src="image_13.png" /></figure>

Marital status, occupational status, income status, house infrastructure, house type and number of house hold earners

<figure><img src="image_14.png" /></figure>

Migration

<figure><img src="image_15.png" /></figure>

Fishing Occupation For The Next Generation (Parents)

<figure><img src="image_16.png" /></figure>

**5. Conclusions:**

When coming to a conclusion, the study revealed that fishing is the major economic source in the studied villages. The majority of the fishermen and their family members were found illiterate (74%). Due to economic problems, 54% of teenagers drop out after high school every year for the sake of their families. Almost 87% of the population is unaware of higher education. Girls from fishing families are studying only up to the tenth grade (80%); a few are studying intermediate (49%); and very few are studying graduation (24%). The monthly income of these fishing families (75–85%) is > Rs. 15,000/- (18.7 USD; 1 USD = Rs. 82). In these villages, 57% of people live in kutcha houses. They spent Rs. 250–350 for
their daily expenditures. Almost 48% of families do not have a bore and depend on municipal water for drinking. Around 71% of families do not have bathrooms, and 85% do not have access to a latrine. More than 41% of people drink alcohol on a regular basis, and 34% chew tobacco. So many of these villages' streets lack a proper drainage system. Every year, in the months of June to September, the entire family migrates to Mangamaripeta (Bheemili) and Visakhapatnam for fishing. Fishermen must be encouraged to attend different training programs to improve their skills in their respective fields, which will help them gain more income.

To further the education of fishermen's children, opportunities should be provided and encouraged financially. Appropriate support should be provided to fishermen by creating awareness about alternative employment opportunities. These villagers are economically poor, have a high percentage of illiteracy, and face unhygienic conditions. Necessary steps should be taken by the government's organizations, NGOs, and respective stakeholders to improve the literacy level as well as livelihood status.

**6. Acknowledgements:**

We thank all the fishermen and their families in the coastal area of Vizianagaram district of Andhra Pradesh for their active participation and cooperation during this survey.

**7. References:**

Anon, (2005). Report on the socio-economic analysis of Nuvvulrevu village in Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh, Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Visakhapatnam.

Bhargavi, K., Chirwatkar, B.B., Das, A., Behera, S. and Bhakta, D. (2020). Socioeconomic status of fisherwomen community in coastal Vizianagaram district of Andhra Pradesh. India. J.Fish.8 (1):741-745.

Devi, N.B.L., Ngangbam, A.K. and Biswal, N.N. (2014). A review on the current fisheries management system in Manipur with special reference to Loktaklake. J.Agri.Vet.Sci.7(4):63-66.

Devi, N.B.L., Ngangbam, A.K., Dr. Sheela, I. and Ananthan, P.S. (2012). Study of fishers socioeconomic and cultural profile around the

Loktak lake of Manipur, India. J.Agri.Vet.Sci. 1(5):48-56.

Devi, N.B.L., Ngangbam, A.K. and Sheela, I. (2012b). A study on existing fisheries management system and the problems faced by the fishers in Loktaklake of Manipur. J.Agri.Vet.Sci.1(5):22-28.

District administration, Vizianagaram district portal, Government of Andhra Pradesh, India. (https://vizianagaram.ap.gov.in/about-district/)

Government of India (2022), Annual report, Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying.

Jayaselvi, S. (2016). An economic and health status of fishermen in Tiruchendur.ShanlaxInt.J.Arts.Sci.Hum. 4(1):35-53.
Nayak, L. and Mishra, A. (2008). Socioeconomic condition of fishermen and its effect one environment: a case study of Ganjam district, Orissa. Nat.Environ.Pollut.Technol©Techno. Sci. Pub. 7 (1):111-11

Raghavan, N., Sivashanthini, K. and Sutharshiny, S. (2016). Socio-economic status of fishers in Allaipiddy village, Jaffna.Vingnanam.J.Sci.12(1&2):42-48.

Reza, S., Hossain, S., Hossain, U. and Zafar, A. (2015). Socio-economic and livelihood status of fishermen around the Atrai and Kankra rivers of

Chirirbandar Upazila under Dinajpur district.
Int. J. Fish. Aquat. Stud. 2(6): 402-408.

Saxena A, Singh RN, Ayatulla C (2014) The socio-economic status of fishermen of district Rampur, Utter Pradesh. Trends in Fisheries Research 3(3): 01-04.

Yadav, B. M., S. V. Patil, S. S. Mandavkar, S. M. Wasave, M. M. Shirdhankar, K. J. Chaudhari and Naik, B. V. 2020. Socio-economic Status of Fishers of Ratnagiri, Maharashtra. Int.J.Curr.Microbiol.App.Sci.9(09):3011-3021.doi:
https://doi.org/10.20546/ijcmas.2020.909.372

**Citation Note**

**Cite this article as:** Gopal, A., Barri, S., Dunna, B., & Rathnamma, V. (2023). Impact of socio-economic fluctuations on fishermen and their families in the coastal area of Vizianagaram District of Andhra Pradesh, India. In *Community Health and Sustainable Development Goals* (pp. 215–225). Department of Sociology & Social Work, Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur. ISBN: 978-93-5813-217-5.

**Copyright/License Note**

© 2023 The Authors. Published in the Proceedings of the National Seminar on *Community Health and Sustainable Development Goals*, Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur. This work may be shared for academic and research purposes.
## About the Editor

<figure><img src="image_17.png" /></figure>

Prof. M. Trimurthi Rao is working in the Department of Sociology and Social Work, Acharya Nagarjuna University since 1995, has been engaged in Human Resource Management, Industrial Sociology, Community Organisation & Social Action and Medical & Psychiatric Social Work. He has gained wide experience in teaching, research and training for voluntary organizations in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

<figure><img src="image_18.png" /></figure>

Department of Sociology and Social Work
Acharya Nagarjuna University
Nagarjuna Nagar - 522 510, Guntur
Andhra Pradesh, India

ISBN 978-93-5813-217-5

<figure><img src="image_19.png" /></figure>

9 789358 132175