Empowering Coastal Communities Through Indigenous Fish Farming Practices

 

Introduction

In the face of accelerating environmental degradation and the increasing need for sustainable food systems, traditional fish farming practices rooted in indigenous knowledge are drawing renewed global interest. These time-honored practices offer promising alternatives to industrial aquaculture by integrating ecosystem conservation with livelihood support. The present study explores whether such indigenous systems—specifically homestead pond-based fish farming in the rural coastal regions of Bangladesh—truly translate into tangible socioeconomic benefits for small-scale farmers. With a focus on both environmental sustainability and rural development, the study investigates the status, structure, and challenges of these systems while analyzing their link to household well-being.

Socioeconomic Profile of Traditional Fish Farmers

The study revealed a detailed socioeconomic characterization of 100 small-scale fish farmers, highlighting key indicators such as income, education, and housing conditions. A substantial portion of the respondents earned between 1000.00 to 1500.00 USD annually, with fish farming serving as a secondary income source for most. Educational attainment was low, with only 26% receiving any formal training in aquaculture, emphasizing reliance on generational knowledge. Housing conditions and sanitation facilities indicated modest living standards, although the majority had independent access to water via tube wells. These profiles form the basis for understanding the social fabric within which traditional fish farming systems operate.

Structural and Ecological Characteristics of Homestead Ponds

The traditional ponds studied were predominantly small (44%) and shallow (61%), with 91% practicing polyculture, a technique favorable for biodiversity and nutrient cycling. Most ponds were perennial (77%) and singly owned (60%), suggesting long-term, household-based management. The ecological simplicity of these systems supports the use of indigenous knowledge, which often focuses on low-input, resource-efficient farming techniques. However, the shallow and small pond structures present certain limitations, such as reduced resilience during dry seasons and vulnerability to disease outbreaks.

Challenges and Constraints in Traditional Fish Farming

Despite its cultural and ecological significance, traditional fish farming faces critical challenges. Key problems identified include lack of access to quality seed and feed, absence of formal training, fish disease outbreaks, inadequate water availability during dry periods, and pressure from large families. These constraints hinder productivity and income potential. Importantly, the lack of institutional support in terms of training and credit access underscores the need for targeted policy interventions to enhance the viability and resilience of these traditional systems.

Statistical Relationship Between Farmer Characteristics and Income

Quantitative analyses established significant correlations between farmer characteristics and economic outcomes. Pearson’s correlation demonstrated a strong positive association between age and farming experience (r = 0.908, p < 0.01), and a moderate correlation between age and income (r = 0.326, p < 0.01). Multiple regression models further confirmed that both age and experience positively influenced annual income. These findings imply that knowledge accumulated over time directly contributes to more effective management practices and improved economic returns, validating the value of experiential indigenous knowledge.

Contribution to Food Security and Household Welfare

The majority of farmers (94%) acknowledged that traditional fish farming enhanced their household's socioeconomic standing. The practice not only provided supplemental income but also improved food security by increasing fish consumption, a vital source of protein and micronutrients. This dietary enhancement contributed to better nutrition and dietary diversity. Additionally, the communal and family-based nature of the practice fostered social cohesion and intergenerational knowledge transfer. The study affirms that homestead pond fish farming, grounded in indigenous practices, is a viable pathway to achieving sustainability, nutrition, and rural development goals.

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