Empowerment of Fisher Women : In Coastal Ecosystem of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamilnadu Book

Contents: 1. Role of women in fisheries: an overview. 2. Bench mark survey of selected villages. 3. Socioeconomic status of fisher women. 4. Nutritional status of fisher women. 5. Nutritional status of pre-school children. 6. Anthropometric measurements of fisher women and preschool children. 7. Clinical and nutritional status of women and preschool children. 8. Knowledge, Aptitude and Practice (KAP) of nutrition, health and hygiene: fisher women. 9. Participation of women in post harvest fisheries sector. 10. Role model-case studies of successful fisher women. References. Subject index.

"India has tremendous potential for developing coastal aquaculture and is now the sixth largest producer of fish in the world. In land fish production, it receives the second position after China.

The coastal fishermen have been one of the most vulnerable group among the poor in India. Their social exclusiveness on account of geographical separation and cultural isolation contributes to accentuation of penury. The seasonal character of their vocation and its hazardous implications coupled with uncertainty of catches casts shadow on their limited livelihood opportunities compounding its cascading effect on their poverty profile. Low level of literacy cripples their bargaining capacity in the trader dominant market thus depriving them of their legitimate price compensation for the risky endeavors in the marine environment.

Fisher women often occupy marginal roles and live and work on the periphery of the centres of economic, social and political power, they tend to be especially vulnerable.

The basic goal for women in fisheries development is to make them equal partners and productive and self-reliant participants in the process of improving their own and their families nutritional and living standards and to enable them to realize their full potential as human beings in their own right as members of their family and community. Fisher women must be given the opportunity to acquire appropriate knowledge, develop adequate skills and use appropriate technologies enabling them to make the greatest possible economic and social contribution.

Present book incorporates authentic studies on various aspects narrated above which will go a long way in sound empowerment of fisher women." (jacket)