Sustainable Livelihood Options for Women in the Coastal Ecosystem:A Participatory Assessment

The present study aimed at identifying the need-based and sustainable livelihood options suitable for members of the coastal women self-help groups (SHGs). The study was conducted on a sample of 240 women representing 24 SHGs in Kerala, India. Out of the 30 potential and sustainable livelihood options assessed through participatory tools, aqua tourism (index: 83.33) was found to be the most potential option for women in the coastal ecosystem, 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 bivalves such as oyster, clam, etc. (61.67) were also found to have high potential as sustainable livelihood options. Lack of access to institutional finance was reported as a major constraint, which traps women microentrepreneurs in the clutches of private moneylenders. Policy development to support women in the coastal ecosystem requires appropriate institutional arrangements and effective organizations and structures, which extend assistance in the areas of training, credit, technology and marketing through SHGs.