This study is based on data collected from 140 farmers who are believed to be vulnerable as the resource base on which their livelihood depends (i.e. Rudrasagar lake) is in peril. The fisheries contribute a major portion (more than 50%) to household's net income among 44.28 per cent of sample households. The average Diversification Index in the study area has been found as 0.44. The proportion of fishers who would reduce fishing increased with the severity of the hypothetical decline in catch, from 12 per cent of fishers who claimed they would stop fishing in response to a 10 per cent decline to 53 per cent of fishers who would stop in response to a 50 per cent decline. Higher fishing income group has been found to possess higher ownership of fishing assets, income from non-farm activities, higher index of livelihood diversification, and higher monthly per capita fish consumption. The most relevant needs as perceived by the respondents were land-use pattern, conservation measures, efficient community-based fisheries management and knowledge about eco-friendly farm management and self-help group management. The study has outlined the factors to secure livelihood of fishers in Tripura.
Livelihood strategies, fishers, Rudrasagar Lake, livelihood, diversification, Tripura
