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Research Paper | Social Work | Volume 15 Issue 5, May 2026 | Pages: 857 - 860 | India
Job Diversification among Traditional Fisherfolk: A Micro Analysis of Trivandrum
Abstract: Traditional fishing communities in Kerala have historically depended on marine fisheries as their primary source of livelihood. However, rapid socio-economic transformation, technological advancement, environmental degradation, and declining fish resources have significantly altered the occupational structure of fishing communities. The present study examines the factors, forms, and magnitude of job diversification among traditional fisherfolk in Trivandrum district of Kerala. The study adopts a descriptive research design and utilises purposive and simple random sampling techniques. Primary data were collected from 100 respondents across ten coastal villages using a structured interview schedule. The findings reveal that technological changes, resource depletion, seasonal unemployment, migration, and economic insecurity are the major factors contributing to occupational diversification among traditional fisherfolk. The study also identifies migration, daily wage labour, small-scale business, catering work, and participation in the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) scheme as major forms of diversification. The study highlights that diversification has emerged as a survival strategy rather than a voluntary occupational transition. The paper concludes that livelihood diversification should be promoted as a complementary mechanism alongside sustainable fisheries development rather than as a substitute for traditional fishing livelihoods.
Keywords: Traditional fisherfolk, Job diversification, Coastal livelihood, Migration, Occupational mobility, Kerala
How to Cite?: Sreeja P. S., "Job Diversification among Traditional Fisherfolk: A Micro Analysis of Trivandrum", Volume 15 Issue 5, May 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 857-860, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26513143631, DOI: https://dx.dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26513143631