Understanding livelihoods dependent on inland fisheries in Bangladesh and Southeast Asia: Vietnam PRA report

Abstract

During the period of May to July 2002, An Giang University, in conjunction with the Chau Phu, Thoai Son and Chau Doc District People's Committees, and Can Tho University conducted Participatory Rural Appraisals (PRAs) in four different Provinces. The research findings from this study are presented in this report. The purpose of this exercise was to better understand the livelihoods of people living in rural areas and depending mainly on inland capture fisheries. Artisanal fisheries are often identified as the main source of livelihood of poor people (fishers), although an even larger but significantly less visible number of poor and vulnerable people depend on inland capture fisheries as a component of wider livelihood strategies. Specific objectives of this exercise were to collect missing information on livelihoods dependent on inland fisheries not yet documented by researchers through Participatory Rural Appraisal methods.