Socio-Economic Status and Their Impact on Livelihood Vulnerability in the Fishermen Community of Kangsabati River in Paschim Medinipur, West Bengal, India

Abstract

This study investigates the socio-economic conditions and livelihood vulnerability of 150 full-time fishermen residing along the banks of the Kangsabati River in Paschim Medinipur district, West Bengal, India. Using primary survey data (January-December 2024), the research integrates descriptive statistics, advanced Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression, Social Vulnerability Index (SVI), Livelihood Vulnerability Index (LVI), chi-square testing, and GIS-based vulnerability mapping. Results reveal pronounced social marginalization (60% Scheduled Caste households), severe educational deprivation (90% without formal schooling), low monthly fish yield (25.3 ± 6.1 kg), and modest mean monthly income (₹6,325 ± 1,525). The advanced OLS model (n = 150) demonstrates strong explanatory power (R² = 0.682), confirming fish yield as the dominant determinant of income (β = 312.75, p < 0.001), followed by fishing experience (β = 41.62, p = 0.001), while family size exerts a significant negative influence (β = –148.53, p < 0.001). Composite LVI (0.72) indicates high vulnerability, exacerbated by ecological degradation, market inefficiencies, and institutional exclusion. The study proposes an integrated sustainability framework combining ecological restoration, cooperative-based marketing, livelihood diversification, and institutional strengthening.