Socio-economic status of coastal community of south andaman, andaman and nicobar islands, india

The present study was conducted to evaluate the socio-economic condition of the coastal community residing near the mangrove habitats of South Andaman Islands. A pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect the survey data. Essential information e.g. employment, education, hygiene, family size, income and utilization of nearby mangrove regions were taken into consideration. A total of 120 households were surveyed and it was found that middle age group was highest (58.8%) and young group was lowest (2.5%), represented by 87.5% Hindu. Most of the inhabitants were private job holders (57.5%) followed by professional fishermen (37.5), government (3.75%), and government retired (6.25%). Fishermen were of two type part time (62.5%) and professional fishermen (37.5%). Fishing activity was carried out solely by male gender with no involvement of women. Positive correlation was estimated between the source of income and fishermen type (r=0.89) explaining most of the private job holder as part-time fishermen. About 57.5% of respondents monthly income was low (1000-5000/-) while 36.5% and 10% earned medium and high monthly income respectively. Average highest monthly income was generated by fishermen 7200/- and lowest by government employ 5666.7/-. Coastal population were immigrants belonging to various states of mainland India, 55% represented from West Bengal settled before Indian independence (Pre-1942-63.75%). About 16.25% of the population were illiterate, 22.5% acquired primary level, 48.75% secondary level and 12.5% higher secondary level of education. Most of the household were constructed of concrete with asbestos roof (48.75%), supplied with electricity (97.5%) and with proper government drinking water supply (87.5). However it was found that coastal population was utilizing mangrove environments not merely for fishing but also for sanitation (33.5%) and garbage disposal (50%) which was a major constrain. Lack of scientific knowledge about mangrove ecosystem and fishing license, government help for fishing equipments transportation and less number of inhabitants with higher education were the major drawback during the study.