Precarious and pitiable condition of the fish vendors in the interior villages of the Kanyakumari district inspired us to explore the possibilities of their socio-economic upliftment with their active participation. These marginalized sections of people are backward in all respects - socially, economically, educationally, culturally and even politically. They depend only on fish vending for their livelihood. Seminars were organized for the fishermen and fishwives to enlighten them of the opportunities available for their socio-economic development. The social, economical and political awareness gained through these initial efforts created the urge for cooperative planning and collective action for their sustainable development and self-reliance. Seeing the positive impact of the pioneering sangam at Marthandam, the Diocese of Kottar came forward to organize sangams for the Inland Fishermen in the interior parts of the district, thus giving birth to the Inland Fishermen’s Organization (IFO).
Target People
Fishermen and Fishwives living in inland villages
Objectives
To organize the inland fishermen and fishwives into groups
To develop their socio-economic condition
To train them in alternative employment opportunities
To develop appropriate technology and better marketing opportunities
To pursue with the government for their rights and development programmes
Core Activities
Organizing the inland fishermen and fishwives into groups
Federating the groups at block level
Inculcating the habit of thrift and small savings
Organizing training programmes for trainers, leaders and members
Providing financial support for pursuing basic and higher education by the children of fishermen
Organizing demonstrations and signature campaigns to influence policy
Organizing the youth of the target people
Enabling them to avail the benefits under the social security schemes of the Government
Wider networking with other NGO’s
Problems to be Addressed
Fish vending is not yet recognized by the Government as a profession and hence, there is no government support. Government schemes for the benefit of the fishermen community are meant primarily for fish harvesting activities only. Therefore, the fish vendors are incapacitated to avail themselves of any of the schemes of the government like famine relief, death relief, accident relief, housing schemes, etc.
Sanitary conditions are very poor in their habitats. There are no proper bathing and toilet facilities and as a result, it is very common to see children defecating in the lanes
No alternative employment is available to them during lean season
