Challenges to the sustainability of small-scale fishers livelihood in Banyuwangi regency, East Java, Indonesia

Abstract

Small-scale fishers in Indonesia face various challenges that threaten sustainability of their livelihood. However, since Indonesia consists of diverse sosio-cultural and natural resources conditions, the precise characteristics and nature of the challenges may vary from one location to anothers. Therefore, it is important to study these challenges in certain places in Indonesia. This study was conducted in two villages in Banyuwangi Regency, East Java Province, March-April 2018. Using a qualitative approach, this study shows that small-scale fishers of the research locations face a variety of challenges to their livelihoods. These challenges are two both from nature as well as from sosio-economics conditions. As from nature, climate change and environmental degradation are the most felt by the fishers. Mean while, as from the socio-economic dimensions, patron-client relations and Government policies, such as the prohibition of catching fries, are most felt problems.