An Empirical Investigation on the Impact of Port-Based Development Projects on the Fishermen Community

Abstract

Port-based development projects like International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) Vallarpadam, Kochi, Kerala, India has created a pressure on the livelihood security of fishermen community in the locality. The study tries to find out the influences of the International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) Vallarpadam on the fishermen community. Using a stratified random sampling technique 187 samples were selected from the fishermen population of Goshree islands located in the Vembanad Lake. These islands include Vypin, Bolgatty, Vallarpadam and Thanthonni Thuruthu. A structured interview schedule was used for collecting data through personal interview method. The primary data was analyzed with the help of SPSS. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) technique was used to derive the results. The analysis reveals that the setting up of port-based development projects like International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) Vallarpadam resulted in the loss of fishing facilities for fishermen which affect their livelihood