Livelihood status of coastal shrimp farmers in Bangladesh: Comparison before and during COVID-19

The impacts of COVID-19 are jeopardizing the lives of coastal shrimp producers in Bangladesh. This study compares shrimp farmers’ livelihood status before and during the COVID-19 pandemic by employing the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework (SLF) developed by the Department for International Development (DFID). A total of 250 shrimp farmers were surveyed to achieve the objectives. Findings indicated that COVID-19 had a detrimental effect on the livelihood status of shrimp farmers. The total livelihood diversification score was higher (0.53) before COVID-19 than during COVID-19 (0.43). During COVID-19, the cost of shrimp production increased considerably compared to before COVID-19, reducing profitability. Ensuring adequate capital supply, access to health facilities, and appropriate coverage of social safety-net programs might help mitigate the negative effects on livelihood status. •The overall livelihood diversification score was higher before than during COVID-19.•Social and financial capital is severely impacted than other components of livelihood.•During COVID-19, shrimp production costs increase significantly compared to before COVID-19.•Ensuring capital supply and funding for social safety-net programs may aid recovery.