Technology, Collective Craft Ownership and Living Conditions of Fishermen: A Case Study of Malappuram District, Kerala

Using both primary and secondary data, the paper examines the impact of technological reforms in marine fishing sector on the changes in craft ownership and economic status of the community in Malappuram District of Kerala. The findings illustrate that the reforms caused a complete shift from traditional to mechanized and motorized fishing crafts, which led to the transition from individualistic to collectivistic ownership. This resulted in improved fish production and earnings, besides lowering the working hours among the fishermen. As regards inter-sectoral occupational mobility, although the older generation preferred continuing fishing, the youngsters exhibited tendency towards out-mobility. The findings suggest that fishermen community in the study area could benefit economically by building up capabilities required to match the technological and ownership transitions, besides maintaining the social and ecological elements for sustainable fishing.