Published Paper Details:

The socio-economic conditions of the Fisher folk are shaped by the interplay of economic, social, and environmental factors. Fisheries provide livelihoods for millions globally, especially in coastal and rural communities, contributing to food security, employment, and income generation. However, the sector often faces challenges such as overfishing, resource depletion, and climate change, which threaten sustainability and economic viability. Small-scale fishers, who dominate the sector, frequently operate in vulnerable conditions with limited access to capital, technology, and markets. Their incomes are often irregular and insufficient to meet basic needs, exacerbating poverty and inequality. Social issues such as inadequate education, poor healthcare, and gender disparities further compound challenges within fishing communities. Conversely, the demand for fish and seafood around the world has created ample economic opportunities, promoting trade and exports. Developing and testing a measurement tool to accurately evaluate the underlying dimensions found through Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) is the process of validating a scale in the context of researching the socioeconomic circumstances of the fishing industry. The validated scale ensures that the constructs such as economic stability, social well-being, environmental sustainability, and institutional support are accurately measured and interpreted.