Socioeconomic Vulnerabilities and Resilience Strategies of Coastal Fisherfolk: Evidence from Vizianagaram District, Andhra Pradesh, India

Coastal fishing communities form the backbone of regional economies and culture but face persistent social, economic, and environmental challenges. This study examines the fisherfolk of Vizianagaram District, Andhra Pradesh, through a mixedmethods approach using household surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions. Results reveal high illiteracy, unstable incomes, gender disparities, and severe infrastructure deficits, with most households lacking sanitation and living in kutcha housing. Income strongly influenced sanitation access, while migration reduced income stability. Integrating education, gender equity, and infrastructure within sustainable livelihood and resilience frameworks, the study recommends mobile learning centers, microfinance for women, disaster-resilient housing, and livelihood diversification through aquaculture and ecotourism to strengthen community resilience.