Indigenous technical knowledge associated with disaster management and fisheries related activities in the highest flood affected district (Dhemaji) of Assam, India

Abstract

Indigenous Technical Knowledge has been the key rescuer of the fishers and common people of Dhemaji district of Assam, India from frequent floods in the region every year. They utilize the existing resources with a sustainable eco-friendly approach towards disaster management and exploration of fisheries resources and co-exist with the usual floods in the region. This study was conducted in the region through PRA after interviewing 110 fishers of three most flood-prone development blocks of the district with the help of an interview questionnaire. ITKs associated with the early warning of flood, construction of flood-safe fish ponds for flooded regions and post flood situation, modified fishing methods, fishing gear and fish preservation methods best suited to the flood situation developed by the people of the district are compiled and documented. People of the region traditionally use different meteorological signs, weather status along with animal behavior as early signal of flood and heavy rain. In order to face devastating floods which occur 2-3 times a year, the farmers constructed smaller ponds (<0.2 ha) for facilitating easy maintenance against flood inundation with tall and wide dykes and strengthening them with turfing and plantation. Fish harvesting techniques were modified in several occasions and preservation of bulk catch was done with innovative techniques for future consumption including combination of drying and smoking in household oven and development of products in combination with vegetables.