Assessing Stakeholder Dynamics, Livelihood Security and Vulnerability in Live Fish Supply Chain: Study from Tripura, India

The sustainability of local aquaculture supply chains is strongly influenced by livelihood security and the interactions among stakeholders. This study investigates these aspects, along with different stakeholder’s livelihood vulnerability levels, in the live fish supply chain of Tripura, India, during 2023–2024. Primary stakeholders was identified as fish farmers (producers), wholesalers cum commission agents, and retailers, while secondary stakeholders comprised fish feed suppliers, transporters, labourer’s, fertilizer dealers, money lenders and the fisheries department of the Government of Tripura. Among these, money lenders posed challenges due to their high-interest loans, adversely impacting the profitability of small and marginal fish farmers. It was found that demographically, most stakeholders were middle-aged (36–50 years), with males predominating. Educational attainment was higher among secondary stakeholders, while family size trends indicated a shift toward nuclear households. The study highlighted the significant role of wholesalers and government agencies in influencing the supply chain. Using the Household Livelihood Security Index (HLSI), the analysis revealed moderate food security, with 59.20% of stakeholders comes under medium category and 31.6% falls in high category. Economic security, however, was a concern, as 34.2% of stakeholders faced low income stability. Health security was a relative strength, with 60.0% achieving high security, though disparities persisted. Educational and social security presented moderate challenges, with significant gaps in equitable access. Institutional and infrastructure security were the most pressing issues, with nearly half of stakeholders experiencing low support from formal systems and basic facilities. The Household Livelihood Vulnerability Index (HLVI) identified varying levels of sensitivity, exposure and adaptive capacity among stakeholders. The composite HLVI for primary stakeholders was 0.317, with sensitivity and limited adaptive capacity as dominant contributors to vulnerability. Secondary stakeholders exhibited slightly lower vulnerability (HLVI: 0.270), though specific households faced moderate risks. Factors like limited access to health, food, and water resources, coupled with constrained socio-economic profiles and weak networks, heightened vulnerability. Results revealed the need for targeted interventions to enhance livelihood security and reduce vulnerabilities in the fish supply chain. Priority should be given to strengthening institutional support, improving infrastructure, and providing financial and technical assistance to fish farmers. By addressing these gaps, policymakers can foster a more resilient and equitable fish farming sector, ensuring sustainable livelihoods for all stakeholders involved.