SWOT Analysis of Inland Primary Fisheries Cooperative Societies in Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract

Background and Aims: Fisheries cooperatives play a pivotal role in promoting sustainable development by empowering fishing communities and providing livelihood opportunities to millions of fishers in India. This study aimed to assess the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) of Inland Primary Fisheries Cooperative Societies (IPFCSs) in Tamil Nadu and to formulate strategies for strengthening these societies using the TOWS matrix. Study Design:  The study followed Ex post facto research design. Place and Duration of Study: The research was conducted in the Cuddalore and Tiruvallur districts of Tamil Nadu, where a total of 40 inland primary fisheries cooperative societies were randomly selected. The data were collected between January 2023 to August 2023. Methodology: Potential strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of the cooperatives were identified and administered to executive and general body members of each society separately. Responses were recorded on a three-point continuum: more perceived, less perceived and not perceived scored as 2, 1 and 0, respectively. Based on total scores, SWOT factors were classified into major and minor strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats and further analysed using the TOWS matrix. Results: Major strengths perceived by Cuddalore Fisheries Cooperative Societies (CFCS) and Tiruvallur Fisheries Cooperative Societies (TFCS) were access to diverse fishing resources (0.73 vs. 0.83) and members’ collective strength (0.60 vs. 0.68), respectively. Major weaknesses in both districts included inadequate infrastructure facilities (0.94 vs. 0.95) and an absence of income-generating activities (0.89 vs. 0.90). Key opportunities identified were the availability of diverse fishing resources (0.91 vs. 0.95), tailor-made skill development programmes (0.73 vs. 0.60). Major threats included limited welfare schemes compared to marine cooperatives (1.00 vs. 0.90), high dependency on natural resources (0.91 vs. 1.00). The negative mean TOWS scores for CFCS (S-W = -0.16; O-T = -0.16) and TFCS (S-W = 0.09; O-T = -0.10) indicate that weaknesses and threats outweigh strengths and opportunities. Conclusion: The study concludes that despite favourable resources, IPFCSs remain underutilised due to structural and institutional constraints. Targeted interventions focusing on infrastructure development, leadership capacity, institutional linkage strengthening and value-chain improvement are essential to enhance the effectiveness and resilience of inland fisheries cooperatives.