Socio - Economic status of household sector in producing salt: a study based on Kalpitiya Divisional Secretariat

Abstract

Sri Lanka is an island that is involved in salt production. The main objective of this research is to find out the socio-economic status of salt producing households in the Kalpitiya area. This research also tries to discover the determinants of the social status of salt producing households, prevailing problems faced by salt production households, and suggests policies and recommendations for improving the socio-economic conditions of the salt producing households in the study area. Primary data for this study were collected using a structured questionnaire and discussions in five villages in the Kalpitiya region using the purposive sampling method and the random sampling method, and data were analyzed using various statistical tools and techniques. The qualitative data about social status was analyzed by descriptive methods using MS-Excel and the quantitative data showing economic status was analyzed by simple statistical and multiple regression models using SPSS. The results of this research found that the social status of the households involved in the salt industry is slightly satisfactory. At the same time, the income level and the savings are not satisfactory. Also, the salt-producing households are facing problems like seasonal unemployment and low income. Moreover, according to the multiple regression analysis, independent variables such as monthly expenditure and other income have a significant influence on the monthly income of salt producing households. This study suggests that providing better health care and educational opportunities for households involved in salt production; obtaining safe equipment through government or labor welfare institutions; providing permanent employment opportunities; and providing interest-free or low-interest loans to salt workers through the government. The government should take action to develop salt production through new technologies in coastal areas that have the capability of producing salt.