Social Capital and Well-Being of Small-Scale Fishers in the West Coast Island of Peninsular Malaysia

Abstract

Poverty in small-scale fisheries is a global issue; most of the time, the solution to poverty is discussed through economic variables. Scholars highlight the contribution of social capital factors to the livelihoods of small-scale fishing communities and suggest that social aspects can be used as an alternative solution to reduce poverty. The concept of social capital has been extensively used to explain the relationship between social capital factors and wellbeing. The role of social capital in the well-being of small-scale fisher communities in Malaysia needs to be clarified. The current study investigates the contribution of various livelihood assets to the household income of small-scale fishers in Malaysia. Data for the survey were collected from 182 respondents from across multiple fishing villages on Langkawi Island, off the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, using a structured questionnaire. The partial least square (PLS) technique was applied for statistical analysis. The study’s empirical findings depict that social capital, trust, job experience, and financial capital are important factors contributing to fishers' household income. The results show that the contribution of social capital and trust factors are significant to household income, indicating that social factors are essential in improving the well-being of small-scale fisher households in Malaysia. Policy for livelihood improvement of small-scale fisheries in Malaysia needs to prioritise investments in financial, human, natural and physical capital assets.