Indigenous Knowledge system of Kerala Fisherfolks to mitigate coastal hazard: A Case of Thiruvananthapuram District

Coastal hazards are often unpredictable but if we are able to understand the indigenous knowledge system that is prevalent among the fisherfolk, then suitable mitigation measures could be adopted for disaster risk reduction. The study explores the role of indigenous knowledge system in fishing activities as well as prediction of coastal hazards in fishing village of Vizhinjam in Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala state. A lot of development projects are going on in the capital city of Kerala state. Due to lack of proper planning and community participation many of such development projects cause adverse environmental impacts that lead to increase in vulnerability to hazards. Key informant interview, focus group discussion and researcher observation were used to collect data for the study. Snow balling technique was used to identify key informants. One of the major findings was that the fisherfolk has the capacity to identify and respond to hazardous situation quickly due to the indigenous practices they possess. This paper concludes with a suggestion that application and integration of indigenous knowledge system with the scientific realm helps to develop accurate forecast and warning measures which thereby would facilitate effective mitigation of hazards in coastal area.