Resources and livelihoods of the Maldives islanders introduction : islands of maldives

Abstract

Maldives is located on the major sea routes in the Indian Ocean region. Fishing is the major economic activity of the islanders. The other activates include resort labour, boat building, agriculture etc. The Maldives depends on a narrow economic base typical of any small island nation, primarily international tourism and fisheries. Limited water and land area are the major constraints for the promotion of any land based development activities. Government is keen on promoting the both agriculture and home gardening to enhance internal food and nutritional security. Contribution of labour in the resort islands for construction work is a major economic activity which supports the island population. Now boat building of domestic use and also building of luxury boats to sell out side like gulf countries has emerged as a major industry. Beach erosion, sea water inundation, strong wind with heavy rain, and shore line change are some the major risks observed by the local population. Maldives is a country endowed with minimal natural resources, trade and commerce with external partner is a very essential to promote and sustained growth and development. But the increased dependency on imports like food, fuel, raw materials for construction etc also make the country’s position vulnerable to fluctuations in the global market.