author(s)
Mohammad Delower Hossain, Amir Hossain, Hafzur Rahman, Mahabubur Rahman, Abdulla-Al-Asif, Md Masum Billah and Md Atiqul Islam Mondal

abstract
The study was conducted to assess the marketing and value chain of crab from Nijhum Dwip Island in Noakhali region during July 2015 to December 2015. Data were collected through questionnaire interview and tools of participatory rural appraisal such as focus group discussion. The Meghna estuary, tidal rivers and mangroves were the main sources of crab. Local people including the fishermen can collect the crabs and crab lets. The grading system varied depending on sex and size of the crab. The highest average price was found to be 200 BDT/kg for FF1 grade of female while the minimum price was found to be 500 BDT/kg for XXL grade of male. Crabs were mainly available in April, May, June, July, August, September, and October. It was found that 70% crab catchers were from the age group of 12 -28 years, which were the main working force in the society. In the study area, 60% of the crab marketers had monthly income of BDT 9,000- 20,000, the farmers living conditions were not up to the mark but the survey suggests that most of the crab marketers and exporters increased their income level. If crab fattening can be established, training can be provided, institutional and policy support can be offered to the farmers and good marketing facilities can be developed, crab can be an alternative source of income and sustainable livelihood for the coastal poor people.