Exploring the Role of Information Systems in Facilitating Institutional Credit for Sustainable Fisheries in Tamil Nadu

Abstract

The paper discusses the role of information systems to ensure institutional access to credit in sustainable fisheries in Tamil Nadu. These systems empower fishing communities by utilizing digital platforms, data analytics, and financial technologies, which enable efficient loan processing, enhance transparency, facilitate risk assessment, and inform decision-making. Additionally, they establish sustainable and profitable practices that are environmentally friendly. The aims are to examine the applicability of information systems in increasing access to institutional credit to fisheries in Tamil Nadu, understand the effectiveness of the systems in increasing transparency and risk assessment, investigate the effects of the systems on the financial inclusion of fisheries populations, and examine the contributions made to achieving sustainable production and socio-economic sustainability in the sector. Mixed-methods: Fishers and bank officials survey, semi-structured interviews, digital credit platform case studies, and focus groups. Gather log data of system usage and data of loans. Conduct quantitative (descriptive statistics, regression) analysis and qualitative (thematic analysis) analysis to assess the effectiveness, barriers, and effects of information systems on credit access and sustainability. Policy implications. The findings reveal that information technology has increased the disbursement of loans to fishers, minimized delays in loan processing, and contributed to greater transparency in these loans. The digital channels allowed the assessment of risks to be enhanced and will enable them to allocate credit more fairly. Fishers also stated enhanced financial inclusion and sustainable practices, which enhanced economic resilience and sustainable fisheries management in Tamil Nadu.