Small‐scale fishing community's information needs and access in Bangladesh: An information ecosystem perspective

Disadvantaged communities often face compounded infrastructural, social, and economic barriers to accessing and utilizing information. This study investigates the information ecosystem of small‐scale fishing communities in climate‐vulnerable regions of Bangladesh, examining their information needs, access practices, and systemic constraints. Using a mixed‐methods design, we collected survey data from 520 fishing households across three districts, alongside 16 focus group discussions and 10 stakeholder interviews. Findings show that fishers primarily rely on informal networks and word‐of‐mouth, with limited use of digital tools due to affordability, low literacy, and weak infrastructure. Key information needs include fishing regulations, disaster alerts, market prices, and government assistance. However, fragmented communication channels, a lack of trust in public sources, and non‐transparent dissemination practices hinder effective access. Applying the Information Ecosystem Assessment (IEA) framework, the study identifies gaps across content delivery and governance processes. Rather than proposing a prescriptive solution, we outline an inclusive, community‐informed approach that emphasizes local influencers, improved communication practices, and trust‐building as entry points for intervention. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the information ecosystem in marginalized settings and offer practical insights for policymakers and development practitioners working to strengthen information equity and resilience in contexts marked by digital and infrastructural exclusion.