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Agrobiodiversity in Southern Bangladesh

M. A. Rahim
Department of Horticulture, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202

A. K. M. Asharaful Alam
SARD, Bangladesh Open University, Gazipur-1705, Bangladesh

C. Rivera
Bioversity International, Malaysia

D. Chandrabalan
Bioversity International, Malaysia

P. Quek
Bioversity International, Malaysia

L. S. Sebastian
Bioversity International, Malaysia

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

The coastal zone of Southern Bangladesh covers an area of about 47,203 km² which is 32% of the country’s total land area. Around 40 million people inhabit the coastal areas. Rapid population growth, coastal urbanization and exploitation of natural resources being major anthropogenic stressors on the resources and productive environments of the coasts. Increased salinity levels and climate variability also pose significant development challenges. The status of the on-farm and in-situ agrobiodiversity in Southern Bangladesh was reviewed, including the status of crops and plants, livestock and other animals, and fisheries and aquatic resources. Key development programs, notably traditional farming practices such as dhap cultivation and the sorjan system are discussed. Key organizations and institutes conducting agrobiodiversity research and development programs are presented, and gender related studies and policy studies are also explored. An assessment of agrobiodivrsity’s and ecosystems’ resilience to pressures as well as further research and assessment of endangered and key agricultural genetic resources is needed so as to make more informed and effective research in development (RinD) actions and policy decisions. The importance of community involvement, traditional farming and fishing practices, and gender related issues must not be overlooked in developing an integrated action. Opportunities for conservation and restoration of agrobiodiversity, potential research questions, and comprehensive lists of endangered plant and fish species are presented.

Keywords: Agrobiodiversity, Key organizations and institutes, Endangered plant and fish species, Conservation and restoration

Location: The coastal zone of Southern Bangladesh

Start Date: 00-01-1975

End Date: 00-12-2006

Program Area: Resource Development and Management

Non-commodity: Adoption of technology

Objectives:

1. An assessment of agrobiodivrsity’s and ecosystems’ resilience to pressures as well as further research and assessment of endangered and key agricultural genetic resources is needed so as to make more informed and effective research in development (R & D) actions and policy decisions.

Methodology:

Bangladesh has had a long-time focus on production at the expense of conservation and sustainable management. A study identified nine anthropogenic activities that put stress on both resources and productive environments in the coastal regions: human population growth, coastal embankment, upstream withdrawal of Ganges River water, brackish water shrimp farming, salt production, industrial activities (i.e. use of agro-chemicals), commercial activities (i.e. ship breaking, brick burning, tobacco curing), exploitation of natural resources, and urbanization (i.e. settlement and transportation). The study further mentioned some of the aforementioned anthropogenic stressors in their report for the Program Development Office for the Integrated Costal Management Plan, and in addition offer recommendations to the present challenges such as improved disaster preparedness, attention to growing costal urbanization, adaptation to declining natural resources, and area wise integrated planning. Increased salinity levels pose significant threats to agro-biodiversity. From 1975 to 2006, indigenous rice varieties declined due to the cultivation of salt-tolerant rice varieties. Fruits and vegetables also declined significantly in the time period 1975-1990. A study at three unions of Kaligonj Upazila of Stakhira District found that high salinity and iron levels have made water unsuitable for drinking in the area. Salt accumulation in the topsoil during the dry season makes it difficult to plant crops, collect firewood, and collect fresh water for drinking and irrigation. There is also a scarcity in food for livestock due to the conversion of agricultural and grazing fields into shrimp-farming enclosures. By 2050, there is an expected 7% increase in the area with unsuitable salinity levels for crop production .

Source of Information: J. Agrofor. Environ. 7 (2): 1-14, 2013; ISSN 1995-6983

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

Key development programs, notably traditional farming practices such as dhap cultivation and the sorjan system are discussed. Key organizations and institutes conducting agrobiodiversity research and development programs are presented, and gender related studies and policy studies are also explored. An assessment of agrobiodivrsity’s and ecosystems’ resilience to pressures as well as further research and assessment of endangered and key agricultural genetic resources is needed so as to make more informed and effective research in development (R & D) actions and policy decisions. The importance of community involvement, traditional farming and fishing practices, and gender related issues must not be overlooked in developing an integrated action. Opportunities for conservation and restoration of agrobiodiversity, potential research questions, and comprehensive lists of endangered plant and fish species are presented.

Knowledge Management: Journal