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Assessment of Local Views on Water Logging and Its Solutions in a Polder Project of Bangladesh

Maqsud HASHEM
Urban Development Directorate (UDD), Ministry of Housing and Public Works, Govt. of Bangladesh, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh,

Sujit Kumar BALA
Institute of Water and Flood Management (IWFM), Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh,

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

A research study was carried out in the Polder 43/2D in southern part of Bangladesh to assess local views on water logging by applying Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) method. Solutions were sought considering people’s views and suggestions. Social Mapping was done through Transect Walk. Focused Group Discussions (FGD) were conducted in Four PRA groups. Problem identification and its ranking were performed. Historical Time Lines in water management of Marichbunia Canal and Seasonal Variation were performed through FGDs, key informants, local leaders and professionals. Problem Tree regarding water management in the polder was generated. Priority of problems varies according to occupation, location of area and gender. People are habituated with Flood Control Drainage (FCD) projects and are willing to participate in the management of the polder. Local influential groups play decision making role in rural water management. Women have their own views on water management. Local views should be given proper attention in water development project planning and implementation.

Keywords: PRA, FGD, FCD, Social mapping, Problem tree, local views

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End Date:

Program Area: Risk Management in Agriculture

Commodity: Drainage

Objectives:

The study was aimed at identifying the causes of water logging in the Polder 43/2D Project area specifically on Marichbunia catchment and its possible remedies applying PRA tools.

Methodology:

Patuakhali-Barguna Aquaculture Extension was contacted for collection of fisheries related information. PRA method was applied to carry out the research. PRA tools like Social Mapping through Transect Walk, Historical Time Lines, Problem Identification and Problem Ranking, Seasonal Variation and Problem Tree were used. The Social Mapping considered water related people’s occupation, land elevation and extent of people’s control over water infrastructures. PRA groups were formed from directly involved groups, while Key Informants were chosen from indirectly involved groups. Direct stakeholders comprised farmer, fisherman and women groups. Indirect stakeholders are UP (Union Parishad) Chairman, local BWDB officials, local agriculture officials, local fisheries officials, local administrator (Upazila Nirbahi Officer). Focused Group Discussions (FGDs) as well as problem identification and problem ranking were carried out from the directly involved groups. Four focused groups were formed. Group I includes farmers of Marichbunia union (medium high land, living near the regulator). Participants were eight. Group II comprises fishermen belonging to Community Based Fisheries Association of Marichbunia (living within 1 kilometre of the canal with an annual income less than thirty five thousands Taka and owning less than 2 acres of land). Participants were sixteen. Group III consists of farmers of Pocha Koralia village of Auliapur union (living in low land area of the polder). Participants were eight. Group IV was formed by women group of Marichbunia union. Participants were nine. Problem identification and problem ranking were made through PRA sessions. Two scenarios were seen one with existing cross dam and the other without cross dam after public cut. Historical Time Line about water management issues was made through FGDs and Key Informants. Seasonal Variation was prepared considering people’s occupation, social and economic status and location of the area. Summarizing the findings of water related issues found from different stakeholders, Problem Tree on water management of Marichbunia canal was generated.

Source of Information: International Conference on Water & Flood Management (ICWFM-2007), 12 - 14 March 2007, BUET, Dhaka, Bangladesh

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Achievement/Findings:

Priority of problems varies as per occupation, gender, locality, etc. All groups of local people are for a sustainable FCD project and are accustomed to controlled water management. Local people desire water control structure at micro level as per high or low land. The people are not only well conscious about their problems, but are also well concerned about the catchment of the canal. Local influential groups play important role in decision making in rural water management. Common people are usually guided by local influential groups. Women have their own views in water management. Their participation, role and ideas vary from men. Local people have inherent knowledge about local water resources system, which should be explored through assessment of people’s views during each stage of project cycle.

Knowledge Management: Report/Proceedings