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Climate Change and Its Impact on Food Security in Bangladesh: a Case Study on Kalapara, Patuakhali, Bangladesh

Khaled Ibne Amir
Faculty of Science, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Tanvir Ahmed
Faculty of Science, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

The paper analysed the impacts of climate change and its impact on food security in the Kalapara Upazila of Patuakhali district in Bangladesh. The paper shows current climate change scenarios for Kalapara, analyses the relationship between climate change scenarios and agricultural production and then prescribe adaptive measures to climate change. Historical yearly temperature and rainfall data from Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) and crop yield data from the census of agriculture zilla series, Patuakhali, year book of agricultural statistics and agricultural ministry of Bangladesh were used. A questionnaire survey was also conducted to gather farmer perceptions on climate change in addition focus group discussions were held with selected farmers in the Upazila. The results showed evidence of climate change through analysis of climate data, crop yields and farmers perceptions. Evidence was manifested through the temperature increase, increasing frequency of natural disaster and irregular rainfalls, which are directly influenced the condition of food security of Kalapara Upazila. It was the concluded that climate change occurring in Kalapara Upazila has resulted in significant decline in agricultural production. The paper is also showed the comparison of sources of food and production amount between past and present. The people's perceptions show that the temperatures are rising, timely rainfall is not available and crop production seasons are shifting. The lessons show that people are aware of climate change and its impacts on food security. But lack of proper knowledge is the main causes to adapt to these changes.

Keywords: Agricultural production; Climate change; Food security; Adaptation; Kalapara; Upazila

Location: Kalapara Upazila, Patuakhali district

Start Date:

End Date:

Program Area: Risk Management in Agriculture

Non-commodity: Weather/Climate

Objectives:

1. To determine the climatic change scenarios for Kalapara Upazila.
2. To determine changes in agricultural production output under changing climatic conditions in KalaparaUpazila.
3. To determine farmers perceptions on climate change and how it is affecting food security in this area.
4. Suggest possible adaptation techniques for the farmers in the area.

Methodology:

Study area: Patuakhali is a district in South-western Bangladesh. It is a part of the Barisal Division. KalaparaUpazila (PATUAKHALI district) with an area of 483.27 square km is bounded by AMTALI Upazila on the north, the BAY OF BENGAL on the south, Rabnabad channel and GALACHIPA Upazila on the east. Main rivers are Andharmanik, Nilganj and Dhankhali. Logics behind selection of the study area: Patuakhali is one of the coastal districts in Bangladesh. It is predicted that, for the climate change the coastal area of Bangladesh will be affected. As the most of the people in Patuakhali are engaged in agricultural sector, so the impact of climate change may be experienced here. It is studied that for the climate change the agricultural sector will be affected, which will create extra pressure on the food security. Kalapara is one of the Upazila in Patuakhali, which is located very near to the Bay of Bengal. So the impacts of the climate change can be earnestly experienced here. Crop yield data for areas in Kalapara Upazila obtained from Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS), 1983-84, 1996, 2008. Census of Agriculture Zilla Series, Patuakhali, Year book of agricultural statistics and Agricultural Ministry of Bangladesh. The rainfall and temperature data were Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) and Bangladesh Bureau of statistics (BBS). The rainfall and temperature data were used to determine climatic variability and climatic scenarios for Kalapara in Patuakhali district. The study also made use of questionnaires, focus group discussion and Experts interviews with key informants. The study made use of the materials available in the following ways: 1. A questionnaire survey was used in the study to obtain information related to Kalapara farmer’s perception on climate change. The questionnaire survey was carried out after a pilot studies were carried out in each area. The target population was mainly the oldest people of a selected community because they were considered to be able to give a pattern of weather changes over a longer period of time which was considered a more reliable picture of changes in climate. 2. Considering the population of this most useful population (people over the age of 50) 200 people was confidently selected as the best sample size that would give the best trade of between cost and representativeness of the sample. 3. About all villages were visited in the area. A base map of Kalapara Upazila was imported into a Geographical Information Systems (GIS). 4. A set of questions were also prepared that probed farmers on the climatic changes and crop productivity and these were used in focus group discussions.

Source of Information: J Earth Sci Clim Change Volume 4 • Issue 5 • 1000155; ISSN:2157-7617 JESCC, an open access journal

Article Link (Online Journal): http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2157-7617.1000155

Funding Source:

Budget:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

The results showed evidence of climate change through analysis of climate data, crop yields and farmers perceptions. Evidence was manifested through the temperature increase, increasing frequency of natural disaster and irregular rainfalls, which directly influenced the condition of food security of Kalapara Upazila. It was thus concluded that climate change occurring in Kalapara Upazila has resulted in significant decline in agricultural production.

Knowledge Management: Journal