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Brackish-water Shrimp Cultivation Threatens Permanent Damage to Coastal Agriculture in Bangladesh

Md. Rezaul Karim
Urban and Rural Planning Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna, Bangladesh,

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

Over the past 20 years, brackish-water shrimp cultivation in the coastal zone of Bangladesh has contributed increasingly to the national economy, but there is a lack of quantitative data on the effects of shrimp farming at the household and community levels. This chapter investigates the impact of shrimp cultivation on the environment and farmers’ livelihood in a typical subdistrict of the coastal zone in Bangladesh. The variables involved with shrimp cultivation and their impact on the land are also taken into consideration and an attempt is made to analyse the patterns of land-use change that occurred between 1975 and 1999. The extensive pattern of shrimp cultivation is achieved by expansion of area rather than by intensification. The expansion of shrimp farming has resulted in decreases in crop production and many environmental problems in the form of a shortage of livestock fodder, fuel scarcity and decreases in traditional labour forces. Under the present circumstances, shrimp cultivation is no doubt beneficial for a selected group of people, but it has negatively affected the livelihoods of landless and marginal farmers, making it difficult for them to survive in the area.

Keywords: Brackish-water, Shrimp Cultivation, Threatens, Permanent Damage, Coastal Agriculture, Bangladesh

Location: Rampal Upazila (subdistrict), Bagerhat District, Khulna Division

Start Date:

End Date:

Program Area: Animal Health and Management

Commodity: Shrimp

Objectives:

This chapter aims to assess the effects of the past and current situation as regards shrimp cultivation methods in relation to the coastal environment. In particular, the research aims to identify the inherent potentials and problems, as well as the emerging trends in the causes and extent of land-use changes over a period of time, with a view to understanding the implications for land-use planning and the development of more environmentally acceptable shrimp cultivation methods.

Methodology:

The study was conducted in 43 selected villages of Rampal Upazila (subdistrict), Bagerhat District, Khulna Division, in 1999. Rampal Upazila covers 33,546 ha of land and is located in the centre of the western region of the coastal zone. It is situated on the Mongla River and is well connected to the Passur River. The area is close to the Sundarbans mangrove forest. The study area was selected on the basis of the following criteria: (i) the area should have extensive shrimp culture; (ii) shrimp farming should have been going on for at least 10 years in the area; (iii) the change in the physical environment should be homogeneous and representative of the situation in the coastal areas; and (iv) shrimp should be the main crop and provide the major share of income of the farmers of the area. Information was collected from 373 respondents belonging to five landowner categories using land-use survey and questionnaire survey techniques. Field observation based on the perception of local people was carried out and recorded documents of relevant studies were examined. Changes in the land-use pattern, socio-economic conditions and the environmental situation of the area were recorded for three time periods: 1975, 1985 and 1999. Information relating to the landscape ecology in the past was collected with Retrospective Inquiry System (RIS) techniques and ground truthing was performed with the help of aerial photography and satellite images.

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

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Achievement/Findings:

Brackish-water shrimp production in Rampal Upazila gave higher income than rice cultivation, but its expansion has had negative effects on the physical, social and natural environment. There is a need for effective planning, site selection and management of shrimp farms, with due consideration given to the capacity of the environment and a comprehensive approach to sustainable development. In the economic analysis, it is important to take into account the cost of environmental degradation. Reducing the area under shrimp cultivation and raising the yield may be one way to help minimize these costs, but there may be other alternatives that require further investigation. One of the reasons for the decline in vegetation cover and biodiversity affecting livelihoods of farmers is the encroachment of shrimp ponds towards the homestead. A case can therefore be made for demarcating a buffer zone around homestead areas within which shrimp ponds should not be developed.

Knowledge Management: Report/Proceedings