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Climate Change Perception and Adaptation Strategies of Southwest Coastal Bangladesh

Alamgir Kabira
Department of Environmental Science, Bangladesh University of Professionals, Dhaka 1216, Bangladesh

Md. Mynul Hasan
Intertek Bangladesh, Tejgaon Industrial Area, Dhaka 1208, Bangladesh

Booshra Ahmed
Department of Environmental Science, Bangladesh University of Professionals, Dhaka 1216, Bangladesh

Shamaila Islam
Department of Environmental Science, Bangladesh University of Professionals, Dhaka 1216, Bangladesh

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

Bangladesh is cited as one of the most vulnerable countries to the impacts of climate change. Climate change poses serious impacts on agricultural sustainability, food security, natural resources and rural livelihood pattern. The study investigates farmers’ perception to climate change and their agricultural adaptation in the coastal area of Bangladesh. Two hundred household survey were conducted in Satkhira and Barguna district. Study revealed that farmers were well aware of climate change and they observed an increased temperature, rainfall, number of cyclones, flood intensity etc. over the years in the study area. Farmers’ thought that weed and pest infestation, disease outbreak and pesticide use have been increased due to the change in temperature and rainfall. Water logging, cyclone, river erosion and salinity were identified as the major environmental problems in the study area. However, the study identified 28 adaptation strategies that have been adopted by the farmers to reduce the impact of climate change. Crop diversification, introduction of new crops that can resist climatic stress, crop rotation, mix cropping, change in planting and harvesting date, shortening growing season, homestead gardening, application of organic fertilizers and pesticide, increased use of irrigation, different soil conservation techniques and income diversification were found as the most common adaptation measures. The results of the regression analysis showed that socioeconomic characteristics of the farmers (age, education, farming status and experience, farm income, etc.) and their perception to climate change influenced the farmers in choosing different adaptation strategies. The adaptation measures were economically profitable as well as agriculturally sustainable though lack of experience and knowledge, agricultural extension services, availability of inputs and lack of credit facilities were identified as the major challenges in the area.

Keywords: Climate change impacts, Farmers’ perception, Agricultural adaptation, Southwest coastal Bangladesh

Location: Satkhira and Barguna which belong to south western coastal region of Bangladesh

Start Date:

End Date:

Program Area: Risk Management in Agriculture

Non-commodity: Climate change

Objectives:

The specific objectives of this study are a) To know farmers’ perceptions on climate change and its impact on agriculture; b) To identify different adaptation strategies in the agricultural sector; c) To assess the influence of their socioeconomic characteristics on taken adaption measures.

Methodology:

Study area: Coastal zone of Bangladesh consists of 19 districts, covering 32% of the country having more than 35 million people. The study was conducted in two districts namely Satkhira and Barguna which belong to south western coastal region of Bangladesh. The southwest coastal region of Bangladesh is the most disaster-prone areas in Bangladesh as well as very vulnerable to the effects of climate change. However, Satkhira district lies between 21º36' and 22º54' north latitudes and between 88º54' and 89º20' east longitudes. The total area of the district is 3817.29 km² of which 1534.88 km² is under reserve forest. On the other hand, Barguna lies between 21º48′ and 22º29′ north latitudes and between 89º52′ and 90º22′ east longitudes. The total area of the district is 1,831.31 km² of which 399.74 km² is riverine and 97.18 km² is under forest. Four unions (Agardari, Labsha, Sorulia and Asasuni) were selected from Sadar, Tala and Asasuni Upazila of Satkhira whereas two unions (Burir Char and Naltona) were selected from Barguna Sadar Upazila. Most of the peoples of Satkhira depend on agriculture, fishing and shrimp farming [52]. On the other hand, the economy of Barguna is primarily dependent on agriculture where the principal crops include rice and pulses. Methods: The study area was selected purposively as the area is considered as most vulnerable region due to the impact of climate change. A reconnaissance survey was conducted in both of the districts to get basic information about the locality, agricultural system and existing adaptation techniques. After that, quantitative data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire from households to know farmers’ perception of climate change and adaptation techniques. A sample of 200 households (Satkhira-110, Barguna-90) has been selected randomly for the present study. Primary data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Multinomial logistic regression was performed to prepare a Multinomial Logit Model (MNL) using SPSS software to assess the statistical significance of socioeconomic characteristics on agricultural adaptation. The regression was performed between 19 socioeconomic and climatic variables and 20 adaptation techniques from 28 adaptation techniques.

Source of Information: American Scientific Research Journal for Engineering, Technology, and Sciences (ASRJETS), ISSN (Print) 2313-4410, ISSN (Online) 2313-4402

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

Budget:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

The study analyzed the perception and adaptation of smallholder farmers to climate change in both Satkhira and Barguna districts. It is apparent that people observed an increasing temperature, total rainfall, rainfall variability, number of cyclone and storm surge, flood intensity and waterlogged condition in both places. Farmers used both indigenous knowledge and planned adaptation strategies to reduce the vulnerability of climate change. People found it very difficult to cope with few climatic problems like cyclone in Satkhira and river erosion in Barguna. Different crop, land, water management practices and income diversification techniques were commonly found adaptation measures. Statistical analysis was performed to find out the association between socioeconomic variables and their choice of adaptation strategies. Results of chi-square test revealed that different socio-economic factors influenced their perception towards adaptation. Moreover, multinomial regression analysis expressed the impact of socioeconomic status on adopting different adaptation measures. Farmers reported that few of the measures weren’t much effective and sustainable. Access to input, technology, training and extension services were mentioned to be ensured for sustainable adaptation practices. Government should incorporate adaptation issues in all development planning. External supports from agricultural extension offices and NGO’s would be useful to effectively adopt those strategies. Lastly, it is strongly recommended that community-based adaptation options are needed to be prioritized to strengthen the adaptive capacity of the local community to reduce the impact of climate change.

Knowledge Management: Journal