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Cooperation of Local Government Representatives for the Livelihood of the Sundarbans Dependent People

Molla Mohammad Shafiqur Rahman*
Environmental Science Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna-9208, Bangladesh

Ayesha Khatun Liza
Environmental Science Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna-9208, Bangladesh

Abdullah-Al-Masud
Environmental Science Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna-9208, Bangladesh

Md. Rayhanuzzaman
Environmental Science Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna-9208, Bangladesh

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

This study endeavors to find out the factors affecting dependency on forest resources and cooperation that Local Government Representatives (LGR) could extend to the forest-dependent people. One hundred households were selected from the Koyra Sadar Union adjacent to the Sundarbans following deliberate sampling technique to conduct this study and questionnaire survey, focus group discussion and participatory rural appraisal methods were carried out. Most of the people in this union lives under the poverty line and about two-third of them predominantly dependent on the Sundarbans’ natural resources. LGR now is playing no role in the livelihood of the Sundarbans’ dependent people; however, there is need for cooperation to improve their livelihood pattern.

Keywords: Sundarbans, Livelihood, Local Government Representatives, Permission system, Koyra Upazila.

Location: Koyra Upazila of Khulna district

Start Date:

End Date:

Program Area: Socio-economic and Policy

Commodity: Livelihood, Sundarban

Objectives:

On the other hand, at least one-third of the population of the SRF lives in poverty (ADB, 1998). Hence, the Sundarbans, stock of diverse resources should be managed for the betterment of forest-dependent people. So, the cooperation of LGRs can play a key role for managing the forest resources, increasing the quality of life of the forest-dependent people, increasing the alternative livelihood pattern and reducing the pressure on forest. This study deals with the socio-economic conditions, the factors affecting dependency on forest resources and the role of LGRs of Koyra sadar Union people.

Methodology:

Study area: Koyra Upazila of Khulna district covers an area of 1775.41 sq km is peripheral to the Sundarbans and is bounded by Paikgachha Upazila on the north Dacope Upazila on the east and Assasuni and Shyamnagar Upazilas on the west. The south of the Upazila is covered by the Bay of Bengal and the Sundarbans. Koyra Sadar Union is one of the Union of the Koyra Upazila and includes ten villages.

Data collection: A reconnaissance survey was carried out at the initiation of the research. One hundred households were selected for the questionnaire survey. The livelihood patterns and resources extraction system was recorded through a questionnaire survey. Focus Group Discussion (FGD) and participatory rural appraisal were also carried out to evaluate the factors responsible for dependency on forest resources and the cooperation need of LGRs in maintaining the livelihood of the people.

Source of Information: Khulna University Studies Special Issue (SESB 2010): 101-108: June, 2010

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

Budget:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

Local government, as a political institution to ensure public participation in development activities, is yet to take proper shape in Bangladesh. This includes major improvements in the existing facilities and management of the area, greater involvement by stakeholders and the community, together with direct involvement in wildlife and forestry enhancement programs. Currently, local people appear to have limited rights to forests. There is a pressing need to facilitate specific interventions that enable forest resources to play a greater role in livelihoods through improved local forest governance. It is reported that some people extract more resources from the Sundarbans beyond their need. Extreme resource extraction in terms of wood and the nonwood product has made the Sundarbans vulnerable to resource depletion. It is properly believed that, illegal harvesting of resources of the Sundarbans, by some of the corrupt officials from concerned departments; it is losing its uniqueness. Forests can only contribute to poverty reduction when poor people have secured long term rights to their resources, coupled with the capability to defend them against more powerful actors. The potential contribution of forests to poverty reduction is subject to some debate. Overcoming these barriers is crucial in achieving progress towards sustainable forest management and making forest resources work optimally towards alleviating poverty, leveraging local and national socio-economic development and avoiding the long term degradation of important forest-based goods and services. So there is a pressing need in the cooperation of Local Government in this sector for dealing these activities.

Knowledge Management: Journal