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An Assessment on Application of Indigenous Knowledge as Disaster Risk Reduction Strategies in Kutubdia, Cox’s Bazaar, Bangladesh

Samshad Nowreen
Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management, Dhaka University, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh

Md. Mohiuddin
Department of Geography and Environment, Jagannath University, Dhaka-1100, Bangladesh

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

This research investigates how indigenous knowledge helps to reduce disaster risks in the coastal areas of Bangladesh, specifically in the study area of Kutubdia, Cox’s Bazaar. The location of the coastal area of Bangladesh is funnel shaped which is regarded as one of the most vulnerable cyclone-prone regions in the world because of its location and physiography. Almost every year coastal people experiences this nature induced devastation and loses their lives and property. However, to cope with this type of natural calamity and minimize their loss, coastal people apply their inherited practical knowledge that has been aimed to explore by this research. To conduct this research three types of survey methods has been used: primary data were collected using Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) tools, Focus Group Discussion(FGD) and semi-structured questionnaire survey. First of all, the study explored interesting house construction practices, techniques and protection maneuvers those reflect the ideas of indigenous knowledge of coastal people as primitive adaptation strategies to the cyclone disaster. It has also been found that the other indigenous practices like early cyclone warning system from nature including animal behavior and weather condition. The dynamics of cyclone: classification, occurrence and affected scenario in the coastal region have been identified for the Cox’s Bazaar region.

Keywords: Cyclone, Coastal area, Indigenous knowledge, DRR, Kutubdia

Location: Kutubdia, Cox’s Bazaar, Bangladesh

Start Date: 00-12-2010

End Date:

Program Area: Risk Management in Agriculture

Commodity: Disaster

Objectives:

Main objective of this study is to identify how indigenous knowledge is used to adapt with the natural disaster specifically cyclone in a particular area. Furthermore, objectives could be mentioned as following: To explore different indigenous knowledge for adapting cyclone induced hazard.

Methodology:

Methods and Materials The study was carried out from 12 December to 24 December in 2010 by applying two methods: Focus Group Discussion (FGD) and Semi-structure questionnaire survey. FGD is a technique used to in the study consisting of a group of people (eight or nine people) with similar socio-economic background, beliefs and activities that has been applied to practice their knowledge and experience during natural disasters. The study has been as certained local terms and strategies to mitigate the damages from diversified ideas of coastal people by two (2) FGD’s, One was organized in Baraghop (Upazila sadar) including chairmen of six unions of the Upazila, and another was in Ali Akbar Dail with local people. Semi-structured questionnaire in Kutubdia Upazila under Cox’s Bazaar district where three hundred (300) households were randomly selected among 18,093 households for questionnaire survey from 6 unions based on their population, household sizes and regional condition. They were surveyed at their house and working place at three particular times – in the early morning(6-8am), in the lunch time(12-4pm) and in the evening (5-7pm). The questionnaire was prepared having questions related to socio-economic condition, dynamics of cyclone in coastal region and different indigenous knowledge. Two Likert charts (scale ranges from 0-5) were used to identify animals’ susceptibility towards cyclone forecast and human’s perception as well. In the Likert chart 0 meant strongly disagree and 5 meant strongly agree towards the issue asked to the participants. Where 2.5 meant neutral value. The surveyed households were farmers, fishermen, NGO and Government officers, businessmen, and public representatives (Union Parishad Chairman and Members).

Study Area Kutubdia, an island Upazila of Cox’s Bazaar districts the study area for this research which is situated in the coastal eastern part of Bangladesh. The study area comprises of an area of 2,491.86 sq. km. It is located near the basin of Matamuhuri and Shango. Banskhali Upazila of Chittagong Zila borders the Upazila to the north, southeast is bounded by Moheskhali Upazila of Cox’s bazaar district and rest of the area is surrounded by the Bay of Bengal13 (BBS, 2011). The island is detached by 400-meter wide channel (Kutubdia Channel) from the mainland.

The communication between Kutubdia to mainland is by boat – Engine boat, Danish boat (High Speedy Machine Boat) round the year. People of the area are very poor, most of the people of study area involve in agriculture mainly salt cultivation.

Source of Information: Dhaka Univ. J. Sci. 65(2): 125-131, 2017 (July)

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

Budget:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

The study has found people of that area are mostly involved in agriculture activities specifically salt cultivation and fishing. The research reveals two–thirds (63.2%) of the coastal people earn poor (4000-5000 tk.) and build up weak houses structures(94.67%) that are vulnerable due to location and regular hit by disaster mostly cyclone. Although they are low-income holders and build up weak house structure, they use indigenous knowledge from nature to mitigate the damages. Indigenous knowledge exists in the coastal community that was found during field study. Indigenous knowledge is not static but very influential tool for disaster risk reduction. Over the decade, the causalities have been common due to cyclonic disturbance but at present, this rate has reduced because of the development of forecasting use of indigenous knowledge. Enough support is inadequate to mitigate cyclonic devastation although they have huge indigenous knowledge (local knowledge). Some recommendations are made to improve indigenous knowledge, and capacity to reduce risk and adapt to the adverse environment. Previous experienced from nature should be recorded, modified and upgraded to use for next disaster risk. Furthermore, free loan could be provided to the coastal people to erect disaster-resilient house structures including multistoried building with communication facilities and house building techniques, should be given information adjusted with indigenous knowledge for preparedness and awareness in reducing disaster risk.

Knowledge Management: Journal