Analysis of the livelihood and health of internally displaced persons due to riverbank erosion in Bangladesh

Abstract

Bangladesh is particularly vulnerable to natural calamities such as flooding, cyclones, droughts, and severe riverbank erosion as a deltaic country. Riverbank erosion brings about terrible consequences such as loss of land, human displacement, social isolation, and physical and mental well-being problems. The study used a mixed-method research approach and a multi-method data collection procedure to analyse the impact of riverbank erosion on livelihood and health. Households of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) due to riverbank erosion in Bangladesh's Lakshmipur district were surveyed using a structured questionnaire and an unstructured interview schedule to collect quantitative and qualitative data. Thematic content analysis, and descriptive statistics were applied to identify how riverbank erosion is inextricably linked to the IDPs' socio-economic conditions and well-being vulnerability. The findings show that riverbank erosion is responsible for the IDPs' livelihood uncertainty and substantial health concerns. Uncertainty about livelihood gives rise to socio-economic instability, poverty, diseases, and medical expenses. On top of that, the displaced people faced several difficulties, including no land ownership, living in substandard housing, no access to power, use of unhygienic toilets, social isolation, and anxiety. The research also finds inadequate government or non-governmental master plans for IDPs to overcome miserable conditions. The study results will help policymakers in Bangladesh and elsewhere to better understand the needs of vulnerable riverine communities and to design and implement policies and programmes to improve those communities' capacity to withstand shocks and recover quickly.