‘Community-based adaptive entrepreneurship’ addressing climate and ecosystem changes: Evidence from a riparian area in Bangladesh

Abstract

Community-based entrepreneurs have a great dependence on the local ecosystems for their entrepreneurial needs. As ecosystems change due to various climatic and anthropogenic drivers, entrepreneurs face challenges to continue with traditional modes of ecosystem-dependent operations. This research sought to understand how changes in ecosystems affect practices of entrepreneurs and their subsequent entrepreneurial responses. It examined this phenomenon in a climatically vulnerable community located at a riparian locality of southwestern Bangladesh. Drawing on resilience thinking, the research followed qualitative-case study and participatory approaches involving survey, focus group, workshops, and observation. It found that the local community members dealt with ecosystems changes through shifted entrepreneurial modes. They exhibited resilience, innovativeness and adaptability in the context of a climatically vulnerable and ecosystem services dependent locality. They adopted non-traditional ventures, diversified traditional enterprises, and brought about changes to their production practices. The research termed those shifted entrepreneurial practices of the community entrepreneurs as ‘community-based adaptive entrepreneurship (CBAE)’. The research theorized and coined the term (CBAE) as an entrepreneurial model with potential to enhance resilience of climatically vulnerable communities. It argues that the CBAE model offers a suitable policy option and strategic choice towards livelihoods for the communities facing adverse impact of climate and ecosystem changes.