Determinants of households' livelihood vulnerability due to climate induced disaster in southwest coastal region of Bangladesh

Abstract

Climate-related disasters have a severe impact on the livelihoods of people in south-western coastal Bangladesh, and the adaptive capacity is linked to this. However, this subject has not received any thorough attention. This study therefore identified the adaptive capacity indicators that affect the livelihood vulnerability to climate-induced disasters in the three unions (Dakshin Dedkashi, Bagali, and Koyra) of Koyra Upazila (sub-district) in the Khulna district (a climate-vulnerable southwest coastal region) of Bangladesh. We surveyed 300 households from the three unions using an interview schedule. The data were analyzed by using an ordered logistic regression. Gender and education of household heads, presence of dependents, family members working in different communities, crop growing, agricultural activities as the primary source of income, access to support from relatives or friends, access to local government services, and membership in community-based social organizations were identified as the significant indicators of adaptive capacity that determine vulnerability in this study. A partnership between government agencies and the community might lead to new perspectives on climate risk mitigation measures; the cost-effective adoption of innovative adaptation solutions; and social inclusion and empowerment in terms of livelihood opportunities.