Drivers of Vulnerability and Its Socio-economic Consequences: An Example of River Erosion Affected People in Bangladesh

Abstract

Drawing an example from a river erosion-prone district Bhola in Bangladesh, this chapter attempts to figure-out a vulnerability driver, and then shows their socio-economic consequences. This study employed a mixed-method approach, where a multi-method data collection procedure was used and data were collected from three Upazilas (sub-divisions) of the Bhola District in Bangladesh. Quantitative data were collected using a structured interview schedule from 371 household heads, while the qualitative data were generated from 30 relevant participants through in-depth case interviews, focus group discussions, and key informants’ interviews. First, the overall results showed that the river erosion created four drivers of vulnerabilities e.g., physical, economic, social and psychosocial. Findings revealed that none of those vulnerabilities made the community vulnerable on its own, rather, they are mutually inclusive, dynamic and interacting factors where one reinforces to other(s). Secondly, results showed that the affected people faced many socioeconomic consequences notably homelessness, landless, water and food insecurity, life threats, financial crisis, deterioration of purchasing capacity, increase migration, low community resilience, diminution of social dignity, increase social malpractices, increase social exclusion, lack of adaptation capacity and loose coping strategies. The finding would be important guideline to the policymakers, disaster managers, development practitioners and human rights workers.