Economic Effects of Seawater Intrusion on Life of Coastal Communities in Sindh Region of Pakistan

Abstract

Recently rising sea levels and a decrease of Indus water into the delta have resulted in high seawater intrusion at the coastal shores of Sindh. Seawater intrusion has severely affected the livelihood sources of local people. Therefore, this study is conducted with an aim to measure the economic effects of seawater intrusion on the lives of the local population in the deltaic coasts of the Sindh region in Pakistan. This is a quantitative study conducted through a survey questionnaire in the coastal belt of Badin and Thatta districts of Sindh province, Pakistan. A total of 200 participants were recruited in the study through multistage sampling. Results show a significant impact of seawater intrusion on the economic conditions of coastal communities in the province of Sindh, Pakistan. Adverse effects of seawater intrusion can be seen in the shape of a decrease in cultivated land, low agricultural production, decreasing livestock production and fishing quantity.