Influence of climate change and climatic variation on peoples livelihood and agriculturalecosystems of South-western coastal region of Bangladesh and Resilience through selectingClimate-Smart Agriculture

Abstract

The on-going climatic variability and climate change is modifying the environment, farming practices, farmer’s income and overall livelihoods of Bangladesh people particularly crucial for southern coastal region where 30 million people lives near the coast mostly dependent on agriculture and fisheries. A study was conducted to capture the farmer’s perception about climate change, climatic variation, soil salinity, tidal water effect, other bio-physical factors and adaptation measures against the changing environments. Six FGD was conducted in different villages of Jhalokati, Pirojpur, Bagerhat and Satkhira district of Bangladesh where climate change effect is more critical. Available climatic and soil salinity data was collected from concerned organizations for evaluation. For collating agricultural adaptation options different agricultural research organization scientists was contacted along with communities own experience and innovation. Community members(both men and women) believe that climate is continuously changing, creating unbearable heat wave round the year except in short winter period, rainfall is erratic and often excessive rainfall in a day/ week, more cyclonic storm, higher tidal water pressure and increased water height in rivers, canal, increased soil and water salinity which causing loss of lives, crops, cultured fish, trees, livestock, houses and other properties. Farmers also reported very limited natural fish availability, increased pest and diseases of crops and diversified health hazards for human.