LAND USE PATTERN AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC CONDITION OF THE SUNDARBANS ADJACENT COASTAL AREAS OF BANGLADESH

Abstract

This study addresses the changes in land use pattern and corresponding socio-economic conditions of the people living in the Sundarbans adjacent coastal areas of the south-west Bangladesh. Shayamnagor of Satkhira, Dacope of Khulna, and Sarankhola of Bagerhat districts are considered as the representative areas of the three parts namely west, north and east Sundarbans on the basis of the geographical location. The land use maps of 1996 and 2004 are analyzed to observe the changes in land use pattern in the study area. The analysis finds changes in land use pattern in the study area over the time period. Salinity intrusion, unusual rainfall and other climate factors contribute to change land use pattern. The people in the coastal areas are linked with these climate factors for their livelihood. Illiteracy, income discrimination, health hazard, educational hazard, and employment status are the socio-economic indicators used in this study. There is a downtrend in the employment status form 1980’s to the current period. The employment rates were 70%, 56.8% and 44.5% in Dacope, Sarankhola and Shayamnagor respectively in 1986, which has decreased to 52.7%, 50.8% and 42.9% in 2003 respectively. Decrease in agricultural production, destruction of the Sundarbans and migration are the negative consequences of changes in land use pattern. The Focused Group Discussion (FGD) responders of the study area claim that they are now worst sufferer due to the proximity to the coastal areas and the changes in climate compelling them to diversify their land use and cropping pattern for maximizing their short run personal benefits.