Analyzing Differentiated Climate Change Impacts on Women in the Wetland Area: A Case Study on Sunamganj District

Abstract

Disadvantageous geo-location, dense population, and poverty make Bangladesh climate-sensitive, particularly in livelihoods. The impacts are detrimental to the economy, environment, and social development of the people of Dowarabazar and Jamalganj Upazila, Sunamganj District. This research aimed to scale the differentiated impacts of climate change on wetland women. To conduct the research, a survey approach following the Community Disaster Resilience Index (CDRI) was applied. The data were collected through questionnaire survey and observation. The sample size was 300 (150 males and 150 females). Simple random samplings were applied. The study included women of middle-aged, young, elderly, disabled, ethnic, religious minorities, widowed, destitute, and all income classes of poor and rich. It is found that the women's community is extremely vulnerable to different climatic impacts affecting women's capital of human, social, economic, physical, and natural. Women's social capital is highly impacted and the impact score is 3.54. Secondly, human capital (score is 3.07). The impact scores of natural and physical are 2.92 and 2.49. The lives and livelihoods of women have been severely curbed by climatic complications, vulnerable sanitation, poor house structure, and illiteracy. Proper management and access to income generation, empowerment, and social services are required for women's adaptation and resiliency.