Local Context of Climate Change Adaptation in the South-Western Coastal Region of Bangladesh

Abstract

This study was conducted in 12 unions of the Shyamnagar upazila in the Shatkira District, located in the south-western coastal region of Bangladesh (SWCRB). The inhabitants of the SWCRB are affected by different climate-influenced events such as high-intensity cyclones, saltwater intrusion, sea-level rise, and weather pattern-affected agriculture. This study focused on how the local inhabitants are coping with climate change using multilevel adaptation. A mixed approach of data collection, including quantitative and qualitative data, was followed for both primary and secondary sources. Individual-level data collection, key informant interviews, close-ended questions, focus groups, life history of SWCRB residents, and workshops were used to understand vulnerability and social perceptions at the local level. The findings indicated that multiple adaptation practices are employed by people in the SWCRB, such as rainwater harvesting, plantation of different rice varieties, gardening of indigenous vegetables, and pond sand filtering. However, the construction of multipurpose cyclone shelters along with coastal afforestation contributes to building resilience in the SWRCB from the socio-economic and environmental perspectives. Therefore, this study will help to find the most adequate strategy for climate change adaptation and sustainability.