Agricultural Vulnerability and Adaptation Strategies by Farmers to Climate Change in South-Western Coastal Bangladesh

Ashrafuzzaman, Md.; Gomes, Carla; Cerdà, Artemi; Schmidt, Luísa; Guerra, João

doi:10.1007/978-3-030-98617-9_8

Cited by 2 publications

(1 citation statement)

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“…Rainwater harvesting (16.80%, 40.55%, and 15.95%) was the greatest adaptation mechanism for acquiring drinking water on a personal level. Many regions undergoing strenuous drinking water challenges have adopted pond sand filters as alternatives to deal with the absence of drinking water at the personal level, while regions with acute drinking water paucity have incorporated PSFs to obtain safe drinking water [107,108] (Figure 6) with help from government establishments (for instance, the DPHE) and NGOs (like Sushilan), and with the collaboration of patron agencies and international NGOs (for instance, Caritas and UNICEF) [70]. Some response providers from acute drinking water shortage zones balance water use to obtain safe drinking water with negligible salinity and arsenic levels.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Changing Climate Is Changing Safe Drinking Water, Impacting Health: A Case in the Southwestern Coastal Region of Bangladesh (SWCRB)

Ashrafuzzaman

Gomes

Guerra

2023

Climate

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This study focuses on investigating the impact of climate change on the availability of safe drinking water and human health in the Southwest Coastal Region of Bangladesh (SWCRB). Additionally, it explores local adaptation approaches aimed at addressing these challenges. The research employed a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods to gather data. Qualitative data were collected through various means such as case studies, workshops, focus group discussions (FGDs), interviews, and key informant interviews (KIIs). The study specifically collected qualitative data from 12 unions in the Shyamnagar Upazila. On the other hand, through the quantitative method, we collected respondents’ answers through a closed-ended questionnaire survey from 320 respondents from nine unions in the first phase of this study. In the next phase, we also collected data from the three most vulnerable unions of Shyamnagar Upazila, namely Poddo Pukur, Gabura, and Burigoalini, where 1579 respondents answered questions regarding safe drinking water and health conditions due to climate change. The findings of the study indicate that local communities in the region acknowledge the significant impact of sea-level rise (SLR) on freshwater sources and overall well-being, primarily due to increased salinity. Over 70% of the respondents identified gastrointestinal issues, hypertension, diarrhea, malnutrition, and skin diseases as major waterborne health risks arising from salinity and lack of access to safe water. Among the vulnerable groups, women and children were found to be particularly susceptible to waterborne diseases related to salinity. While the study highlights the presence of certain adaptation measures against health-related problems, such as community clinics and health centers at the upazila level, as well as seeking healthcare from local and paramedical doctors, it notes that these measures are insufficient. In terms of safe drinking water, communities have adopted various adaptation strategies, including pond excavation to remove saline water (partially making it potable), implementing pond sand filters, rainwater harvesting, and obtaining potable water from alternative sources. However, these efforts alone do not fully address the challenges associated with ensuring safe drinking water.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%