Abstract
Salinity intrusion has become a significant threat to agriculture and drinking water supply systems in the coastal region of Bangladesh, challenging traditional livelihoods and environmental stability. The coastal people of Bangladesh are trying to cope with the changing climate with a range of adaptation strategies. This paper examines the effectiveness of the current adaptation measures employed to combat soil and water salinity in southwestern coastal Bangladesh in enhancing climate resilience in the agriculture and drinking water sectors. Applying thematic analysis of data collected from Focus Group Discussions, Key Informant Interviews, and field observations, this study provides a comprehensive assessment of the current strategies, challenges, and way forward for salinity adaptations. The analysis has identified several adaptation strategies taken by the local people, including land and water management techniques like polders and irrigation canals, innovative irrigation techniques, as well as community-level strategies like crop diversification, cultivation of salinity-tolerant crop varieties, and reverse osmosis plants to individual-level strategies like rainwater harvesting. The study has evaluated the effectiveness of these strategies based on criteria like scale, cost, seasonality, quality, and productivity. Key findings of the study highlight the effectiveness of some adaptation practices in enhancing resilience while also identifying some overrated adaptation measures and significant financial, institutional, and administrative constraints that hinder the broader implementation of effective adaptation techniques. The study underscores the importance of integrated socio-agricultural management approaches and coordinated efforts among individuals, communities, and institutions, and, offers insights for policymakers and practitioners engaged in enhancing the resilience of coastal communities.
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Technical, Political, and Social Responses
KEYWORDS
Salinity, Adaptation Measures, Climate Resilience, Coastal Bangladesh, Salinity Adaptation
