Changes in livelihood pattern of inhabitants in waterlogged areas in south-west region in Bangladesh

Abstract

The coastal zone specially in South-West part is ever dynamic and changes occur continually due to natural reasons, anthropogenic reasons and at the same time due to management interventions. What ever is the agent of changes have direct influence on the status and quality of coastal dweller’s life and livelihood. It is absolutely necessary to understand the development processes and dynamics in this region. Measurement of the conditions of the natural systems functionality, resource bases health, resources flow in one hand and at the same time access of the dwellers in this region to the services and resources are necessary to understand the well being of the dwellers in South-west region. This document is based on an analysis of existing data, information and experiences accompanied with findings of questionnaire survey conducted for this study. Study revealed that the region has been subjected to different kinds of environmental imbalance and natural disasters ever since the implementation of "development" projects that are clearly at odds with the region's environmental characteristics, and are ecologically unsound. No holistic attempt at investigation and research has been made to ascertain the negative impacts of river siltation, waterlogging, salinity and other disasters on the life of the people - especially women and children - and on their economic and family lives, on education, health, and hygiene. Therefore we need to take a correct approach towards the development of the South-west region. Isolated mechanical and technological approaches that have no consideration for the environment will necessarily fail to address the uniqueness and the problems of the coastal region. Only an eco-technological approach may bring about real development of the region. Study shows that local people have been trying to take part in decision making processes. Foreign experts come and go but they have no stake in the environment in which they apply their ‘superior’ knowledge and skills. But the local people have. They have to stay there and survive. Any change in the environment profoundly affects local communities and the lives of the people. Therefore, if local communities have to achieve desired progress, they have to have more power in taking decisions. Abstract facts, data, and debates on different issues should be made simple, so that people can easily understand these issues, and realize their own roles in the development of their region, as well as the consequences that might follow, and what they should do in such eventualities.