Alternative livelihood options for climate victims: a case study of farmer community of Munshiganj union at Satkhira district

Abstract

Due to global warming the coastal area of Bangladesh is becoming threatened by frequent cyclones, heat wave, storm surges, tidal surges, floods and salinity intrusion. Like others coastal area of Bangladesh, Munshiganj Union in Satkhira is becoming more vulnerable particularly in agriculture-dependent populations. Climate change not only affects farmers' livelihoods, but also affects land use pattern, food security, loss of biodiversity The coastal agriculture is becoming more expensive because of require more money to buy salt-tolerant seeds, remove saline water from the land, supply fresh water and planting salt-tolerant seedlings and frequent climatic disaster. Farmers are therefore looking for alternative means of livelihood apart from agriculture due to impacts of climate change. This study analyzes these alternative livelihood possibilities utilizing a mix of quantitative and qualitative methods to gain a thorough grasp of the problem. The study was carried out in significant parts of the Munshiganj Union, including Harinagar, Garaze Bazar, Kultoli, Jelekhali, Kodomtola, Kachukhali, and Dhankhali. A total of 104 people were polled, including farmers, local leaders, government officials, and NGO representatives. Focus group discussions (FGDs) and in-depth interviews with key informants supplemented the survey data, providing qualitative insights into the socioeconomic effects of climate change and the efficacy of adaptation methods. The study indicated that most respondents (39.4%) were between the ages of 37 and 46, with a male majority (78.8%). Income data show that 45.2% of families earn between 10,001 and 15,000 BDT per month, with only 1.0% earning more than 25,000 BDT. Quantitative statistics show that 83.7% of respondents are pursuing alternative livelihoods, particularly shrimp farming (56.3%) and fishing (54.0%). The findings show that many farmers saw aquaculture as more resistant to environmental degradation, which 55.4% regarded as a crucial driver for this decision. Respondents also said that aquaculture provides greater economic stability, however it requires an initial investment and technical knowledge that few farmers have. Also, Water shortage was seen as a major difficulty by 67.3% of respondents and focus group discussions suggested that prolonged dry spells and saline water sources exacerbate the situation. Furthermore, soil salinity, which affects 59.6% of participants, has rendered traditional crops unsustainable, forcing communities to transition to salt-tolerant rice types. As a result, 72.1% of respondents stated that climate change has had a substantial influence on traditional occupations, prompting younger generations to seek non-agricultural employment in adjacent towns. Mulching (67.3%) and drip watering (65.4%) are popular adaptation tactics. However, qualitative research has revealed that these approaches are resource costly and not broadly available. NGOs, particularly Shushilan (66.3%) and Care Bangladesh (55.8%), play an important role in encouraging adaptation measures by offering technical training, financial help, and community mobilization. This study emphasizes the critical need for sustainable livelihood options and strong institutional assistance to address the socioeconomic vulnerabilities increased by climate change. The study's findings underline the necessity of community-specific difficulties being addressed through tailored interventions such as low-cost adaptive technologies and localized capacity-building programs. This study's findings serve as a platform for future initiatives aiming at increasing the resilience of farming communities in coastal Bangladesh.