Reduction of flood risk by indigenous knowledge at Alekdiar Char of Shibalaya Upazila in Manikganj district

Abstract

The present study tries to identify the livelihood practices of the char dwellers. It also focus to assess their economic condition in relation to livelihood practices. Local people’s participation in the research process has ensured by Focus Group Discussion, Informal Interview. Most of the farmers don’t have their own land as well as they also cultivate khas (public) land. The rest of the people are engaged in day labor activities, petty business and others (boatsmen). Cultivated land, Domestic animal, grazing land and wet land are the major natural resources of Alekdiar Char. The Char dwellers face flood & river bank erosion almost every year. They have some traditional knowledge by which they are able to cope up with this situation. In my study I tried to understand the socio-economic profile of Alekdiar Char. I also tried to find out the practices regarding house, agriculture, health. They have no academic knowledge but they are living for many years in Chars. As a result they have a very good capacity which we called indigenous knowledge. With this they are able to reduce vulnerabilities. Finally I recommended some of my findings of Alekdiar Char for further study.