Resource degradation and livelihood in the coastal region of Bangladesh

doi:10.1007/s11707-010-0126-1

Front Earth Sci Chin

0, Vol.

Issue () : 427-437 https://doi.org/10.1007/s11707-010-0126-1

RESEARCH ARTICLE

Resource degradation and livelihood in the coastal region of Bangladesh

Giashuddin MIAH¹(

), Nasimul BARI², Abiar RAHMAN¹

1. Department of Agroforestry and Environment, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Gazipur 1706, Bangladesh; 2. Department of Agronomy, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Gazipur 1706, Bangladesh

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Abstract

A study was conducted in four selected upazilas under four coastal districts through participatory rural appraisal (PRA), household survey and monitoring, sampling, focal group discussions, personal interview, on-farm field visits, institutional consultations, and secondary information. The investigation revealed that the valuable natural resources of the whole region are at the verge of serious degradation. Various causes have been identified, which are responsible for degradation of both resources and production environments. These causes include human population growth, coastal embankment, upstream withdrawal of Ganges water, brackish water shrimp farming, salt production, use of agro-chemicals, industrial activities, commercial activities, over-exploitation, etc. The study also showed that the degradation of natural resources is the reason behind the squeezing of historically dominant livelihood opportunities of the coastal communities. The current scenarios of the coastal ecosystem urge necessary steps to be taken for sustainable management of valuable resources and to create alternative livelihood opportunities for the coastal communities.

Keywords coastal region resource degradation livelihood

Corresponding Author(s): MIAH Giashuddin,Email:giash1960@gmail.com

Issue Date: 05 December 2010

Cite this article:

Giashuddin MIAH,Nasimul BARI,Abiar RAHMAN. Resource degradation and livelihood in the coastal region of Bangladesh[J]. Front Earth Sci Chin, 0, (): 427-437.

URL:

https://academic.hep.com.cn/fesci/EN/10.1007/s11707-010-0126-1
https://academic.hep.com.cn/fesci/EN/Y0/V/I/427

Fig.1 Coastal zone of Bangladesh

Fig.2 Monthly variations in maximum (a ) and minimum (b) temperature in the study region

Fig.3 Soil organic matter content at present (2008) and percent decline from 1999

Fig.4 Trends in top soil salinity in Khulna and Bagerhat Districts (SRDI, 2009)

Fig.5 Relationship between soil salinity and soil organic matter content in the study

Tab.1 Status of rivers in the studied sites of the coastal region of Bangladesh

Fig.6 Long-term trends in water salinity in selected rivers in Satkhira, Khulna and Bagerhat Districts (SRDI, 2009)

Fig.7 Depletion of Chakaria reserved forest over time

Tab.2 Change in population and per capita land area in the studied sites of coastal zone of Bangladesh

Tab.3 Coastal embankment statistics in the study Upazilas

Fig.8 Expansion of brackish water shrimp farming in the study Upazilas

Fig.9 Growth of salt production in Cox’s Bazaar ()

Tab.4 Total insecticide use by rice farmers during Transplant Aman season, 2008

Tab.5 Inventory of brick burning activities in the study Upazilas

Fig.10 Growth of settlements in the study Upazilas over time

Fig.11 Growth of road infrastructure in the study Upazilas over time

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