Riverbank erosion often compels affected people to migrate from their respective communities. However, there are still many who do not leave the affected region. The research focuses on this particular group of non-migrant populations living in the erosion-prone Ramdaspur village of Bhola district in Bangladesh, to explore how erosion influences (non-)migration decision. We interviewed households from the study village. More than half the respondents reported that, even though they are continuously being hit by erosion, they are unwilling to move away because of the community support they receive from staying in the village. The rest of the respondents who choose to remain, do so because of financial reasons. Therefore, this study proposes a need for a holistic approach in future adaptation planning for the riverbank erosion-prone areas of Bangladesh to support the non-migrants in the communities.

/pdf/staying-despite-riverbank-erosion-evidence-of-coastal-2rft8hxe28.pdf

Staying despite riverbank erosion: evidence of coastal Bangladesh

https://repositorio.inpa.gov.br/bitstream/1/38169/1/Reposit%c3%b3rio%20do%20INPA.pdf

Impacts of meander migration on the Amazon riverine communities using Landsat time series and cloud computing.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/am/pii/S0048969721055261

Impacts of meander migration on the Amazon riverine communities using Landsat time series and cloud computing

In the context of commonly limited research on the subject, this study intended to (i) identify the types, magnitude and impacts of disasters in the char land communities in Bangladesh, and (ii) unfolded their water, sanitation and hygiene practices. A quantitative research approach was employed for this study, where a survey method was used. Data were collected through a face-to-face structured interview from 392 household heads in 32 char lands from three north-west districts in Bangladesh. The results claimed that the char people were faced all common disasters that damaged their properties and increased low livelihoods and health problems. Though the households used safe water in all purposes, they had to depend on government, community or sharing water. They had to go a far way to collect water and that was a matter of the women security. The sanitation and hygiene facilities were found very poor in the char areas. The findings would be a useful guideline to the policymakers, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, health workers and development practitioners.

Water, sanitation and hygiene practices among disaster-affected char land people: Bangladesh experience

This article highlights the impacts of climate change on men from two countries from the Global South, namely Bangladesh and South Africa, as we reflect on climate change as a major consideration in work on the un/making of dominant and marginal masculinities. Climate change has a gender face, showing differential hazards for men and women linked to the structures of gender in society. A limited range of discourses about the impacts of climate change on men is however evident in the literature when attention is paid to masculinity and climate change, with much of the literature focused on women. In this paper, we draw attention to men and issues related to masculinities in the context of climate change discussions related to these two countries. The paper points to several climate-induced impediments such as drought, floods, salinity, lightning, high temperatures that challenge the fulfilment of men’s socially prescribed roles and responsibilities. 

Men and climate change: some thoughts on South Africa and Bangladesh

In the context of generally limited research on the subject, this study aims to (i) unravel the nature, forms, and manifestations of socioeconomic and psychological vulnerabilities of the river erosion–affected coastal communities in Bangladesh and (ii) suggest a number of alternative livelihood options in order to reduce the vulnerabilities. It draws on a mixed-method approach. The fieldwork was conducted in three unions representing three upazilas (sub-districts) of the Bhola District. Quantitative data were collected using a structured interview schedule from 371 household heads, while the qualitative data were generated through in-depth case interviews, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews. The results show that the river erosion wreaked havoc on the communities’ physical resources and increased their psychosocial vulnerabilities such as forced displacement, social insecurity, food insecurity, breakdown of socio-cultural bondage and networks, and decreased social esteem. The lack of livelihood options coupled with poor and fragile household conditions contribute to the reduced ability of the communities to cope with the post-disaster problems. The low level of participation of the river erosion–affected people in disaster construction, planning, and programs results in a weakened state of community resilience which further increases vulnerability in the future. Based on the overall observations of the study, a number of community-led alternative livelihood options are then suggested including adoption of innovative production and processing measures, formation of self-help groups, entrepreneurship development, priority basis livelihood options based on local context, and use of indigenous knowledge and skills-based coping strategies. The findings may provide useful lessons and ameliorative clues to the policy makers, and (disaster and development) practitioners.

Munshi Mahabubur Rahman

Papers

Vulnerabilities of River Erosion–Affected Coastal Communities in Bangladesh: a Menu of Alternative Livelihood Options