Investigating the Climate-Induced Livelihood Vulnerability Index in Coastal Areas of Bangladesh

Mehedi Mudasser, Md. Zakir Hossain, Khan Rubayet Rahaman and Nur Mohammad Ha-Mim
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Mehedi Mudasser: National Resilience Programme (NRP), UNDP Bangladesh, IDB Bhaban, 18th Floor, UN Offices, E/8-A, Begum Rokeya Sarani, Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh
Md. Zakir Hossain: Urban and Rural Planning Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna 9208, Bangladesh
Khan Rubayet Rahaman: Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, St. Mary’s University, 923 Robie Street, Halifax, NS B3H 3C3, Canada
Nur Mohammad Ha-Mim: Urban and Rural Planning Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna 9208, Bangladesh

World, 2020, vol. 1, issue 2, 1-22

Abstract: Understanding the complex dynamics of a household’s livelihood and potential vulnerabilities in the face of climate change is challenging. This research paper considers the Shyamnagar sub-district in the southern part of Bangladesh to analyze the complex issues of the vulnerability of livelihoods in the face of climate change. We conducted a questionnaire survey (n = 156) of approximately 15.6% of households in the study area. Consequently, we collected Geographical Information System (GIS) data and satellite imagery to demonstrate the land-use changes concerning vulnerabilities. A total of 54 indicators were selected to assess the livelihood vulnerability index, considering the demographic profiles, livelihood strategies, social networks, food security, water security, income, physical infrastructures, access to health services, and impacts of natural disasters. The results of the study demonstrate that only 21% of the people in the studied regions are less vulnerable to livelihood impacts in the face of climate change, while 23% of the households remain the most vulnerable. Moreover, inadequate social networks and inefficient livelihood strategies are contributing the most to the household vulnerability indices. Interestingly, the impacts of natural disasters remain the same for the whole study area and endure similarly when assessing household vulnerability. Finally, the study reveals that decision-makers may formulate effective adaptation policies to safeguard people and their livelihoods in the time of unprecedented climatic conditions in this unique area of Bangladesh.

Keywords: climate change; adaptation; planning; households; local area (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: G15 G17 G18 L21 L22 L25 L26 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 R51 R52 R58 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (4)

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