Investigating Loss and Damage in Coastal Region of Bangladesh from Migration as Adaptation Perspective: A Qualitative Study from Khulna and Satkhira District

Sumya Naz, Tasin Islam Himel, Taufiqur Rafi, Sazzadul Islam, Saleha Bushra Neha, Syeda Tabassum Islam, Md Mahmud Hasan, Nur Mohammad Ha-Mim, Md. Zakir Hossain and Khan Rubayet Rahaman ()
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Sumya Naz: Urban and Rural Planning Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna 9208, Bangladesh
Tasin Islam Himel: Urban and Rural Planning Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna 9208, Bangladesh
Taufiqur Rafi: Urban and Rural Planning Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna 9208, Bangladesh
Sazzadul Islam: Urban and Rural Planning Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna 9208, Bangladesh
Saleha Bushra Neha: Urban and Rural Planning Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna 9208, Bangladesh
Syeda Tabassum Islam: Urban and Rural Planning Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna 9208, Bangladesh
Md Mahmud Hasan: Urban and Rural Planning Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna 9208, Bangladesh
Nur Mohammad Ha-Mim: Urban and Rural Planning Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna 9208, 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

World, 2024, vol. 5, issue 1, 1-28

Abstract: This study aims to examine the loss and damage experienced by coastal regions from the perspective of adaptation. It also seeks to evaluate the adaptation techniques employed when migration is utilized as a significant approach to mitigate the effects of loss and damage on coastal communities. This study evaluates the extent of loss and damage caused by constraints on adaptation. Two districts, Khulna and Satkhira, in the Khulna division of Bangladesh, were chosen for the study. In these districts, a total of twenty-four detailed interviews and one focus group discussion (FGD) were conducted with individuals living in rural areas whom climate-related effects and disasters have impacted. Additionally, seven interviews were conducted with climate migrants residing in informal settlements within the words of Khulna City Corporation. The process of identifying appropriate interview candidates involves utilizing a combination of specific criteria and snowball sampling techniques. The study employed NVivo 14 software to conduct theme analysis on textual data obtained from interviews. In the coding procedure, we sequentially employed semantic coding, latent coding, categorization, pattern exploration, and theme creation, all of which were in line with the research aim. The study indicates that most affected persons utilize seasonal and temporary movement as an adaptive strategy to deal with the slow effects of climate change, such as increasing temperatures and salinity in rural regions, and when they encounter limitations in their ability to adapt. Conversely, they opted for permanent migration in response to stringent constraints imposed by severe climate events like cyclones and river erosion, leaving them with no alternative but to move to urban regions. Social networks are crucial in influencing migration choices, as several families depend on information provided by urban relatives and rural neighbors to inform their relocation decisions. Nevertheless, not all individuals impacted by the situation express a desire to relocate; others opt to remain in rural areas due to their sentimental attachment to their birthplaces and a sense of dedication to their ancestral territory. Due to the exorbitant cost of urban life, they believe that opting not to migrate is a more practical option for addressing the repercussions of climate-induced loss and damage. The study’s findings aid policymakers in determining migration strategies and policies to address the adverse effects of coastal population displacement in Bangladesh. Additionally, it aids in determining strategies to address the challenges faced by climate migrants in both urban and rural environments.

Keywords: loss and damage; adaptation strategies; limits to adaptation; migration; qualitative research; coastal region; urban informal settlements; Bangladesh (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: 2024
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