SPRING 2014

A study of climate change impact on the livelihoods of the people in Tanguar Haor

By

Kamrul Islam Sajib, Intekhab Alam, Anamul Haque, Mehedi Hasan

ABSTRACT

Bangladesh is generally viewed as a vulnerable country with respect to climate change because of its unique geographic location, dominance of flood plains, very low average altitude natural disturbance regimes, high population density, elevated level of poverty and overwhelming dependency on nature and its resources and services. Previous studies reveal that Surma-Kushiyara river system known as haor basin is projected to be under additional stress that climate change will cause to its temperature and rainfall pattern.
Tanguar haor which is located in the north-eastern region of Bangladesh is characterized by large round shaped floodplain depressions and marshy lands. This research focuses on the climate change impacts on the environment, water resources, flood, fisheries, cropping patterns etc. that effects the livelihoods of the people living in the Tanguar haor area. Primary data has been collected from various government agencies (i.e., BMD, BWDB, BHWDB, IUCN) and through field level questionnaire. Secondary data has been collected from official documents, papers, books and reports. This study identified that changes in land use patterns, flash flood, flood, river bank erosion, water pollution and reduced fisheries are the usual hazards and risks associated with climate change impacting the livelihoods of the Tanguar haor communities. In conclusion, some recommendations were suggested for the community for mitigating and adapting with the climate change impacts and reducing climate change related vulnerabilities.