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.