SALINITY IMPACT ON COASTAL FARMERS’ LIVELIHOOD IN BANGLADESH

Abstract

Bangladesh, especially in the coastal zone, are struggling with the adverse impacts of climate change. Among the impacts of climate change salinity is the serious concern for coastal area of Bangladesh. The present study is concerned with the impact of salinity on affected coastal farmers’ livelihood in Bangladesh. The study carried out in Mongla upazila under Bagerhat district. The objectives of the research were to describe the selected characteristics of the farmers to assess the impact of salinity among them and the contribution of salinity related factors on farmers’ livelihood in study group. The impact was measured by various dimension with different categories and also t-test value taking both study and control group with the minimizing spill-over effects. Data were collected from the 80 test respondents selected from the intervention area (4 study villages) considering those who were affected to salinity. On the other hand, data were also collected from 80 control respondents selected from the four control villages in purposive random sampling method considering those who were not affected to the impact of salinity. The basic right as nutrition consumption, clothe habit, housing condition, sources of drinking water, treatment and quality of life as changes in poverty level by the respondents were observed in both study and control group to measure the impact. It indicated housing condition, drinking water source, health care facilities showed significant difference between study and control group. It may be enlightened that salinity has commencing role in changing different dimension of livelihood