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Strengthening responses to climate variability in south Asia. Discussion paper: Bangladesh From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Published 1 January 2013 Country: Bangladesh
Document Type: Discussion Paper Theme: Climate and Environment First published: 1 January 2013 Authors: Mitra, S. and Vivekananda, J. Contents Abstract Citation Links Abstract
This study is one of a series of regional studies which aim to presentevidence of the interactions between environmental, social, politicaland economic risks at the local level in
Bangladesh, India, Nepal andPakistan. Drawing on field research and consultations withpolicy-makers, practitioners and academics, this case study seeks toidentify obstacles to and
opportunities for interventions to buildresilience to interlinked environmental and security risks amongvulnerable communities in Bangladesh. The case study specifically looksat local
resilience among the coastal communities in Satkhira and theirknock-on effects in terms of migration to urban centres such as Dhaka.In order to understand local resilience, the case study
aims to addresstwo key questions:
1. What are the root causes of vulnerability (to climate and conflictrisks)?
2. How can external adaptation interventions (by the state orinternational institutions) address these root causes of vulnerability?
Findings from the case study lead to the following conclusions:
• Whilst livelihood diversification into perceived “climate resilient”areas such as tailoring, poultry farming, duck rearing, mat weaving andbasket making are helping families better cope,
they are not seen bybeneficiaries as sufficient to build their resilience in and ofthemselves;
• Livelihood dependency on the Sunderban forests continues despite thesecurity threats people face in accessing the forests. This dependencyneeds to be reduced;
• In the absence of a comprehensive policy framework, seasonal migrationis a significant cost to human development through poor labourarrangements and working conditions of migrants. Safe
migration needs tobe prioritised to maximise its benefits and also be given dueconsideration in climate change and development plans;
• Interventions around other sectoral strands such as security anddemocratic governance could contribute to building community resilienceif they are both climate and conflict
sensitive.
CitationMitra, S.; Vivekananda, J. Strengthening responses to climate variability in south Asia. Discussion paper: Bangladesh. International Alert, (2013) 40 pp.
LinksStrengthening responses to climate variability in south Asia. Discussion paper: Bangladesh
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