INDIRECT EFFECT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON THE VILLAGE LIFE AROUND THE SUNDARBANS MANGROVE FOREST IN BANGLADESH

Abstract

ABSTRACT

The impact of climate change on agriculture and the fragile ecosystems in Bangladesh will effect a long term affect on the surrounding livelihood of Sundarbans mangrove forest. The objectives of the study were to investigate the present livelihood of local people living around the Sundarbans and to know the indirect impact of climate changes on livelihood of adjacent Sundarbans areas. The study was conducted in Kailashganj and Sutarkhali union under Dacope Upazila of Khulna district. Data collections were done randomly, among 115 respondents 73.91% stated that the water resources are drying out, wetlands are disappearing and water level is decreasing, 77.39 % reported that unseasonal rainfall causing decrease in crop production while 54.78% said irregularities on production of crops. More than 59.13% of indicated decrease in time period of germination due to increase in temperature and less rainfall, 56.52% noticed increase in flies, mosquitoes and other insects. Majority of the people (63.89 %) have changed their livestock. The effects of changing pattern of climate 54.30% noticed direct impact on dairy product. Majority of the respondents (53%) have said that their income level is decreased; and 27% believed that their income is increasing. Climate change will have far-reaching consequences for agriculture that will disproportionately affect the poor. Greater risk of crops and livestock are already imposing economic losses and undermining food security which are likely to get far more severe as global warming continues. Climate change threat to agriculture is now unambiguous, but the exact magnitude is uncertain because of complex interactions and feedback process in the ecosystem and the economy.