CLIMATIC HAZARDS AND CLIMATE SMART AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES IN SOUTHERN PART OF BANGLADESH

Abstract

Due to its geographic location and geomorphic characteristics, Bangladesh is extremely vulnerable to climate change and natural catastrophes. The purpose of this study was to identify the climate hazards, the present state of use of Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) Technology, and the benefits of using such technology in the southern part of Bangladesh. A survey was conducted in 2021 at Taltoli upazila of Barguna district and Kalapara upazila of Patuakhali district among 120 farmers. From the survey, it was found that about 75 percent of the respondents understand about climate-smart agriculture. Adaptive strategies were ranked by calculating a dependent variable named adaptation strategy index (ASI). Saline-tolerant crop varieties, Sunflower cultivation and watermelon cultivation were the highest-ranked strategies. Survey results showed that farmers obtained various social, economic, technical and psychological benefits from CSA practices. The results also indicate that lack of irrigation water ranked first and seems to be the most severe problem for the farmers followed by inadequate provision of sluice gates. Farmer's CSA technology adaptation has been calculated using a Nobel index named CSAT (CSA Technology Index). A statistical analysis of data showed that educational status, number of earning family members and income of the farmer had significant influence on the farmer's ability to adopt CSA practices.