Waterlogging, crop damage and adaptation interventions in the coastal region of Bangladesh: A perception analysis of local people

Waterlogging is a persistent problem resulting in damage to crops and therefore livelihood of the coastal people in the southwestern region of Bangladesh. It is important to better understand the perception of local people on this problem to formulate appropriate policy interventions. This research aimed at analyzing the perception of local people on waterlogging, its impact on crop production and related adaptation interventions in Khulna district. Concurrent mixed methods of research were employed and a total of 200 households were interviewed. The findings revealed that lack of silt removal or dredging in canals, reduction of water flow in canals and encroachment of canals were the main causes of waterlogging. Major demographic, social and economic characteristics of the surveyed households rarely affected crop production. It was also observed that delayed cropping reduced waterlogging-induced crop damage in coastal areas. Although local people spontaneously participated in traditional adaptation methods, they hardly realized their own contributions towards the practices. About one-third of the local people were not aware of institutional initiatives addressing waterlogging. They proposed structural solutions such as re-excavation of canals to reduce waterlogging. Furthermore, majority of the people living inside the polder (a low-lying tract of land enclosed by a built construction that forms an artificial hydrological unit) perceived that institutions and management were vitally important. The post-facto nature of adaptation interventions in the region might lead to unusual losses and damages, which could be minimized through a good mix of technology and management.

106