Community Perception on Adverse Effects of Natural Hazards on Livelihood and Enhancing Livelihood Resiliency: A Case Study at Patharghata Upazila, Barguna

Due to the geographical location, coastal regions of Bangladesh suffer from frequent natural hazards as a consequence of rapid change in climate. Patharghata Upazila under Barguna District is one of the most vulnerable coastal area in Bangladesh. Living with natural hazards is an everyday issue for the people of Patharghata because changing season brings different kinds of unpredictable hazards on livelihood. The study reveals the community perception of natural hazards and its adverse effect on livelihood. The natural hazards such as flood, cyclone, storm surge, salinity intrusion, excessive fog, temperature changing, river bank erosion, heavy rainfall, late rainy season, waterlogging impacting the livelihood of Patharghata community. To conduct this research both primary (Household Questionnaire Survey, Focus Group Discussion, Key Informants Interview) and secondary (Books, Newspapers, Journals, Online articles, Website and NGOs achieves) data were collected to fulfil the objectives. From the survey it observed that salinity frequency and intensity is the most effecting hazards but damage is much higher for cyclonic impact in the study area. The study results demonstrate that the natural hazards affected the livelihood including losses and damages of crops cultivation, loss of boats and nets, scarcity of pure drinking water, loss of economy, increase of poverty, damage in crop cultivation, fisheries, livestock, vegetable gardens and also creates a state of unemployment among the people though some of them are enhancing their livelihood resiliency through implementing indigenous practices. The study also identifies that the community people are getting limited facilities for the forecasting and early warning mainly through the NGO's, announcement by radio, miking and television for their daily livelihood. In the research area some initiatives have taken by the government and NGO's to reduce the losses on livelihood but some of those are not properly monitored. The research recommends that the role of local government, non-government organizations, civil society organizations and communities to reduce the adverse effects of different hazards on livelihood should be addressed and enhanced accordingly through proper initiatives for enhancing livelihood resiliency.