Exploring the Socio-ecological Vulnerability and Livelihood Insecurities of the Riverbank Erosion-affected Charland Displacees in Bangladesh
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64102/rujssbs.0486Keywords:
Agro-ecological Forces, Socio-ecological Vulnerability, Livelihood, Charland, Riverbank Erosion DisplaceesAbstract
Riverbank erosion in Bangladesh’s charland areas creates persistent cycles of land loss, displacement, and livelihood insecurity, making these landscapes some of the most vulnerable socio-ecological setting in the country. There are a number of researches on climate-induced hazards but the specific driving forces of socio-ecological vulnerability in erosion-affected charlands remain insufficiently examined. The present research investigates how displacement, livelihood fragility, socio-ecological, and economic constraints shape vulnerability of the riverbank erosion-affected displacees in Vangi Dangi village. The research attempts to (i) explore the responsible agro-ecological and hydro-climatic factors of socio-ecological vulnerability, (ii) assess how displacement influences social and economic well-being, and (iii) analyze the livelihood insecurities that materialize from recurrent riverbank erosion. Both qualitative and quantitative procedures are used on data collected from the total study population, all 122 households in Vangi Dangi village who are experienced riverbank erosion at least once in their lifetime under Decreer Char Union of Faridpur Sadar Upazila of Faridpur District in Bangladesh. In collecting data on the study village, FGDs (Focus Group Discussions) and case studies are also utilized to capture lived experiences of mobility, asset loss, and adaptation challenges. The findings of this study reveals that the charland dwellers face repeated land degradation (100%) that forced them frequent displacement (100%), which cause disruption of their Income generating Activities (IGAs). In addition, erosion affects their total livelihood based on agriculture (93.44%), pastoral (63.93%), wage labor (61.48%), and fishing (35.25%) that also responsible for their food insecurity, unsafe drinking water, economic insecurity and their total livelihood. It will recommend policy formulation using ICTs to ensure livelihood securities, reduce socio-ecological vulnerability, and promote sustainable development.
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