Community Perception on Adverse Effects of Natural Hazards on ... · facilities for the forecasting and early warning mainly through the NGO’s, announcement by radio, miking and

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Procedia Engineering 212 (2018) 149–156

1877-7058 © 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.Peer-review under responsibility of the scientific committee of the 7th International Conference on Building Resilience10.1016/j.proeng.2018.01.020

10.1016/j.proeng.2018.01.020

© 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.Peer-review under responsibility of the scientific committee of the 7th International Conference on Building Resilience.

1877-7058


ScienceDirectProcedia Engineering 00 (2017) 000–000

www.elsevier.com/locate/procedia

1877-7058 © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. Peer-review under responsibility of the scientific committee of the 7th International Conference on Building Resilience.

7th International Conference on Building Resilience; Using scientific knowledge to inform policy and practice in disaster risk reduction, ICBR2017, 27 – 29 November

2017, Bangkok, Thailand

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

Md. Abdur Rahima*, Ayesha Siddiquaa, Most. Nusrat Binte Nura, A K M Mostafa Zamanc

aDepartment of Disaster Resilience and Engineering, Faculty of Disaster Management, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Dumki, Patuakhali-

8602. cDepartment of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Dumki, Patuakhali-8602.

Abstract 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. © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. Peer-review under responsibility of the scientific committee of the 7th International Conference on Building Resilience.


ScienceDirectProcedia Engineering 00 (2017) 000–000

www.elsevier.com/locate/procedia

1877-7058 © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. Peer-review under responsibility of the scientific committee of the 7th International Conference on Building Resilience.

7th International Conference on Building Resilience; Using scientific knowledge to inform policy and practice in disaster risk reduction, ICBR2017, 27 – 29 November

2017, Bangkok, Thailand

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

Md. Abdur Rahima*, Ayesha Siddiquaa, Most. Nusrat Binte Nura, A K M Mostafa Zamanc

aDepartment of Disaster Resilience and Engineering, Faculty of Disaster Management, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Dumki, Patuakhali-

8602. cDepartment of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Dumki, Patuakhali-8602.

Abstract 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. © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. Peer-review under responsibility of the scientific committee of the 7th International Conference on Building Resilience.

http://crossmark.crossref.org/dialog/?doi=10.1016/j.proeng.2018.01.020&domain=pdf

150 Md. Abdur Rahim et al. / Procedia Engineering 212 (2018) 149–1562 Md. Abdur Rahim et al./ Procedia Engineering 00 (2017) 000–000

*Corresonding author. Tel.: +88-0442756056 Ex-440 Email address: [email protected]

Keywords: Adverse Effect; Early Warning; Livelihood; Natural Hazards; Salinity Intrusion

1. Introduction 1.1 General introduction and rationale of the study Bangladesh is one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world [1]. The coastal morphology of Bangladesh influences the impact of natural hazards on the area. In southern area, natural hazards increase the vulnerability of the coastal dwellers and slow down the process of social and economic development [2]. Living with physical hazards is an everyday issue for the people of Bangladesh because different seasons bring different kinds of hazards [1]. In general, livelihood is the manner of someone’s living. A livelihood is defined by Carney (1998: 2) as comprising the capabilities, assets (including both material and social resources) and activities required for a means of living [3]. Occurrences of disasters have been increasing worldwide over time which damages resources and livelihood significantly [4]. Disasters such as floods, river bank erosion, cyclone, tornado, cold waves, storm surge, water logging, salinity intrusion etc. are gradually intensifying by climate change and composing risks for the coastal people in Bangladesh [5]. Bangladesh is currently ranked as one of the world’s most disaster-prone countries, with 97.1% of its total area and 97.7% of the total population at risk of multiple hazards, including cyclones [6]. Salinity is a major problem which is expected to exacerbate by climate change and sea level rise, especially in the south-west region of the country [7]. Water logging has been disrupting livelihoods of about one million people in Bangladesh during past two decades. South-west Bangladesh is prone to water logging due to the vulnerable geographical setting and climate change [8]. Loss of livelihoods due to submergence of land often forces male to go far away for weeks in search of alternative livelihoods. Patharghata Upazila is a coastal area that is vulnerable to different natural hazards. Every year people of the area are experiencing several hazards such as flood, cyclone, storm surge, salinity, river bank erosion etc. These are caused a huge disruption in human life, damage to settlement and infrastructure, create economic problem, human displacement, changing the pattern of livelihood in this area. As a result live and livelihood, economy, house hold and infrastructure, human health‘s are in threats to risk for natural hazards in the area. From the literature review it is said that many researchers have worked on specific natural hazards in different area of Bangladesh but in the context of Patharghata a few and negligible research work has done to explore the different natural hazards, their adverse effects on livelihood and adaptation to those adverse effects and disasters on livelihood. So the study will concentrate the natural hazards of Patharghata, the adverse effects of natural hazards on livelihood and indigenous initiatives have taken for enhancing the livelihood resiliency of the area. 1.2 Objectives of the Study i. To identify the present scenario of natural hazards of the study area. ii. To find out the adverse effects of natural hazards on livelihood and indigenous practices for enhancing livelihood resiliency.

2. Methodology 2.1 Study Site Selection The coastal area particularly Patharghata Upazila in Barguna district is selected. Being a part of coastal region, Patharghata Upazila is very much vulnerable to natural disasters which experienced the devastating impact of cyclone SIDR and AILA and MOHASEN in 2007, 2009 and 2013 respectively. The people of the area is most vulnerable to natural hazards due to dense population with ultra-poor resident area and frequent occur of different climatic disasters. The Upazila occupies an area of 387.36 sq.km including 37.2 sq.km forest areas. It is located between 21º58' and 22º14' north latitudes and between 89º53' and 90º05' east longitudes. The Upazila consists of 1 paurashava, 9 Wards, 9 mahallas, 7 unions, 42 populated mauzas and 66 villages [9]. The total population of the Upazila is 163927 of which 80544 are males and 83383 are females. Under Patharghata Upazila the study area includes mainly three villages i.e. Padma, Tengra and Harinbaria of Patharghata union which area is 29.00sq.km and total village is 12. The total population of Patharghata union is both sex 28127, male 14060 and female 14067 [9].

Md. Abdur Rahim et al./ Procedia Engineering 00 (2017) 000–000 3

Figure 1: Location map of the study area

2.2 Applied methodology It is very important to have valid procedure to conduct a research. The authors have utilized equally qualitative and quantitative strategy to accomplish objectives of this research. First of all, qualitative investigations include one hundred (100) household questionnaire surveys at 95% confidence level (see underneath figure 2, Key Informant Interviews (KII), which is revealed in figure 2(b), from the experts at Patharghata Upazila. Afterwards, quantitative analysis have been analysed with Microsoft excel data analysis software. In addition, the study area map is collected from Banglapedia. To sum up, sample size calculation equation discloses in equation (i). Sample size calculation equation is illustrate by

ɳ = ($.&'×))+

………………………………………………..…. (i)

Where, σ =standard deviation, ɳ =sample size, P= proportion to be estimated =0.5, t =1.96 at 95% confidence level. 2.3 Primary data collection 2.3.1 Household questionnaire survey A semi-structured questionnaire is prepared for the household questionnaire survey. Household questionnaire is designed in such a manner, which extracts information about socio-economic characteristics of a household, hazards they are facing, risk exposure levels and the experience they had about the impact from previous hazard on livelihood. Household questionnaire survey was conducted in the selected villages where total respondent is 100. Out of the total respondents, approximately 74% were males and 26 % were female.

2.3.2 Focus group discussion (FGD) Four focus group discussions were made to identify and triangulate the data of questionnaire survey. Respondents were the community people of different occupations from the selected villages. They were asked different types of questions regarding the natural hazards and their adverse effects, livelihood pattern, income generation, and adaptation techniques applied in the local level for resilient livelihood. Four FGD was arranged and 58 participants were actively participated.

2.3.3 Key informant interviews (KII) The key informants were selected based upon their professional expertise in relevant subject matters required for analysing the issue rigorously. Interviews were taken with different professionals who have knowledge on the natural hazards, their impacts on livelihood. For the study, Key Informants Interviews (KII) were taken from Upazila statistic officer, NGOs workers in local offices (Red Crescent, UTTARAN, and Muslim Aid), Union Parisad member, and forest officer respectively. Apart from questionnaire, their comments were also taken into

Md. Abdur Rahim et al. / Procedia Engineering 212 (2018) 149–156 1512 Md. Abdur Rahim et al./ Procedia Engineering 00 (2017) 000–000

*Corresonding author. Tel.: +88-0442756056 Ex-440 Email address: [email protected]

Keywords: Adverse Effect; Early Warning; Livelihood; Natural Hazards; Salinity Intrusion

1. Introduction 1.1 General introduction and rationale of the study Bangladesh is one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world [1]. The coastal morphology of Bangladesh influences the impact of natural hazards on the area. In southern area, natural hazards increase the vulnerability of the coastal dwellers and slow down the process of social and economic development [2]. Living with physical hazards is an everyday issue for the people of Bangladesh because different seasons bring different kinds of hazards [1]. In general, livelihood is the manner of someone’s living. A livelihood is defined by Carney (1998: 2) as comprising the capabilities, assets (including both material and social resources) and activities required for a means of living [3]. Occurrences of disasters have been increasing worldwide over time which damages resources and livelihood significantly [4]. Disasters such as floods, river bank erosion, cyclone, tornado, cold waves, storm surge, water logging, salinity intrusion etc. are gradually intensifying by climate change and composing risks for the coastal people in Bangladesh [5]. Bangladesh is currently ranked as one of the world’s most disaster-prone countries, with 97.1% of its total area and 97.7% of the total population at risk of multiple hazards, including cyclones [6]. Salinity is a major problem which is expected to exacerbate by climate change and sea level rise, especially in the south-west region of the country [7]. Water logging has been disrupting livelihoods of about one million people in Bangladesh during past two decades. South-west Bangladesh is prone to water logging due to the vulnerable geographical setting and climate change [8]. Loss of livelihoods due to submergence of land often forces male to go far away for weeks in search of alternative livelihoods. Patharghata Upazila is a coastal area that is vulnerable to different natural hazards. Every year people of the area are experiencing several hazards such as flood, cyclone, storm surge, salinity, river bank erosion etc. These are caused a huge disruption in human life, damage to settlement and infrastructure, create economic problem, human displacement, changing the pattern of livelihood in this area. As a result live and livelihood, economy, house hold and infrastructure, human health‘s are in threats to risk for natural hazards in the area. From the literature review it is said that many researchers have worked on specific natural hazards in different area of Bangladesh but in the context of Patharghata a few and negligible research work has done to explore the different natural hazards, their adverse effects on livelihood and adaptation to those adverse effects and disasters on livelihood. So the study will concentrate the natural hazards of Patharghata, the adverse effects of natural hazards on livelihood and indigenous initiatives have taken for enhancing the livelihood resiliency of the area. 1.2 Objectives of the Study i. To identify the present scenario of natural hazards of the study area. ii. To find out the adverse effects of natural hazards on livelihood and indigenous practices for enhancing livelihood resiliency.

2. Methodology 2.1 Study Site Selection The coastal area particularly Patharghata Upazila in Barguna district is selected. Being a part of coastal region, Patharghata Upazila is very much vulnerable to natural disasters which experienced the devastating impact of cyclone SIDR and AILA and MOHASEN in 2007, 2009 and 2013 respectively. The people of the area is most vulnerable to natural hazards due to dense population with ultra-poor resident area and frequent occur of different climatic disasters. The Upazila occupies an area of 387.36 sq.km including 37.2 sq.km forest areas. It is located between 21º58' and 22º14' north latitudes and between 89º53' and 90º05' east longitudes. The Upazila consists of 1 paurashava, 9 Wards, 9 mahallas, 7 unions, 42 populated mauzas and 66 villages [9]. The total population of the Upazila is 163927 of which 80544 are males and 83383 are females. Under Patharghata Upazila the study area includes mainly three villages i.e. Padma, Tengra and Harinbaria of Patharghata union which area is 29.00sq.km and total village is 12. The total population of Patharghata union is both sex 28127, male 14060 and female 14067 [9].


Figure 1: Location map of the study area

2.2 Applied methodology It is very important to have valid procedure to conduct a research. The authors have utilized equally qualitative and quantitative strategy to accomplish objectives of this research. First of all, qualitative investigations include one hundred (100) household questionnaire surveys at 95% confidence level (see underneath figure 2, Key Informant Interviews (KII), which is revealed in figure 2(b), from the experts at Patharghata Upazila. Afterwards, quantitative analysis have been analysed with Microsoft excel data analysis software. In addition, the study area map is collected from Banglapedia. To sum up, sample size calculation equation discloses in equation (i). Sample size calculation equation is illustrate by

ɳ = ($.&'×))+

………………………………………………..…. (i)

Where, σ =standard deviation, ɳ =sample size, P= proportion to be estimated =0.5, t =1.96 at 95% confidence level. 2.3 Primary data collection 2.3.1 Household questionnaire survey A semi-structured questionnaire is prepared for the household questionnaire survey. Household questionnaire is designed in such a manner, which extracts information about socio-economic characteristics of a household, hazards they are facing, risk exposure levels and the experience they had about the impact from previous hazard on livelihood. Household questionnaire survey was conducted in the selected villages where total respondent is 100. Out of the total respondents, approximately 74% were males and 26 % were female.

2.3.2 Focus group discussion (FGD) Four focus group discussions were made to identify and triangulate the data of questionnaire survey. Respondents were the community people of different occupations from the selected villages. They were asked different types of questions regarding the natural hazards and their adverse effects, livelihood pattern, income generation, and adaptation techniques applied in the local level for resilient livelihood. Four FGD was arranged and 58 participants were actively participated.

2.3.3 Key informant interviews (KII) The key informants were selected based upon their professional expertise in relevant subject matters required for analysing the issue rigorously. Interviews were taken with different professionals who have knowledge on the natural hazards, their impacts on livelihood. For the study, Key Informants Interviews (KII) were taken from Upazila statistic officer, NGOs workers in local offices (Red Crescent, UTTARAN, and Muslim Aid), Union Parisad member, and forest officer respectively. Apart from questionnaire, their comments were also taken into


0.005.00

10.0015.0020.0025.0030.0035.0040.0045.00

No

of re

spon

dent

(%)

Livelihood

livelihhod pattern of study area

consideration for triangulation of the information.

2.4 Secondary data collection Secondary data also was collected from a brief literature review. The secondary information was collected on aspects related to the different natural hazards and their impacts on livelihood particularly in the coastal regions of Bangladesh through literature review of books, newspapers, journals, online articles, website and NGO’s archives.

3. RESULT AND DISCUSSION 3.1 Respondent profile The villages Padma, Tengra and Harinbaria of the Patharghata union under the Patharghata Upazila are mostly vulnerable for different natural disaster because the villages are surrounded by the Bishkhali River, Horinghata River and Dhulashor River and for its closer position to the Bay of Bengal. Household questionnaire survey was conducted in the selected villages where total respondent number is 100 of which male is 74% and female is 26%. 3.2 Livelihood pattern of the respondent Through frequent field survey, observation and analyse in the research area it is reveals that the most of the peoples of this area is mainly related with fisheries and agriculture and its associated processing activities. Besides these, daily wage labour in the fishing boats and roads are also common for the peoples of the area. The impact of the natural hazards is much and damage to crops and fishing activities is in largely.

Figure 2: Livelihood pattern of the study area (Field Survey- 2016)

From the livelihood pattern (Figure 2) it shows that most of the people’s income source is from fishing (40.00%), farming (12.22%), day labour (12.22%), small business (5.55%), driver (5.55%), housewife (6.66%), livestock raring (4.44%), service holder (2.22%), teaching (2.22%), NGO’s worker (2.22%), IGA worker (1.11%) etc.

3.3 Natural hazards of the study area The impacts of natural hazards have a great effect on the livelihood and income sources. From the field survey it is found that the common hazards of the area is flood, cyclone, storm surge, salinity intrusion, river bank erosion, excessive mist, heavy rainfall, late rainy season, water logging and rapid temperature changing. Cyclone, storm surge, tidal flood, salinity intrusion, river bank erosion are the frequent natural hazards which have almost every year affected the area.


0.005.00

10.0015.0020.0025.0030.0035.0040.0045.00

Very high High Medium Low

No

of re

spon

dent

in %

Flood magnitude

86%

14%0%

10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%

100%

Affected Not Affected

Figure 3: Natural hazards according to intensity, frequency and damage (Source: Field Survey - 2016)

3.4 Community perception on adverse effects 3.4.1 Flood: Field survey scenario and analysis Flooding occurs most commonly from heavy rainfall and tidal surges in Patharghata area. The flooding becomes severe in almost an interval to 4 to 5 years. The severe flooding inundates 60% of the country firstly affect agriculture which affect the ultimate livelihood of the majority people [10]. Inundation is very common of the study area due to the excessive rainfall in rainy season. Due to the inundation and overflow of tidal water the area is most vulnerable for flood because about 50% people live in the outside of the embankment that makes them most vulnerable.

Figure 4: Flood frequency and impacts on livelihood in recent time (Field Survey- 2016)

From the figure 4 it can be said that in recent times the magnitude of the flood percentage of very high is 41% and about 86% people’s livelihood affected by the frequent flood though about 14% people livelihood was not severely affected by the effects of flood. The most affected livelihood is farmer, day labour, small business, driver and fisherman. Avoid building to flood prone area, the rise of the height of embankment, construct levees and flood wall, construct sluice, flood forecasting, submergence tolerant crops production, early warning at due time, community based flood management can reduce loss of livelihood and property.

012345678910

Leve

l

Natural HazardsIntensity Frequency Damage


0.005.00

10.0015.0020.0025.0030.0035.0040.0045.00

No

of re

spon

dent

(%)

Livelihood

livelihhod pattern of study area

consideration for triangulation of the information.

2.4 Secondary data collection Secondary data also was collected from a brief literature review. The secondary information was collected on aspects related to the different natural hazards and their impacts on livelihood particularly in the coastal regions of Bangladesh through literature review of books, newspapers, journals, online articles, website and NGO’s archives.

3. RESULT AND DISCUSSION 3.1 Respondent profile The villages Padma, Tengra and Harinbaria of the Patharghata union under the Patharghata Upazila are mostly vulnerable for different natural disaster because the villages are surrounded by the Bishkhali River, Horinghata River and Dhulashor River and for its closer position to the Bay of Bengal. Household questionnaire survey was conducted in the selected villages where total respondent number is 100 of which male is 74% and female is 26%. 3.2 Livelihood pattern of the respondent Through frequent field survey, observation and analyse in the research area it is reveals that the most of the peoples of this area is mainly related with fisheries and agriculture and its associated processing activities. Besides these, daily wage labour in the fishing boats and roads are also common for the peoples of the area. The impact of the natural hazards is much and damage to crops and fishing activities is in largely.

Figure 2: Livelihood pattern of the study area (Field Survey- 2016)

From the livelihood pattern (Figure 2) it shows that most of the people’s income source is from fishing (40.00%), farming (12.22%), day labour (12.22%), small business (5.55%), driver (5.55%), housewife (6.66%), livestock raring (4.44%), service holder (2.22%), teaching (2.22%), NGO’s worker (2.22%), IGA worker (1.11%) etc.

3.3 Natural hazards of the study area The impacts of natural hazards have a great effect on the livelihood and income sources. From the field survey it is found that the common hazards of the area is flood, cyclone, storm surge, salinity intrusion, river bank erosion, excessive mist, heavy rainfall, late rainy season, water logging and rapid temperature changing. Cyclone, storm surge, tidal flood, salinity intrusion, river bank erosion are the frequent natural hazards which have almost every year affected the area.


0.005.00

10.0015.0020.0025.0030.0035.0040.0045.00

Very high High Medium Low

No

of re

spon

dent

in %

Flood magnitude

86%

14%0%

10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%

100%

Affected Not Affected

Figure 3: Natural hazards according to intensity, frequency and damage (Source: Field Survey - 2016)

3.4 Community perception on adverse effects 3.4.1 Flood: Field survey scenario and analysis Flooding occurs most commonly from heavy rainfall and tidal surges in Patharghata area. The flooding becomes severe in almost an interval to 4 to 5 years. The severe flooding inundates 60% of the country firstly affect agriculture which affect the ultimate livelihood of the majority people [10]. Inundation is very common of the study area due to the excessive rainfall in rainy season. Due to the inundation and overflow of tidal water the area is most vulnerable for flood because about 50% people live in the outside of the embankment that makes them most vulnerable.

Figure 4: Flood frequency and impacts on livelihood in recent time (Field Survey- 2016)

From the figure 4 it can be said that in recent times the magnitude of the flood percentage of very high is 41% and about 86% people’s livelihood affected by the frequent flood though about 14% people livelihood was not severely affected by the effects of flood. The most affected livelihood is farmer, day labour, small business, driver and fisherman. Avoid building to flood prone area, the rise of the height of embankment, construct levees and flood wall, construct sluice, flood forecasting, submergence tolerant crops production, early warning at due time, community based flood management can reduce loss of livelihood and property.

012345678910

Leve

l

Natural HazardsIntensity Frequency Damage


58%23%

10%

9%

Excessive fog

Moderate fog

Normal

No effects

3.4.2 Cyclone: Field survey scenario and analysis Cyclone is an intense whirl in the atmosphere with very strong winds circulating around it in anti-clockwise direction in the Northern Hemisphere and in clockwise direction in the Southern Hemisphere. The cyclones take away lives and livelihoods of coastal people. From the survey information, among the total respondent 89% people faced the adverse effects of cyclone on their livelihood. The most vulnerable month for cyclone of this area is March-June. Cyclone causes loss the lives, loss of livestock, property, infrastructure etc. Main occupation which faces the most adverse effects of cyclone is fisherman and they are considered as the most vulnerable livelihood. The adverse effects of cyclone on fisherman is loss of fishing boat, net, fishing gear, fish landing centre, materials in the fishing boat, cannot apply net in the time of cyclone and get less fish and ultimately loss of target. To reduce the loss of cyclone some measures can be taken like increasing the early warning signals for providing more awareness to the community people, increasing the number of cyclone shelters for protecting loss of life and properties and for the community resiliency.

3.4.3 Salinity intrusion: Field scenario and analysis According to the participants view salinity intrusion is the major problem for the total covering area of Patharghata Upazila. The survey result shows the maximum salinity is in the month of March to June. A noticeable amount of cultivable land becomes fallow in a year because of salinity problem in this area. Salinity is severe problem not only the reducing agricultural potential but also generating impacts on livelihood strategies of farmer, reduce the durability of house, net and boat . This is a reason for the high cost for agricultural production, loss of income of farmer and fisherman and drinking water insecurity. For the agriculture some adaptations measures can be applied such as salt tolerant rice variety cultivation, provide more fertilizer, adjustment of irrigation etc. And also for the safe drinking water rain water harvesting, water purification tablet, excavate of ponds, developing PSF system from government should be essential.

Figure 5: Perception on salinity intrusion in recent times (Based on Field Survey- 2016)

3.4.4 Fog: Field scenario and analysis An increasing trend of fog frequencies and densities in Patharghata area in the last few decades has resulted in large economic losses and has caused substantial difficulties in the daily livelihood. The most common livelihood of Patharghata Upazila is fishing and farming. The normal fog has not adverse effects on livelihood but the excessive mist has adverse effects on the fishing and farming. From the respondent view excessive fog is 59%, moderate is 23%, normal is 10%, no effects is on livelihood is 9%. 56% people livelihood heavily impacted by the excessive fog and 44% people are poorly impacted due to foggy weather.

Figure 6: Perception on foggy weather in recent times (Field Survey- 2016)

0.0010.0020.0030.0040.0050.0060.00

Very high High Moderate Normal No effects

No

of re

spon

dent

%

Salinity intrusion


a b

3.4.5 River bank erosion: Field scenario and analysis River bank erosion is one of the most significant calamities in Bangladesh. Socio-economic impacts of this calamity on people are indescribable. The study area is surrounded by three rivers Bishkhali, Boleshor and Horinghata river that make them most vulnerable to river bank erosion. Among the total 66% respondent affected by the riverbank erosion in several times. River bank erosion mainly effects the farming livelihood pattern because they have lost both agricultural and household lands. River bank erosion also impacts on social and private infrastructure, agricultural lands and households. Increasing height of the embankment, sustainable embankment residence, and tree plantation in and along the embankments, comprehensive riverbank erosion management policy should be made nationally for better resiliency in the study area.

Figure 7: Present river bank erosion at (a) Bishkhali river and (b) Boleshor river of Patharghata upazila

3.4.6 Rainfall pattern changing: Field scenario and analysis The changing scenarios of rainfall have been perceived and viewed by the participants of focus group discussions (FGDs) and questionnaire survey carried out as: 58% peoples viewed that heavy or excessive rainfall in short period and for few days, rainfall in due time that means in the rainy season response is 58% and late rainy season is 57.77%. Change in the rainfall calendar over the years ‘untimely rainfall’ termed by the participants that poses much difficulty in the cultivation of crops. Heavy rainfall has made a grate effects to the people of wage labour by creating work difficulties that sometimes make them starvation.

3.5 Early warning and sources of early warning at Patharghata From the survey it is observed about 88% people got early warning on different natural hazards but in improper ways which are sometimes difficult to understand for them and 12% people never get any warning on hazard forecasting in due times. In Patharghata area peoples are getting early warning from different sources such as from Government offices (4.44%), NGO’s (69%), through Radio (16%), Miking (5%), mobile phone (3%) and via television is 3%.

3.6 Initiatives to reduce the adverse effects of hazards on livelihood During survey, 34% respondents said some initiatives have taken to reduce the adverse effects of hazards on livelihood mainly by the non-governmental organizations such as UTTARAN, Songkolpo, Songramme, CCDP, ASHA, BRAC, Red Cresent work for livelihood development that are inadequate and not properly monitored after implementation. 59% respondent feel proper initiatives should be taken for more resiliency that can ultimately reduce the loss of adverse effects on their livelihood.

4. Conclusion Natural hazards are the common scenarios in Patharghata area. Coping up with the adverse effects is a tradition of the people of this area. The flood, cyclone, river erosion and salinity are the most common and frequent natural phenomena in this area. As a result, of different natural hazards the affected people are losing their means of livelihood and forced to take several alternative means of livelihood to cope with the adverse impacts of those hazards. The above discussed natural phenomena make loss their crops, livestocks, fishes, nets, boats, infrastructures, households and income sources. It is also reveal that most of the natural events have adverse effects on low income people’s livelihood of the study area. In these circumstances some early warning and livelihood


58%23%

10%

9%

Excessive fog

Moderate fog

Normal

No effects

3.4.2 Cyclone: Field survey scenario and analysis Cyclone is an intense whirl in the atmosphere with very strong winds circulating around it in anti-clockwise direction in the Northern Hemisphere and in clockwise direction in the Southern Hemisphere. The cyclones take away lives and livelihoods of coastal people. From the survey information, among the total respondent 89% people faced the adverse effects of cyclone on their livelihood. The most vulnerable month for cyclone of this area is March-June. Cyclone causes loss the lives, loss of livestock, property, infrastructure etc. Main occupation which faces the most adverse effects of cyclone is fisherman and they are considered as the most vulnerable livelihood. The adverse effects of cyclone on fisherman is loss of fishing boat, net, fishing gear, fish landing centre, materials in the fishing boat, cannot apply net in the time of cyclone and get less fish and ultimately loss of target. To reduce the loss of cyclone some measures can be taken like increasing the early warning signals for providing more awareness to the community people, increasing the number of cyclone shelters for protecting loss of life and properties and for the community resiliency.

3.4.3 Salinity intrusion: Field scenario and analysis According to the participants view salinity intrusion is the major problem for the total covering area of Patharghata Upazila. The survey result shows the maximum salinity is in the month of March to June. A noticeable amount of cultivable land becomes fallow in a year because of salinity problem in this area. Salinity is severe problem not only the reducing agricultural potential but also generating impacts on livelihood strategies of farmer, reduce the durability of house, net and boat . This is a reason for the high cost for agricultural production, loss of income of farmer and fisherman and drinking water insecurity. For the agriculture some adaptations measures can be applied such as salt tolerant rice variety cultivation, provide more fertilizer, adjustment of irrigation etc. And also for the safe drinking water rain water harvesting, water purification tablet, excavate of ponds, developing PSF system from government should be essential.

Figure 5: Perception on salinity intrusion in recent times (Based on Field Survey- 2016)

3.4.4 Fog: Field scenario and analysis An increasing trend of fog frequencies and densities in Patharghata area in the last few decades has resulted in large economic losses and has caused substantial difficulties in the daily livelihood. The most common livelihood of Patharghata Upazila is fishing and farming. The normal fog has not adverse effects on livelihood but the excessive mist has adverse effects on the fishing and farming. From the respondent view excessive fog is 59%, moderate is 23%, normal is 10%, no effects is on livelihood is 9%. 56% people livelihood heavily impacted by the excessive fog and 44% people are poorly impacted due to foggy weather.

Figure 6: Perception on foggy weather in recent times (Field Survey- 2016)

0.0010.0020.0030.0040.0050.0060.00

Very high High Moderate Normal No effects

No

of re

spon

dent

%

Salinity intrusion


a b

3.4.5 River bank erosion: Field scenario and analysis River bank erosion is one of the most significant calamities in Bangladesh. Socio-economic impacts of this calamity on people are indescribable. The study area is surrounded by three rivers Bishkhali, Boleshor and Horinghata river that make them most vulnerable to river bank erosion. Among the total 66% respondent affected by the riverbank erosion in several times. River bank erosion mainly effects the farming livelihood pattern because they have lost both agricultural and household lands. River bank erosion also impacts on social and private infrastructure, agricultural lands and households. Increasing height of the embankment, sustainable embankment residence, and tree plantation in and along the embankments, comprehensive riverbank erosion management policy should be made nationally for better resiliency in the study area.

Figure 7: Present river bank erosion at (a) Bishkhali river and (b) Boleshor river of Patharghata upazila

3.4.6 Rainfall pattern changing: Field scenario and analysis The changing scenarios of rainfall have been perceived and viewed by the participants of focus group discussions (FGDs) and questionnaire survey carried out as: 58% peoples viewed that heavy or excessive rainfall in short period and for few days, rainfall in due time that means in the rainy season response is 58% and late rainy season is 57.77%. Change in the rainfall calendar over the years ‘untimely rainfall’ termed by the participants that poses much difficulty in the cultivation of crops. Heavy rainfall has made a grate effects to the people of wage labour by creating work difficulties that sometimes make them starvation.

3.5 Early warning and sources of early warning at Patharghata From the survey it is observed about 88% people got early warning on different natural hazards but in improper ways which are sometimes difficult to understand for them and 12% people never get any warning on hazard forecasting in due times. In Patharghata area peoples are getting early warning from different sources such as from Government offices (4.44%), NGO’s (69%), through Radio (16%), Miking (5%), mobile phone (3%) and via television is 3%.

3.6 Initiatives to reduce the adverse effects of hazards on livelihood During survey, 34% respondents said some initiatives have taken to reduce the adverse effects of hazards on livelihood mainly by the non-governmental organizations such as UTTARAN, Songkolpo, Songramme, CCDP, ASHA, BRAC, Red Cresent work for livelihood development that are inadequate and not properly monitored after implementation. 59% respondent feel proper initiatives should be taken for more resiliency that can ultimately reduce the loss of adverse effects on their livelihood.

4. Conclusion Natural hazards are the common scenarios in Patharghata area. Coping up with the adverse effects is a tradition of the people of this area. The flood, cyclone, river erosion and salinity are the most common and frequent natural phenomena in this area. As a result, of different natural hazards the affected people are losing their means of livelihood and forced to take several alternative means of livelihood to cope with the adverse impacts of those hazards. The above discussed natural phenomena make loss their crops, livestocks, fishes, nets, boats, infrastructures, households and income sources. It is also reveal that most of the natural events have adverse effects on low income people’s livelihood of the study area. In these circumstances some early warning and livelihood


resilient indigenous practices should be enhanced and monitored by the government as well as non-government organizations for better resiliency of the affected people. Although it is not possible to prevent the occurrence of hazards influenced by natural causes but proper preparedness, management and community participation may minimize the adverse effects of these natural hazards on livelihood.

5. Recommendation From overall observation, discussion and analysis, the following recommendations are made to enhance the resiliency of the community people of the study area against the adverse effects of natural hazards due to frequent change in climate: a. Government and non- government organizations should take some initiatives and proper monitoring those

actions to reduce the adverse effects of hazards on livelihood. b. Awareness rising programs and early warning signals should develop and spread out for flood, river erosion and

cyclone forecasting in due time. c. Construction of cyclone shelter should be in proper design and distance from the community people. d. Increase the height of the embankments and construct levees, flood walls along rivers for better resiliency.

Acknowledgement We want to pay our gratitude and acknowledge to UTTARAN, the NGO of Bangladesh and to the faculty of Disaster Management of Patuakhali Science and Technology University for facilitating this research. The research is also supported by the Advancing Skill Creation to ENhance Transformation (ASCENT) project co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union. The European Commission support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents which reflects the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein. Thanks also to the reviewers for their constructive comments and valuable suggestions.

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[3] Basar and Asiful, M. (2010). "Climate Change, Loss of Livelihood and the Absence of Sustainable Livelihood Approach: A Case Study of Shymnagar, Bangladesh."

[4] Sadeka, S., et al. (2011). Livelihood Vulnerability due to Disaster: Strategies for Building Disaster Resilient Livelihood. 2 nd International Conference on Agricultural, Environment and Biological Sciences (ICAEBS ‘2013), Pattaya, Thailand.

[5] Nasreen, M., et al. (2013). "Climate Change and Livelihood in Bangladesh: Experiences of people living in coastal regions." Proce. of Int. Con. of Building Resilience: 1-25.

[6] Dilley, M. (2005). Natural disaster hotspots: a global risk analysis, World Bank Publications. [7] Ziaul Haider, M. Z. H., M (2013). "Impact of salinity on livelihood strategies of farmers." Journal of soil science

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Community Perception on Adverse Effects of Natural Hazards on ... · facilities for the forecasting and early warning mainly through the NGO’s, announcement by radio, miking and