The Effects of Climate Change on Agriculture and Poverty in Coastal Bangladesh

Abstract

Bangladesh which has a very high population density is one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change. The increasing risks from climate change, sea level rise, and natural and man-made hazards—such as cyclones, storm surge, flooding, land erosion, water logging, and salinity intrusion in soil and water have already adversely affected livelihoods of people living in environmentally fragile areas. This study identifies the relationship between the socio economic indicators of the study area and poverty induced landownership pattern. Thus seven unions in Koyra Upazila located in coastal areas in Bangladesh have been identified as the study area for this research activities. To make the outcomes useful, both qualitative and quantitative approaches of field investigations are done. Moreover, considering the possible effects of climate change in the coastal area, this study deals with the land ownership pattern and per capita consumption (which is a proxy for poverty).

Keywords: Climate change, agriculture, landownership, poverty, coastal Bangladesh