Bangladesh’s southwestern coastal region—Satkhira, Khulna, Bagerhat, and the Sundarbans periphery—faces compounding climate challenges. Salinity intrusion, cyclone frequency, and tidal flooding have reshaped how communities earn their livelihoods over the past two decades.

The Salinity Challenge

Salinity in coastal rivers has increased significantly since Cyclone Aila in 2009 damaged embankments and allowed seawater ingress. According to Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI), salinity levels exceeding 4 dS/m—the threshold for most rice varieties—now affect substantial areas during dry season.

Farmers have responded by:

  • Adopting BRRI dhan47 and BRRI dhan67 (salt-tolerant varieties)
  • Shifting from aman rice to shrimp-rice rotation
  • Cultivating salt-tolerant vegetables like kohlrabi and okra
  • Practicing rainwater harvesting for irrigation

Livelihood Diversification

Our fieldwork in Shyamnagar and Assasuni upazilas revealed that households rarely rely on a single adaptation strategy. Common combinations include:

  • Shrimp cultivation in brackish ponds combined with seasonal migration to Dhaka for construction work
  • Small-scale crab fattening alongside rice cultivation during monsoon
  • Homestead vegetable gardens supplemented by remittances from Gulf countries

The Role of Government Programs

The government’s Climate Change Trust Fund has supported embankment repair, cyclone shelter construction, and saline-tolerant seed distribution. However, our research found that awareness of these programs remains uneven, with better-connected households more likely to access benefits.

Key Research Insights

Effective climate adaptation support should be:

  1. Locally appropriate - What works in Satkhira may not suit Cox’s Bazar
  2. Accessible to vulnerable groups - Women, landless households, and minorities often face barriers
  3. Integrated across sectors - Water, agriculture, and social protection need coordination

Understanding how coastal communities already adapt provides essential insights for designing effective climate policies.