Addressing climate vulnerabilities of agriculture

Bangladesh, situated between the Himalayas and the Bay of Bengal, is highly susceptible to natural disasters and climate change. The country faces severe heatwaves, tropical cyclones, and rising sea levels, which increase the risk of natural disasters and displacement. Ranked as the seventh most vulnerable country to climate change, Bangladesh experienced 185 extreme weather events between 2000 and 2019.
The country relies heavily on agriculture for food security and employment, with the sector contributing 13-15 per cent of the GDP and supporting around 38 per cent of the workforce, according to the 2022 Census. Agriculture in Bangladesh is particularly vulnerable to climate change. Climate impacts disturb agricultural resources, including temperature, precipitation, and sunlight. In Bangladesh, where rice is the staple, crop production is severely impacted by factors such as flash floods in haor areas, high temperatures, irregular rainfall, and salinity intrusion due to rising sea levels. This salinity reduces arable land in coastal areas, while droughts adversely affect crop production in the northern regions.
Other agricultural sectors, including livestock, forestry, and fisheries, are also affected by rising temperatures, salinity intrusion, floods, drought, and cyclones. As Bangladesh's population grows and agricultural production declines due to climate change, food security, malnutrition, rural poverty, and unemployment become critical issues. Additionally, these impacts disrupt the supply of raw materials for industries and hamper the country's GDP growth. Agriculture is directly or indirectly linked to at least 9 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and without proper adaptation strategies, these goals are at risk.
Adaptation strategies in Bangladesh should be tailored to specific regions, including the northern, southern, coastal, and central areas. Key strategies include crop diversification and improved irrigation techniques. Emphasis should also be placed on promoting climate-resilient crop varieties and integrated farming practices. Floating agriculture and cage aquaculture can be effective in regions prone to flooding.
Community-based adaptation and building appropriate infrastructure are essential for resilience. Salinity management is critical, especially in coastal areas, along with the use of resilient seed varieties. Rainwater harvesting and organic fertiliser usage should be encouraged to support sustainable agriculture. Community disaster preparedness and effective communication systems can enhance local readiness for climate events.
Overall, it is urgent to implement effective adaptation strategies to achieve sustainable agricultural practices, food security and environmental sustainability.

Azmina Mahmud, Shouravi Haque Ritu and Md Idris Ali
Students
Department of Population Sciences
University of Dhaka
[email protected]