Assistant Professor Noakhali Science and Technology University, Bangladesh
Background: Climate change and overuse of natural resources are threats to the food and nutrition security of many territories locally as well as globally. The Noakhali coastal area was assumed to be a secured agriculture production area with favorable climate conditions in Bangladesh. The economic activities here fully rely on agriculture and related livelihood for large population. In terms of food security, large area of agriculture land was utilized for crop production mostly rely on timely and favorable climate conditions.
Objectives: The goals of this study are to first comprehend how stakeholders and farmers view agricultural practices and adaptation strategies in light of climate change, and then to evaluate the frequency and intensity of climatic conditions at two meteorological stations in coastal Bangladesh.Methodology: We gathered qualitative data via ten KII and two FGD. We analyzed the climate of the two weather stations using 70 years of data. We conducted the qualitative portion using FGD KII, and the quantitative portion using SPEI and STI drought index. For the qualitative portion, we used content analysis and topic analysis. Further to checking the trend we also used in MK trend test in SPEI and STI.Results and interpretation: KII respondents’ statements seasonal climate change in terms of dry period, unusual rainfall, salinity intrusion and necessity to adapting agriculture practices for adjust climate changes. Farmers FGD highlights risk of farming due to drought, salinity and water shortage in time of farming, adapting climate-based technique such as short-period rice, floating beds for growing green vegetables, and farming techniques known as “Sorjan” (the local term). The SPEI (Standardized precipitation-evapotranspiration index) and STI (Standardized terrestrial water storage index) were used to identify drought events where we find relevant drought intensity in the area quantitively. According to the Mann-Kendall trend test, SPEI and STI index droughts events and intensity were upward for short term drought assessment. Both KII and FGD respondent’s opinion also supports the increasing frequency of climatic conditions, as SPEI and STI analysis showed recent decade had higher number of drought (extreme dry, moderate dry) compared to previous decades. Concluding remarks: We contend that Noakhali, Bangladesh’s food security strategy, supply chain governance, and practice have not yet completely incorporated a broader picture of climate change, beyond disasters and food production.
