EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON LIVELIHOODS IN DROUGHT-PRONE REGIONS OF BANGLADESH: AN IN-DEPTH ANALYSIS

Md Mahedi, Shabrin Jahan Shaili, Md Nurnobi, Arafatur Rahman Shihab, A Rahman Sakil

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EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON LIVELIHOODS IN DROUGHT-PRONE REGIONS OF BANGLADESH: AN IN-DEPTH ANALYSIS

Md Mahedi1, Shabrin Jahan Shaili1*, Md Nurnobi1, Arafatur Rahman Shihab2, A Rahman Sakil3

1 Dept. of Agronomy and Agricultural Extension, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi-6205, Bangladesh.

2 Dept. of Physics, Tejgaon College, Dhaka 1215, Bangladesh.

3 Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science & Technology University, Dinajpur, Bangladesh.

*Corresponding author: Shabrin Jahan Shaili, Email: s2012066151@ru.ac.bd

A R T I C L E  I N F O

Article Type: Research

Received: 10 May 2025.

Accepted: 23 June 2025.

Published: 30 June 2025.

 

 

 A B S T R A C T

Bangladesh is one of the nations most at risk from climate change. Drought is becoming more severe in the northern and southern parts of the country, putting the country at even greater risk. This analysis provides a comprehensive synthesis of the numerous impacts of climate change, particularly through extended and recurring droughts, on rural livelihoods in Bangladesh. Utilizing empirical data, published literature, and policy evaluations, this study rigorously analyzes the socio-economic and environmental ramifications of drought, encompassing diminished agricultural productivity, groundwater depletion, income instability, food insecurity, gendered vulnerability, and health challenges. The results indicate that rural livelihoods in drought-prone regions are ensnared in a self-perpetuating cycle of vulnerability, exacerbated by diminishing natural resource availability, entrenched poverty, and institutional deficiencies. Traditional coping mechanisms, such as crop diversification, seasonal migration, and indigenous wisdom, have helped in the past, but they are no longer effective as the weather worsens. Governmental and NGO-led initiatives have achieved some success in certain areas. Still, they are generally limited by poor execution, elite capture, and unsustainable resource utilization, particularly in the overuse of groundwater. The assessment emphasizes the need for a fundamental change in adaptation tactics. Some of the essential suggestions include using climate-resilient agricultural technology on a broad scale, implementing water governance that involves everyone, establishing social protection systems that are prepared for any eventuality, implementing early warning systems led by communities, and implementing programs that help people diversify their livelihoods, especially those who are most vulnerable. The research suggests that mitigating the effects of drought in Bangladesh requires not only environmental interventions but also comprehensive socio-political and economic changes to ensure equitable, inclusive, and sustainable resilience-building. This review enhances the knowledge of the interplay between climate and livelihood by pinpointing research deficiencies and policy inadequacies. It is a key piece of information for planning future actions in one of South Asia’s most environmentally and economically strained areas.
Keywords:

Climate Change, Drought-Prone Areas, Livelihood Impacts, Bangladesh, Adaptation Strategies, Sustainable Livelihoods.

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