Climate Change and Livelihood Diversifications in South-west Coastal Region of Bangladesh

Abstract

The purpose of the present study is to explore the impact of climate change on livelihood diversification of the people living in south-west coastal region of Bangladesh. A total of 183 households from two villages Padmapukar and Hariharpur in Koyra Upazila have been chosen by cluster sampling method and surveyed using structured interviews. A list of statistical techniques such as, descriptive statistics, Simpson Index, Ogive Index and t-test approaches have been used. Results from Simpson index and Ogive index show that the households of Hariharpur village are relatively more diversified than the Padmapukar village. In addition, values of Simpson Index (0.83) and Ogive Index (0.34) indicate that household livelihood diversification level has been intensified in the recent years than the previous years. Five major factors such as river erosion, high rainfall, salinity, household size and desire of high profit induce people to be diversified. In addition, estimated result shows that adoption of livelihood diversification has positive effect on household earning level. The findings of the study will help government and NGOs to take policies on the coastal economic development and people to take different adaptation strategies to cope with climate change.