Coping Mechanisms in the Charland’s of Bangladesh

The charlands (raised shoals within the river), situated along the Brahmaputra River, face severe climate impacts, compelling the local communities to devise coping mechanisms to combat climate-induced disasters. The charlands encircled by the Dharla, Dudhkumar, and Shankosh rivers are exposed to hazards like riverine erosion, floods, and cyclones. The local transportation available within the charland are motorbikes, boats, and horse-driven carts. Still, they are mostly inefficient due to the lack of roads, the soil’s sandy nature, and recurrent flooding and erosion events. Alternatively, engine-propelled boats can be efficient but are expensive to meet daily needs. Moreover, due to challenging local transportation infrastructure, communities often face limitations in accessing emergency services in urgent times.

For instance, the schools in the Charlands consist of a few teachers and students, as they face daily commutation challenges. The total cost for daily commutation amounts to 200 taka per day. Such challenges often impact primary education, especially in the most vulnerable and remote locales.

Simultaneously, other uncertainties like the pervasive threat of frequent river erosion necessitate households to relocate their makeshift dwellings at least 15 to 20 times a year, thereby perpetuating a semi-nomadic lifestyle in the community. The high-risk areas face significant agricultural and household asset losses. This perpetual cycle of displacement not only disrupts the stability of households but also leads to degrading livelihoods and increasing poverty. This is a recurrent phenomenon and is mostly witnessed during the monsoon period of floods between June and September, and the communities face heightened vulnerability, environmental instability, and significant losses.

In addition to floods, riverbank erosion, and cyclones, the communities also face droughts, cold waves, and epidemics, such as diarrheal outbreaks, leading to famine-like conditions (monga) in September. The period from October to November also witnesses persisting poverty and famine-like situations.

As devastating as the annual floods can be, there are also advantages like alluvial silts that replenish the agricultural fields, enabling the cultivation of crops such as maize, wheat, sugarcane, chilies, peanuts, and potatoes. These crops provide a vital source of sustenance and income, helping to mitigate the losses incurred during periods of famine (monga). In addition to crop cultivation, charland communities engage in livestock rearing as a livelihood. Cattle, goats, sheep, and other livestock are raised to support their livelihood options.

Life in the charlands is a testament to these communities’ indomitable spirit of resilience. Despite facing formidable challenges, charland dwellers exhibit unwavering determination and resourcefulness in navigating the adversities of their environment. By prioritizing the needs of vulnerable populations, we can work towards combating climate risks and building a more equitable and resilient future for all.

Inclusive approaches can combat heightened vulnerabilities at a community level

Ways to Combat Climate Risks

1. Need to enhance essential services: Given increasing exposure and complex climate risks, there’s a pressing need to strengthen the accessibility of essential services. Efficient water, sanitation, health, and transportation services will improve living conditions, enhance community resilience, and manage risks on a day-to-day basis.

2. Addressing Disproportionate Effects that Create Poverty: Severe climate impacts exacerbate existing inequalities, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations and deepening poverty. Inclusive approaches and interventions will address these disparities and build resilience.

3. Investing in Health and Education: The challenges of healthcare and educational facilities exacerbate vulnerabilities. Efforts to improve accessibility to healthcare and education are critical to enhance community resilience.

4. Last Mile Delivery: Strengthening last-mile delivery mechanisms is crucial for ensuring timely and effective responses to climate-related emergencies. Coordinated efforts between governmental agencies, NGOs, and local communities are essential for enhancing preparedness and response capabilities.

5. Reap the positive benefits of floods: Despite the challenges posed by annual floods, communities can harness the positive aspects of these natural phenomena. The alluvial silts deposited by floods replenish fields, supporting crop cultivation and providing a vital source of sustenance and income. By leveraging these natural resources, communities can build resilience and adapt to the changing climate.