An internal environmental displacement and livelihood security in Uttar Bedkashi Union of Bangladesh

This study aimed to investigate the factors that influence human displacement and community livelihoods and ways to reduce vulnerability from internal displacement in Uttar Bedkashi Union, Bangladesh, which was hit by cyclones Sidr in 2007 and Aila in 2009. Field investigation, focus group discussion, in-depth household survey, key informant interview and literature review methods were followed to collect primary and secondary data from January 2014 to June 2014.

The study revealed that the land has become completely barren to all agricultural practices due to saltwater intrusion caused by embankment failure, which resulted in long-term saline water logging, demolished soil characteristics, and severe unemployment. The changed the ecosystem balance ultimately led to temporary or permanent population displacement to other regions to seek non-farm livelihoods (e.g. paddy sowing/harvesting, rickshaw puller, day labor etc.), ranging from one week to a maximum of six months. In the study area, seasonal migration or internal displacement was established as a sustainable way of accessing the benefits of development in other regions; facilitating reductions in vulnerability among storm victims by smoothing economic burdens and earning remittances for future investment and increased adaptive capacity. Reclamation of the saline affected land and resumption of agriculture practice and creation of diversified livelihoods options can positively contribute to minimize climate induced human displacement in coastal Bangladesh.