Climate change or local anthropogenic impacts? : comparing effects on livelihoods and sustainable development in a rural coastal village of Bangladesh

Abstract

Bangladesh is considered as one of the developing countries in the world which is highly adversely affected by climate change. The country’s geophysical location makes the coastal area of this country under constant threat of climatic hazards and climate change impacts on the environment and the livelihoods of the people of the coastal region are in constant threat. However, local anthropogenic issues like population growth, unplanned shrimp farming also contribute to environmental degradation and insecure livelihoods. Hence, this research attempts to investigate and compare the effects of climate change and of local anthropogenic impact on the livelihoods of Khutikata village on the coast of Bangladesh, and the role of community-based adaptation to sustain and improve their livelihoods in the context of the sustainable livelihoods approach. Drawing on fieldwork in the village, the thesis explores the real picture of the coastal area which is affected due to climate change and local anthropogenic concerns.