Climate Change Inculcate Crop Loss and Livelihood: A Case of Drought in Bangladesh

Abstract

Crop loss is multidimensional and associated with drought and the consequences of climate change. Drought damages crops and make losses to the marginalized people and make them more vulnerable in different channels alike other disasters. The work has been carried out in the Northwest region of Barind in Bangladesh to explore relevant issues that may lead crop damage by frequent drought.  Research used various methods in this study to get together both qualitative and quantitative information along with primary and secondary sources. Survey was conducted using semi-structured questionnaire with the sample population. Few selective case studies were made to obtain more information on crop loss and drought. In this study, Ordinary Least Square technique was utilized.

The model of crop loss:

C= α₀ + α₁X₁ + α₂X₂ + α₃X₃ + α₄X₄ + α₅X₅ + α₆X₆ + α₇X₇ + α₈X₈ + α₉X₉ + µ₁

The study explored few variables including income of the households, their age, sex and migration that have no important influence on crop production and loss owing to drought. Other variables such as frequency of drought, study areas, sustenance, livelihood and agricultural land have the significant influence on crop loss and livelihood. It was mentioned by the households that frequency of drought is increasing two decades with increase the number of hot days. Result indicates the meaningful relationship between drought frequency and crop losses. Few adaptation measures like re-sowing, early sowing, late planting can reduce crop loss. A wide range of alternatives for livelihood activities such as small business, van pulling, handiworks and seedling production for nursery business were identified by this study. Drought insurance policy, early warning system, future research on emerging issues and local level knowledge are important for climate change adaptation and resilience.  

IUBAT Review—A Multidisciplinary Academic Journal, 7(1): 171-185