Unveiling Livelihood Struggles and Aspirations of Sundarbans' Inhabitants: Voices from Koyra Sadar and North Bedkashi, Khulna, Bangladesh
by Alif Al Arefin Prodhan and Sonia Binte Murshed
Nested in the south-western region of Bangladesh, the unions Koyra Sadar and North Bedkashi are home to the fascinating Sundarbans, the largest mangrove forest in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The inhabitants of these locations struggle with a complex web of livelihood difficulties and environmental dangers amidst the stunning scenery. We had a series of six focus group discussions (FGDs) to examine the voices and viewpoints of the many communities residing in these areas. In total, 60 individuals' stories are explored in this blog post as they discuss their challenges, goals, and quest for better possibilities. The FGDs took place across a number of livelihood groups including Shrimp Fry Catchers, Mawali Bawali, Women, Fishermen, and Farmers.
Agriculture and Fisheries - Navigating Salinity and Climate Change
The foundation of the neighbourhood is made up of mixed farmers who work in both agricultural and fish farming. The issues of increased soil salinity following storm Aila have been successfully overcome thanks to the introduction of salt-tolerant rice species like BR-67. However, the availability of seeds and fertiliser at reasonable prices continues to be a problem. Additionally, the viability of livelihoods is threatened by the expansion of human settlements onto agricultural land.
Sundarbans is a major source of catch for fishermen, and fishing is a way of life for many families. The delicate environment and the fish population are significantly at risk due to the government-regulated fishing seasons and unauthorised chemical fishing during the prohibition. Their vulnerabilities are further exacerbated by embankment breaches during storms. For these communities to be able to support their livelihoods, improved embankment management, road infrastructure, and knowledge-sharing networks are essential.
Empowering Women – Poultry and Livestock
Researchers Anisul Haque and Sonia Binte Murshed conducting an FGD with Mixed farming group in Koyra Sadar Union, with assistance of RA Suman Hossain Rabby. (Md Anisur Rahman Majumdar, Project Manager, LDH BD team.)
Women contribute significantly to homesteading, raising animals and poultry, and other household tasks. While animals like sheep and goats are favoured for their low feed requirements, poultry farming provides a source of meat and eggs for domestic consumption. Governmental and non-governmental organisations encourage and train women to establish small businesses and improve household farming.
However, because there are still few prospects for education and employment, several women look for work in brick kilns during the dry season. In order to enhance their lives and advance gender equality in the area, there is a need for increased access to education and transparent resource distribution.
Challenges and Opportunities in Sundarbans' Honey and Nipa Palm Leaf Collection
Due to adverse effects of climate change, such as decreased rainfall during the honey season, increased saline in the water, and increasing temperatures that have an impact on bee population and honey production, Mawali, the honey collectors of the Sundarbans, confront difficulties. Additionally, pressures brought on by humans, such as excessive honey and wax extraction, disturb the bees' natural environment. Despite these difficulties, honey gatherers still depend on the Sundarbans for their livelihood, highlighting the necessity of sustainable methods.
The leaf collectors, known as Bawali, draw attention to the problem of political interference causing excessive golpata (nipa palm leaf) harvesting that harms the ecosystem. For the future of these livelihoods, effective governance, tree plantation initiatives, and integrated agricultural techniques show promise.
Shrimp Fry Catchers
Pona fish (Shrimp fry) catchers, mostly women, risk their lives catching the fish along the Sundarbans riverbanks for prawn fry. The coast guards occasionally set their nets on fire. Prices and sustainability are impacted by the use of captured pona rather than hatchery pona due to salinity. For this town, flooding, river erosion, and siltation are major problems.
Building Resilience and Future Aspirations
As we delve deeper into these communities' lives, we see how resilient they are in the face of natural difficulties. Their well-being and the preservation of this biological wonder depend on the construction of long-lasting embankments, the upgrading of drainage systems, the management of freshwater, transparent government, sustainable practises, and greater access to education and employment possibilities.
Let's work together to encourage all the communities in the Sundarbans to have resilient futures and to support their aspirations. Together, we can assure the protection of this magnificent natural gem, enabling future generations to awe at its diversity and beauty. The urgent need to preserve this distinctive ecosystem is echoed by voices from the Sundarbans, and it is our collective duty to conserve it and its communities.
Disclaimer: This blog post has been prepared solely based on the insights from the local perspective and knowledge. No scholarly insights or verification or validation has been made.
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