Fourteenth International Conference on Climate Change: Impacts & Responses

Abstract

The southwestern part of the Bengal delta has been facing tremendous seasonal surface water since the last two decades. This study (a) explores the extent of surface water seasonality from 2000 to 2020, and (b) compiles the responses of women in relation to this land use change. The study area is in the lower reaches of the Bengal Delta, in the Southwest of Bangladesh (SWB). To detect surface water seasonality, the study employs remote sensing techniques, considering maximum number of high-resolution Landsat archival images between 2000 and 2020. For compiling responses of women against the seasonality of surface water, the study relies on fifteen in-depth interviews and five Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). The primary data collection focuses on the regular and seasonal responses of women due to the seasonal change of surface water during different human response systems, proposed by Thomas E. Drabek. The provisional results suggest that the lower reaches of the Bengal delta have been facing unexpected surface water in the rural settlement between November and January. And the key reason for the extensive surface water is local water management for alternative livelihood options - aquaculture. Women have been playing a crucial role regarding safety of the family members, food and fodder preparation, collection of drinking water, and contributing to the household income during extensive surface water. But the perception of women regarding water-hazards is very limited. The study has potential to enable inclusion of women’s responses and roles towards water-hazards into mainstream disaster management plans of Bangladesh.