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Livelihood Vulnerability of Riverine-Island Dwellers in the Face of Natural Disasters in Bangladesh

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  • Md Nazirul Islam Sarker

    (School of Public Administration, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China)

  • Min Wu

    (School of Public Administration, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China)

  • G M Monirul Alam

    (Faculty of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University (BSMRAU), Gazipur 1706, Bangladesh
    School of Commerce, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba Qld 4350, Australia)

  • Roger C. Shouse

    (School of Public Administration, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China)

Abstract

Bangladesh is one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world. In particular, its riverine-island (char) dwellers face continuous riverbank erosion, frequent flooding, and other adverse effects of climate change that increase their vulnerability. This paper aims to assess the livelihood vulnerability of riverine communities by applying the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) vulnerability framework and the livelihood vulnerability index (LVI). Results indicate substantial variation in the vulnerability of char dwellers based on mainland proximity. The main drivers of livelihood vulnerability are char-dweller adaptation strategies and access to food and health services. The study further reveals that riverbank erosion, frequent flood inundation, and lack of employment and access to basic public services are the major social and natural drivers of livelihood vulnerability. Char-based policy focusing on short- and long-term strategy is required to reduce livelihood vulnerability and enhance char-dweller resilience.

Suggested Citation

  • Md Nazirul Islam Sarker & Min Wu & G M Monirul Alam & Roger C. Shouse, 2019. "Livelihood Vulnerability of Riverine-Island Dwellers in the Face of Natural Disasters in Bangladesh," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(6), pages 1-23, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:11:y:2019:i:6:p:1623-:d:214776
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Sarker, Md Nazirul Islam & Wu, Min & Alam, GM Monirul & Shouse, Roger C, 2020. "Livelihood resilience of riverine island dwellers in the face of natural disasters: Empirical evidence from Bangladesh," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 95(C).
    3. Sarker, Md Nazirul Islam & Wu, Min & Alam, G.M. Monirul & Shouse, Roger C., 2020. "Life in riverine islands in Bangladesh: Local adaptation strategies of climate vulnerable riverine island dwellers for livelihood resilience," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 94(C).
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