How Do Vulnerable People Adapt to the Impact of Sedimentation in the Haor Wetlands of Northeastern Bangladesh?

The frequency and geographic extent of floods in northeastern Bangladesh have increased over the past few decades, and sedimentation has gradually raised the beds of wetland water bodies. The present study examined how households (HHs) cope with, and adapt to, the adverse effects of sedimentation in the haor wetlands under extreme weather conditions. Lubar and Pochashul haors (“LPHs”), in the Sunamganj District region and most affected by sedimentation, are the primary focus of this study. Questionnaire surveys from 180 HH respondents, transect walks, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions were conducted to gather data on adaptation strategies for counteracting wetland sedimentation. Descriptive statistics and qualitative data reveal that the residents of Bangladesh’s haor wetlands face difficulties due to flash floods and sedimentation. The study shows that residents borrow money and food, sell their possessions, and use other assistance-based resilience strategies. Food-based strategies, such as limiting the quantity and quality of meals, are commonly employed by these HHs in the short term. However, some long-term strategies followed by the residents are not viable, such as changing professions or increasing the use of pesticides in agriculture. The study also finds inventive and constructive ways of making improvements based on traditional knowledge and modifying the agricultural practices used by local people to combat sedimentation. In the event of flooding and sedimentation, our study reveals that wetland inhabitants may use counterproductive survival strategies based on outside innovation and their traditional knowledge, rather than destructive strategies such as reducing food consumption, changing jobs, and reducing the sale of resources.