Technology for adaptation: a case study of developing a detailed inventory of drinking water supply technologies along the salinity-affected coastal region of Bangladesh

Abstract

The south-western coastal zone of Bangladesh is suffering from an acute crisis of freshwater due to salinity intrusion. First, the extent of the problem and its causes in detail were investigated. Climate change along with a few other anthropogenic impacts are the main causes. Exploring technologies for adaptation to climate change is emphasized today to overcome the problem of climate change impact. The coastal community was found to be already adopting technological measures as an adaptation means. This study developed a detailed inventory of all the available indigenous water supply technology options along the region and categorized them. An analysis of the suitability of the technologies was done, focusing on factors like the state of the technology, convenience in operation, quantity and quality of the supplied water, as well as financial viability or management practice. Both qualitative and quantitative approaches to the study were adopted to collect and analyze the data through extensive field visits, laboratory testing, and secondary data analysis. It is found that in most cases, solutions are on an ad hoc basis, having a lifetime of less than 5 years. In some places, people are gradually moving towards community-based and long-term hi-tech solutions.