Drought Risk and Reduction Approaches in Bangladesh

Abstract

The insidious disaster drought is common in Bangladesh. Particularly the Northwestern part is severe drought-prone area in Bangladesh due to high rainfall variability along with high temperature. Agriculture as well as farmer’s livelihood is badly affected due to the effect of drought. Therefore, different levels such as institution, community and individuals are following a number of adaptation actions to cope with drought. However, to deal better with drought, it is imperative to take effective adaptive practices that will help them to minimize its consequences. In this context, an innovative approach named “SIP approach” has been carried out in two severe drought-prone districts in Northwestern region that helps to measure the socio-economic, institutional and physical aspect of drought-affected area. It also shows the comparison among different drought affected Upazila (sub-district) of these two districts, which is more or less resilient against it. Furthermore, this chapter highlights irrigated and non-irrigated farmer’s prioritized drought adaptive practices that derived from the indicators of SIP approach. To carry out these drought adaptive practices successfully, it also discloses various stakeholder’ role and mentions the timeframe for each drought adaptive practice. Based on the fi ndings of SIP approach and drought adaptive practices, the drought risk management policy and action framework has developed. This framework brings together both community and national government in identifying timeframe and responsibilities, thus strengthening the link between the drought adaptive practices to national policy