Riverbank erosion and population displacement in Bangladesh : a case study of Hizla Upazila | |
| Author | Rahman, Shahidur |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no. HS-88-24 |
| Subject(s) | Human settlements--Bangladesh Erosion--Bangladesh |
| Note | A Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for t he Award of the Degree of Master of Science, School of Engineering and Technology |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Series Statement | Thesis ; no. HS-88-24 |
| Abstract | The river plays a crucial role in the economy of Bangladesh which is predominantly an agricultural one. The land which is the basic source of such economic life, although one of the best in the world for agriculture, is subject to devastating effects from frequent floods and bank erosions. This study takes up the latter problem and its consequences on human settlements, since erosion of land , which dominates almost all the economic activities and acts as a sole source of income for 90 percent of rural population with meager per capita landholding . Loss of land to river erosion often permanent and it strikes at the very root of the livelihood of those who are dependent on the land. In pursuance of the issues concerning the problem, this takes up one the typical erosion proneupazila, Hizla, located in the lower estuary of the two mighty rivers of Bangaldesh. Starting with problem identification, it focuses on the exploration of the coping mechanism at the individual and household levels, and analysis of tradition responses. The analysis of the consequences of population displacement, makes it evident that sole reliance on agriculture as a occupation need to be reduced considerably to mitigate the severity of the distress of erosion-affected displaces. The result of the research shows that a shift from agriculture to non - agriculture occupations facilitate coping with the effects of erosion. The study reveals that those having some education, skills, and experiences in some non - agricultural occupation have the advantage with coping in the post erosion period than those who are principally dependent on farming only. The high inter-Union migration in the Upazila suggests the scope of bringing change in the pattern of human settlements within the Upazila according to the relative safety of particular Union from erosion. The inter- Union migration is a response to erosion as well as accretion of land. The accretion is as common as erosion . But no planned approach in exploitation of the accreted land. Another note able feature is that fishing has become an important non -agricultural occupation of the Upazila which has been a boon to many poor or those who care less about the low esteem of this occupation. It becomes clear from the survey finding pursuance of some non-agricultural occupation is the best survival strategy in facing the post erosion consequences. A trend of change in occupation to fishing and petty business is clearly observed among all classes of people. The extent of population displacement in the Upazila is reflected in the evidence that 70 percent of the respondents had been displaced more than once and the small landholder become landless with the strike of the first erosion. The severe years of erosion areas, in appear to be the floods, of floods was between 1965- 72. Unlike other erosion prone Hizla the sequences of floods and erosion does not the same: in many instances erosion is preceded by but in Hizla erosion takes even without the affect The state of the present landless does not reflect that once they had substantial landholding which suggest that pre-erosion size of landholdings is not of much help once erosion struck. Findings also show that secondary occupation and landholding size are inversely related. This situation makes people vulnerable in the face of erosion since there remains nothing to fall back upon. In contrast, even the poor having an occupation other than farming are in a better situation to cope with the effects of erosion. People seems to be well aware of these contrasting outcomes and realize the need to switch from traditional occupation for future generation for providing better education and training. Realization of these aspirations of the people, however, will not be possible without government support. Recommendations of the study include formations of riverine district to reflect the geophysical difference so that area specific problem such as riverbank erosion receives planning attention. Other recommendations include charland survey and expansion of educational facilities. The latter, specifically the vocational training would faceplate absorption of displaces in the non-agricultural occupations. Riverine related special programme apart from general network development is also thought to be facilitate or in coping with the post erosion effects. Structural measures to accelerate accretion may be initiated at the national level, mitigation can be largely Upazila level activity. It is suggested local level planning should activate individual initiatives for non - agricultural occupations by creating facilities for growth centres in the Upazila. Supporting fishing , handicraft and local resource - based occupations such as hogla, and winter cash crops in the area would be beneficial for the erosion displaces to cope with distress of post - erosion circumstances. In the process it wi11 create stable income earning opportunities and their pursuance from a relatively safer area. |
| Year | 1988 |
| Corresponding Series Added Entry | Asian Institute of Technology. Thesis ; no. HS-88-24 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Engineering and Technology (SET) |
| Department | Other Field of Studies (No Department) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Human Settlement (HS) |
| Chairperson(s) | Amin, A.T.M. Nurul |
| Examination Committee(s) | Weber, Karl E. ;Ressler, Everette M. ;Setty, E. Desingu |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | Canadian International Development Agency ; |
| Degree | Thesis (M.Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 1988 |