Impacts of Climate Change on Agricultural Transformation in Satkhira District, Bangladesh: Challenges of Livelihood Diversification

Abstract

This study examines the impacts of climate change on agricultural transformation and the challenges of livelihood diversification in Satkhira District, Bangladesh. The study focused on three upazilas, namely Satkhira Sadar, Tala, and Assasuni, where farming households are exposed to recurrent climatic and environmental stresses. A mixed-methods approach was used, combining a structured household survey with qualitative information from key informant interviews and focus group discussions. A total of 196 respondents were surveyed, with 66 respondents from Satkhira Sadar, 65 from Tala, and 65 from Assasuni. In addition, six key informant interviews and six focus group discussions were conducted to supplement and contextualize the survey findings. The results show that farmers in the study area are highly exposed to climate-related hazards. Salinity intrusion was reported by 99.49% of respondents, cyclones by 95.41%, flooding by 82.14%, storm surges by 72.96%, irregular rainfall by 32.65%, and drought by 17.35%. These hazards have affected crop, livestock, and fish production through reduced yields, crop failure, increased soil salinity, livestock mortality, fish mortality, damage to aquaculture infrastructure, and declining water quality. In response, households are adopting diverse livelihood activities, including 80.10% engaged in crop cultivation, 77.55% in aquaculture, 43.37% in livestock farming, and 43.88% in poultry production, as well as organic farming, small businesses, non-farm activities, and temporary or permanent migration. However, limited skills, inadequate capital, restricted market access, high production costs, and recurrent climatic hazards constrain effective livelihood diversification. The study highlights the need for climate-resilient agricultural practices, farmer training, improved access to finance, stronger market linkages, and locally appropriate livelihood support to enhance resilience among smallholder farmers in coastal Bangladesh.