JBS Vol 13. Num 2. 2011 - Indigenous Coping Strategies of the Cyclone-Affected Farmers in Coastal Areas of Bangladesh

Bangladesh is a country affected by frequent and devastating cyclones. Historical trends show that a severe cyclone hits Bangladesh every three years. Of late, this gap has reduced with the advent of human-induced climate change. Cyclones cause huge loss of life, property and infrastructure of the people living in the low-lying coastal areas of Bangladesh. Although all occupational groups are affected by cyclones, farmers are the worst sufferers as their economic loss is higher than that of any other occupational group living in the area. They lose houses, crops, livestock, fisheries, and instruments associated with their livelihood which makes them highly vulnerable and forces them to adopt various strategies for survival. This paper is an attempt to explore the indigenous practices of the coastal farmers to cope with the ever-increasing cyclonic devastation in the coastal areas of Bangladesh.