CLIMATE CHANGE and SHRIMP FARMING: Environmental and Socio-economic Impacts in South-Western Parts of Bangladesh

Kazi Ahmed Kabir, Lecturer, School of Environmental Science and Management, Independent University Bangladesh Dr. Md. Kamruzzaman, Lecturer, Community Medicine Department, Khulna Medical College Dr. Gulshan Ara Latifa, Professor, Department of Zoology, University of Dhaka.

Introduction
Low land, high population density, fine network of rivers, poor economic status have made Southwestern part of Bangladesh most vulnerable to climate change. In addition Shrimp farming is increasing some impact of climate change in this area.
In this area we have designed an study to assess the impact of both climate change and shrimp farming on environment and community. This is an on going study. Yet we have found some new and alarming issues of climate change affecting human health and welfare. Few possible solutions are also recommended.

Study Area:
Satkhira Khulna Bagerhat

Methodology

Direct Observation and Routine data Collection Questionnaire FGD

Observations

Environmental Impacts
1. Saline Intrusion 2. Water Logging 3. Loss of Mangrove 4. Increase in breeding period of different disease vectors 5. Enhanced growth of microbes 6. Higher growth and reproduction of parasites 7. Outbreak of disease in shrimp farms 8. Land productivity loss 9. High siltation in riverbed

Low water current from upstream

Residential area restricted to a small patch

Embank has been broken to ensure entry of saline water

Most of the area water Logged

Inward Pressure of Saline Water From Sea

Observations
Social Impacts
Scarcity of Drinking Water Overcrowding in residential areas Outbreak of diseases Dropout of students from schools Loss of morality Social corruption and terrorism Malnutrition

Observations
Economic Impacts
Low outcome from shrimp farms Decreased rice production Inequity of resource distribution Less yield of open water fish and fisheries products Other crop production has almost diminished

Possible Solutions
Aware community to adapt with climate change Stop Shrimp PL Collection from Natural Source Improved Land Use/ Land Zoning

Intensive and Environment Friendly Shrimp Culture

Coordination among different stakeholders

THANKS