Nature and extent of population displacement due to climate change-triggered disasters in the south-western coastal region of Bangladesh

Abstract

Purpose

Climate change impacts people ' s life directly or indirectly in several ways and displacement is one such indirect effect. This paper aims to bring this fact to light as Bangladesh is going to face severe problems due to displacement of population predicted by researchers.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is an outcome of a thorough study of Bogi village in the southwestern coastal region of Bangladesh. Several factors like demographic condition, natural disasters, land loss and changes in land use pattern, have been taken into consideration. Methods used for data collection were questionnaire survey and focus group discussions in the study area.

Findings

The nature and extent of displacement are found by comparing the changes in occupation, location of settlement and permanent migration of family members. Population growth rate decreased in recent years as the annual growth rate for both sexes was 0.89 in between 1991 and 2001 but in recent years from 2001 to 2005 it was 0.63, which is a clear indication that the natural growth is hampered or major proportion of the population is migrating.

Originality/value

The paper provides insights into the major reasons for displacement, especially loss of land and occupation caused by cyclone, storm surge and erosion. The assessment of the conditions allows the listing of measures to address the problem.

Citation

Salauddin, M. and Ashikuzzaman, M. (2011), "Nature and extent of population displacement due to climate change-triggered disasters in the south-western coastal region of Bangladesh", Management of Environmental Quality, Vol. 22 No. 5, pp. 620-631. https://doi.org/10.1108/14777831111159743