Assessing Disaster Risk and Adaptation is the central topic of this scientific publication.
Abstract
The coastal zone of Bangladesh is highly vulnerable to natural disasters, which significantly affect agricultural production and livelihoods. Agriculture is the primary livelihood for most coastal communities. Patuakhali is a coastal district of Bangladesh, and Bauphal Upazila is one of its most agriculturally dependent areas. Therefore, this study was conducted in Chandradip Union of Bauphal Upazila to assess disaster risks in the agricultural sector. The main objective of the study was to identify and assess natural disaster risks in agriculture through hazard, vulnerability, and capacity assessments, and to explore suitable adaptation strategies for enhancing disaster resilience. Both primary and secondary data were used in this research. A total of 100 households were randomly selected and interviewed using semi-structured questionnaires. In addition, five Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and five Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) were conducted. Field observations and relevant secondary data sources were also utilized. The findings reveal that riverbank erosion (1.043), storm surge (0.942), and cyclone (0.934) are the most significant disaster risks affecting the agricultural sector due to their high hazard intensity, high vulnerability, and low coping capacity. The study further identifies that alternative livelihood options (27%), loans and subsidies (25%), and short-duration rice cultivation (24%) are the most commonly recommended adaptation strategies by the farming community. These are followed by embankment construction (22%) and farm mechanization (2%). The study highlights the need for integrated risk management and strengthened adaptive capacity to enhance agricultural resilience in coastal Bangladesh. This study provided empirical evidence, based primarily on data, on how vulnerability is reduced through an adaptation strategy. The results of this study will help people in coastal communities reduce their vulnerability. This study can assist policymakers and donor agencies in developing policies and funding different development projects in Bangladesh’s rural coastal community.
Conclusions
This study assessed disaster risk and adaptation strategies in the agricultural sector of Chandradip Union, a highly vulnerable coastal area of Bangladesh. The findings revealed that riverbank erosion, storm surge, and cyclones are the most critical hazards affecting agricultural production and rural livelihoods due to their high hazard intensity, community vulnerability, and limited coping capacity. The study also identified several locally practiced adaptation strategies, including alternative livelihood options, short-duration rice cultivation, embankment construction, and financial support mechanisms, that enhance community resilience. The main scientific contribution of this study is the integrated assessment of hazard, vulnerability, and capacity to evaluate agricultural disaster risk at the local level using community-based evidence. The study provides important insights into the relationship between environmental hazards, socio-economic vulnerability, and adaptation practices in coastal agriculture. The findings may support policymakers, development organizations, and local institutions in designing effective disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation strategies for vulnerable coastal communities in Bangladesh. Strengthening institutional support, improving access to financial and technical resources, and promoting community-based adaptation approaches are essential for building sustainable agricultural resilience in coastal regions.
How to cite
Md. Faisal, Imran Hawladar, & Cvetković, V. (2026). Assessing Disaster Risk and Adaptation Strategies in Coastal Agriculture: Evidence from Chandradip Union of Bauphal Upazila, Bangladesh. International Journal of Disaster Risk Management, 8(1). https://doi.org/10.66050/6pd80w30
