Building Climate Resilience in Coastal Bangladesh: the Promise of CS-MAP
16 August 2024, Bangladesh: In the coastal region of Golachipa, Patuakhali, Faruk Mia, a local farmer, voiced a concern shared by many in his community “Untimely rain is affecting my crops. In other years, too little rain also causes trouble.” His words highlight the growing unpredictability and severity of climate change impacts on agriculture in coastal regions of Bangladesh. As weather patterns become more erratic, farmers in vulnerable areas like Golachipa are struggling to cope with the challenges.
Bangladesh, with its low-lying terrain and extensive coastline, is especially vulnerable to climate change. The agricultural sector, which serves as the backbone of the nation’s economy, faces increasing challenges from rising temperatures, unpredictable rainfall, flooding, and salinity intrusion. These factors pose significant threats to food security, disrupt crop cycles, and increase the risk of agricultural diseases.
CS-MAP: A new approach to climate adaptation
Recognizing the urgent need for effective climate adaptation strategies, the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), with support from the Center for Environmental and Geographic Information Services (CEGIS), has been implementing the Climate-Smart Mapping and Adaptation Planning (CS-MAP). This methodology, which is part of the CGIAR Initiative on Asian Mega-Deltas (AMD) program, aims to enhance resilience in Bangladesh’s coastal regions by integrating scientific data with local knowledge.
CS-MAP is designed to empower decision-makers, researchers, and stakeholders in the country’s coastal areas by providing them with the tools and information needed to make informed decisions about climate change adaptation and food security. The methodology focuses on creating a dynamic, community-driven process that combines top-down scientific insights with the on-the-ground experiences of those most affected by climate change.
Community involvement at the heart of CS-MAP
One of the key strengths of CS-MAP is its emphasis on community involvement. This methodology recognizes that effective climate adaptation strategies must be grounded in the real-world experiences of local communities. To achieve this, CS-MAP has been conducting workshops across ten coastal districts in Bangladesh, where agricultural extension officers and local government representatives actively engage in the mapping and planning process. Later on, these findings are also validated by farmers from specific regions.
During these participatory mapping workshops, stakeholders collaborate to delineate crop coverage and risk boundaries on maps, identifying major agricultural products and climate-related risks specific to their regions. These workshops also serve as platforms for knowledge exchange, allowing participants to share their concerns and insights, ensuring that the final adaptation plans reflect the unique challenges of each district.
A phased approach to resilience
The CS-MAP methodology involves several phases, starting with training sessions to familiarize stakeholders with the CS-MAP approach. These sessions are followed by field visits and mapping activities, where participants gather practical information on land use, cropping systems, and climate risks. The culmination of this process is a set of adaptation plans tailored to the specific needs and conditions of each district.
Arju Akhter, Agricultural Officer from Golachipa, who attended one of these workshops, highlighted the importance of this approach: “Our farmers face multiple challenges now; more heat and more rain affect our crops. CS-MAP could help us assess these risks more effectively.” His words underscore the need for adaptive strategies that are informed by both scientific research and local realities.
A proactive approach to climate adaptation
CS-MAP is more than just a mapping tool; it represents a proactive approach to climate adaptation. By identifying vulnerable areas and prioritizing actions, the methodology enables communities to allocate resources more effectively and take preventive measures to protect their livelihoods and ecosystems.
For CS-MAP to remain effective, sustainability is key. Continuous community engagement, regular updates to the maps, and building the capacity of local stakeholders to adapt to changing conditions are essential components of the initiative’s success. “Climate change is an ongoing challenge, and our response must be dynamic,” noted Agriculture Deputy Director Patuakhali, Md Nazrul Islam. “The CS-MAP approach allows us to stay ahead of these challenges by continuously integrating new data and local insights.”
Toward a resilient future for coastal Bangladesh
As climate change continues to threaten Bangladesh’s agricultural sector, initiatives like CS-MAP are crucial for ensuring food security and protecting the livelihoods of millions. By combining scientific knowledge with local expertise, CS-MAP is helping to build a more resilient future for Bangladesh’s coastal communities.
In the words of Dr. Ahmad Salahuddin, Senior Associate Scientist from IRRI, “The goal is to ensure that adaptation strategies are not just top-down but also grounded in the real-world experiences of those most affected by climate change.” He also added, “We are endorsing this approach to the government, once accepted and implemented by the government this approach can help farmers plan cropping effectively.”
IRRI will hold a national workshop to demonstrate the effectiveness of CS-MAP to policymakers. Once CS-MAP is adapted nationally, it can become an exceptional tool for farmers to navigate an uncertain future, safeguarding their crops, their communities, and their way of life.
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