Flood loss assessment and risk management plan for aquaculture and agriculture in South West Bangladesh

Abstract

Since 2015, United Purpose (Former Concern Universal) has been implementing the Improving Food Security and Livelihoods project in Bangladesh in partnership with WorldFish and Helvetas, promoting better informal services and networking among rural farmers. The project, funded by UKAid, was designed to improve food security and livelihoods for some of the poorest and most vulnerable people in south western Bangladesh. A special study was implemented by WorldFish to assess flood losses and develop a risk management plan for aquaculture and agriculture in south-west Bangladesh. The study focused on six upazilas -- Bagerhat, Fakirhat, Mollahat, Batiaghata, Chitalmari and Rupsha in Khulna and Bagerhat districts. The study aimed to develop an interactive GIS based map identifying potential risks to farming practices, to document aquaculture and integrated aquaculture-agriculture practices and their adaptation to changing environmental and market conditions, to identify vulnerability zones and propose land use zones to mitigate salinity intrusion and to recommend risk-reduction strategies.