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Student Advising M. Shah Alam Khan |
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Name of the student: SHAHRIOR AL MAMUN Program: PG. Dip. (WRD)
Title: MIGRATION PATTERN AND LIVELIHOOD CHANGES CAUSED BY EROSION OF BHOLA ISLAND
Background and the Present State of the Problem:
Severe erosion has been observed in the northern and eastern parts of Bhola island. The island has eroded approximately 4 km in the last 50 years on the eastern side near Bhola town. The erosion is mainly associated with widening and shifting of the Lower Meghna, and the Shahbazpur and Hatia channels. Average erosion rate in the northern part of the island varies between 10 and 150 metres per year (Meghna Estuary Study, 1998).
People have been migrating from the erosion-affected areas of Bhola island. Twenty- seven percent people were displaced at least once in their lifetime. New neighborhoods are generally established without much difficulty at resettlement locations. Resettlement occurs mostly on coastal embankments (Government of Bangladesh, 1988).
Land and livestock are the sole sources of livelihood for most people prior to migration. Once these assets are lost, very few people are readily able to acquire them again without assistance. It is common to sell livestock at the time of migration, a few even sell titles of their submerged land to wealthy people who can afford to wait for the land to re-emerge. A few migrants have sufficient resources to purchase new land. However, in most cases the amount of land that can be purchased by this minority is very limited (Government of Bangladesh, 1988).
Objective:
The objective of this study is to investigate the migration pattern and livelihood changes in Bhola island due to erosion.
Possible Outcome:
This study is expected to give insight into the following aspects of Bhola island over a recent period of time: 1. Migration characteristics and 2. Livelihood changes and resettlement due to erosion.
Outline of Methodology:
In order to achieve the objectives of the proposed study, both field-generated primary information and secondary database will be used. The methodology of the project is outlined as follows: A. Primary data collection- Migration and livelihood change data will be collected in the erosion-prone and resettlement areas. - During field investigations, several surveys will be conducted by Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) method. Information will be also collected from local key informants. B. Secondary data collection - Maps and satellite imagery of Bhola island will be collected from various sources. - Relevant information will be collected from local NGOs and other organizations. C. Analysis - Erosion-prone areas and changes in important morphological features will be identified from satellite images and maps. - Field and secondary data will be processed to determine impacts of erosion on migration and livelihood.
References:
Government of Bangladesh (1988). "Report of the National Committee on Erosion of Bhola", Ministry of Irrigation, Water development and Flood control, Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh, Dhaka.
Meghna Estuary Study (1998). Volume 1: Main Report. Bangladesh Water Development Board, Ministry of Water Resources, Dhaka.
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