A recent baseline study conducted by Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF) has uncovered that approximately 17.1% of farmers in climate-vulnerable regions such as Char, Haor, and Hills have modified their agricultural practices in response to climate change impacts.
Presented through a virtual program on Wednesday, the findings highlight the adaptation measures taken by farmers facing weather-related challenges. Out of the 1,022 survey participants (353 men, 657 women, and 12 third-gender individuals), 17.1% reported a shift in farming methods due to climate change.
These adaptive strategies include cultivating high-yield crops, altering planting schedules, and incorporating organic fertilizers like green manure and vermicompost.
Moreover, the survey sheds light on gender disparities and social vulnerabilities, emphasizing the impact of climate-induced poverty and societal norms on early marriages, particularly among girls. The study reveals that rural women face difficulties in recognizing and reporting different types of violence, with 30.72% of respondents reporting instances of physical, psychological, economic, or sexual violence in the past year.
Disturbingly, only 15.6% of survivors filed complaints, exposing a lack of awareness and action against Violence Against Women (VAW). The complaint rates varied across regions, with Char areas having the highest at 25%, followed by Coastal with 13%, Haor with 8.6%, and none reported in the hill areas.
Conducted as part of MJF’s “Community-based Resilience, Women’s Empowerment, and Action (CREA)” project in collaboration with Associates for Innovative Research and Development (AIRD) Ltd, the survey focused on 28 unions across 14 districts in Coastal, Char, Haor, and Hill regions.
The study underscores the urgency of addressing climate change impacts and promoting gender equality. Supported by the Embassy of Sweden, MJF’s CREA project aims to strengthen community leadership and resilience, especially among women and girls, addressing climate change, poverty, child marriage, and domestic violence.
Lubna Yasmine, joint secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, emphasized the global importance of climate change and Bangladesh’s commitment to long-term plans. She encouraged development organizations to identify obstacles at the field level, facilitating policy-making interventions.
The event, graced by guest of honour Lubna Yasmine, saw insights shared by Upazila Nirbahi Officers (UNOs) and development workers, focusing on implementing effective interventions based on the study findings.
Shaheen Anam, the executive director of MJF, highlighted the persistent issue of violence against women and the need for collaborative efforts in implementing laws, policies, and empowering women for a positive change in their status and position.
