Livelihood Adaptation to Climate Variability and Change in Drought-Prone Areas of Bangladesh

The impacts of climate variability and change are global concerns but in Bangladesh they are particularly critical. FAO and the Asian Disaster Preparedness Centre are guiding a project to assess livelihood adaptation to climate variability and change in the drought-prone areas of Northwest Bangladesh. It covers: the characterisation of livelihood systems; profiling of vulnerable groups; assessment of past and current climate impacts; and understanding of local perceptions of climate impacts, local coping capacities and existing adaptation strategies. It also is developing a good practice adaptation option menu, evaluating and field testing locally selected options, and introducing long-lead climate forecasting, capacity building and training of Department of Agricultural Extension staff and community representatives. This report summarises the project methodology and discusses interim findings and recommendations.