Climate Change, Cyclone AILA and Post-disaster Occupational Vulnerabilities of Fisherfolks: A Qualitative exploration in a South-west Coastal Upazila of Bangladesh

Lubaba Khan; Tuhin Roy

doi:10.53808/KUS.2025.22.02.1309-ss

Authors

Lubaba Khan Sociology Discipline, Social Science School, Khulna University, Bangladesh
Tuhin Roy Sociology Discipline, Social Science School, Khulna University, Bangladesh

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.53808/KUS.2025.22.02.1309-ss

Keywords:

Climate Change, Disaster, Fisherfolks, Occupational Vulnerabilities, Coastal region

Abstract

Climate change induced environmental conditions and disasters especially cyclone continuously create hostile effects on the livelihood of coastal people of Bangladesh. Fisherfolks are front line witnesses of climate changes on the coastal area. In coastal region, Dacope upazila is one of the most disaster-prone areas so this study aimed at to understand the climate change and post-cyclone induced occupational vulnerabilities of fisherfolks. Using a qualitative approach, qualitative research methods such as in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews were used to collect data through face-to-face interviews from local fishers and community experts in Dacope of Khulna in Bangladesh. Respondents were selected through purposive sampling and the total sample size was 13 The results reveal that fisherfolks are struggling with numerous and prolonged occupational vulnerabilities. Climate change induced cyclones have led to the loss of fishing boats and equipment and forcing fishers to rent boats at high prices. Additionally, many have incurred significant debt to recover from the damages caused by these cyclones. Then, due to climate change effects like decreased fishing productivity, fisherfolk are catching fewer fish and experiencing a decline in fish variety than earlier. Increased salinity in the rivers, their fishing boats and equipment frequently get damaged and leading to high repair costs. Consequently, they are not earning enough by fishing, and they are being compelled to engage in secondary occupation, change occupation, and migrating to the urban areas. So, this study concludes at, to reduce vulnerabilities, government, Non-Government Organizations and associated authorities should work according to the needs, create social securities, and long-term disaster management activities are also needed.

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