M. Shahjahan Mondal

Evaluation of some deep and shallow tubewell irrigated schemes in Bangladesh using performance indicators

Abstract Performances of five deep tubewell (DTW) and ten shallow tubewell (STW) projects of the Rajbari district of central Bangladesh have been evaluated using some selected standard indicators, broadly classified into three groups: hydraulic, agricultural and socio-economic. For the quantitative and qualitative assessments of the indicators, field measurements and questionnaire survey of farmers and tubewell owners were made during the 1998–99 dry season. Analyses of hydraulic indicators showed that the performances of both the projects (DTWs and STWs) in terms of discharge and water delivery were better than those in the past. Equity in water delivery was not ensured in both the projects mainly because of low canal density. Agricultural performance, evaluated in terms of irrigated area, yield and production performance, was almost the same for both the projects and was greater than the respective national averages. Socio-economic indicators showed that both the projects were financially viable and sustainable. Hydraulic, agricultural and socio-economic indicators used in this study are recommended for evaluation of performances of irrigation projects and also for comparative analysis of performances of similar irrigation projects.

Economic valuation of the non-use attributes of a south-western coastal wetland in Bangladesh

Being located in the south-western hydrological region of Bangladesh, Chanda Beel, a coastal freshwater wetland, is threatened by over-exploitation of resources. Therefore, this study made an attempt to estimate the non-use values of the wetland to realise its hidden values. The study used the contingent valuation method (CVM) method to place a value on the non-use attributes of the wetland and the results show that the non-use value is approximately US

Role of Water Resource Management in Ensuring Food Security

0.48 million annually. The effects of socio-economic factors on willingness to pay (WTP) were also examined. Finally, the paper concludes that the estimated non-use values need to be incorporated for a better management of the wetland resources.

Flood shelters in Bangladesh: some issues from the user's perspective

Historically, the main focus of water resources management in Bangladesh has been to increase rice production in order to ensure food security. Since early 1960s there has been large scale development of flood control projects which provide protection against repeated floods to safeguard standing rice crop. There are different types of flood control projects providing protection against different types of floods with various degrees of success. Right now, almost all of flood prone cultivable areas are protected from floods. Additionally, other aspects of flood management have improved over the years, which are being observed to result in higher rice production after flood. Since early 1980s, irrigation facilities have been developed to supply water during dry season which has made it possible to grow an additional rice crop during this season. By now, most of irrigable areas have been brought under irrigation coverage by various modes of irrigation technologies. This paper reviews the contributions of these two developments in water sector in increasing rice production of the country.

Adaptations to Climate Change in Bangladesh: Development of a National Inventory

This article was published in Hazards, Risks and, Disasters in Society [© 2015 Elsevier Inc.] and the definite version is available at : http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780123964519000093Flood is an integral part of Bangladesh and so is the suffering of the people living in flood-prone areas. Unlike cyclone shelters, very few designated flood shelters exist in Bangladesh; this is because of the difference in the nature of these two phenomena. Flood shelters in three locations along three major rivers were visited, and communities were consulted to address some selected issues regarding the shelters. Three major types of flood shelters were identified for the comparison, which are community shelter, school-cum-shelter, and individual homestead. The range of issues included accessibility to shelters, land availability, protection of lives and livelihoods, basic facilities and services, safety and security of women and children, willingness and priority of potential users, and maintenance and cost-effectiveness. The primary objective of this chapter was to investigate the benefits and shortcomings of the types of flood shelters that are in use and check if any particular type of shelter could be recommended as solution. The findings show that each of the three aforementioned types of flood shelters has their pros and cons, and considering the need and aspiration of communities, one particular type of flood shelter might not be suitable across different geographical and social contexts.

Agricultural livelihoods in coastal Bangladesh under climate and environmental change – a model framework

Bangladesh is highly vulnerable to climate change impacts and adaptation is the only viable option to deal with this phenomenon. This paper provides an overview of the climate change adaptations in the country which includes spatial and sectoral distribution, aims and timings, stresses and shocks addressed, etc. An inventory was prepared with documented climate change adaptations in Bangladesh. A first cut analysis was performed based on the inventory. The analyses found that most of the adaptations took place in coastal districts. Disaster risk reduction, water resource management, infrastructure and agriculture are the major sectors of adaptations in terms of number. Government of Bangladesh was the major provider (87%) followed by non-governmental organizations (11%). Chronic stresses like salinity, waterlogging, drought, etc., were the focus of majority of adaptations while sudden shocks like cyclone and large flood were addressed in community level as well as national level. Major trait has been reactive than anticipatory. Information on specific stress/shock factors addressed and the spatial/population coverage of adaptations were often lacking due to inadequate documentation. The inventory is a step towards improved documentation aiding evaluation of practiced adaptations that may inspire policy makers to devise effective adaptation measures to combat climate change in Bangladesh.