IMPACT OF SALINITY ON THE AGRO-ECOSYSTEM OF PAIKGACHA UPAZILA UNDER KHULNA, BANGLADESH (PhD Thesis-Running)

1.     Background and Justification of the Proposed Research

Agro-ecosystems are important natural environment and environmental complexes in which the physical, chemical, and biologicalcharacteristics of an ecosystem integrate with agricultural ecosystems, which play an important role in maintaining socio-ecological balance of the environment. Globally, Bangladesh is one of the most vulnerable countries considering the negative impact of climate change and the country placed the sixth most climate-vulnerable country in the world under the Global Climate Risk Index in 2017 (Rahaman et al., 2019; Kreft et al., 2017; Harmeling, 2009).

Agriculture in Bangladesh is a leading sector of the country’s major economy (Islamet al., 2022). Considering the soil-ecological system of Bangladesh, the total agriculture of Bangladesh is divided into 30 agro-ecological zones, which are further subdivided into 88 agro-ecological zones (Rahaman et al., 2019). So, those agro-ecological zones plays important roles in maintain the environmental balance of ecosystems of Bangladesh. But, it is found that due to increasing climate change agro-ecological zones (agriculture) is the most vulnerable sector in the country and is expected to be largely impacted by climate change-related disasters and extremes such as cyclone, flooding, drought, salinity intrusion, etc. in the future (Rahamanet al., 2019). The agro-ecological zones are not only under pressure arising from climatic extremes, the zones are but also under the pressure from non-climatic factors such as population growth, urbanization etc., which would concurrently degrade the agro-ecological system of Bangladesh in the future (Islamet al., 2022).

In Bangladesh, it is found that one fifth of the country is occupied by the coastal area that supports about one seventh of the total population of the country. It is also found that more than 30 million people live in the coastal region and they depend on mainly agriculture for their livelihoods (Miahet al., 2009). Although the coastal area of the country has extensive and diverse natural resources including forest vegetation, fishes, crops, poultry, livestock and wildlife, at the present time, the coastal area is under environmental degradation since human interventions in this area are increasing day by day. The major causes that are responsible for the degradation involve human-induced salinity intrusion from brackish water shrimp cultivation, salt production, fish processing, exhaustive marine fishing, discharges from industrial plants (Miahet al., 2009).

Paikgacha Upazila is a region in the southwestern Bangladesh, which is primarily characterized by its vast agricultural landscapes and a heavy dependence on agriculture as a means of livelihood. The region is known for its rice, shrimp, and fish production, all of which are critical components of the local economy. However, in recent years, the agro-ecosystem of Paikgacha Upazila has been significantly affected by salinity intrusion, posing serious challenges to agricultural productivity, food security, and the overall socio-economic well-being of the local population.

Addressing the impact of salinity in Paikgacha Upazila requires a comprehensive approach, including improved agricultural practices, crop diversification, water management, and climate-resilient strategies. The preservation of the agro ecosystem in this region is not only critical for local livelihoods but also essential for ensuring food security and sustainable development in Bangladesh's coastal areas.

However, it is reported that among the coastal upazilas of south-west Bangladesh Paikgacha is one of the climate vulnerable areas in Khulna District of Bangladesh, where the agro-ecological system is under the threat of intensity and frequency of storm and storm surges and salinity intrusion (Alamand Islam, 2018). But there are no studies that have explored the changes in agro-ecosystem of Paikgacha Upazila due to the impact of salinity intrusion in the area. So, it is vital to explore the changes in agro-ecosystems in the area for future planning and policy making in order to manage the natural resources of the area. This is why, the present research aims to investigate the variations in agro-ecosystem due to the impact of salinity.

2.     Objectives with specific Aim

The main aim of the research is to investigate the changes in agro-ecosystem of Paikgacha Upazila due to the impact of salinity. The specific objectives are as follows:

(i)  To identify zoning of the agro-ecosystem of Paikgacha Upazila.

ii) To assess the physic-chemical conditions of water and soil of the study area.

iii) To determine the floral and fauna composition.

iv) To assess the variations in agro-ecosystem in the study area.

 v) To find out the impact of salinity on agro-ecosystem in the study area. 

• Supervision