Impact of Climate Change on Agronomic Productivity and Socioeconomic Conditions of a Vulnerable Coastal Community: A Case Study of Batiaghata Upazila, Khulna, Bangladesh

This study examines how climate change is affecting agricultural livelihoods and food resources in Batiaghata Upazila, Khulna District—an area with low-lying delta land that is highly exposed to sea-level rise, salinity intrusion, and waterlogging. Using a mixed-methods design, the study combines a demographic survey of 84 households from diverse occupational groups (e.g., farmers, shopkeepers, business owners, government employees) across seven unions with 14 key informant interviews (KIIs) and secondary meteorological records (2009-2024). The secondary data show a clear warming trend and highly variable rainfall, while soil salinity rises sharply in the dry season (December–March) and often reaches levels unsuitable for most common crops. Most respondents (over 95%) reported noticing hotter conditions, irregular rainfall, and shifting seasons, which disrupt planting and harvesting schedules. Farmers are trying to cope by using salt-tolerant rice varieties (e.g., BR47), switching crops (like watermelon, sunflower, etc.), improving irrigation, and applying soil amendments; these steps help maintain yields for many households but increase costs for seed, fertilizer, and labor. Although income and food access may look stable at first glance, many households are maintaining this stability by borrowing money, selling assets, and cutting essential spending—especially on health and education—which weakens long-term resilience. The study also identifies limited technical knowledge and weak institutional/extension support as the primary obstacles to effective adaptation, outweighing even direct financial constraints, emphasizing the necessity for enhanced extension services and cost-effective, climate-resilient water management solutions to safeguard livelihoods. 

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