Assessing the Impact of Waterlogging on Health and Education of Orphans in the Southwest Region of Bangladesh

Abstract

The southwest coastal region of Bangladesh particularly the Khulna, Satkhira and Jessore districts have been experiencing prolonged waterlogging in recent years because of both geogenic processes and human interference to the tidal floodplain. This research explores the impact of waterlogging on health and education of students residing in orphanages of the area. We have collected primary data from orphans of 10 orphanages (both public and non-governmental) those are below 18 years old along with focus group discussion (FGD) and key informant interviews (KIIs). The study reveals that students at primary and hafez standard are more vulnerable than secondary and higher secondary students by impact of waterlogging conditions. More than 35% students coming from waterlogged areas at the orphanages are under weight compared to that not experiencing waterlogged conditions. The disease frequency is also higher with orphans coming from waterlogged areas. Waterlogging also affected access to education of secondary students residing at government orphanage. The access is also limited to primary and hafez levels students residing at of nongovernment orphanages due to waterlogged conditions.