CGIAR Initiative on Asian Mega-Deltas

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10568/117906

Part of the CGIAR Action Area on Resilient Agrifood Systems

Primary CGIAR impact area: Climate adaptation and mitigation

https://www.cgiar.org/initiative/18-securing-the-asian-mega-deltas-from-sea-level-rise-flooding-salinization-and-water-insecurity/

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Water Management Challenges in Coastal Polders of Bangladesh: Rethinking Institutional and Policy Issues
(Report, 2024-12) Begum, Salma; Huq, Hamidul; Salahuddin, Ahmad; Nelson, Katherine; Amin, Md. Ruhul
This report documents the results of the study on “Water Management Challenges in Coastal Polders of Bangladesh: Rethinking Institutional and Policy Issues”. The study was carried out to deeper comprehend the role of Water Management Groups (WMGs) and Water Management Associations (WMAs) in the polders in order to plan for a participatory bottom-up approach and propose policy adjustment for comprehensive water management to increase resilience. For effective water management in coastal polders of Bangladesh, the study recommends that the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) have the overseeing role of managing Water Management Organizations (WMOs), as it has a strong local presence and a mandate for agricultural development. WMOs members also recommended the same. The focus should be on empowering WMOs by outlining their rights, mandates, and responsibilities, ensuring that they remain central in managing polder operations. Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) should continue providing essential engineering support and submitting rehabilitation requests based on local needs. By strengthening the coordination among stakeholders and placing WMOs at the centre of water management, these measures can ensure long-term sustainability and resilience for Bangladesh’s coastal communities. This study was conducted by the Institute of Development Studies and Sustainability, United International University and International Rice Research Institute, with the support from the CGIAR Initiative on Asian Mega-Deltas.
Modelling of Climate Risks in the Coastal Zone of Bangladesh
(Report, 2024-01) Ali, A M M Mostafa; Rahman, Md. Mostafizur; Hossain, Bhuiya Md. Tamim Al; Saha, Champa Rani; Nisha, Nusrath Jahan; Nelson, Katherine; Salahuddin, Ahmad
Climate change is an important issue for the coastal areas around the world. The coastal areas of Bangladesh are highly vulnerable to increasing sea level, cyclonic storms and salinity intrusion. The coastal region of the country falls major victim to adverse effects of climate change owing to its geographic location, flat topography, high population density, poverty, and reliance of livelihood upon climate sensitive sectors, particularly agriculture, fisheries and water resources. The impacts of climate change are already evident in recent times with devastating cyclones such as SIDR in 2007 and AILA in 2009, exerting huge economic and social losses to the coastal Bangladesh. With this backdrop, climate risk modelling for the coastal areas of Bangladesh is essential for the protecting and maintaining the productivity of the food systems of the country.
Cost Benefit Analysis of Agricultural Production in Khulna and Patuakhali Districts of Bangladesh
(Report, 2024-01) Ali, A M M Mostafa; Rahman, Md. Mostafizur; Rashid, Mohammad Abdur; Haque, Md. Zahidul; Sikder, Abdul Halim Farhad; Karim, A.T.M. Saidul; Saha, Champa Rani; Al Mamun, Abdullah; Mahmud, Mahdi; Azad, Mehedi; Nelson, Katherine; Vu, Trang; Vu, Quyet; Salahuddin, Ahmad
Bangladesh is one of the largest deltas in the world, which is highly vulnerable to Natural Disasters because of its Geographical location, Flat and low-lying landscape, Population density, Poverty Illiteracy, Lack of Institutional setup, etc. In other words, Bangladesh's Physical, Social, and Economic conditions are typical of any of the most vulnerable countries to Natural Disasters in the world (M. Biswas, 2013). As the world’s seventh most climate risk-affected country, with 185 extreme events recorded and 0.38 fatalities per 100,000 inhabitants over the past two decades, Bangladesh must adapt rapidly to climate change while simultaneously accessing cleaner, more efficient technologies that support development, leverage co-benefits (such as in health, air and water quality) and limit emissions. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) predicts that climate change-induced impacts could result in a 10% decline in rice production and a substantial 30% reduction in wheat production in Bangladesh by 2050 (IPCC, 2007).
Participatory Evaluation of Climate-Smart Risk Maps and Adaptation Plans (CS-MAP) at Community Level for the Coastal Agriculture of Bangladesh
(Report, 2024-11) Ali, A M M Mostafa; Rahman, Md. Mostafizur; Saha, Champa Rani; Rahman, Syed Arman Akib; Haque, Md. Ehsanul; Ryhan, Md Abu; Yen, Bui Tan; Nelson, Katherine; Vu, Trang; Vu, Quyet; Tran, Nguyen Bao; Salahuddin, Ahmad
Bangladesh, an agricultural country, is highly vulnerable to climate change and is ranked seventh among the most extreme disaster-prone countries in the world (UNDP, 2023). The country faces exceptional challenges due to their low-lying and flat topography, subjected to riverine flooding (due to sea level rise), frequent cyclones, storm surges, heavy rainfall, tornados, river bank erosion, salinity, high population density, high level of poverty, and solely reliance of livelihoods on climate-sensitive sectors and extreme weather events resulting from climate change (Islam et al., 2024). The total area of the country is about 14.75 million hectares (Mha) of which 51.25% (7.56 million hectares) of the land is cultivated to feed a population of 169.8 million (BBS, 2022). Half of the total agricultural land is reserved for double cropping while 13% of land is usable for triple cropping. Though there is a possibility of sufficient production of food required to meet the domestic demand, natural calamities and climate vulnerabilities regularly stand before the country’s food self-sufficiency. Crop production in Bangladesh is facing more challenges due to the negative impacts of climate change, especially salinity intrusion, drought, and flooding that significantly damages the economy and lives of people Therefore, a root-level adaptation plan is a must for the country. To deal with the condition, the Asian Mega-Deltas for Climate and Livelihood Resilience (AMD) initiated by CGIAR aim to create resilient, inclusive, and productive deltas that maintain socio-ecological integrity, adapt to climatic and other stressors, and support human prosperity and well-being. Developing climate-risk maps and adaptation plans (CS-MAP) is one of the actions adopted under the AMD initiative. 08 (eight) CS-AMPs were prepared for 03 (three) districts (Khulna, Patuakhali and Barguna) from 02 (two) coastal divisions of Bangladesh. District-level CS-MAP considered two climatic risks for widely cultivated crops for extreme and normal scenarios and adaptation strategies identified by local stakeholders from different administrative levels. The approach is centred on developing a participatory, community-driven process that combines top-down scientific understanding with the personal experiences of individuals most impacted by climate change.
Climate-Smart Risk Maps and adaptation Plans for the Coastal Agriculture of Bangladesh
(Book, 2024) Ali, A M M Mostafa; Rahman, Md. Mostafizur; Saha, Champa Rani; Rahman, Syed Arman Akib; Haque, Md. Ehsanul; Ryhan, Md Abu; Yen, Bui Tan; Nelson, Katherine; Vu, Trang; Vu, Quyet; Tran, Nguyen Bao; Salahuddin, Ahmad
Bangladesh is a deltaic country where agriculture plays a significant role in the process of economic development and has a great contribution to the national GDP. The fact is that this sector is at risk due to the increasing effects of climate changes and consequently, having deviation in climate variables which ultimately cause the fall in agricultural productivity.However, under the challenging circumstances, climate-smart agricultural practices and technologies are essential to adopt in engagement of local communities and relevant stakeholders so that the predicaments can be ameliorated, and the overall agricultural production rises. Climate smart risk mapping and adaptation planning (CS-MAP) is a participatory mapping approach of which the key functions are mapping climate-related risks for agricultural products, developing location-specific adaptation plan and supporting climate-smart management of agricultural production. The mapping tool is introduced by IRRI Vietnam under Asian Mega Delta (AMD) program under one CGIAR initiative and considers both scientific knowledge and experiences of the local communities, and facilitates multiple stakeholders to match site-specific problems to practicable measures.
Literature review of climate resilient agri-food systems in the coastal zone of Bangladesh
(Report, 2024-01) Ali, A M M Mostafa; Rahman, Md. Mostafizur; Rashid, Mohammad Abdur; Hossain, Bhuiya Md. Tamim Al; Haque, Md. Zahidul; Sikder, Abdul Halim Farhad; Saha, Champa Rani; JulkerNaem, A. S. M.
Agriculture in Bangladesh is influenced by climate, its seasonal characteristics and different climatic variables such as temperature, rainfall, humidity, day length, etc. Consequently, climate change as indicated by a rising trend in average temperature and volatility of the precipitation regime will affect agriculture to an extent. On average, weather-related natural hazards such as flood and drought as well as salinity already affect respectively 34%, 15% and 4% of total households affected by all hazards and associated with 23%, 6% and 3% respectively of total damage and losses occurring in Bangladesh during 2009-14. Among the sectors, crop cultivation experienced the highest damage and loss (around 36%). The frequency and severity of all these hazards may increase over time as climate change unfolds and with it, the prospects for agriculture in general are also going to be uncertain possibly jeopardizing food security in the country. For future food security, it is absolutely necessary to understand how Bangladesh’s agriculture can advance in the future under climate change.
Report on National Workshop
(Report, 2024-11) Ali, A M M Mostafa; Rahman, Md. Mostafizur; Saha, Champa Rani; Rahman, Syed Arman Akib; Haque, Md. Ehsanul; Nisha, Nusrath Jahan; Chitra, Naima Noshin; Ahmad, Salahuddin
Due to low-lying and flat topography in the coastal region, Bangladesh is one of the top 10 nations that are mostly vulnerable to climate change and is subjected to riverine flooding (due to sea level rise), frequent cyclones, storm surge, heavy rainfall, tornados, river bank erosion, salinity, high population density, high level of poverty, and solely reliance of livelihoods on climate-sensitive sectors. Thus, climate change addresses a new depressing effect on coastal agriculture since agriculture in Bangladesh is highly sensitive to climate variability as crops require sustained ambient temperature for their growth, and abrupt heat or cold waves hamper productivity. However, to ameliorate such predicaments, the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices and technologies is needed to ensure participatory planning and development. Adaptation planning is crucial to ensure the overall productivity of agriculture against climate change events. This project is an initiative to collect data and generate information for adaptation planning in the coastal region of Bangladesh.
A baseline assessment of farm, household, gender and socioeconomic attributes in Bangladesh
(Report, 2024-12-01) Mishra, Ashok K.; Dela Rueda, Justin B.; Villanueva, Donald B.; Raviz, Jeny V.; Pede, Valerien O.
"Launched in June 2022, the CGIAR Initiative on Securing the Food Systems of the Asian Mega-Deltas for Climate and Livelihood Resilience or the AMD Initiative forged partnerships with various stakeholders in the most threatened delta regions – the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna (GBM) Delta, Irrawaddy Delta, and Mekong Delta. Several food systems innovations were co-developed and scaled with partners to enable resilient, inclusive, and productive deltas while maintaining socio-ecological integrity. To achieve these objectives using a holistic approach, the AMD operates within five work packages that tackle various food system components such as farming systems, nutrition and health, climate information, governance and development planning. The baseline assessment aims to provide an overview of the agriculture and socio-economic conditions of select districts in Bangladesh in relation to farm-level AMD indicators that can later inform impact measurement. Particularly, the study seeks to capture socio-economic attributes of farming households, farming system dynamics, climate risk exposure and adaptation strategies and gender dimensions in farming and marketing among others. It hopes to present information that can inform the design, targeting, and scaling of research and food system transformation initiatives. The study employed a multistage sampling approach, using administrative data and selecting participants at district levels, focusing on three districts— Barguna, Patuakhali, and Khulna— to gather baseline information from 1,440 households. Data collection involved semi-structured questionnaires and face-to-face interviews for primary and gender-focused surveys (targeting women) to obtain comprehensive insights on household socio-demographics, farm characteristics, agricultural practices, costs and production disposal, access to social networks and resources, climate change exposure, adaptation and perceptions, and gender-based differences in decision-making processes. The study highlights the agroecological and socioeconomic diversity within the AMD coverage areas. Key findings indicate that households rely heavily on farming for their income with rice and mung beans being the dominant crops while livestock and aquaculture raising are evident. Productivity trends indicate that small farms outperform larger ones, with Boro rice yielding higher returns than Aman rice and mung bean farmers generating decent returns. Mechanization levels are nearly universal for land preparation but remain minimal for other activities like crop establishment and pest, disease and weed management. Mechanization opportunities in mung bean production remain underutilized. Climate risk exposures significantly affect production leading to substantial losses partly explained by low to non-adoption of climate adaptation and mitigation practices. Household and women's participation in community organizations and activities is notably low and access to support services is limited, posing challenges to achieving development objectives. Gender dynamics reveal the shift towards joint household decision making but traditional gender roles remain prevalent. This baseline study reinstates the GBM delta's agricultural diversity, productivity, economy, and vulnerability to climate risks. Targeted interventions to enhance yield, diversify incomes, and build resilience among farming households are critical. The findings provide a valuable foundation for designing policies and initiatives to strengthen food security and livelihoods in the region."
Spatial mapping for climate resilient agri-food systems in the coastal zone of Bangladesh
(Report, 2024-01-01) Ali, A M M Mostafa; Rahman, Md. Mostafizur; Saha, Champa Rani; Nisha, Nusrath Jahan; Laborte, Alice G.; Salahuddin, Ahmad
Spatial data, also known as geospatial data, refers to any data that is directly or indirectly related to or contain information about a specific location on the Earth’s surface. The data represents earth features in its geographic position which plays important role in different sectors providing information of that specific location. The location specific data is crucial in decision making process since the information derived from the data provides essential context and insights of the real world. Spatial data, prepared in a standard process and organizedhelps decision-makers, scientists and other stakeholders understand patterns, trends, and relationships in geographical information, leading to more informative and effective decisions. Spatial data is visualized in maps to make it acceptable and readable to the stakeholders.
Development of climate-smart maps and adaptation plans for the coastal agriculture in Bangladesh
(Report, 2024-03) Ali, A M M Mostafa; Rahman, Md. Mostafizur; Saha, Champa Rani; Rahman, Syed Arman Akib; Haque, Md. Ehsanul; Nisha, Nusrath Jahan; Hosen, Md. Motaleb; Yen, Bui Tan; Nelson, Katherine; Vu, Trang; Vu, Quiet; Tran, Nguyen Bao; Salahuddin, Ahmad
As Bangladesh is predominantly an agricultural country, importance of land and water resources is immense. Land is the basic natural resource from which we derive all ingredients to satisfy our basic needs such as food, raw materials for industrial goods, articles of general use, medicine etc. The gross total area of the country is about 14.8 million hectares (Mha) of which 8.4 million is the net cultivablearea (NCA). Half of the total agricultural land is utilized for double cropping while 13% land is utilized for triple cropping. Bangladesh is one of the top 10 nations that are mostly vulnerable to climate change due to its low-lying and flat topography in coastal region, subjected to riverine flooding (due to sea level rise), frequent cyclones, storm surge, heavy rainfall, tornados, river bank erosion, salinity, high population density, high level of poverty, and solely reliance of livelihoods on climate-sensitive sectors. Thus, climate change addresses a new depressing effect to coastal agriculture since agriculture in Bangladesh is highly sensitive to climate variability as crop require sustained ambient temperature for their growth, and abrupt heat or cold waves hamper productivity. Disease outbreak are also highly sensitive to temperature and moisture content and severity varies across regions. Climate change reduces crop production and might increase food insecurity in Bangladesh. Considering the adverse effects of climate change on agriculture, it can be said that production of crop is a substantial challenge in producing enough food in Bangladesh. However, to ameliorate such predicaments, adoption of climate smart agricultural practices and technologies are needed to ensure participatory planning and development. Adaptation planning is crucial to ensure overall productivity of agriculture against climate change events. This requires enough data on base condition such as agricultural land, cropping system, major crops, disasters, topography; climate risk maps, cost benefit study for adaptive alternative, climatic future trends etc which should be accompanied by successful participatory approach. This project is such an initiative to collect data and generate information for adaptation planning in coastal region of Bangladesh
Shrimp farming and the struggles of landless women in Paikgacha, southern coastal Bangladesh: implications for nutrition-sensitive agri-food system
(Brief, 2024-12-30) Begum, Salma; Sharma, Indu K.; Joshi, Deepa; Garrett, J.
A baseline assessment of farm, household, gender and socioeconomic attributes in Bangladesh
(Report, 2024-12) Mishra, Ashok K.; Dela Rueda, Justin B.; Villanueva, Donald B.; Raviz, Jeny V.; Pede, Valerien O.
The study highlights the agroecological and socioeconomic diversity within the AMD coverage areas. Key findings indicate that households rely heavily on farming for their income with rice and mung beans being the dominant crops while livestock and aquaculture raising are evident. Productivity trends indicate that small farms outperform larger ones, with Boro rice yielding higher returns than Aman rice and mung bean farmers generating decent returns. Mechanization levels are nearly universal for land preparation but remain minimal for other activities like crop establishment and pest, disease and weed management. Mechanization opportunities in mung bean production remain underutilized. Climate risk exposures significantly affect production leading to substantial losses partly explained by low to non-adoption of climate adaptation and mitigation practices. Household and women's participation in community organizations and activities is notably low and access to support services is limited, posing challenges to achieving development objectives. Gender dynamics reveal the shift towards joint household decision making but traditional gender roles remain prevalent.
Advancing equitable access to common pool water resources for fishers in coastal Bangladesh
(Brief, 2024-12-30) Sharma, Indu K.; Joshi, Deepa; Rahman, M.; Moyna, S. S.; Mukit, T.; Mou, M.; Haque, N.; Ghosh, J.; Basnet, Sahara
Rapid Assessment Report: Promoting Resilient Nutrition-sensitive Deltaic Agri-Food Systems
(Report) Sokchea, Moeun; Thy, Or
IRR-Cambodia has studied on nutrition-sensitive agri-food systems policies, literatures review, and consultation workshop with stakeholders since 2022. It also conducted a study on scoping of nutrition sensitive agri-food system interventions in Mekong Delta, 3 case studies on nutrition and gender sensitive agri-food system interventions, and organized synthesis workshop to derive lessons, good practices and policy implications on designing and implementing nutrition sensitive agri-food systems. The findings will be used for replicating at community level in Ba Phnom district of Prey Veng province, and then disseminate to other target area, especially in the Mekong Deltas.
Report on Nutrition-Sensitive Deltaic Agri-food Projects/Systems on Nutrition and Health
(Report, 2024-12-31) HQ, WorldFish
This report examines nutrition-sensitive interventions (NSIs), and agri-food systems positioned in the CGIAR Initiative on Asian Mega-Deltas (AMD), specifically focusing on Bangladesh, Cambodia, and Vietnam. These countries face distinct socio-economic and environmental challenges, making them pivotal in addressing food and nutrition security (FNS). Despite progress in agricultural productivity, economic growth, and nutrition and health, these countries are also faced with the triple burden of malnutrition, encompassing undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, and rising obesity rates. Limited access to diverse and nutrient-rich foods, compounded by climate variability and environmental degradation, exacerbates these nutritional issues. The report utilized a scoping desk review as its primary methodology. This involved qualitative data collection through an extensive review of documents related to NSIs and agri-food systems in the deltaic regions of Bangladesh, Cambodia, and Vietnam. The study analyzed reports, policy documents, and literature provided by AMD and WorldFish, covering implemented projects and national strategies. Key findings highlight persistent nutritional issues like stunting, anemia, and micronutrient deficiencies, with all three countries falling short of global nutrition targets. Despite increases in food production, access to diverse, nutritious diets remains limited, particularly among vulnerable groups.
Digital salinity maps for crop and forecasted vulnerable areas in the Mekong River Delta
(Report, 2024-12) Bui Van Cuong; Tran Minh Tuan; Le Thanh Tung; Nguyen Van Tuan; Nguyen Huu Diem Ha; Nguyen Van Hung
The digital maps show crop and forecasted vulnerable areas (at district levels) affected by salinity risks of the whole Mekong River Delta, also available in an interactive ArcGIS website. The maps can be used to develop a saline intrusion map for crop production and a handbook on adaptation solutions for salinity risk areas.
Effective and Inclusive Agricultural Extension Services in Coastal Bangladesh: Possible pathways
(Report, 2024-12) The Cynefin Company
This study was carried out by the IWMI with funding by CGIAR as part of the Asian Mega-Deltas initiative and in collaboration with researchers from the Bangladesh Agricultural University. Bangladesh, a densely populated country with limited arable land, faces significant challenges in ensuring food and nutritional security. The agriculture sector is crucial, employing 40.6% of the workforce and contributing substantially to the national economy, as well as to the food security and self-sufficiency of millions of smallholder farmers. Smallholders make up approximately 92% of the farming community. Extension services – enabling farmers' access to information and technology are a key part of this landscape. While public extension agents are still primary sources for inputs like seeds, fertilizers, irrigation pumps, and machinery to farming communities at free or subsidized rates (BARC 2023), public and private sectors, including input traders and marketing agents, increasingly serve as crucial intermediaries. New developments in extension services are, however, not equally accessible to all. The adoption of new technology and new agricultural practices is said to be lower among smallholders. Moreover, women, who play a key role in agriculture, tend to be further excluded from access to and availability of new technological innovations and extension services. Our focus in this study was to further understand the agriculture extension gaps, particularly for resource-poor smallholders (least control over land and natural resources) and women.
Stories from the Indian Sundarbans about loss and damage
(Blog Post, 2024-11-22) Talukdar, Madhubanti; Bose, Shibaji; Joshi, Deepa
This photo essay documents the lived experiences of local communities in the Indian Sundarbans, the magnitude of loss and damage, outcomes for lives and livelihoods, and the meanings and value attached especially to hard-to-quantify non-economic loss and damage.
Realizing collective action in agency-constrained contexts: the case of the Community Fish Refuges in Cambodia
(Journal Article, 2025-01) Baldivieso Soruco, C. R.; De Silva, Sanjiv; Gleich, P.; Yan, Y.; Dubois, Mark; Sieber, S.; Bonatti, M.
In rural Cambodia, inland freshwater and rice field fisheries are key sources of income, animal protein, and important ecosystem services. As the flood pulse in the Tonlé Sap floodplain recedes post-monsoon, leaving rice fields and local water bodies dry, Community Fish Refuges (CFRs) offer a promising path to sustain dry season fish stocks, aquatic biodiversity, and secure water for agriculture and husbandry. Their sustained physical integrity and productivity as multiple-use systems hinge on communities’ ability to manage these systems collectively. To explore whether the studied communities have been able to respond to the challenge of collectively governing CFR, we investigate two CFR sites that were established in 2016 by local and international organizations alongside State authorities. Our aim is to investigate two key aspects: 1) the presence, extent, and efficacy of community-level collective action (CA) for managing CFRs; and 2) the factors that either facilitate or inhibit CA regarding CFRs. We conducted a qualitative case study between March and May 2023 at two sites in Kampong Thom Province. These were selected because while they have similar ecological features, they show different management results according to the implementing international organization WorldFish. This paper delves into a process guided by external agents seeking to reshape local behavior and existing institutional frameworks. Results show how centralized power structures and entrenched rural patronage politics in villages limit villagers’ participation and agency in CFRs management. Villagers encounter constraints hindering their capacity to instigate change, prompting a re-evaluation of the CFR Committee’s composition and operation to ensure broader legitimacy among actors. While emphasizing extended project funding and informed external intervention strategies, the study underscores doubts about short-term CA feasibility. It highlights the critical influence of contextual factors and policymakers’ assumptions in achieving effective collective governance. Structural factors and the deeply human process of pulling together a plurality of stakeholders pose challenges to establishing community-based projects prioritizing diverse voices.
Usability testing and assessment of the Agro-Climatic Bulletin in Vietnam
(Working Paper, 2024-12-04) Van, Lam Luong; Giraldo Mendez, Diana; Giles, James; Nguyen, Huong Mai; Le, Tam Thi; Swaans, Kees
This info note provides insights into the application of Human-Centred Design (HCD) in enhancing Agro-climatic Bulletin within the CGIAR Asian Mega-Deltas initiative. Since 2023, the HCD approach has been implemented in the Mekong River Delta, Vietnam, through direct engagement with farmers as end users. Key tools such as user personas, journey mapping, and usability testing have been employed to refine and improve the ACB. As part of a series, this info note highlights key results and lessons learned from applying HCD. Each note focuses on a specific tool within the process, providing practical insights for future applications.

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