Towards Inclusive Canal Water Management for Resilience Agri-food Systems in Coastal Bangladesh

Loading...
Thumbnail Image

Date Issued

Date Online

Language

en
Type

Review Status

Internal Review

Access Rights

Open Access Open Access

Usage Rights

CC-BY-4.0

Share

Citation

Sarker, M. R., Rahman, M. M. & Mannan, F. 2024. Towards Inclusive Canal Water Management for Resilience Agri-food Systems in Coastal Bangladesh. Dialogue brief. CGIAR Initiative on Asian Mega-Deltas. International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), Bangladesh office. 7p.

Permanent link to cite or share this item

External link to download this item

DOI

Abstract/Description

Freshwater canals, traditionally open for communal use, play a vital role in food production and domestic needs. However, governing these canals as common-pool resources presents significant challenges. Conflicts over freshwater access often arise from resource appropriation and control by local elites, compounded by ambiguous policy interpretations. This unequal distribution of resources disproportionately impacts marginalized tenant farmers and women, whose livelihoods depend heavily on agri-food systems. Addressing these issues needs recognizing community diversity and the entrenched sociopolitical dynamics that shape resource governance. Although elite domination persists, encouraging efforts are emerging. Communities are increasingly mobilizing to resist illegal water capture, elevate marginalized voices, and enhance collective water management. These initiatives foster more sustainable and equitable development, with potential benefits extending both nationally and globally.

Author ORCID identifiers

Contributes to SDGs

SDG 1 - No poverty
SDG 5 - Gender equality
SDG 6 - Clean water and sanitation
SDG 12 - Responsible consumption and production
SDG 13 - Climate action
AGROVOC Keywords
Countries
Investors/sponsors
CGIAR Action Areas
CGIAR Initiatives