Addressing Climate Change in the Barind Region
Climate change is affecting lives in the Barind area of Bangladesh. The people here, especially those in marginalized communities, face serious challenges. Recurrent droughts and water shortages have made life difficult, especially for families who rely on farming.
This concern was the focus of a recent meeting organized by the Association for Community Development (ACD). Held at Hotel Warisan and supported by Oxfam in Bangladesh, the event brought together experts, local farmers, and government representatives to discuss ways to adapt to these climate challenges.
One key area of focus was the role of indigenous women in agriculture. There are approximately 12,000 indigenous women farmers working in the Tanore and Godagari upazilas. Despite their hard work in paddy and vegetable farming, they often face wage discrimination and are not recognized enough for their contributions. Many sessions during the meeting voiced the need for fair pay and greater support for these women.
Professor Jalal Uddin Sardar, an expert in veterinary and animal sciences, spoke about the importance of empowering these women through training and support. He noted that while expanding drought-tolerant crops is vital, indigenous farmers need better access to modern tools and techniques.
Participants shared firsthand experiences. Olivia Biswas, a local farmer, said, “Earlier, we cultivated only one type of crop. Now we have diversified. Even during droughts, some crops survive, and our livelihoods continue.” Such insights highlight the resilience and adaptability of these farmers.
Experts recommend sustainable agricultural practices and water conservation techniques as effective strategies against climate change. By utilizing local knowledge and providing dedicated training programs, the community can strengthen its resilience.
A recent survey shows that over 70% of farmers in the Barind region are interested in learning about drought-resistant crops, emphasizing an eagerness for change.
In conclusion, addressing climate change in the Barind region requires a collaborative effort. By supporting indigenous women and promoting sustainable practices, we can help improve lives and livelihoods in this vulnerable area. For more on climate change and its impacts on agriculture, you can visit Oxfam’s official site.
