In: International journal of social ecology and sustainable development: IJSESD ; an official publication of the Information Resources Management Association, Band 13, Heft 1, S. 1-12
It is urgent to invest heavily on them for their quality education and effective leadership for economic, environmental and social gains. Based on understanding the importance of the youth, this study explores the perception of youth in Dhaka city about leadership, their needs for developing their leadership capacity and focus on their key priorities that they want to work on. Researcher hopes that the findings of this study would have important implications for youth related policies and programmes. It would also assist the planner, policy makers, implementer and stakeholders towards adopting more effective strategy for the leadership development of youths in Bangladesh.
Abstract The agricultural system of coastal regions of Bangladesh is heavily dependent on environmental factors such as the timing, intensity and distribution of the monsoon, soil salinity and the availability of freshwater for irrigation. This study explores and documents the farmers' practices of innovative approaches to fresh water storage and uses in the agriculture and irrigation in the coastal regions of Bangladesh. The study was mostly qualitative in nature but some quantitative primary data were collected based on the study objectives. Primary data were collected through in-depth individual interviews, group discussions, focused group discussions and key informant interviews. The data collection for this study was carried out in the Bajua and Laodob union of Dacope upazilla of Khulna district. This study found that the mainstay of the economy of the study areas is agriculture (51.67% for the Bajua and 50.43% for the Laodob union) and bulk of the local population is dependent on farming. The study found that in 2009 the shrimp farming is being stopped in the study areas by collective efforts of villagers, local political leaders and different NGOs. These areas are now affected by severe water scarcity problems and due to lack of water sources and the increasing salinity, the people in the study areas cultivate rice (Aman) once a year, but now produce robi crops in the summer season. Farmers depend mainly on rainwater, canals, ponds and rivers. It noted that groundwater for irrigation using deep tube wall is failed in the study areas because groundwater lever has already gone very down. This study explored that the increasing salinity, lack of water sources, with temperatures rising, the recurrent natural extremes are impacting on agriculture intensifying the vicious cycle of hunger and poverty are becoming more frequent especially in the summer season. It is interestingly noted that the farmers in the study areas dig small/ mini ponds beside agriculture land during rainy season for storing freshwater which are used in summer season for irrigating robi crops because in summer season, the salinity increases in soil and water and, canal and river become silted. This study revealed that because of high salinity in groundwater and surface water, the people of the study areas use rainwater collecting it in the rainy season and storing it for use during the dry season. However, within a short period, insects begin to breed and nuisances created in the water which affects the quality of water using for irrigation and drinking. To prevent this from happening, some people keep two or three Kai fish (Climbing Perch) in the container to eat insects and keep the water clean and, free of nuisances. This study also importantly noted that to keep the stored rainwater free from any nuisances, some people of the study areas place a paste made from two or three pieces of raw turmeric wrapped in a clean cloth into the water container. They use this as herbal repellant in the form of turmeric in order to keep stored rainwater free of pollution. Communities developed these practices out of necessity and these practices are not tested scientifically, but people believe in their efficacy.
Abstract Bangladesh is widely known as a land of natural disasters and remains classified as one the most vulnerable countries in the world. Over the last thirty years, Bangladesh has experienced nearly 200 natural disasters accounted for damage of asset, property and, livelihoods and over thousands of death toll. In this connection, effective leadership is critical in order to make disaster response system operative in an effective and efficient manner. This study explores the disaster leadership with a view of identifying the essential leadership skills that are needed by leaders to effectively respond in the aftermath of disaster. It also intends to explore challenges that these leaders face, with a view of improving disaster response leadership. This study revealed that some key essential leadership skills such as intuitiveness, decisiveness, communication, networking, accountability, and learning are required to respond disasters effectively. Findings from this study provided not only an overview of leadership skills needed to face challenges, but also the challenges that these leaders face, with a view of equating the challenges with appropriate skill needed to respond in the context of Bangladesh.
Abstract The purpose of the study is to assess the search for mainstreaming climate change adaptation into regional planning of least developed countries (LDCs) and draw strategy implications for regions in Bangladesh. The findings of the study revealed that national adaptation programme of action (NAPAs) in least developed countries were being gender-blind and failed to be properly implemented. Least developed countries should therefore do more to prepare for ongoing and future climate changes focusing on actions that are no-regrets, multi-sectoral and multi-level, and that improve the management of current climate variability. Strengthening capacities to use climate information, enabling locally appropriate responses, screening climate risks, assessing risks and adaptation options, starting with existing policies and plans, broadening constituencies beyond environment agencies, managing strategy conflicts, learning from projects and recognizing their limitations, monitoring and learning are the foreseen strategic actions by regions in Bangladesh for effective mainstreaming of climate change adaptation into regional development planning in the years to come.
In: International journal of social ecology and sustainable development: IJSESD ; an official publication of the Information Resources Management Association, Band 5, Heft 3, S. 25-38
The prospects and potential of green jobs in Bangladesh are huge. There are many potential sectors such as renewable energy, buildings and construction, transportation, basic industries, agriculture, and forestry, etc., are the priority areas for the future green job market. In 2009, numbers of approximate green jobs were 748,701 while it increased in 2010 which was about 811,268. It is true the green jobs sector is growing in Bangladesh, but there are also challenges that need to be overcome to accelerate growth. This paper tried to investigate the outlook and potential of green jobs in Bangladesh as well as also make recommendation some ideologies, basic principles as well as reform of policy mechanism to promote and develop of green jobs in Bangladesh.
AbstractAs the most vulnerable climatic region in the country, Khulna City is increasingly experiencing climate‐change‐induced urban problems. For instance, occupancy by climate migrants (delete the term "illegal migrant"), drainage congestion, water logging and reduced fresh water availability are all increasing problems. In the last decade, the population in the city increased by more than 20 per cent due to migration from nearby climate vulnerable districts. This study explores the health disorders of climate migrants occupying the urban slums and squats of the Khulna City area. This study found that these climate migrants settled in the urban slums and squats and, as such, they do not have access to urban amenities such as clean drinking water, hygiene services, and health facilities. This study noted that these displaced people are at increased risk of health issues from unhygienic and overcrowded living conditions and from water and sanitation problems. They often suffer from different waterborne diseases, under‐nutrition and micronutrient deficiencies. This study suggests that there is a need for better planning, preparation and training in Bangladesh to which migrants move, including better training in health and related services on how to recognize and respond to health problems that may be slow to manifest. Education and training also need to be provided for the migrants themselves, to help them adapt culturally and to enhance their skills and potential for employment.