Living on the Edge: Char Dwellers in Bangladesh (Springer Geography)

Preface
About This Book
Contents
Editors and Contributors
Abbreviations
List of Figures
List of Tables
Part I Introduction
1 Background, Approach, and Issues
	Introduction
	The River Systems, Floods, and Erosion in Bangladesh
	Chars and Char Regions
	About the Book
	Contributions of the Book
	References
Part II The Delta and Charlands
2 The Delta Frontiers: History and Dynamics
	Introduction and Objectives
	Background and Approach
	Discourses on Delta and Alluvial Lands: Ecological Changes and Struggles
	The Moving Lands of the Bengal Delta
	Land Reclamation and Settlement in the Delta Frontier
	Processes of Settlement
	Contemporary Settlements in the Floodplain and Meghna Estuary
	Concluding Remarks
	References
3 South Asian Chars as Destabilizers
	Introduction
	Beyond Hard Lines: Wet, Damp and Fluid Ecologies
	Fluid Tales of South Asia: Rethinking the Stable–Unstable Nexus
	Conclusion
	References
4 Dynamic Land and Adaptive People of Bengal Basin and Its Charland
	Introduction and Objectives
	Bengal Delta, Char Formation, and Human Occupancy
		Bengal Delta Formation
		Dynamic Riverine Systems
		River Channel Patterns and Charland Formation
		Charland Temporal Cycles
		Evolution of Alluvion and Diluvion Land Regulations
		Post-independence (1971) Land Reforms
	Coping with and Adaptation to Charlands
		Kazipur in the Jamuna–Brahmaputra Floodplain
		Shibchar in the Ganges–Padma Floodplain
	Conclusion
	References
5 Char Dwellers’ Right to Development in Bangladesh
	Introduction
	The Right to Development
	Poverty in the Chars
	Fundamental Freedoms to the Right to Development
	Governance (or Lack Thereof) in the Char Communities of Bangladesh
	Char Dwellers as an Internally Displaced Population
	Conclusions
	References
Part III Chars in Bangladesh: The Geo-Physical Context
6 Geographical Perspectives on Riverbank Erosion, Charlands, and Floodplains
	Objectives of This Study
	Unstable Rivers of Bangladesh
		Environmental Settings
		Method of Assessing Instabilities in Rivers of Bangladesh
	Channel Patterns
		The Jamuna
		The Padma
		The Meghna
	The Meghna Estuary: A Transitional Environment of Unstable Chars
		Morphological Characteristics of the Estuary
		Hydrodynamic Environment of the Estuary
		Erosion of Bhola Island: A Geospatial Analysis
	Islands and Chars of Other Estuaries: A Case Study of Kutubdia Island
	From Charlands to Floodplains
	Conclusion
	References
7 Application of Remote Sensing to Study the Behavior and Dynamics of Riverine and Coastal Chars
	Background and Objectives
	Overview of Remote Sensing Applications in the Study of River and Char Behavior
	Remote Sensing and Its Utility in Understanding Char Dynamics
	Methodology
	Processing and Analyzing Satellite Images
		Selection of Images
		Georeferencing and Co-registration
		Image Classification
	Defining Morphological Parameters and Extracting Data from Images
		Delineating River Banklines
		Delineating the Shoreline
		Estimating River Width
		Radius of Curvature of Bends
		Braiding Intensity
	Analysis of Time-Series Images to Study the Dynamic Systems
		River Erosion and Accretion
		Erosion and Accretion in the Meghna Estuary
		Narrowing and Widening of Rivers
		Changes in Braiding Intensity
		Char Age
		River Planform Dynamics
		Dynamics of Coastal Islands
	Milestones in Research on River and Char Dynamics
		Erosion Prediction
		Sediment Slug
	Conclusions
	Recommendations
	References
8 The Morphology of Riverine Chars
	Introduction
		Morphological Background
		Changes in River Courses and Impacts
	The Jamuna Chars
	The Padma Chars
	Other Main Rivers
	Char Stability in Future
	References
9 Formation and Dynamics of Coastal Chars in Bangladesh
	Introduction
	Objectives
	Recent Studies
	Approach and Methodology of the Study
	Setting the Scene
		Millennial Time-Scale
		Centennial Time-Scale
		Decadal Scale
	Prevailing Morphological Process of the Estuary
		Process of Sediment Dispersion
		Processes of Land Formation
		Processes of Erosion/Accretion in the Estuary
	Erosion/Accretion Processes of the Islands/Coastal Chars
	Migration and Elongation of Islands
	Stability of the Islands
	Identifying the Drivers
	Impacts of Sea Level Rise and Anthropogenic Interventions
	Conclusion
	References
10 The Soils of Charlands in Bangladesh
	Introduction
	Sediments and Soils
	Soil Fertility
	Crop Suitability
	Future Land Use
	Annexe 10.1 Simplified Soil Descriptions
	References
11 Evaluating Future Threats of Climate Change on Riverine and Coastal Chars
	Introduction
	Study Chars
	Methodology
		Schematization of the Numerical Model
		Assessment of Flood Hazard
	Flooding Characteristics of Chars in a Changing Climate
		Riverine Chars
	Coastal Chars
		Storm Surge Flooding
	Concluding Remarks
	References
Part IV Flood and Erosion Disasters: Coping Strategies and Survival
12 Floods, Charland Erosions and Settlement Displacement in the Ganges-Padma River Basin
	Introduction
	Objectives and Methodology
	The Study Area
	Floods and Its Impacts on Char Erosion and Livelihoods
	Settlement and Relocation Patterns
	Cyclic Displacement of Omar Ali: Case Analysis (1945–2020)
	A Conceptual Model for Charlands Settlement and Livelihoods Sustainability
	References
13 Coping Strategies of People Displaced by Riverbank Erosion in the Lower Meghna Estuary
	Introduction
	Research Methods
		The Study Area
		Sources of Data
	Survey Results and Analysis
		Profiles of the Respondents
		Perception on Riverbank Erosion
		Coping Strategies for Riverbank Erosion
	Summary and Conclusions
	References
14 Role of NGOs in Post-Flood Rehabilitation in Chars
	The Context and Objectives
	Study Area and Methodology
	Disaster Management in Bangladesh: NGO Setting and Perspectives
	The Char Villages: Socioeconomic Profiles of the Households
		Demographic Characteristics
		Education
		Land Ownership, Occupation and Income
		Quality of Housing and Availability of Other Amenities
	Post-Flood Rehabilitation: Measures Taken by NGOs
		Financial Help and Assistance
		Relief and Infrastructure Rehabilitation
		Housing Reconstruction
		Assistance for Crop Production and Agricultural Development
	Concluding Observations
	References
15 Flood Proofing to Reduce the Vulnerability of Char Communities: Experiences and Future Directions
	Introduction
	Impact of Floods on Char Communities
	Flood Proofing and Flood Protection
	Flood Proofing Measures in Riverine Chars
		Homestead Raising
		Riverine Multipurpose Flood Shelters
		Riverine Flood Warning Systems
		Hand Tubewells
		Latrines
		Adjustment to Crop Patterns and Calendars
	Flood Proofing Activities in Coastal Chars
		Multipurpose Cyclone Shelters
		Cyclone Warning System
	Future Directions for Flood Proofing
		Housing and Shelter
		Transport
		Land Tenure
		Post-Disaster Relief and Insurance
	Conclusions
	References
Part V Livelihood Vulnerability, Adaptation and Gender Dimension
16 Agriculture in Riverine Chars: Vulnerabilities to Climate Change and Community-Based Adaptation
	Introduction
	Objectives
	Methodology
		Selection of the Study Area
		Sampling and Data Collection
		Data Analysis
	Results and Discussion
		Socio-Demographic and Economic Profile of Char Dwellers
		Geography and Climate of the Study Area
		Natural Hazards and Vulnerabilities in Char Areas
		Community-Based Agricultural Adaptation Strategies
	Summary and Conclusion
	References
17 Crop Production Patterns and Marketing in Char Areas: Adapting to Hazards and Vulnerability
	Introduction
	Objective and Methodology
	Markets and Marketing Systems
	Impacts of Natural Hazards on Production and Market Systems
		Chilli Production and Marketing
		Jute Cultivation and Marketing
		Coping Practices and Adaptation to Hazards
		Challenges for Crop Producers and Recommended Measures
		Provisions for More Storage Facilities
		Access to Credit Facilities
		Alternative Crops and Crop Diversification
		Drying Facilities (for Chilli and Maize)
		Weather Forecast for Crop Production in Chars
	Summary and Conclusions
	Reference
18 Out Migration as a Survival Strategy for Char Dwellers
	Introduction
	Objectives and Methodology
	Profiles of the Study Chars
	Mobility of Char Dwellers in Bangladesh
	Factors Influencing Out Migration from Charlands
	Migrants’ Employments at Destination
	Remittance Induced Development
	Summary and Conclusions
	References
19 Women in Chars: Challenges and Social Development Opportunities
	Introduction
	Women’s Vulnerabilities at Times of Deep Flooding
	Promoting Char Women’s Rights and Improving Livelihoods
		Improving Economic Security
		Educational Deficits and Schooling for Girls
		Domestic Life
		Char Women’s Health Risks and Service Needs
		Participation in Public Life
	Female Household Heads
	Women’s Own Comments About Their Development Needs
	Concluding Remarks
	References
Part VI Case Studies on Major Experiments in Char Development
20 The Chars Livelihoods Programme: Experiences and Learnings
	The Context and Background
		Chars Livelihoods Programme: The Journey
		Background and Profiles of the Participants
	CLP Approach
	Major Interventions Under CLP
		Asset Transfer and Stipend
		Social Awareness Raising and Development
		Livelihoods Training and Support
		Flood Protection and Employment Generation
	Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH)
		Health and Nutrition Services
		Formation of Community-Based Organizations
		Market/private Sector Development
	Outcomes and Impacts of CLP
		Primary Outcomes for Core Participant HHs
		Impacts of CLP (Graduation Out of Extreme Poverty)
	Learnings from CLP
		Key Learnings
		Sustainability Achieved Through Partnership
		Effective Role of the Private Sector
		Increased Empowerment of Char Women
		Community-Wide Approach Producing Greater Impact
		Financial Inclusion Helped with Sustained Livelihoods and Business
		Leadership Role in 1st National Char Convention 2015
	Looking Back: Some Final Thoughts
	References
21 Sandbar Agricultural Technology and Innovations in Chars
	Introduction and Objectives
	The Context and Settings
	Sandbar Cropping and Its History
	Stakeholders Mobilization and Participation
	Cultivation of Pumpkin in Sandbars
	Empowerment of Women/Stakeholders in Chars
	Sustainability, Resilience and Livelihoods
	Issues and Challenges
	Summary and Replicability of the Sandbar Technology
	References
22 Char Development and Settlement Project: Experiences and Reflections
	Introduction
		Background
		Emergence of Chars
		Migration into Newly Formed Charlands
	The Project and the Approach
	Key Elements of CDSP
		Forestry Development
		Infrastructure Development and Public Amenities
		Agriculture and Crop Production
		Institutions and Community-Based Groups
	Socio-economic Transformation in Charlands
	Reflections—Looking Back and to the Future
	References
23 Livelihood Development in Coastal Chars in the Meghna Estuary: The Danida Experience
	Introduction
	The Context and Methodology
	Livelihoods During Char Consolidation
		Livestock
	Fisheries: Livelihood on the Margin Between Land and Sea
	Transition to Aquaculture and Mixed Systems
	Development of the Fisheries and Livestock Systems in the Protected Chars
		Resource Potentials
	Development of Aquaculture and Animal Husbandry: Institutional Framework and the Role of Danida
	Greater Noakhali Aquaculture Extension Project
		Development of Pro-poor Aquaculture
		Linkages with the Private Agribusiness
		Development of Community-Based Organizations
	Regional Fisheries and Livestock Development Component
		Field School and Training
		Adaptive Research
	Learnings from Danida Experience
	References
Part VII Char Administration and Governance
24 The Charland Administration and Governance: Need for a Paradigm Shift
	Introduction
	The Context
	The Rise of Char Settlements in the Delta Frontier
	Alluvial and Diluvial Land Policies: An Overview
		AD Policies 1825–1971
		Post-Independence Developments (1971–): Who Benefits
	Survey and Records of Charlands: Pitfalls and Perils
	Why a Paradigm Shift
	References
25 Discourses on Char Development in Bangladesh
	The Context
	Developing Char Lives: Learning from Experiences
	Comparing Quality of Life
	Char Development: Public Policy Landscape
	Taking Chars into Account: What Needs to Be Done
	References
Part VIII Summary and Conclusion
26 Rethinking Char Development in Bangladesh
	Introduction
	Current Status and Agenda
		Lack of National Level Data on Chars and Char People
		National Awareness about Erosion and the Chars
		Limited Recognition of Rights on New Charland
		Lessons from Char Development Experience
		Advocacy and Mobilization of Char People
	Maladies of the Old Approach
	Paradigm Shift
		A New Law for Charland Use and Administration
		A Dedicated Agency for Char Development Administration
		Need for Bottom-Up Governance
		Integrated and Holistic Char Development Policy
		Community, Local/National Leadership
		NGO Advocacy for Char People and Development
		International Collaborations with Development Partners
	Rethinking Solutions
Glossary
Index