Assessing the impact of riverbank erosion on livelihood and household food security in the teesta riverine areas of Bangladesh

Riverbank erosion poses a significant threat to Bangladesh, as it is an endemic and recurrent natural hazard in our country. A study was conducted on riverbank erosion, livelihoods, riverine food security, and the response of susceptible households. A baseline investigation was conducted in four upazilas of Lalmonirhat District to assess the impact of Teesta riverbank erosion on local food availability. The results indicated that the majority of people in the study area are affected by riverbank erosion. The study utilized data from focus groups in which the heads of households in the most severely affected areas participated and survey data from 385 rural households in Bangladesh that were vulnerable to riverbank erosion. The Food Security Index (FSI) has been created to better understand household food insecurity, with 3 indicating food security is adequate, inadequate, or scarce. Approximately three out of four households have lost their homes more than three times, and 77% have lost their homes at least three times in recent years. Furthermore, agricultural production is gradually decreasing due to the loss of farmland caused by the catastrophe and its impacts. In some cases, people lose their entire homesteads, leaving them with few income opportunities and low purchasing power. As a result, they face the constant threat of a food crisis. The affected individuals employ various coping mechanisms to deal with stressful situations, such as turning to cheaper or less preferred food options. Households struggling to sustain themselves through farming are adjusting and adapting. While local government authorities have implemented some programs to assist them, such as providing food aid and social safety net schemes, more support is needed due to the government's limited institutional resources and capacities. The results of this study suggested that the creation and execution of efficient rural development strategies may enhance the food security of individuals residing in Bangladeshi areas at risk of riverbank erosion.