Climate Smart Disaster Risk Reduction: Indigenous Knowledge Practiced for Agriculture Sector in Coastal Bangladesh

Authors

  • Md. Faisal Department of Disaster Resilience and Engineering, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Dumki, Patuakhali-8602, Bangladesh
  • Milton Kumar Saha Technical Expert-Climate Migration and Resilience Building, Helvetas Bangladesh
  • A. K. M Abdul Ahad Biswas Department of Disaster Risk Management, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Dumki, Patuakhali-8602, Bangladesh

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18485/ijdrm.2025.7.2.6

Keywords:

coastal area, disaster risk reduction, indigenous knowledge, agriculture

Abstract

The coastal region of Bangladesh is highly exposed to climate-related natural disasters, with communities facing various hazards almost every year. Over generations, people in these areas have developed local or indigenous knowledge to adapt to their environment and reduce disaster impacts. This study focuses on identify, analyze, improve, and document indigenous knowledge that enhance resilience in the agriculture sector of Dashmina Upazila, Patuakhali District-one of the disaster-prone coastal regions. A mixed-method approach was used to collect data. Fifteen Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with 6–10 participants each explored community knowledge about agriculture. These were followed by 20 Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) with individuals such as social leaders, NGO workers, and community representatives to validate and expand on the FGDs’ findings. Additional data were gathered through direct observations using transect walks, five detailed case studies, and a review of secondary sources such as reports, articles, and research papers. Data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2010 for creating tables and summarizing information, while qualitative insights were described narratively. A SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis was used to evaluate the indigenous practices. The study identified several effective traditional practices, including crop selection based on weather observation, raised farming land, planting fruit trees on house plinths, arum cultivation in lowlands, ridge-furrow farming for hydrophobic plants, seed preservation in mud pitchers, and livestock management strategies like using raised platforms (Killa) and jute sack covers. These practices offer low-cost, practical solutions that improve agricultural resilience. The study recommends integrating such knowledge into disaster risk reduction and development planning.

References

1. Adefila, A. O., Ajayi, O. O., Toromade, A. S., & Sam-Bulya, N. J. (2024). Integrating traditional knowledge with modern agricultural practices: A sociocultural framework for sustainable development. Journal of Sustainable Agriculture and Development.

2. Agupugo, C. P., Ajayi, A. O., Nwanevu, C., & Oladipo, S. S. (2022). Advancements in Technology for Renewable Energy Microgrids.

3. Barua, P., & Barua, M. (2023). Indigenous Knowledge Practices by Farmers in Response to Salinity Intrusion in Coastal Bangladesh. IUP Journal of Knowledge Management, 21(3).

4. Barua, U., Akhter, M. S., & Ansary, M. A. (2016). District-wise multi-hazard zoning of Bangladesh. Natural Hazards, 82, 1895-1918.

5. BBS (Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics) (2012) Community Report Patuakhali Zila. Statistics and Informatics Division Ministry of Planning.

6. Behera, H. C. (2021). Traditional agriculture, culture and the indigenous knowledge (IK) among the Kondhs in Odisha, India. Journal of Huma Ecology, 73(1-3), 44-55.

7. Biswas, A. A. A., Hasan, M. M., Rahman, M. S., Sattar, M. A., Hossain, M. A., & Faisal, M. (2015). Disaster Risk Identification in Agriculture Sector: Farmer’s Perceptions and Mitigation practices in Faridrur. American Journal of Rural Development, 3(3), 60-73.

8. Biswas, A. K. M. A. A., Sattar, M. A., Hossain, M. A., Faisal, M., & Islam, M. R. (2015). An internal environmental displacement and livelihood security in Uttar Bedkashi Union of Bangladesh. Science and Education, 3(6), 163-175.

9. Biswas, A. K. M., Saha, M. K., Hasan, I., Faisal, M., & Prokash, J. (2018). Occupational musculoskeletal and respiratory illness among brick kiln industry workers in Bangladesh. Caspian Journal of Health Research, 3(3), 80-85.

10. Biswas, A., Sonia, N. J., Nahar, L., Hossain, M. A., & Faisal, M. (2016). Women’s Vulnerabilities to Climate Induced Hazards and Their Coping Strategies in Chandradip Union of Southern Bangladesh. British Journal of Education, Society & Behavioural Science, 14(1), 1-15.

11. Biswas, A., Zaman, A. M., Sattar, M. A., Islam, M. S., Hossain, M. A., & Faisal, M. (2015). Assessment of disaster impact on the health of women and children. Journal of Health and Environmental Research, 1(3), 19-28.

12. Canete, R. M., Lisay, S. K., & Mahmud, M. N. S. (2025). Project DINGGIN: Empowering Communities through Risk‐Based and Inclusive Cash Transfer in Disaster‐Prone Areas in Bangladesh and Philippines. International Journal of Disaster Risk Management, 7(1), 339-366.

13. Cavestro, L. (2003). PRA-participatory rural appraisal concepts methodologies and techniques. Padova University. Padova PD. Italia.

14. Chang, H. H., & Huang, W. C. (2006). Application of a quantification SWOT analytical method. Mathematical and computer modelling, 43(1-2), 158-169.

15. Cvetković, V. & Šišović, V. (2024). Capacity Building in Serbia for Disaster and Climate Risk Education. Disaster and Climate Risk Education Insights from Knowledge to Action, edited by Ayse Yildiz and Rajib Shaw, book series Disaster Risk Reduction, Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd., 152 Beach Road.

16. Dastagir, M. R. (2015). Modeling recent climate change induced extreme events in Bangladesh: A review. Weather and Climate Extremes, 7, 49-60.

17. Esan, O., Nwulu, N., & Adepoju, O. O. (2024). A bibliometric analysis assessing the water-energy-food nexus in South Africa. Heliyon, 10(18).

18. Faisal, M., Biswas, A. M. A. A., & Saha, M. K. (2024). Climate Smart Disaster Risk Reduction: Indigenous Knowledge Practiced for Housing Technology in Coastal Zone of Bangladesh. International Journal of Disaster Management, 7(1), 107-128.

19. Faisal, M., Saha, M. K., & Biswas, A. M. A. A. (2024). Risk Analysis of Climate Induced Disaster in Coastal Bangladesh: Study on Dashmina Upazila in Patuakhali District. International Journal of Disaster Management, 7(1), 107-128.

20. Faisal, M., Saha, M. K., & Biswas, A. M. A. A. (2024). Risk Analysis of Climate Induced Disaster in Coastal Bangladesh: Study on Dashmina Upazila in Patuakhali District. International Journal of Disaster Management, 6(3), 355-368.

21. Faisal, M., Saha, M. K., Sattar, M. A., Biswas, A. M. A. A., & Hossain, M. A. (2021). Evaluation of climate induced hazards risk for coastal Bangladesh: a participatory approach-based assessment. Geomatics, Natural Hazards and Risk, 12(1), 2477-2499.

22. Gould, I. J., Wright, I., Collison, M., Ruto, E., Bosworth, G., & Pearson, S. (2020). The impact of coastal flooding on agriculture: A case‐study of Lincolnshire, United Kingdom. Land Degradation & Development, 31(12), 1545-1559.

23. Gurl, E. (2017). SWOT analysis: A theoretical review.

24. Haque, M. (2018). Indigenous knowledge and practices in disaster management: Experiences of the coastal people of Bangladesh. In Disaster risk reduction: Community resilience and responses (pp. 59-72). Singapore: Springer Nature Singapore.

25. Hawkins, R. (2009) Rural Appraisal Methods- Approaches. ICRA Learning Materials (www.icra-edu.org)

26. Imoro, Z. A., Imoro, A. Z., Duwiejuah, A. B., & Abukari, A. (2021). Harnessing indigenous technologies for sustainable management of land, water, and food resources amidst climate change. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 5, 691603.

27. Islam, M. A., Shamsuzzoha, M., Rasheduzzaman, M., Ghosh, R. C., & Faisal, M. (2019). Assessment on climate change adaptation: a study on coastal area of Khulna district in Bangladesh. Australian Journal of Engineering and Innovative Technology, 1(6), 14-20.

28. Iva, T. T., Hazra, P., Faisal, M., Saha, S., & Hossain, S. (2017). River bank erosion and its impact on population displacement in Bauphalupazila under Patuakhali district. Bangladesh. Journal of Science, Technology and Environment Informatics, 5(02), 371-381.

29. Kayes, A. N. M., Tabassum, T., & Khan, M. A. M. R. (2025). Assessment of Climate-Induced Vulnerabilities and Poverty Alleviation Potential of Dry Fish Industry: An Ecological and Socio-economic Study in Cox’s Bazar District, Bangladesh. International Journal of Disaster Risk Management, 7(1), 461-484.

30. Khursheed, A., Rather, M. A., Jain, V., Wani, A. R., Rasool, S., Nazir, R., & Majid, S. A. (2022). Plant based natural products as potential ecofriendly and safer biopesticides: A comprehensive overview of their advantages over conventional pesticides, limitations and regulatory aspects. Microbial pathogenesis, 173, 105854.

31. Lemma, M., & Hoffmann, V. (2005). The agricultural knowledge system in Tigray, Ethiopia: Empirical Study about its recent history and actual effectiveness. Global Food and Product Chain: Dynamics, Innovations, Conflicts, Strategies, Tropentag, 11-13.

32. Long, T. B., Blok, V., & Coninx, I. (2016). Barriers to the adoption and diffusion of technological innovations for climate-smart agriculture in Europe: evidence from the Netherlands, France, Switzerland and Italy. Journal of cleaner production, 112, 9-21.

33. Mallick, B., Ahmed, B., & Vogt, J. (2017). Living with the risks of cyclone disasters in the south-western coastal region of Bangladesh. Environments, 4(1), 13.

34. Mascarenhas, A. (2003). Indigenous knowledge, livelihood and development. Retrieved March, 1, 2013.

35. Meza, I., Rezaei, E. E., Siebert, S., Ghazaryan, G., Nouri, H., Dubovyk, O., ... & Hagenlocher, M. (2021). Drought risk for agricultural systems in South Africa: Drivers, spatial patterns, and implications for drought risk management. Science of the Total Environment, 799, 149505.

36. Mukherjee, A., Faisal, M., & Saha, M. K. (2020). Measuring Resilience of Urban Slum to Climate Induced Disasters: A Study on Barishal City Corporation, Bangladesh. International Journal of Disaster Management, 3(2), 34-47.

37. Myers, S. S., Smith, M. R., Guth, S., Golden, C. D., Vaitla, B., Mueller, N. D., ... & Huybers, P. (2017). Climate change and global food systems: potential impacts on food security and undernutrition. Annual review of public health, 38(1), 259-277.

38. Netz, B., Davidson, O. R., Bosch, P. R., Dave, R., & Meyer, L. A. (2007). Climate change 2007: Mitigation. Contribution of Working Group III to the Fourth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Summary for Policymakers.

39. Nnadi, F. N., Chikaire, J., & Ezudike, K. E. (2013). Assessment of indigenous knowledge practices for sustainable agriculture and food security in Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria. Journal of Resources Development and Management, 1.

40. Nnadi, F. N., Chikaire, J., & Ezudike, K. E. (2013). Assessment of indigenous knowledge practices for sustainable agriculture and food security in Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria. Journal of Resources Development and Management, 1.

41. Paudel, S., Khanal, S. N., Mathema, A. B., Maharjan, P., & Bhatta, S. (2025). Assessing Agricultural Vulnerability to Climate Change: A Study on Flood-Induced Loss and Damage in Rajapur, Bardiya, Nepal. International Journal of Disaster Risk Management, 7(1), 265-282.

42. Prayoga, K., Riezky, A. M., Syuhada, A. R., & Prayoga, D. S. (2020). Socio cultural and agricultural local wisdom by cetho indigenous community to preserve the nature. Agromix, 11(1), 21-32.

43. Rahim, M. A., Munmuna, K. A., Nura, M. N. B., Faisala, M., & Zamanb, A. M. (2019). Assessment of community resilience to disasters: A case study at Chotto Bighai Union in Patuakhali District, Bangladesh. CAPACITY BUILDING FOR RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN DISASTER RESILIENCE, 38.

44. Rana, M. M. P., & Moniruzzaman, M. (2021). Transformative adaptation in agriculture: A case of agroforestation in Bangladesh. Environmental Challenges, 2, 100026.

45. Rojas, R. V., Achouri, M., Maroulis, J., & Caon, L. (2016). Healthy soils: a prerequisite for sustainable food security. Environmental Earth Sciences, 75, 1-10.

46. SAARC Disaster Management Centre (2009). Indigenous Knowledge for Disaster risk Reduction in South Asia. New Delhi.

47. Saha, L., & Bauddh, K. (2020). Sustainable agricultural approaches for enhanced crop productivity, better soil health, and improved ecosystem services. Ecological and practical applications for sustainable agriculture, 1-23.

48. Saha, M. K., Biswas, A. A. A., & Faisal, M. (2024). Livelihood vulnerability of coastal communities in context of the climate change: A index-based assessment. World Development Sustainability, 4, 100152.

49. Saha, M. K., Biswas, A. A. A., Faisal, M., Meandad, J., Ahmed, R., Prokash, J., & Sakib, F. M. (2019). Factors affecting to adoption of climate-smart agriculture practices by coastal farmers’ in Bangladesh. American Journal of Environment and Sustainable Development, 4(4), 113-121.

50. Sevkli, M., Oztekin, A., Uysal, O., Torlak, G., Turkyilmaz, A., & Delen, D. (2012). Development of a fuzzy ANP based SWOT analysis for the airline industry in Turkey. Expert systems with Applications, 39(1), 14-24.

51. Shamsuzzoha, M., Biswas, A. A. A., Hasan, M. M., Faisal, M., Hazra, P., Ghosh, R. C. & Shaw, R. (2025). Determination of Constraints in Existing DRR Coordination Mechanisms Among Different Humanitarian Actors of Coastal Bangladesh. In Two Decades from the Indian Ocean Tsunami: Key Challenges and Advancements (pp. 379-409). Singapore: Springer Nature Singapore.

52. Swiderska, K., Argumedo, A., Wekesa, C., Ndalilo, L., Song, Y., Rastogi, A., & Ryan, P. (2022). Indigenous peoples’ food systems and biocultural heritage: Addressing indigenous priorities using decolonial and interdisciplinary research approaches. Sustainability, 14(18), 11311.

53. Yamin, F., Rahman, A., & Huq, S. (2005). Vulnerability, adaptation and climate disasters: a conceptual overview.

54. Yin, R. K. (2017). Case study research and applications: Design and methods. Sage publications.

Downloads

Published

2025-12-24

How to Cite

Faisal, M., Milton Kumar Saha, & Biswas, A. K. M. A. A. (2025). Climate Smart Disaster Risk Reduction: Indigenous Knowledge Practiced for Agriculture Sector in Coastal Bangladesh. International Journal of Disaster Risk Management, 7(2), 87–112. https://doi.org/10.18485/ijdrm.2025.7.2.6

Issue

Vol. 7 No. 2 (2025): International Journal of Disaster Risk Management

Section

Articles

License

Copyright (c) 2025 Md. Faisal, Milton Kumar Saha, A. K. M Abdul Ahad Biswas

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

This journal operates under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, reproduction, adaptation, and transformation in any medium, provided the original author and source are properly credited.

Authors retain the copyright of their articles.

The International Journal of Disaster Risk Management (IJDRM) encourages and permits authors to:

  • Post pre-print (submitted version), post-print (accepted version), and publisher’s version/PDF of their articles on personal websites, institutional repositories, disciplinary repositories, and academic networks such as ResearchGate, Academia.edu, or departmental websites,

  • Do so at any time, including before or after publication,

  • Provided that appropriate credit is given to the original publication in this journal, including:

    • Full bibliographic details

    • A clear mention of the journal name

    • A direct link to the article’s DOI (as an HTML link)

No prior permission is required from the publisher or editors for such actions, as long as the terms of the CC BY 4.0 license are followed.

Similar Articles

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 > >> 

You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.