Exploring Non-Structural Flood Risk Management Measures in Haor Areas of Sunamganj, Bangladesh

Authors

  • Hajera Aktar Aktar Department of Political Studies, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet-3114, Bangladesh Author https://orcid.org/0009-0007-5679-4064
  • Syeda Ismat Ara Jahan Department of Political Studies, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet-3114, Bangladesh Author
  • Md Rakib Mia Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet, Bangladesh Author https://orcid.org/0009-0004-9886-7362
  • Habibur Rahman Masrur Political Studies, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet, Bangladesh Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.66050/yh3z5n98

Keywords:

non-structural, flood risk management, boro farmers, haor areas, Bangladesh

Abstract

This is a qualitative study focusing on non-structural flood management measures to support Boro rice farmers in Tahirpur Upazila in Sunamganj District, a highly flood-prone area. The objective of the study is to analyze existing non-structural flood management practices, including flood forecasting and dissemination processes, as well as farmer education and training. This study found that floods, especially flash floods, are devastating and sorrowful for the farmers in the area, destroying their crops, hard work, and livelihood. They remain far from modern technology-based agricultural and information systems. According to experienced respondents, one of the major problems of non-structured flood risk management is the unavailability of timely upstream information, particularly for adjacent flood-prone areas in India, including Meghalaya, which leads to unexpected flash floods in the study area. Due to insufficient data or information, residents in the study area still rely on perception and indigenous knowledge regarding flood-related issues. This study gathers extensive data through in-depth interviews and Key Informant Interviews (KII). Additionally, other convenient techniques have also been used to collect relevant information.

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Author Biographies

  • Hajera Aktar Aktar, Department of Political Studies, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet-3114, Bangladesh

    This is Hajera Aktar, from the Faculty of Political Studies, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet. I have a strong interest in gender, climate change, and contemporary issues, and I am eager to conduct research.

  • Syeda Ismat Ara Jahan, Department of Political Studies, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet-3114, Bangladesh

    This is Syeda Ismat Ara Jahan, from the Faculty of Political Studies, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet.

  • Md Rakib Mia, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet, Bangladesh

    My name is Md. Rakib Mia, I am currently a student in the Department of Political Studies at Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet. In addition to my studies, I am working as a research assistant and actively engaged in two projects—one focusing on climate change and the other on migration in Bangladesh.

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Published

2026-03-27

How to Cite

Aktar, H. A., Jahan, S. I. A., Mia, M. R., & Masrur, H. R. (2026). Exploring Non-Structural Flood Risk Management Measures in Haor Areas of Sunamganj, Bangladesh. International Journal of Disaster Risk Management, 8(1), 229-238. https://doi.org/10.66050/yh3z5n98

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