Amir and Ahmed, J Earth Sci Clim Change 2013, 4:5 Earth Science & Climatic Change http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2157-7617.1000155

CaseResearch Report Article OpenOpen Access Access Climate Change and Its Impact on Food Security in : A Case Study on Kalapara, Patuakhali, Bangladesh Khaled Ibne Amir* and Tanvir Ahmed Faculty of Science, University of , Dhaka, Bangladesh

Abstract The paper analyses the impacts of climate change and its impact on food security in the Kalapara of in Bangladesh. The paper shows current climate change scenarios for Kalapara, analyses the relationship between climate change scenarios and agricultural production and then prescribe adaptive measures to climate change. Historical yearly temperature and rainfall data from Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) and crop yield data from the census of agriculture zilla series, Patuakhali, year book of agricultural statistics and agricultural ministry of Bangladesh were used. A questionnaire survey was also conducted to gather farmer perceptions on climate change in addition focus group discussions were held with selected farmers in the Upazila. The results showed evidence of climate change through analysis of climate data, crop yields and farmers perceptions. Evidence was manifested through the temperature increase, increasing frequency of natural disaster and irregular rainfalls, which are directly influenced the condition of food security of Kalapara Upazila. It was the concluded that climate change occurring in Kalapara Upazila has resulted in significant decline in agricultural production. The paper is also showed the comparison of sources of food and production amount between past and present. The people's perceptions show that the temperatures are rising, timely rainfall is not available and crop production seasons are shifting. The lessons show that people are aware of climate change and its impacts on food security. But lack of proper knowledge is the main causes to adapt to these changes.

Keywords: Agricultural production; Climate change; Food security; From Figure 1 it stated that, to evaluate the potential impacts of Adaptation; Kalapara; Upazila climate change on food security, “it is not enough to assess impacts on domestic production in food-insecure countries. One also needs Introduction to (i) assess climate change impacts on foreign exchange earnings; (ii) determine the ability of food-surplus countries to increase their Climate change has a great impact on the various sectors. The commercial exports or food aid; and (iii) analyses how the incomes agricultural sector is one of these. The relationship between climate of the poor will be affected by climate change [6]. The total food change and agriculture is a vital issue for food security. Impacts of production conditions, food availability condition, food access the climate change on the agricultural sector can be explained in both condition of Bangladesh are three main terms for discussing the food positive and negative ways. Both land use pattern and the productivity security. The national gap of the food production and the export of the of crops are likely to change under global warming. “Climate change food items and amount are also included here [7]. Unless the world refers to the phenomenon that is causing the earth to become warmer, comes to its aid, the vulnerability of Bangladesh’s agriculture sector meaning that our climate and our weather systems are changing to climate change could spell severe consequences for its millions of towards a warmer state” [1]. Climate change is changes in atmospheric people, who stand to lose their main source of livelihood [8]. concentrations of the various greenhouse gases which enhance the average temperature of the earth [2]. From very ancient times to Increased temperature not only directly reduce the crop production present times the climate is changing. But there are two types of climate but also it has an indirect impact by stimulating the breeding of change one is natural climate change and another is anthropogenic harmful insects, pests etc. Which are detrimental for the agricultural climate change. The United Nations Framework Convention on production? Figure 2 show the global average temperature change of Climate Change (UNFCCC) defines climate change as: “a change of the world. Increases in precipitation extremes are very likely in the climate which is attributed directly or indirectly to human activity major agricultural zones of south Asia. Four factors characterizing the that alters the composition of the global atmosphere and which is in atmosphere strongly influence plant growth. They are carbon dioxide, addition to natural climate variability observed over comparable time rainfall, light intensity and temperature [9]. periods”. In other words, the FCCC uses the term climate change to Increase in annual rain fall with global warming would increase mean only those changes that are brought about by human activities [3]. South Asia is the most vulnerable region of the world to climate change impacts [4]. The international community also recognizes that *Corresponding author: Khaled Ibne Amir, Faculty of Science, University of Bangladesh ranks high in the list of most vulnerable countries on earth Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh, E-mail: [email protected] [5] in present times the food security is susceptible to climate change. Received July 29, 2013; Accepted August 26, 2013; Published September 01, Since all elements of food security directly or indirectly are affected by 2013 anthropogenic climate change. For defining the food security some Citation: Amir KI, Ahmed T (2013) Climate Change and Its Impact on Food of basic terms have to be mentioned. These are food availability, food Security in Bangladesh: A Case Study on Kalapara, Patuakhali, Bangladesh. J Earth Sci Clim Change 4: 155. doi:10.4172/2157-7617.1000155 accessibility, nutritious dietary and the satiety. “Food security depends on more socio-economic conditions than on agro climatic zones and Copyright: © 2013 Amir KI, et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted on access to food rather than the production or physical availability use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and of food”. source are credited.

J Earth Sci Clim Change ISSN:2157-7617 JESCC, an open access journal Volume 4 • Issue 5 • 1000155 Citation: Amir KI, Ahmed T (2013) Climate Change and Its Impact on Food Security in Bangladesh: A Case Study on Kalapara, Patuakhali, Bangladesh. J Earth Sci Clim Change 4: 155. doi:10.4172/2157-7617.1000155

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(Source: Care, 2011) Figure 1: Climate change impacts and consequences for food systems.

(Source: IPCC, 2007) Figure 2: Global Average Temperature Change Relative to 1980-1999 (Degree Celsius). moisture supply in the soil. It could be beneficial for the dry season safe drinking water and water-borne diseases in Bangladesh and about crops and also in the pre monsoon and post monsoon periods [9] from one third of the population would be vulnerable to climate change and Figure 3 it is observed that the indirect consequences of climate change sea level rise [3]. on the different dimensions of food security. In Bangladesh, the overall impact of climate change on agricultural Climate change affects agriculture and food production in complex production will be negative [11]. With over 35% of Bangladesh is ways. In the Figure 4 the relationship between earth systems and human suffering from malnourishment [12], the threat of increased hunger systems is very complex. It affects food production directly through from reduction in agricultural production would suggest the inclusion changes in agro-ecological conditions and indirectly by affecting of agriculture as one of the major vulnerabilities facing the country. growth and distribution of incomes, and thus demand for agricultural produce. Impacts have been quantified in numerous studies and “Adjustment in natural or human systems in response to actual under various sets of assumptions. As election of these results are or expected climatic stimuli or their effects, which moderates harm or presented in quantifying the impacts on food security. Here it is useful exploits beneficial opportunities” [13]. It involves learning to manage to summarize the main alterations in the agro-ecological environment new risks and strengthening resilience in the face of change [14]. In that are associated with climate change [10]. a nutshell adaptation is being better prepared or adapting to climate change, not fighting it, but learning to live with it [15]. As Bangladesh is a developing country and also dependent on other countries for the food so the impact of climate change will be much In countries where the majority of poor people depend on greater. It is anticipated that the consequences of climate change will agricultural income, proposed climate change adaptation strategies increase livelihood insecurity, malnutrition, unemployment, lack of centrearound increasing agricultural productivity and making

J Earth Sci Clim Change ISSN:2157-7617 JESCC, an open access journal Volume 4 • Issue 5 • 1000155 Citation: Amir KI, Ahmed T (2013) Climate Change and Its Impact on Food Security in Bangladesh: A Case Study on Kalapara, Patuakhali, Bangladesh. J Earth Sci Clim Change 4: 155. doi:10.4172/2157-7617.1000155

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(Source: Care, 2011) Figure 3: Indirect consequences of climate change on the different dimensions of food security.

(Source: IPCC, 2007) Figure 4: The relationship between earth systems and human systems.

J Earth Sci Clim Change ISSN:2157-7617 JESCC, an open access journal Volume 4 • Issue 5 • 1000155 Citation: Amir KI, Ahmed T (2013) Climate Change and Its Impact on Food Security in Bangladesh: A Case Study on Kalapara, Patuakhali, Bangladesh. J Earth Sci Clim Change 4: 155. doi:10.4172/2157-7617.1000155

Page 4 of 11 agriculture, including livestock, fishery and forestry, less vulnerable to 3. About all villages were visited in the area. A base map climate stress and shocks [16]. of Kalapara Upazila was imported into a Geographical Information Systems (GIS). Modern technological advances can play a vital role to choose the appropriate adaptive measures. One of the best ways to adapt to 4. A set of questions were also prepared that probed farmers on climate change is to involve people at the grass-root level. The people of the climatic changes and crop productivity and these were used Bangladesh are very enterprising and innovative. They have been living in focus group discussions. with disasters for a long, long time [17]. Study area Objectives and theoretical foundations Figure 5 shows the location of the study area. Patuakhali is a The objectives of this study are: district in South-western Bangladesh. It is a part of the Division. KalaparaUpazila (PATUAKHALI district) with an area of 483.27 1. To determine the climatic change scenarios for Kalapara square km is bounded by on the north, the BAY OF Upazila. on the south, Rabnabad channel and 2. To determine changes in agricultural production output under on the east. Main rivers are Andharmanik, Nilganj and Dhankhali. changing climatic conditions in KalaparaUpazila. Logics behind selection of the study area 3. To determine farmers perceptions on climate change and how Patuakhali is one of the coastal districts in Bangladesh. It is it is affecting food security in this area. predicted that, for the climate change the coastal area of Bangladesh 4. Suggest possible adaptation techniques for the farmers in the will be affected. As the most of the people in Patuakhali are engaged in area. agricultural sector, so the impact of climate change may be experienced here. It is studied that for the climate change the agricultural sector This paper attempts to answer the following questions in particular: will be affected, which will create extra pressure on the food security. 1. Is there a significant relationship between agricultural output Kalapara is one of the Upazila in Patuakhali, which is located very and climate change in Kalapara Upazila? near to the Bay of Bengal. So the impacts of the climate change can be earnestly experienced here. 2. What do the farmers perceive the signs of climate change and food security of Kalapara Upazila? Result and Discussion 3. Do farmers perceive climate change to have occurred already The coastal areas are much more susceptible to the recent and if so have they begun to adapt? anthropogenic climate change. Whatever the educational background of the people, most of the people about 98% of Kalapara are aware Total food security condition in Kalapara Upazila. about the climate change. (Figure 6). Methodology and Materials According to farmer’s view the main indicators of the climate change are temperature rising, erratic rainfall and natural disaster Crop yield data for areas in Kalapara Upazila obtained from activities distinctively 30%. And also shifting season is one of the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS), 1983-84, 1996, 2008. Census of indicators (Table 1). Agriculture Zilla Series, Patuakhali, Year book of agricultural statistics and Agricultural Ministry of Bangladesh. From Figure 7 it is showed that the temperature is continuously rising. Also it is transparent from analysis temperature data of 1990 to The rainfall and temperature data were Bangladesh Meteorological 2011 that the gap between maximum and minimum is extended. Large Department (BMD) and Bangladesh Bureau of statistics (BBS). gap shows the abrupt climatic situation. The rainfall and temperature data were used to determine climatic variability and climatic scenarios for Kalapara in Patuakhali district Due to climate change the rainfall pattern expected to be [18]. dramatically changed throughout the globe. The rainfall is decreasing than the average. They also expressed that, during the summer season The study also made use of questionnaires, focus group discussion they experienced insufficient rainfall in recent times (Figure 8). and Experts interviews with key informants. Due to the climate change the natural hazards are also increasing. The study made use of the materials available in the following ways: In the study area respondents experienced a wide variety of the 1. A questionnaire survey was used in the study to obtain hazards which are occurring frequently. Among these hazards cyclone, information related to Kalapara farmer’s perception on climate kalboishakhi, flash flood etc. are prominent. Despite these people also change. The questionnaire survey was carried out after a pilot experienced that a higher sea-level rise during tides compared with studies were carried out in each area. The target population the past. The places are selected to give the idea about sea level rise in was mainly the oldest people of a selected community because Bangladesh that is situated besides this area. they were considered to be able to give a pattern of weather Shifting season is a good indication for climate change. About changes over a longer period of time which was considered a 66% people and 34% people are given both negative and positive views more reliable picture of changes in climate. about shifting seasons respectively. From the respondents about 34%, 2. Considering the population of this most useful population it can be known that the people are not able to identify the seasons (people over the age of 50) 200 people was confidently selected like the past. In the present times people can identify only 3 seasons. as the best sample size that would give the best trade of between Duration of the winter season are decreased on the other hand, the cost and representativeness of the sample. nature of the rainy season is also changing (Figure 9).

J Earth Sci Clim Change ISSN:2157-7617 JESCC, an open access journal Volume 4 • Issue 5 • 1000155 Citation: Amir KI, Ahmed T (2013) Climate Change and Its Impact on Food Security in Bangladesh: A Case Study on Kalapara, Patuakhali, Bangladesh. J Earth Sci Clim Change 4: 155. doi:10.4172/2157-7617.1000155

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Figure 5: The location of the study area Kalaparaupazila in Patuakhali district.

The agriculture of study area has different types. Most of the people But 10 years ago the harvest of the IRRI was less than the present about 46% are dependent on subsistence agriculture. There are a higher harvest. In that time the local variety like aus and aman were the percentage of people about 43% whom agriculture is under the slightly prominent crop varieties. The production of the local variety was also surplus condition. There is seen the lower percentage for insufficient less than the present times. There are a lot of factors behind these facts. production. So this situation is occurring due to blessing of modern 10 years ago people were not so much concerned about the agricultural technology in agriculture than the past times (Figure 10). production. In that time most of the agricultural land was the non arable. For the increasing population pressure they were concerned People are cultivating various agricultural products. (Table 2) The about the intensive agriculture (Table 4). prominent crops of the area are IRRI. These crops are commonly seen For the time being crop production rate is rapidly changing. The in most of land area. aus is mainly cultivated in areas 0-10 acres of land. people of the study area are expressing the various concepts about On the other hand aman is mainly cultivated in areas more than 10 the changing pattern of the crop production. The maximum people acres. There are some other minor crops (pulse, nut) which are mainly about 62% expressed that they experienced higher production in their cultivated below 10acres of land. 10 years ago the contribution of IRRI agricultural field than past times. This situation is seen due to the green was much better in all of the areas. The local variety of crops was seen revolution. Despite these the agricultural extension is taking different in those times. As the production of the local variety is not satisfactory initiatives to increase the crop production. Some people about 4% also so people are deviating from local variety to the HYV crops (Table 3). told that they experienced low production of agricultural products. Most of the respondents said that more than 30 mounds of rice Whatever, the situation but it can be certainly told that, the cost of the agricultural activities is also increasing for using the modern are harvested per acre from HYV IRRI. As the IRRI is cultivated by technology? (Figure 11). maintaining the scientific methods so the output of this crop is much better than the other crops. But the other crop variety of the rice is less Though there is seen the both higher and lower production of cultivated by the farmers due to the less output than the IRRI. agricultural products but the farmers experienced different causes

J Earth Sci Clim Change ISSN:2157-7617 JESCC, an open access journal Volume 4 • Issue 5 • 1000155 Citation: Amir KI, Ahmed T (2013) Climate Change and Its Impact on Food Security in Bangladesh: A Case Study on Kalapara, Patuakhali, Bangladesh. J Earth Sci Clim Change 4: 155. doi:10.4172/2157-7617.1000155

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Agriculture of our country is not much modernized and also nature Concept about climate change of people dependent, so, for slightly change of the climate can bring a great impact on agriculture. Though the production of rice is increasing but this production is hampered due to the occurrence of natural hazards. 98% The normal system has changed due to climate change so this can be a 100% cause for the low production. In the study area people are also trying to 80% address the impacts of climate change. For this reasons they are trying 60% to cultivate HYV rather than the local variety, so the local variety of 40% the agricultural products are decreasing. On the other hand due to the cultivation of HYV the costing of the production is rapidly increasing 20% 2% (Table 6). 0% Yes No As the study area is a coastal area so there is seen two types of the fishing like cultured fishing and captured fishing. From the view Figure 6: Concept about climate change of people. of respondents it can be said that in the present times there is seen the prominence of the culture fishing rather than the capture fishing. Indicators of climate change Percentage In past times people were reluctant about the culture fishing in their Temperature rising 30 homestead ponds. But recent times the people are much interested Low rainfall 30 about the culture fishing. Decreasing trends of the capture fishing but Shifting season 10 increasing in the culture fishing is experienced in study area. Due to Frequent occurrences of natural hazards 30 Increase the level of tidal wave 0 climate change the production of capture fishing is decreasing and for Others 0 Table 1: Indicators of climate change. Concept about shifting seasons

40 No 66% 35

30 Yes 34%

25 Maximum 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 20 Temperature (in Celsius) Figure 9: Concept about shifting season. 15 Minimum 10 Temperature (in Celsius) 5 Types of agriculture 0 50.00% 45.94% 43.24% 40.00% 30.00% Figure 7: Maximum and Minimum Temperature in Patuakhali between 1990 to 2011. 20.00% 8.10% 10.00% 2.70% 0.00% 3500 Subsistence Commercial Slightly surplus Insufficient

3000 Figure 10: Types of agricultural crops. 2500 Types of crops Percentage 2000 IRRI 45 1500 Total yearly rainfall in Shorna 3.3 Patuakhali (mm) Bhojon 1.67 1000 Kajol 1.67 500 Aus 10 Amon 16.67 0 Pulse 6.67 Nut 3.30 Local rice 1.67 Figure 8: Total yearly rainfall in Patuakhali between 1990 to 2011. Vegetable 3.30 Pepper 3.30 behind this change. In the study area the respondents told that their Rabi crops 3.30 agricultural productions are changing due to the salinity, pest attack, Total 100 low rainfall etc (Table 5). Table 2: Types of agriculture production.

J Earth Sci Clim Change ISSN:2157-7617 JESCC, an open access journal Volume 4 • Issue 5 • 1000155 Citation: Amir KI, Ahmed T (2013) Climate Change and Its Impact on Food Security in Bangladesh: A Case Study on Kalapara, Patuakhali, Bangladesh. J Earth Sci Clim Change 4: 155. doi:10.4172/2157-7617.1000155

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Area under crop production about 10 years ago Present area under crop production Types of crops 0-1 acre Percentage 1-10 acre Percentage 10+ acre Percentage acre Percentage 1-10 acre Percentage 10+ acre Percentage IRRI 58.33 71.42 50 58.33 62.06 33.33 Shorna 8.33 3.34 Bhojon Kajol 8.33 Aus 8.33 8.33 6.89 Amon 7.14 33.33 13.79 66.67 Pulse 14.28 8.33 13.79 Nut 16.67 Local rice 16.67 Vegetable Pepper 8.33 Rabi crops 16.67 7.14 Total 100 100 100 100 100 100 Table 3: Comparison of past and present area under crop production.

Crop production in mounds about 10 years ago Present crop production in mounds 30+mounds 0-10 mounds 10-30 mounds 30+mounds Types of crops 0-10 mounds Percentage 10-30 mounds Percentage Percentage Percentage Percentage Percentage IRRI 46.42 60 100 37.5 53.57 66.67 Shorna 3.57 11.11 Kajol 10 3.57 Aus 7.14 12.5 7.14 11.11 Amon 14.28 20 21.42 11.11 Pulse 14.28 12.5 10.71 Nut 3.57 Local rice 10 Rabi crops 10.71 37.5 3.57 Total 100 100 100 100 100 100 Table 4: Comparison of past and present crop production in mounds.

Change in the crop production

80.00% 62.06% 60.00%

40.00% 13.79% 20.00% 3.44% 6.88% 3.44% 3.44% 6.88% 0.00%

Figure 11: Types of the changes in the crop production in Kalapara. this reason people are giving more emphasis on the culture fishing for There are a lot of causes behind the changes in fisheries sector. fulfillment their protein demand (Table 7). One fourth of respondents supposed that the production of the culture fishing is increasing for using of modern technologies. One Due to climate change, a great variety of changing is observing fifth ofrespondents experienced that the production is hampering due by the people in fisheries sector. Maximum respondents about 43% to low rainfall and diseases. The production is also decreasing due to supposed that their fish production is increasing in the recent times. salinity intrusion, the occurrences of the flood etc. causes (Table 9). This may happen due to peoples more consciousness about the culture fishing rather than the capture fishing. On the other hand the people are Due to climate change fisheries sector is much susceptible. About also trying to use different types of modern technologies for the culture 55% respondents believe that production of fishes are decreased fishing. Extinction of marine and river fish species are observing. simultaneously 23% are agreed that the production is increased. In the Breeding is also hampered due to low rainfall (Table 8). study area it was seen that the production of capture fish is decreasing

J Earth Sci Clim Change ISSN:2157-7617 JESCC, an open access journal Volume 4 • Issue 5 • 1000155 Citation: Amir KI, Ahmed T (2013) Climate Change and Its Impact on Food Security in Bangladesh: A Case Study on Kalapara, Patuakhali, Bangladesh. J Earth Sci Clim Change 4: 155. doi:10.4172/2157-7617.1000155

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Causes Percentage of different diseases are increasing. Despite these new diseases are also Salinity 29.23 spreading among the livestock. Food of the livestock is also decreasing Pest attack 27.69 due to increasing salinity. So, for the scarcity of food population of Water logging 9.23 livestock is decreasing. Some people about 16% and 2% are also selling Better training 1.53 their livestock for their own carelessness and higher rearing costs Low rainfall 27.69 respectively (Table 12). Modern technology 1.53 For describing food security condition it is very important to know Less water availability 3.07 about meal taken by the people in a single day. From the respondents Table 5: Causes of the production changing in Kalapara. it can be known that maximum people can manage the food for the 3

Impacts Percentage times a day. But among them some people hardly can manage the food High production 19.56 for 3 times a day. Though people can manage food for three times in a Higher costing 13.04 day but a good number of people are suffering from the malnutrition. Higher uses of chemicals, pesticides, fertilizer etc. 15.21 The maximum people about 70% of Kalapara are dependent on fish- Loss of local variety 13.04 rice-vegetables menu for their regular dietary. Though the menu is Less production 30.43 satisfactory but fish taking tendency is decreasing among the people Loss of fertility 4.34 due to the unavailability and higher prices of fishes. The respondents told that though they are consuming fishes but this is not sufficient for Table 6: Impacts of climate change on agriculture in Kalapara. them. Despite these meat and milk taking tendency are also decreasing Fish production condition 10 among the people for same causes. So the nutritious status of the people Present fish production condition years ago is degrading. Types Percentage Percentage Pond 88 61.53 Though, the percentage of fish-rice vegetable taking tendency was River 8 30.76 lower in the past times than the present times but the notorious food Marine 4 7.69 were available in that times. The people could consume the meat, milk, fruits in those times. So the food security condition was much better in Table 7: Comparison of fish production between Present to past. the past times than the present times (Table 13). Types Percentage About one-fifth of respondents are agreed that their present High production 42.30 food menu is bad than the past times, on the other hand four-fifth of Less production 34.61 respondents are agreed that their past food menus were good and the Diseases 7.69 vice versa. So from this statistics it can be said that present food security Death of fishes 3.84 Low growth rate 3.84 Impacts Percentage No change 7.69 Higher production 22.72 Table 8: Types of changes in the fishing in Kalapara. Lower production 54.54 Higher costing 4.54 Causes Percentage Higher culture fishing 4.54 Using the modern technology 25.80 diseases 13.63 Low rainfall 12.90 Table 10: Impacts of climate change on fish production. Diseases 9.67 Capturing the fry 3.22 Number of livestock about 10 years present number of Competition among the fishermen 9.67 Types ago livestock Lower current 3.22 Percentage Percentage Decreasing the depth of water bodies 3.22 Cow 12.43 10.45 Flood 9.67 Goat 4.86 4.92 Don’t know 9.67 Sheep 0.22 0.20 Salinity 12.90 Duck 36.62 38.09 Table 9: Causes of the changes in fishing. Hen 45.30 42.41 Buffalo 0.55 0.50 on the other hand the production of capture fish is decreasing. For high Others 0 3.41 rate of culture fishing the production costing is also increasing (Table Table 11: Comparison of livestock between past to present. 10). Causes Percentage People of Kalapara are rearing different types of the livestock. Death for diseases 48.64 Among these hen and duck are containing the major portion about Selling for lone 8.10 80%. Despite these there are cow, goat, sheep etc. About the 10 years Carelessness 16.21 ago there were more livestock in study areas. In present times people Death for hazard 13.51 are not interested to rare the livestock. There are a lot of causes behind Lack of food 8.10 these factors (Table 11). Higher rearing cost 2.70 Among the different causes death of livestock is main reason about No change 2.70 49% respondents believe this statement. In present times the propensity Table 12: Causes of changing in livestock.

J Earth Sci Clim Change ISSN:2157-7617 JESCC, an open access journal Volume 4 • Issue 5 • 1000155 Citation: Amir KI, Ahmed T (2013) Climate Change and Its Impact on Food Security in Bangladesh: A Case Study on Kalapara, Patuakhali, Bangladesh. J Earth Sci Clim Change 4: 155. doi:10.4172/2157-7617.1000155

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Present Menus of the and a great number of hatcheries are seen. So the different saline Menus of the 10 years ago Menus people tolerant fishing procedures are taking by people. Sometimes fishermen Percentage are taking training for good fish production (Table 17). Rice-vegetable 18 16 Fish-rice-vegetable 54 70 From the primary data it can be said that production of different Fish-rice 0 6 agricultural crops are increased with times though the people are Rice-vegetable-meat 24 6 experiencing the impacts of climate change. In recent times number Fish-rice-vegetable-milk 4 2 of population is increasing rapidly so people are taking extra initiatives to increase the production. On the other hand different climate Table 13: Comparison between past and present Menus of the people. resilient technologies are now using by people so the production of condition is facing agreat threat due to the climate change and other crops are increasing. On the other hand the impacts of climate change socio-economic factors (Table 14). in Kalapara are not extreme. From these situations it can be said that food production of the crops is improving. But food security is not only Maximum people are dependent on agriculture for their livelihood. dependent on the food availability but also some other factors. Due to Despite these people are also dependent on the single source of income. So it is very risky for future survival. As agriculture is the Condition most susceptible sector to climate change so, the probability of food Comparison of food menus from present to past insecurity situation is increasing. On the other hand one third of the Good Bad people is dependent on own income (day labor) so; it is also susceptible Time Percentage Percentage to climate change (frequent occurrence of hazards) (Figure 12). Present 21.05 81.08 Past 78.94 18.91 Consumption pattern of the people is changing for various reasons. Table 14: Condition of food menus from present to past. According to the question about changing of food menu more than two third of people agreed that their food menus were changed from the past times. One third respondents told their food habit is statics. As the Sources of food prices of essential food items are increasing rapidly in the present times so it is very tough to poor people to buy all of nutritious food menus for 43.75% 45.00% fulfilling their demand (Figure 13). 40.00% 31.25% 35.00% 30.00% Maximum people about 60% of the area are telling that food 25.00% 12.50% 20.00% 10.41% 15.00% habit is changing due to increasing trends’ of commodities prices. In 10.00% 2.08% 5.00% recent times every commodity is selling more than the value of past. 0.00% The national inflation rate is about 10%. So price hiking is a common phenomenon. About 14% people are changed their food habit for the less income. Despite this there are about 11% who are improved their food habit for their higher income. Some respondents are blamed the less production for the food habit changing (Table 15). As the price of commodities is increasing so food accessibility of people are facing a great threat. In this situation people of higher Figure 12: Sources of food in Kalapara. income range will be able to buy their commodities and low income range people will face a great problem to fulfill their food demand. So food security condition is becoming a great challenge to the people. Changes of food habit Most of the people about 70% of Kalapara are believed that they were in food secure condition in previous times. But in the present No 30.43% times food security condition is degrading for climate change and other reasons (Figure 14). As agricultural sector is most vulnerable sector due to impacts of Yes 69.56% climate change so adaptive measures are essential to combat adverse situations. Govt. has taken many measures in agricultural sector. For these measures the impacts of climate change are not severely felt. In 0.00% 10.00% 20.00% 30.00% 40.00% 50.00% 60.00% 70.00% 80.00% some parts, production of the crops is increasing for these adaptive Figure 13: Change of food habit of people. measures. Most of the farmers about 43.9% are taking modern technology. Causes Percentage 21.95% people are taking HYV seeds. Some parts of the people about Low consumption 5.71 7.31% are taking saline tolerant variety etc. for the adaptation in High income 11.42 agriculture. People are also taking the training about modern farming High price 60 system to reduce the probable impacts of climate change (Table 16). Less production 5.71 The people of Kalapara are taking different types of adaptive Good food availability 2.85 measures to combat climate change. The local fisheries offices are Less income 14.28 helping the affected people. In that area the fisheries training institute Table 15: Causes of food habit change.

J Earth Sci Clim Change ISSN:2157-7617 JESCC, an open access journal Volume 4 • Issue 5 • 1000155 Citation: Amir KI, Ahmed T (2013) Climate Change and Its Impact on Food Security in Bangladesh: A Case Study on Kalapara, Patuakhali, Bangladesh. J Earth Sci Clim Change 4: 155. doi:10.4172/2157-7617.1000155

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mitigation of climate change is not always feasible for third world People's view on food security in countries like as Bangladesh. So finally the adaptation or adjustment is the appropriate solution for the country. Before taking the adaptation previous times policies different environmental, socio-economic etc. aspects have to 80 be considered, so that initiatives will be pragmatic. 60 Following aspects should be considered for reducing the impacts of 40 climate change to ensure the food security. 20 Percentage 0 Bangladesh governments initiatives Yes No a. The affected areas due to the climate change have to be Figure 14: Food security in previous times. identified for further planning. b. Proper information about the climate change has to be Types Percentage provided to the people. Modern technology 43.9 c. Awareness programs among the people have to be introduced Hybrid seed 21.95 in the affected areas. Seed conservation 7.31 ICM training 4.87 d. Vulnerable sectors of the people have to be identified. Tree plantation 4.87 e. Proper structural measures like as cyclone shelter, polder, Awareness building 2.43 embankment etc. have to be constructed. Irrigation 4.87 Beribadh construction 2.43 f. Alternate livelihoods have to be introduced which will not be Saline tolerant variety 7.31 affected due to climate change. Table 16: Adaptation to agriculture for climate change. g. Bangladesh Govt. has to be patronized for further research in climate change, so that new knowledge can be easily Types Percentage implemented in future. Providing good fry and food 42.85 Trainings 35.71 h. Bangladesh Govt. should introduce the climate fund under the Irrigation facility 14.28 supervision of Environment and forestry ministry to distribute Cage fishing 7.14 the money among the climate vulnerable groups. Table 17: Adaptation to fisheries. i. Maintaining the good relationship among the other countries to ensure essential and emergency food imports. the global climate change the food supplies are hampering. Despite this for the frequent occurrence of disasters the situation becomes worse. j. Taking the proper steps to increase the food production of the The prices of the commodities are increasing and for this reason people country. are reducing their consumption. Ultimately the food security condition k. Population controlling is also essential to ensure the food is degrading. For combating this situation Govt. should take some security. pragmatic steps to ensure the food security. l. Encouraging the people to take green economy, green energy, Conclusion green technology etc. For the climate change coastal communities are mainly victimized. m. Initiating the national food storage systems to tackle the food Their livelihood is at stake for this climate change. This is a concerning shortage situation in an adverse time. matter for us. From this study it was seen the production of the n. Increasing capacity building of the Climate Change and Food different crops are increasing in Kalapara. Whatever the impacts of Security relevant ministries, departments, institutions and so climate change on food security but people are at bay due to this climate on. change. At any rate the observed impacts of climate change must be minimized. So this is an acid test for the future survival of people. This o. Forming the “Climate Change Advisory Groups” (CCAG) situation is seen due to the awareness rising among the people about by including the experts, professionals etc. people to take climate change. Despite this the cultivation area of the crops is also the pragmatic and proper decision about the climate change increased. This is positive news for us. Though the production of crops related issues. is increased but the food security of the people is degraded. There are p. Providing the insurance facilities to the affected communities. so many causes behind this reason. The higher production costing, q. Developing the communication facilities of the study areas to higher commodity prices, higher number of population, inflation of ensure food availability during disaster period. the money, frequent natural disasters etc. are playing the negative roles to ensure the food security. Not only Bangladesh Govt. but also all of NGOs initiatives the people should take proper steps to ensure the food security. a. NGOs can launch the climate change centric programs and Recommendation projects. Climate change has enough potentiality to hamper the food b. They can help Bangladesh Govt. in awareness programs among security. So prevention of climate change is not possible. Despite this the people.

J Earth Sci Clim Change ISSN:2157-7617 JESCC, an open access journal Volume 4 • Issue 5 • 1000155 Citation: Amir KI, Ahmed T (2013) Climate Change and Its Impact on Food Security in Bangladesh: A Case Study on Kalapara, Patuakhali, Bangladesh. J Earth Sci Clim Change 4: 155. doi:10.4172/2157-7617.1000155

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c. Giving donation among the climate change affected 5. FAO (2003) World agriculture: Toward 2015/2030 Chapter 13, Earth scan, communities. Rome. 6. Rahman MM, Khan SI (2005) Food security in Bangladesh: Food availability. d. Different nutrition campaigns and programs can be launched Ministry of Food and Disaster Management. Government Republic of by them to ensure the food security. Bangladesh: 7-16. 7. Parvaiz A (2009) Food Security in Great Peril from Climate Change. U.N. Personal or family level initiatives Conference on Climate Change in Copenhagen.

a. People have to be more aware about climate change and food 8. Ahmed AU (2006) Bangladesh: Climate Change Impacts and Vulnerability. security issues. For this reasons the proper education must be Climate Change Cell. Department of Environment. Dhaka, Ahmed. needed. 9. Rasheed KBS (2008) Bangladesh: Resource and Environmental profile. A H Development Publishing House, Dhaka. b. Identifying their existing problems due to climate change. 10. Schmidhuber J, Tubiello FN (2007) Global food security under climate change. c. Taking traditional and autonomous adaptation to tackle the Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 104: 19703-19708.

existing problems. 11. Talukder B (2007) Climate change and agriculture. Bangladesh Public d. Taking the proper training from agricultural extension services Administration Training Centre (BPATC), Dhaka. to increase the crop production. 12. Lal M, Harasawa H, Murdiyarso D (2001) Asia In Climate Change 2001: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability, McCarthy J, Canziani O (eds). e. Social or Community based food storage systems are necessary 13. IPCC Online (2001) Glossary of Terms used in the IPCC Third Assessment to ensure food security of that particular location. Report.

References 14. FAO (2008) Climate Change and Food Security: A Framework Document, Rome. 1. Yusuf HKM, Dasgupta S, Khan MAH (2008) Climate Change: An emerging threat to agriculture and food security in Bangladesh. FAO Dhaka. 15. Ludi E (2009) Climate change, water and food security. The Overseas Development Institute, UK. 2. Park C (2001) The Environment (2ndedn) Routledge Taylor & Francis Group. London and New York. 16. Ali A (1999) Climate change impacts and adaptation assessment in Bangladesh. Space Research and Remote Sensing Organization (SPARRSO), Agargaon, 3. Masum SJH, Hasan MMM (2009) Climate Change Impact on Food Sovereignty Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka, Bangladesh 12: 109-116. in Bangladesh. The Frontlines of Climate Change, Coastal Development Partnership (CDP), IUCN. 17. Pender JS (2010) Climate Change, its Impacts and Possible Community- Based Responses in Bangladesh. Dhaka, Bangladesh. 4. IPCC (2007) Climate Change 2007: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability, Contribution of Working Group II to the Forth Assessment Report of the IPCC. 18. CARE International (2011) Climate Change Brief: Adaptation and Food Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Cambridge University Press, Security. Cambridge, UK.

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J Earth Sci Clim Change ISSN:2157-7617 JESCC, an open access journal Volume 4 • Issue 5 • 1000155