Bangladesh, as one of the most climate-vulnerable nations globally, stands at the forefront of both climate change research and adaptation initiatives. The profound impacts of climate change in the country ripple across critical sectors such as agriculture, water resources, and infrastructure. With agriculture being vital to the economy and food security, the increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, like cyclones, floods, and droughts, pose severe challenges. Coastal regions face additional threats from rising sea levels and salinity intrusion.
To combat these challenges, Bangladesh has invested significantly in research, particularly in climate modeling. These models play a crucial role in predicting future scenarios, assessing risks, and formulating adaptive strategies. For example, crop modeling helps evaluate how shifts in temperature and precipitation may affect yields, while hydrological models aid in flood prediction and water resource management.
Key institutions, including the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI), Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University (BSMRAU), and Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), are collaboratively engaged in a project funded by the Krishi Gobeshona Foundation (KGF), spanning from December 2020 to November 2024.
Together, these organizations are at the forefront of modeling climate change impacts on agriculture and developing innovative adaptation and mitigation strategies to ensure the sustainability of Bangladesh's agricultural productivity. This research is instrumental in shaping resilient policies and practices to safeguard the country's future.
The study highlights the significant impact of climate change on various sectors, particularly agriculture. Non-rice crop areas have expanded by 113.72%, while rice areas grew by 71.98%, driven by increased food demand and irrigation expansion. Bio-Coated Urea is an innovative fertilizer technology that allows for the slow release of nitrogen, aligning with crop nutrient uptake and minimizing nitrogen losses to the environment, further reducing nitrous oxide emissions. The use of Bio-Slurry, a byproduct of biogas production, in combination with synthetic fertilizers, not only boosts crop yields but also recycles waste, decreasing reliance on chemical fertilizers that contribute to greenhouse gases.
In the realm of livestock, certain breeds, such as the Munshiganj dairy cows, demonstrate Heat Tolerance, minimizing the effects of heat stress and maintaining milk production without energy-intensive cooling systems, thus indirectly reducing greenhouse gas emissions.Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) help optimize water quality in fish farming, increasing productivity while reducing the methane emissions typically associated with traditional aquaculture.
The implications for food security are profound, particularly through increased crop diversity, where shifting towards non-rice crops and expanding rice areas can diversify the food supply and reduce dependency on a single crop, thus mitigating risks from climate-induced crop failures Together, these strategies highlight the potential of climate-resilient agricultural practices to enhance food security by ensuring stable and sustainable food production amidst climate challenges.
Several strategies can significantly impact greenhouse gas emissions in agriculture. Integrated Nutrient Management involves the use of both organic and inorganic fertilizers to enhance soil health and crop yields, reducing the need for excessive fertilizer application and thereby lowering nitrous oxide emissions, a potent greenhouse gas. Together, these strategies promote a more sustainable agricultural system by lowering greenhouse gas emissions and encouraging practices that are both environmentally and economically beneficial.
Modeling in agriculture, particularly in relation to climate changeis an evolving field, continuously integrating new technologies and data sources to improve accuracy and applicability. It's a crucial tool for ensuring the future resilience and productivity of agriculture. Key initiatives include using the CROPWAT model to optimize irrigation schedules for rice, ensuring efficient water use. A climate impact assessment will evaluate the effects of extreme weather on crop production, guiding the development of adaptation strategies based on future climate projections. Additionally, research will continue on soil and plant processes, particularly the role of water and nutrient management on methane-degrading bacteria and the impact of elevated CO2 on crop growth. Livestock and fisheries will also be a focus, with studies assessing the effects of climate change, particularly heat stress and greenhouse gas emissions, to formulate effective adaptation strategies.
To further enhance Bangladesh's agricultural resilience in the face of climate change, additional steps must be taken. Enhanced research and development (R&D) is crucial, focusing on the creation of climate-resilient crop varieties and the promotion of sustainable farming practices. These efforts should be complemented by stronger policy implementation that incentivizes farmers to adopt eco-friendly practices. Capacity building is equally vital, with targeted training for farmers and agricultural workers on climate-smart techniques and the integration of advanced tools like GIS and remote sensing. These steps, building on current project achievements, will empower Bangladesh to better navigate the agricultural challenges posed by climate change.
To mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the agricultural and livestock sectors, Bangladesh can implement a multi-faceted approach that combines policy measures, technological advancements, and sustainable practices. Promoting climate-smart agriculture (CSA) by developing resilient crop varieties, optimizing water use, and enhancing nutrient management is essential. Notable practices include developing salinity-tolerant crops, adopting alternative wetting and drying (AWD) irrigation methods, and utilizing floating bed cultivation in flood-prone areas. Sustainable livestock management through improved feed, biogas production, and breed enhancement can further reduce emissions.
Integrating agroforestry and supporting community-based reforestation will sequester carbon and restore degraded lands. Adoption of renewable energy, such as biogas and solar power, alongside energy-efficient technologies, can minimize fossil fuel reliance. Policy support, including GHG monitoring, financial incentives for low-emission practices, and capacity building, will ensure widespread adoption. Research and development in innovative farming techniques and pilot projects will drive progress.
Agriculturists in Bangladesh must enhance their understanding of carbon trading, particularly because the nation is a significant carbon sequesterer rather than a major emitter. With increasing global attention on carbon markets, Bangladesh's agricultural sector can tap into opportunities for economic gains by leveraging its carbon sequestration capabilities. This requires a strong knowledge base among agriculturists to engage with carbon trading mechanisms effectively, ensuring that the country can benefit from climate finance initiatives while promoting sustainable practices. Studies show that while Bangladesh's emissions are relatively low, its potential for carbon sequestration through reforestation and soil management is significant and can be monetized under carbon trading schemes. By building capacity in this area, agriculturists can contribute to both national and global efforts to combat climate change.
Furthermore, gender-sensitive adaptation ensures inclusivity by assessing gender-specific vulnerabilities, promoting women's participation in decision-making, and tailoring interventions to their needs. Financial support is also crucial, with efforts to secure funding from both governmental and international sources, offer microfinance and insurance to farmers, and foster public-private partnerships. The writer is Technical Specialist & Research Adviser, Krishi Gobeshona Foundation
