Re-excavation of pond provides better food security

For many children and women, such as Mrs. Jasmine Musulman , there’s a new chance available that is very different from their previous lives of climate strife on the riverbanks of the Padma River in rural Bangladesh. After being displaced from weather changes and having to relocate with no financial safety net, her income increased considerably because of her efforts in selling vegetables in a nearby market. This has not only changed her level of income, but has allowed her to feed her children. She now looks forward to their future: her eight-year-old son is finally back in school.

Bangladesh is ranked as one of the most vulnerable countries in the world with regard to climate change. Every year, the country faces a number of disasters such as cyclones, storm surges, coastal erosion, floods and droughts, causing loss of lives, property and land. The country’s rain-fed agriculture depends on seasonal rainfall, however, many parts of the country are already suffering from repeated and sudden droughts. It is expected that, with rising temperatures, the situation will get worse before it gets better.

Buffalo farmer, Godagari Upazila, Rajshahi, Bangladesh ©LoCAL-UNCDF, Photo: Sajjadul Islam 2016

In the north region of Rajshahi, the Local Climate Adaptive Living Facility (LoCAL) programme of the UN Capital Development Fund initiated pilot activities as part of its first phase of intervention in the country. In the Godagari Upazila, a small community, was recently relocated due to recurring floods in the Padma riverbank, where they used to live.

Aerial view of the pond re-excavated with the support of LoCAL in Godagari Upazila, Rajshahi, Bangladesh ©LoCAL-UNCDF, Photo: C.Jancloes 2016

After the seasonal floods ravaged their homes and crops, the Senior Policeman and Community Leader in the area, Mr. Mohammed Azhar Ali contacted the local authorities in despair. This was a timely action: LoCAL had just started its first phase in the Godagari Upazila. The local government provided the small community of 35 households with 'Kash' land (government-leased land) around an existing pond. But the pond was silted and had almost dried up over the years. It required re-excavation and LoCAL co-funded this process with local governments, bringing new hope to the villagers.

Mr Mohammed Azhar Ali stands on top of the staircase that makes it easy for people to access the pond, Godagari Upazila, Rajshahi, Bangladesh ©LoCAL-UNCDF, Photo C.Jancloes 2016

Mr. Fakri Karim, Programme Manager of LoCAL, explains: “In its first phase in Bangladesh, LoCAL supported a range of activities to uniquely address the needs of climate displaced communities in the ‘last mile’ of the country. They face varied economic shocks and this adds to our challenge in helping them adapt. The experience demonstrates that the LoCAL mechanism is a good tool to support local governments to better manage and help victims of climate change. We take heed of these lessons learned as we start LoCAL’s second phase in the country.”

The pond’s re-excavation ushered in multiple benefits to the rural community. Mr. Ali explains that they started duck rearing in the area. But, he beams with a smile when he talks about the new fish farming activity. The first batch of fingerlings were released in the pond. Three species of fish were introduced, some of which will grow to be 1 kg heavy in just six months, explained the community leader.

The re-excavation of the pond also had a domino effect. The soil conditions are improving in surrounding fields. Ultimately, this brings better agricultural productivity. The villagers now want to increase multi-crop farming activities to generate more income and look forward to a more nutritionally sound and prosperous future.

Photos above: to support the farmers, the project established a farmer field school of integrated farming management and community education center near the pond. The LoCAL assessment team meets with the beneficiaries in Godagari Upazila, Rajshahi Bangladesh ©LoCAL-UNCDF, Photo C. Jancloes 2016

Aerial view of women using the pond, Godagari Upazila, Rajshahi, Bangladesh ©LoCAL-UNCDF, Photo C.Jancloes 2016