– 1,022 people took part in the survey
– 15.6% lack awareness on taking steps against VAW
Dhaka Office: Around 17.1% of farmers in climate-vulnerable areas like the Char, Haor, and Hill regions have changed their agricultural practices due to the impacts of climate change, according to a new baseline study by Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF).
The findings of this study were presented on Wednesday through a virtual program.
Out of the 1,022 people who took part in the survey, 353 are men, 657 women, and 12 are third-gender individuals. 17.1% reported that numerous farmers have changed their farming methods because of climate change.
They have started to use tactics like planting high-yield crops, changing when they plant, and applying organic fertilizers like green manure and vermicompost to deal with weather-related challenges.
Besides this survey also shed light on gender disparities and social vulnerabilities.
With an average marriage age of 16 for women compared to 26 for men, qualitative analysis suggests climate-induced poverty and societal norms are key drivers of early marriage among girls.
30.72% of respondents (227 women, 83 men, and 5 third gender) reported experiencing physical, psychological, economic, or sexual violence in the past year.
However, only 15.6% of survivors filed complaints, highlighting the lack of awareness on taking steps against Violence Against Women (VAW).
Char areas had the highest complaint rate at 25%, followed by Coastal with 13%, Haor 8.6%, and none in the hill areas. Moreover, qualitative analysis revealed that rural women struggle to recognize different types of violence.
Many of them fear stigma and judgement when disclosing Domestic Violence (DV) and consider it routine.
The baseline survey, conducted as part of MJF’s “Community-based Resilience, Women’s Empowerment and Action (CREA)” project, in collaboration with Associates for Innovative Research and Development (AIRD) Ltd, focused on 28 unions across 14 districts in Coastal, Char, Haor, and Hill regions.
The survey underscores the urgency of addressing climate change impacts and promoting gender equality. Supported by the Embassy of Sweden, the CREA project aims to strengthen the leadership and resilience of the community, especially of women and girls, in addressing climate change and poverty, while tackling issues like child marriage and domestic violence.
Lubna Yasmine, joint secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, was the guest of honour at the event.
She said: “Climate change is now a global issue. In a climate vulnerable country like Bangladesh, we need to take preparation to tackle the major impact of climate change. For this, with the directives of our honourable Prime Minister, we have adopted some long term plans like National Adaptation Plan, Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), Mujib Climate Prosperity Plan. We have committed to reduce carbon emissions through our plans to combat climate change.
She further said: “At the policy level, we are working to address women’s empowerment and gender issues. However, as women and adolescents are mostly affected by climate change, it is crucial to include them in the development process. Though the task is difficult as there are various obstacles in this field. If the development organisations that are working on these issues at the field level identify the obstacles and report to us, it will be easier for us to take measures from the policy-making level.”
Upazila nirbahi officers (UNOs) and development workers from project areas shared insights on implementing effective interventions based on the study findings.
Shaheen Anam, the executive director of the Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF) said: “In our baseline survey, the issue of violence against women (VAW) has also come up. We stumble again and again to address the issue. Several factors have to work together to prevent VAW. For example, implementation of laws, implementation of policies, empowerment of women, recognition of their contribution. This is how the status and position of women would be improved.”
