Impact and adaptation strategies of climate change in agricultural extension system in Bangladesh

Abstract

Facing the adverse effects of climate change is one of the biggest challenges for the country of Bangladesh. As a low lying downstream riparian country (70 percent of land area is 5 m or less above sea level), Bangladesh is one of the country’s most vulnerable to extreme climate events and the impact of climate change, from both flooding and sea water intrusion. Climate change is already affecting agricultural production with most alarming adverse effects in Bangladesh. Extreme weather conditions have changed the overall distribution of yearly rainfall, shifted cropping seasons, increased infestation of crops by pests and diseases, made the water-table decline in the Barind tract and some other areas. At the same time, demand for food is rapidly increasing with the population. Enhancing resilience is a major challenge not only for agricultural sustainability but also for the substantial non-farm rural economy. Hence, the development of climate resilient technology and adaptation strategies for food security, economic stability, and livelihood security of the people are crucial. In this article, an attempt was made to describe the threat of climate change, to highlight it’s the mitigation process, and to present practical implication for extension systems in facing the challenge of climate.