Τhis study employed structural, semi-structured interviews and focus group discussion (FGD) in two coastal communities, namely Salimpur on the Sitakund coast and Sarikait Sandwip Island, Bangladesh. The small-scale artisanal fishers in coastal Bangladesh are comparatively more vulnerable to climate risks than any other communities in Bangladesh. Based on practicality, this paper aims to explain the local level climate change perception, its impact, and adaptation strategies of the fisher in southeast coastal villages in Bangladesh. The study reviews and applies secondary data sources to compare and contrast the findings presented in this study.
Results show that the fishers perceived an increase in temperature, frequency of tropical cyclones and an increase in sea level. They also perceived a decrease in monsoon rainfall. Such changes impact the decreasing amount of fish in the Bay of Bengal and the fishers’ livelihood options. Analysing seasonal calendar of fishing, findings suggest that fishers’ well-being is highly associated with the amount of fish yield, rather than climatic stress, certain non-climatic factors (such as the governmental rules, less profit, bank erosion, and commercial fishing) also affected their livelihood. The major adaptation strategies undertaken include, but are not limited to, installation of tube well or rainwater harvesting plant for safe drinking water, raising plinth of the house to cope with inundation, and use of solar panel/biogas for electricity.