Impacts of Riverbank Erosion and Food Insecurity Evidence from Naria, Bangladesh

Abstract

The main objective of this study is to find out the sufferings and havoc carried out by riverbank erosion and how riverbank erosion  hinders livelihood and limits the ability to ensure food for the family members of the affected people. Besides extensive literature  review, primary data have been collected directly from  he people of the riverbank erosion-prone area of Naria Pourosova and the  adjacent locality using observation, questionnaire, Focus Group Discussion (FGD), In-depth interview, and informal discussion  methods. Findings show that, immediately after riverbank erosion, the affected people have to face abnormal situations. The people lose their homesteads and cultivable land, including crops, and business enterprises, and become helpless overnight. That's why they  have no alternative to migrating anywhere. All the vulnerabilities increase the food insecurity of the affected people. Policymakers can  be benefited from these findings while formulating policy recommendations and strategies to support the people affected by  riverbank erosion.