Climate-induced coastal occupational vulnerability and livelihood insecurity: Insights from coastal Bangladesh

The livelihoods of the fishing communities residing in the geographically vulnerable coastal zone are constantly threatened by escalating coastal disasters. The communities face persistent challenges, including livelihood failure, poverty, high exposure and sensitivity, and lower adaptive capacity, yet little attention has been paid to comprehending their multifaceted livelihood vulnerabilities amid climate-induced disasters. This study bridges that gap by employing several techniques to address the challenge. It adopts a mixed-method analysis and investigates the Livelihood Assessment Index (LAI), Livelihood Vulnerability Index (LVI), and Climate Vulnerability Index (CVI) to assess the livelihood vulnerability of fishing communities residing in the new and old fishery ghats (riverside locations where fishing-related activities take place) in Chattogram district in southern Bangladesh. Findings reveal that the fishing communities experience higher exposure levels and moderate vulnerability in the face of escalating climate-induced disasters. The overall LAI indicates a relatively low level of livelihood satisfaction, suggesting potential challenges or deficiencies in aspects contributing to well-being. Despite socioeconomic and demographic similarities, as LVI values present, the exposure varies between the two study locations. Both locations are characterized by moderate sensitivity, while the new fishery ghat showed slightly higher adaptive capacity, contributing to greater resilience. The CVI values indicated higher vulnerability for the new fishery ghat fishing community, suggesting increased challenges related to climate-induced threats, and the old ghat community exhibited lower vulnerability, showcasing better resilience to disasters. Factors influencing livelihood vulnerability include limited access to education and healthcare in the new fishery ghat, while the old fishery ghat benefits from better provisions, communication, and social networks. The study advocates for context-specific decision-making and targeted interventions to support vulnerable fishing communities in coastal zones globally, emphasizing the need for improved social safety nets and alternative livelihood options. Addressing these occupational vulnerabilities is crucial for long-term development in climate-risk countries like Bangladesh.