2.1. Land Degradation and Adaptation Techniques

Dhaka, the city of more than 12 million people is encompassing both rapidly globalizing economy and infrastructurally poor neighbourhoods.

Dhaka is a major city with a population exceeding 12 million. It faces challenges arising from a mixture of a fast-growing economy and areas with poor infrastructure. The contrast between wealth and poverty affects how communities can cope with issues brought on by climate change.

Imagine a large kitchen that is beautifully designed on one side but has a messy stove and broken appliances on the other. While one side looks attractive and is functional, the other side struggles to keep up with cooking needs. This represents the disparity in Dhaka, where wealthy areas may thrive, but adjoining poorer neighborhoods face significant challenges.

The future climate change pattern may impact Dhaka from flooding and creating heat island where temperature may become a few degrees higher than the surrounding areas.

Climate change is predicted to exacerbate problems in Dhaka, specifically through increased flooding and the creation of 'heat islands.' A heat island is an area that experiences significantly warmer temperatures than its surroundings due to human activities, which can worsen living conditions for residents.

Consider a group of friends playing soccer on a sunny day on a field surrounded by tall buildings. As the sun beats down, the area around the buildings gets much hotter than the field. The same principle applies here; the infrastructure in cities can cause temperature increases, adversely affecting people's health.

The research identified several coping strategies, people made physical modifications within built environment as well as making improvements at the neighbourhood level.

Research into coping strategies reveals that urban communities in Dhaka have adapted by modifying their homes and neighborhoods. This included practical measures like increasing the height of buildings to prevent flooding and organizing community cleaning initiatives.

Think about how someone might build a raised garden bed in their yard to prevent plants from getting too much rainwater during storms. Similarly, urban residents in Dhaka are elevating their homes and creating systems within their neighborhoods to cope with adverse weather conditions.

Social networks helped people to get assistance during disasters and improved living conditions and livelihood opportunities.

The strength of social connections in Dhaka plays a crucial role during disasters. These networks provide support and assistance, which can enhance not just survival during difficult times but also improve overall living conditions and opportunities for better livelihoods.

Imagine being part of a local sports team. When one player is injured, the others step in to support them, helping them recover. In the same way, social networks within communities act as a support system, ensuring that when someone faces hardship, they can rely on their neighbors for help.

The urban poor are vulnerable to hazards induced by climate change as they respond to double exposure to climate variability and poverty; however, they also have certain level of built-in resilience.

The urban poor face a dual challenge from both climate change and poverty, making their situation particularly vulnerable. Despite this, they exhibit resilience through their adaptive strategies and the community bonds they have formed.

Consider a tree that grows in a stormy area. While it faces challenges from strong winds, its deep roots allow it to withstand harsh conditions. Similarly, the urban poor have developed their strategies and social connections that help them endure difficulties brought on by climate change.

In Western Africa, there are local techniques they have started adapting the Damloon techniques of conserving water and soil conservation methods.

In Western Africa, communities are adopting traditional techniques such as Damloon to conserve water and protect soil. These methods involve creating barriers using stones or soil to manage water flow and prevent erosion, showcasing how local knowledge can be effective.

Think of a farmer placing small rocks along the edges of their farm field. This helps slow down the flow of rainwater, allowing it to soak into the soil rather than washing it away. This practice of using simple barriers is akin to the Damloon techniques employed for conservation.

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