The Resilient Roots: Leveraging Indigenous Practices for Salinity Adaptation in Southern Bangladesh project will be implemented by the Center of People and Environ, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, and Krisoker Sor (Farmers' Voice).
Approximately 1.5 million hectares of arable land are threatened by high salinity levels in coastal areas of southern Bangladesh. With levels often exceeding 4 dS/m, soil degradation can affect crop yields, leading to declining economies and migration.
The project focused on three coastal locations that are all vulnerable to salinity but also to other climate-related issues: Koyra, located in the Khulna district is experiencing salinity, cyclones, and storm surges; Bhandaria in the Piorjpur district faces waterlogging and cyclones in addition to salinity and storm surges; Hatiya in Noakhali district is experiencing tidal inundation as well as salinity and waterlogging.
The project aims to develop a climate-resilient supply chain by utilizing local knowledge and practices that can help agricultural systems adapt to the saline conditions.