In the southwest coastal regions of Bangladesh, shrimp farming serves as a vital source of livelihood, yet it faces increasing vulnerability due to climate change. This study utilizes the Sustainable Livelihood Framework (SLF) to assess the existing livelihood assets of shrimp farmers and analyze the livelihood vulnerability across three distinct shrimp production systems , namely extensive, semi-intensive and intensive. Primary data were gathered from 150 randomly selected shrimp farmers i n Khulna, Satkhira and Bagerhat districts. Three methods , Climate Vulnerability Index (CVI), the Livelihood Effect Index (LEI), and the Livelihood Vulnerability Index (LVI) were employed for assessing livelihood vulnerability. Shrimp cultivation in the country is done under mostly extensive farming methods where the traditional farming system is used.
Analysis reveals significant vulnerability variations among shrimp farmers practicing different production systems. Tables 1 and 2 present the results using a score-based approach, where each aspect (livelihood asset or vulnerability index) is assigned a numerical score ranging from 0 to 1, with 1 representing the highest level or vulnerability. Extensive farming exhibits greater resilience to climate change, indicated by lower vulnerability scores across all three assessment methods. In contrast, semi-intensive and intensive shrimp farming show heightened susceptibility to climate-related stressors, attributed to increased dependence on external inputs and infrastructure (Table 2).
These findings underscore the critical need for promoting sustainable and resilient shrimp farming practices in the face of escalating climate risks. Policy interventions and adaptive strategies should prioritize enhancing farmers’ adaptive capacity and diversifying livelihood assets.