Improving water management in microwatersheds of southwest Bangladesh through physical intervention and community participation

The southwest coastal region of Bangladesh faces severe salinity, water scarcity, and waterlogging, which hamper agricultural production and livelihood. Developing mechanisms for holistic and integrated management of water, land, and technology at micro-watershed level, with participation of local communities, has potential to address such situation. The overall objective of this study is to identify potential ways of improving water management through physical interventions and community participation in micro-watersheds of southwest Bangladesh. This can be achieved through re-excavation of silted up khals, field demonstration of efficient water management technologies, supporting agricultural inputs, crop diversification, etc. The formation of watershed users’ groups and their training and capacity development in water management, canal maintenance, organic farming, etc. can sustain the agricultural productivity as well as maintain ecosystem health and reduce carbon footprint. This study would provide a better understanding of the linkage between water security, agricultural productivity, and community resilience. It would conduct field and laboratory measurements of water and soil parameters; satellite image analysis for land use, drainage routes and land elevation; and collect water and crop related information using survey and participatory tools.