Adapting to climate change in char land: investigating community-led initiatives in Bangladesh.

This study examines the types, magnitudes, and impacts of climate change on char land communities in Bangladesh, focusing on community-led initiatives (CLIs) implemented to address these challenges. Data from 196 households in Shibchar Upazila (Madaripur District) and Zanjira Upazila (Shariatpur District) reveal frequent natural disasters such as floods, river erosion, cyclones, and storms, with significant damage and financial loss reported. Despite the presence of government, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and local community efforts, respondents largely perceive these initiatives as inadequate, particularly in areas like food distribution, clean water access, and disaster awareness. The study highlights varied perceptions of livelihood skills quality, limited effectiveness of training programs, and positive but uneven impacts of women's empowerment initiatives. It underscores the need for strengthened disaster risk reduction, improved training, enhanced social services, and gender-sensitive policies, recommending integrated, collaborative approaches aligned with Bangladesh's development plans and the Sustainable Development Goals.