Waterlogging as a Socio-Ecological Crisis: A Case Study from the South-Western Coastal Region of Bangladesh

Historically, human attempts to control and manipulate nature for economic development often lead to unexpected environmental consequences, including waterlogging, which has become a growing socio-ecological crisis in Bangladesh’s southwest coastal region. This study aims to explore the socio-economic impacts of waterlogging, an environmental phenomenon primarily resulting from anthropogenic factors, on local communities using a bottom-up approach, employing the Social-Ecological System (SES) framework. The study employs a qualitative research method, which is carried out in two upazilas (sub-districts) of Jessore district: Abhaynagar and Monirampur. A total of 5 focus group discussions (FGDs), 11 case studies, and 5 key informant interviews (KIIs) were conducted, utilizing a purposive sampling technique. Findings reveal that waterlogging has created significant disturbances to the local community’s livelihoods. The first consequence is the disruption of agricultural activity, which reduces the potential for earnings and associated employment opportunities and exacerbates economic vulnerabilities. Access to education has been constrained by budgetary limitations and damaged infrastructure, while public health often suffers deterioration from waterborne diseases and inadequate sanitation. In this case, insufficient integration of local knowledge and community participation has led to fragmented and inefficient policy responses despite numerous interventions by government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and international organizations. This study advocates a participatory approach to water management that strengthens institutional coordination, integrates local knowledge, and encourages sustainable infrastructure development. Indeed, long-term socio-ecological resilience in the area depends on adaptive governance that addresses the underlying causes of waterlogging.