Adaptive strategies to extreme climate events among riverine communities in Sirajganj, Bangladesh

This study explores how riverine communities in Sirajganj adapt to recurring extreme climate events, aiming to fill the gap in localized climate resilience research. Rural riverine populations in flood, heatwave and erosion-prone areas face compounded livelihood vulnerabilities. We explored the climate vulnerabilities and resilience strategies of communities in char and mainland areas using an exploratory qualitative approach. We conducted eight focus group discussions (FGDs) with 82 participants across different age and gender groups and data were analyzed using thematic approach. Our findings reveal that extreme weather events exacerbate food insecurity, economic instability, and social vulnerabilities, particularly for women and marginalized groups. Char dwellers face heightened risks due to recurrent displacement, loss of agricultural productivity, and limited access to essential services. While communities have developed various adaptation strategies, including structural modifications to homes (e.g., raised plinth housing), behavioral adjustments, social network support, and indigenous knowledge-based techniques, these measures remain largely reactive rather than anticipatory. A shift towards anticipatory action—such as climate-informed planning, early warning systems, long-term livelihood diversification, and investment in resilient infrastructure—is critical for building sustainable resilience. These findings provide valuable insights for national planners, NGOs, and international donors aiming to strengthen community-level adaptation. Moreover, existing global and national climate vulnerability indices often fail to incorporate localized adaptation strategies and socio-economic resilience factors, limiting their applicability to high-risk communities. This study highlights the necessity of integrating regional findings into vulnerability indicators to ensure a more accurate assessment of climate risks and adaptation capacity. The study also contributes to the climate resilience literature by signifying the importance of incorporating localized adaptation practices into broader vulnerability frameworks.