Sustainable Livelihoods under Water: The Case of Waterlogging in Barishal City Corporation, Bangladesh

The recent emergence of seasonal waterlogging in urban areas of Bangladesh has had a significant impact on the daily lives of urban dwellers, posing substantial challenges to their livelihoods. This study investigated how seasonal waterlogging affected sustainable livelihood capitals in the Barishal City Corporation (BCC) area and provided a comprehensive assessment of livelihood vulnerability. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 100 respondents using an indicator-based questionnaire informed by respondents’ lived experiences, and the data were statistically analyzed to derive livelihood vulnerability indices. Results demonstrate that the study area is highly susceptible to waterlogging, as the Total Livelihood Vulnerability Index (TVI) of the Barishal City Corporation area stands at 0.58. In the study area, the vulnerability indices differ across the five livelihood capitals, with physical capital being the most susceptible capital, accompanied by social capital, while natural capital is comparatively less vulnerable. The findings further revealed that the livelihood vulnerability varies according to the socioeconomic characteristics of the respondents and is largely driven by inadequate drainage systems, poor road conditions, and ineffective canal management. Overall, the study provides rigorous information on livelihood vulnerability associated with seasonal waterlogging and offers policy recommendations for enhancing resilience in waterlogging-prone urban environments.