In the southern coastal deltaic regions of Bangladesh, freshwater canals are a lifeline to multiple food system-based livelihoods. However, these resources are mired in unequal conflicts and contestations, an outcome of resources appropriation and control by local elites and ambiguous interpretations of policies and strategies.
Marginalized farmers and women who rely largely on agri-food systems-related livelihoods are most affected by these canal water appropriations. In response to this growing crisis, a national policy dialogue titled “Towards Inclusive Canal Water Management for Resilient Agri-Food System in Coastal Bangladesh” was held at the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC) complex in Dhaka on 22nd December 2024, as part of the CGIAR Initiative on Asian Mega Deltas.
The event brought together community members, local representatives, development partners, NGO professionals, and government officials to address the pressing issue of canal lease abuse, as well as develop actionable pathways.
Freshwater canals store rainwater during the monsoon, supply water for agriculture and household use in the dry season, and serve as drainage channels during extreme rainfall events. Research by Dr. Mou Rani Sarker from the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) found that many canals in the southwest coastal region are controlled by local elites or urban investors. “These powerful actors lease canals and alter them for profit through enclosing, diverting, or filling for shrimp and fish farming, as well as agricultural expansion,” Dr. Sarker revealed.
Dr. Fouzia Mannan, Professor at East West University, underscored the severe water insecurity faced by women in Satkhira, noting that two-thirds of women experience acute shortages. “Women bear the brunt of water scarcity, leading to increased domestic workload, economic losses, food poverty, physical strain, and heightened stress,” Dr. Mannan explained.
Dr. M. Mokhlesur Rahman, Executive Director of the Center for Natural Resource Studies (CNRS), highlighted policy gaps around coastal water and agri-food systems. He noted that the restoration of two canals in Shyamnagar upazila, Satkhira, has helped improve freshwater access and facilitated crop diversification. This restoration created income opportunities for both men and women involved in fishing.
Ms. Jesmin Ara, Project Director at the Department of Women's Affairs, emphasized gender and social inclusion in water management systems. “Promoting women’s rights and advancing gender-responsive development are critical to addressing the climate-gender-water nexus,” she remarked.
Special guest Mr. Sarker Shafi Uddin Ahmed, Director of the Field Service Wing at the Department of Agricultural Extension, emphasized that agriculture is inseparable from water. He highlighted the significant water consumption of dairy farms and called for systematic interventions to address this issue. “We must excavate silted canals, cancel exploitative leases, and promote sustainable irrigation systems. Crop diversification, adoption of agricultural technology, and hydroponic aquaculture will help boost coastal production,” he added.
Dr. Engr. Jiban Kumar Sarker, Additional Chief Engineer of the Bangladesh Water Development Board, underscored the need for community-led approaches in managing coastal canals. He highlighted the need to build local capacity and form canal management groups, stressing the importance of sustaining efforts beyond project lifecycles. He further stressed rainwater harvesting and the significance of early warning systems to better manage water resources.
Chief Guest Dr. Nazmun Nahar Karim, Executive Chairman of BARC, called for the inclusion of marginalized women in water management, emphasizing their contributions and providing them with the necessary support. She emphasized the need for coordinated efforts among stakeholders to create sustainable and resilient agricultural systems, with a focus on climate resilience, gender equality, and effective water management. “Our collective efforts must meet future food demands while ensuring sustainability,” she stated.
In closing remarks, Chairperson Dr. Md. Sirajul Islam, Chief of Party at IRRI, emphasized the importance of policy dialogue for sharing reflections and promoting community-based participatory canal water management to restore water rights. Dr. Islam reaffirmed IRRI’s commitment to partnering with policymakers and NARES to enhance the efficiency, sustainability, and equity of Bangladesh’s agri-food sector.
The dialogue concluded with a unified call to prioritize localized solutions, amplify marginalized voices, strengthen capacity development, implement gender-responsive fiscal systems, and foster collaboration and coherence among agencies to restore water rights for all stakeholders, promoting sustainable and equitable development in Bangladesh.