Comparative Assessment of Vulnerability to Drought and Flood in the Lower Teesta River Basin: A SWOT Analysis

Abstract

People repeatedly confronted by natural catastrophe in almost every year such as drought and flood in the lower Teesta Basin area. After the construction of two barrages in Gozaldoba and Dalia on Teesta River drought and flood occurs almost every year. Intensity and frequency of these calamities are also increasing in an alarming rate, which caused serious damage to livelihoods and economy of this area. The objective of this paper is to find out the drought and flood induced vulnerability in the study area through Strength Weakness Opportunities Threat (SWOT) analysis. By this we can summarize the current state of a space and helping to devise a plan for the future, one that employs the existing strengths, redresses existing weaknesses, exploits opportunities and defends against threats. The study is conducted in Charkharibari village of Tepakharibari union of Dimla upazilla in Nilphamary district and Jigabari village of Tepamadhupur union of Kaunia upazilla in Rangpur district, taking the locational advantage, flood and drought proneness, topographic nature and population diversity under consideration. The study population is finite and sample size was determined by using Kothari’s formula. Sample size for Charkharibari and Jigabari is 200 and 85 respectively; samples were drawn through Simple Random Sampling (SRS) procedure. The relevant data and information used in this study have been collected from both primary and secondary sources. Primary data has been collected through a questionnaire survey and couple of Focus Group Discussions (FGD’s) with a view to collect quantitative as well as qualitative data. Results from Strength Weakness Opportunities Threat (SWOT) analysis shows that, between the two villages severity of drought and flood is higher in Charkharibari village. After comparing the strengths Jigabari is ahead; comparing weakness, opportunities and threat Charkharibari is ahead. Based on the analysis and the findings, it is evident that in terms of vulnerability Charkharibari is more vulnerable than Jigabari. But there are more opportunities for Charkharibari than Jigabari. However, it is evident that proper dissemination of information regarding early warning and assistance from government as well as non-government organizations can significantly improve the coping capacity of people.