Morphological changes and their impact on the resident’s livelihood patterns of Char Munshi, lower Meghna estuary, Bangladesh

This study investigates the morphological changes in Char Munshi, located along the lower Meghna River, Bangladesh, over the past 34 years (1989–2023) and their impact on the livelihoods of the local population. Analysis of Landsat satellite imagery, combined with social surveys, reveals that despite ongoing land erosion, significant land accretion has occurred during this period. A notable event in 1999 saw the highest erosion rate, resulting in a 25.14 km² land loss. Over the study period, the island's area expanded approximately 42-fold, from an initial 2.44 km² in 1989 to its current size. The accretion of land positively impacted livelihood by increasing the farmland. On the other hand, frequent riverbank erosion displaced the people, damaged their property, and reduced their long-term economic stability and social security. The findings reveal that the livelihoods of people living in the Charland are primarily dependent on agriculture and fishing. However, challenges such as erosion and cyclones disrupt their way of life, pushing many into secondary or alternative jobs. These hardships also contribute to increased school dropouts, early marriages among girls, and a rise in crime and violence, which are closely linked to economic constraints and the lack of sufficient job opportunities. This study underscores the critical need for targeted economic support, crop and land insurance, and robust erosion control measures, which are essential for bolstering the resilience of Char Munshi's vulnerable population and promoting the sustainable development of its communities.