Abstract
Livelihood diversification is a key survival tool in resource constrained geographically isolated riverine island (char) areas. Understanding the determinants and livelihood diversification strategy of island dwellers is important for ensuring livelihood resilience in the char areas. This study aims to explore the patterns and determinants of livelihood diversification of households in disaster-prone riverine islands by developing a livelihood assessment index. The study employs Tobit regression model to understand the factors influencing decisions related to livelihood diversification of these households using survey data from 374 char dwellers of Bangladesh. The result reveals that most of the char dwellers have low livelihood diversification scores due to the trap of chronic poverty and seasonal food insecurity. The analysis shows that education, household head gender, farm size, extension contact and organizational participation significantly influence the livelihood diversification decisions of households. It also reveals that resource poor char dwellers are more diversified than resource rich char dwellers. In case of resource poor char dwellers, the livelihood diversification is ensued for survival and influenced by their migration to nearby town for temporary employment. On the other hand, educated persons and resource rich dwellers are mostly dependent on farming or employment in the nearer town or the capital city for better livelihood. A context specific comprehensive development program is needed to create job opportunity in the riverine island areas to improve people’s livelihood resilience.
