Graduate School of Development Studies

A Research Paper presented by:

Fariba Alamgir
(Bangladesh)

in partial fulfillment of the requirements for obtaining the degree of
MASTERS OF ARTS IN DEVELOPMENT STUDIES

Specialization:
[Environment And Sustainable Development]
(ESD)

Members of the examining committee:

Prof. Dr Max Spoor [Supervisor] Dr Bram Buscher [Reader]

The Hague, The Netherlands
November, 2010

Disclaimer:

This document represents part of the author’s study programme while at the Institute of Social Studies. The views stated therein are those of the author and not necessarily those of the Institute.

Inquiries:

Postal address: Institute of Social Studies P.O. Box 29776 2502 LT The Hague The Netherlands
Location: Kortenaerkade 12 2518 AX The Hague The Netherlands
Telephone: +31 70 426 0460
Fax: +31 70 426 0799

Contents

List of Maps v
List of Acronyms vi

Abstract vii

Chapter 1: Research Context and Setting 1
1.1 Introduction 1
1.2 Theoretical Framework 6 1.2.1 Understanding Water Scarcity 6 1.2.2 The Political Ecology Approach 7
1.3 Research Methodology: Data Collection, Analysis and Fieldwork 10

Chapter 2: Changing water regimes and livelihoods in South-Western Bangladesh 14
2.1 Introduction 14
2.2 Changing Water System in Coastal Region in Bangladesh 14 2.2.1 Impact of Poldering and Water Control 14 2.2.2 Reduced Flow of Water and Shrimp Cultivation 16
2.3 Interlinking Changes in Water System and Livelihood 16
2.4 Description of the Study Area 17 2.4.1 Features of Livelihood And Categorization of Farmers 19

Chapter 3: Conflicting Livelihoods, Contested Waters and Contradictions in Institutional Arrangements 21
3.1 Introduction 21
3.2 Expansion of Shrimp Cultivation: From Green Revolution to Blue Revolution 21
3.3 “From