Climate Information Services and Their Potential on Adaptation and Mitigation: Experiences from Flood Affected Regions in Bangladesh

Abstract

Climate services are the use of climate knowledge and information in climate-smart development. This study aims to explore the understanding and level of resilience at community level, including the potential of climate information services in promoting INDC, BCCSAP, LAPA. We also look at the adaptation and mitigation paradigm with smart mobile phones, along with an internet scheme via Short Message Service (SMS), Outbound Dial (OBD), Apps and Call Centre services on agriculture, agro meteorology, weather forecast and early warning system. The study was conducted in South Kharibari village of DimlaUpazila in the Nilphamari district in which a 100 climate vulnerable households are currently using a customized system for increasing resilience in households through climate information services. The study was conducted through explanatory methods, including contextual analyses, case studies, and best practice documentation, FGD, KII and PVA (Participatory Vulnerability Assessment). The study reveals that climate information plays a vital role in climate-resilient development at household level through increased women’s participation in action research and formulation of LAPA. This fortifies their leadership role in food security and energy sectors which are the major focus area of INDC and BCCSAP. Its additionally helping climate-vulnerable women to adapt with changing environment through resilient crop farming, homestead gardening, fisheries, livestock, horticulture and poultry rearing. Thus helping them to develop resilient planning for alternative energy sources in cooking, lighting and other purposes which meets the mitigation needs at the household level.