Lifestyle Transitions in ‘Monga’-Affected Regions: A Micro-Level Study in Northern Bangladesh
Author (s)
Farhana Kamal, Lima Nasrin Eni, Md. Ahsan Habib, & Ishrat Jahan Eva
Abstract
This study examines the gradual lifestyle changes in the Monga-affected regions of northern Bangladesh, focusing mainly on the Nilphamari district. Monga, a cyclical phenomenon, exacerbates unemployment, food shortages, and poverty, forcing many agricultural workers to abandon farming. This research explores Monga’s impact on vulnerable populations and their coping strategies, including migration to urban areas for low-wage employment. A qualitative methodology was employed, including in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with 30 randomly selected respondents from Dimla Upazila in the Nilphamari district. Findings reveal that illiterate labourers and marginal and landless farmers are most affected, often migrating to cities seasonally for survival despite harsh conditions, relying on microcredit loans and the mercy of nature. Lifestyle changes at both the micro and macro levels are found in Monga-affected zones; changes include variations in consumption, livelihood, challenges, and social costs in personal and community relationships and diversification in agriculture. Government and NGO interventions play a critical role in alleviating these challenges by creating alternative employment opportunities. The study’s limitations include a small sample size and geographical focus, which may limit the generalizability of its findings. However, the practical implications suggest that targeted interventions can mitigate Monga’s impact, offering valuable insights for policymakers. This research provides original insights into the socioeconomic transformations caused by Monga, shedding light on the survival strategies of the affected population.
Key words: Monga, Seasonal migration, lifestyle transition, livelihood adaptation, coping strategies.
| Title: | Lifestyle Transitions in ‘Monga’-Affected Regions: A Micro-Level Study in Northern Bangladesh |
|---|---|
| Author: | Farhana Kamal, Lima Nasrin Eni, Md. Ahsan Habib, & Ishrat Jahan Eva |
| Journal Name: | Journal of Scientific Reports |
| Website: | https://ijsab.com/jsr |
| Publisher | IJSAB-International |
| DOI: | https://doi.org/10.58970/JSR.1053 |
| Media: | Online |
| Volume: | 7 |
| Issue: | 1 |
| Acceptance Date: | 30/10/2024 |
| Date of Publication: | 5/11/2024 |
| PDF URL: | https://ijsab.com/wp-content/uploads/1053.pdf |
| Free download: | Available |
| Page: | 226-243 |
| First Page: | 226 |
| Last Page: | 243 |
| Paper Type: | Research Paper |
| Current Status: | Published |
Cite This Article:
Kamal, F., Eni, L. N., Habib, M. A., & Eva, I. J. (2024). Lifestyle Transitions in ‘Monga’-Affected Regions: A Micro-Level Study in Northern Bangladesh, Journal of Scientific Reports, 7(1), 213-230. DOI: https://doi.org/10.58970/JSR.1053
About Author (s)
Farhana Kamal, Lecturer, Department of Sociology, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur, Bangladesh.
Lima Nasrin Eni, Lecturer, Department of Management, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur, Bangladesh.
Md. Ahsan Habib (Corresponding Author), Lecturer, Department of Economics, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur, Bangladesh. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0007-5946-3076
Ishrat Jahan Eva, Lecturer, Department of Sociology, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur, Bangladesh.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.58970/JSR.1053