Vol. 2, Issue 1, Part A (2016)

Abstract
People living in different coastal areas of Bangladesh have been suffering from lower crop productivity and less cropping intensity due to different climatic vulnerabilities. The study was carried out in Satkhira sadar upazila of Satkhira district and Kalapara of Patuakhali district to analyze the climate impacts on crop production systems and to suggest appropriate coping strategies and adaptation options for improving coastal agriculture for increased agricultural production. To achieve the objectives, data were collected through intensive survey of randomly selected 240 sampled respondents using pre-tested interview schedule. Long-term data/information on climate change showed that there is a trend of temperature rise and erratic rainfall. Participants stated that the current climate in the study area behaving differently than in the past on a number of climate risk factors like increased temperature, frequent drought, changes in seasonal rainfall pattern, long dry spells, increase of soil salinity, increase of tidal surges affecting crop production. The study showed that the main reasons of yield reduction (20-40% yield loss) in T. Aman crop are erratic rainfall, increased intensity and frequency of drought, salinity, floods, cyclone, use of local varieties, increased incidences of pests & diseases etc. in the context of climate change. Average yield level of HYV Boro is being affected (20-40% yield loss) by high temperature and salinity and that of T. Aus/Aus crop is being affected (20-40% yield loss) by tidal surge. Vegetables, pulses and oilseed crops are being affected (40-60% yield loss) by soil wetness, excessive rainfall and water-logging in the selected areas. Sorjan system of cropping, rice-fish dual culture, utilization of bunds as vegetables/spices production in gher areas, floating bed agriculture and homestead gardening with introduction of salt-tolerant & drought tolerant crop varieties have been identified as potential adaptation options for development of coastal agriculture for increased agricultural production in attaining food security.