Seasonal adaptation through vernacular strategy in vulnerable water nomad community in Bangladesh

Abstract

Bangladesh’s extensive riverine landscape hosts communities whose livelihoods are directly linked to water channels. Among them are the Water nomads or Bede (in Bangla) constitute a distinct socio-cultural group. Historically originating from the Arakan empires’ ethnic lineage, they travelled river channels, temporarily settling near village market or urban peripheries. Traditionally engaged in fishing, trading and culturally embedded practices such as unconventional medicine, snake charming and performative arts, they have faced social marginalization for long in Bangladesh . Economic shifts and the decline of their traditional occupations have gradually compelled them to rely on conventional jobs, i.e.- fishing, irregular wage labour etc. Seasonal flooding, especially during monsoon, submerges their surroundings, disrupts regular livelihoods and limits access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH). While isolated initiatives have addressed either safe WASH or additional income generation, no integrated and sustainable strategy has addressed year-round accessibility alongside the community’s multifaceted vulnerabilities. The study aims to understand the current socio-economic and spatial vulnerabilities faced by the community and propose a contextually grounded strategic framework that adapts vernacular approaches to enhance physical accessibility during water level fluctuations, resulting improved quality of life, safeguarding livelihoods and enhancing socio–economic resilience across the seasonal cycle.