Coastal Crew: A genesis of Bed farming at Satkhira

Hetalbunia, a coastal area in Batiaghata, Satkhira, like many other flood-affected regions of Bangladesh, faces significant challenges due to climate change and natural calamities. These environmental pressures have led to declining agricultural yields, increasing vulnerability for local communities. In response to these challenges, the Coastal Crew project has been launched, offering new opportunities to local residents by integrating climate education and sustainable farming practices.
Initiated by the Institute of Informatics and Development (IID) and Youth for Policy (YfP), the Coastal Crew project was introduced by a youth team at the Policy Hackathon 2024, under the theme “Youths for a Sustainable Future.” This initiative combines innovative farming techniques with eco-friendly education to enhance food security, income generation, and climate resilience in the coastal community.
One of the key components of the project involves training farmers to construct and manage floating beds for vegetable cultivation. These beds, constructed with bamboo and water hyacinth, provide an effective solution to flooding and soil degradation, allowing farmers to grow crops such as pumpkin and bottle gourd. Through this initiative, farmers not only secure a sustainable source of food but also contribute to their community’s resilience against climate change.
A significant achievement of the project so far has been the impact on the local farming community. Six farmers have directly benefited from this initiative, with over 50 farmers and their families indirectly impacted by the new farming methods. As a result, these farmers have harvested 16 kg of spinach and mixed vegetables, which were used to provide meals for 100 people in the community.
In addition to agricultural advancements, Coastal Crew is also promoting the production of biodegradable paper pens as part of its broader environmental education efforts. Fifteen youth participants have already produced 1,000 biodegradable pens, contributing to reduced plastic use and providing a sustainable livelihood option. IID has also adopted these eco-friendly pens in its operations, further supporting the initiative’s goals.
With continued training and community engagement, Coastal Crew is paving the way for a sustainable and resilient future for the coastal communities of Hetalbunia. By promoting eco-friendly farming techniques and environmentally conscious production, the project not only addresses immediate livelihood needs but also ensures long-term sustainability and climate resilience for future generations.

 

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