An assessment on application of indigenous knowledge as disaster risk reduction strategies in Kutubdia, Cox’s bazaar, Bangladesh

Abstract

This research investigates how indigenous knowledge helps to reduce disaster risks in the coastal areas of Bangladesh, specifically in the
study area of Kutubdia, Cox’s Bazaar. The location of the coastal area of Bangladesh is funnel shaped which is regarded as one of the most
vulnerable cyclone-prone regions in the world because of its location and physiography. Almost every year coastal people experiences this
nature induced devastation and loses their lives and property. However, to cope with this type of natural calamity and minimize their loss,
coastal people apply their inherited practical knowledge that has been aimed to explore by this research. To conduct this research three
types of survey methods has been used: primary data were collected using Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) tools, Focus Group
Discussion(FGD) and semi-structured questionnaire survey. First of all, the study explored interesting house construction practices,
techniques and protection maneuvers those reflect the ideas of indigenous knowledge of coastal people as primitive adaptation strategies to
the cyclone disaster. It has also been found that the other indigenous practices like early cyclone warning system from nature including
animal behavior and weather condition. The dynamics of cyclone: classification, occurrence and affected scenario in the coastal region have
been identified for the Cox’s Bazaar region.