Hailstorms in Northern Bangladesh: Investigating Hazard Prioritization by and Perceived Risks for Farmers

This study attempts to explore community-based prioritization and risk analyses of natural hazards in Bangladesh. Case studies include two areas in the Panchagarh sub-district, northern Bangladesh. Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were conducted with community members to conduct risk analyses for hazard prioritization and to assess their perceptions on the identification, shifting, and seasonal variation of natural hazards. After that, semi-structured questionnaire surveys were conducted with farmers living in the observed areas to triangulate findings of the FGDs. Besides, climatological data and secondary damage data of natural hazards to agriculture were analyzed. Next, the gathered data were analyzed by applying the theory of risk analysis. At glance, GIS maps provided in this study showed spatial distribution and temporal frequency of hailstorms throughout Bangladesh. In terms of hazard prioritization, the results of analysis discovered hailstorm as the most prioritized hazard surpassing droughts and flash floods. In fact, the perception of farmers confirmed findings of the FGDs. Both historical data and the perspectives of farmers as well as community revealed hailstorms as a significant hazard in northern Bangladesh. It appeared that hailstorms have significantly decreased motivation of farmers to continue farming, which would then affect their agricultural production and eventually lead to an unsustainable agriculture. Looking at existing literature, this study would be the first attempt to examine hailstorms as a major threat. Rising vulnerabilities of the regions’ agricultural sector to hailstorms would thus require urgent attentions from policymakers to manage the risks strategically and sustainably.