Understanding climate change-induced drought shocks and coping strategies of farmers in the Barind Tract Region, Bangladesh

Climate change-induced shocks, particularly drought, are more prevalent and causing drastic changes in farming and livelihood in the Barind Tract region of Bangladesh. Therefore, this study aims to identify drought shocks experienced by farmers, investigate their coping strategies, and develop a contextualized Composite Coping Strategy Index (CCSI). A mixed-method approach combining FGDs and KIIs, followed by a structured survey (351 respondents) was carried out across the two most drought-prone upazilas: Tanore and Nachol, in the Rajshahi and Chapainawabganj districts of Bangladesh. Quantitative data were analyzed using regression models, while qualitative data enriched contextual understanding using thematic and narrative analysis. The study found twelve drought effects along with fourteen coping strategies against drought. Findings reveal that groundwater depletion and loss of crop yield are the most severe impacts of drought. Coping strategies ranked highest included deep tube well water extraction and cultivating less water-intensive crops, while water preservation through storage in tanks and intercropping practices were the least used coping strategies. Regression analysis confirmed that extension media contact (β = 0.263, p < 0.001), drought impact on agriculture (β = 0.257, p < 0.001), and drought impact on livelihood (β = 0.157, p < 0.001) significantly influenced farmers’ adoption of coping strategies, while demographic factors showed minimal predictive effect. These findings emphasize the urgency of targeted policy interventions to enhance drought resilience through sustainable water use, diversified livelihoods, and inclusive resource access in vulnerable farming communities. Promoting sustainable water management, alternative income sources, and farmer-led innovations can substantially improve adaptation in drought-prone regions.