Agriculture in Bangladesh is highly vulnerable to climate variability and change. The country’s location exposes it to recurrent floods, droughts, and salinity intrusion, which have intensified in recent decades. This study examined the impacts of climate change on smallholder farming systems in the Jamuna floodplain and explored local adaptation practices. A mixed-methods approach was employed including GIS analysis of land-use and vegetation changes, household surveys involving 120 farmers, and focus group discussions. The findings revealed a 22% decline in seasonal crop productivity over the past two decades, mainly due to delayed monsoons and increased soil salinity. Farmers reported shifting to short-duration rice, drought-tolerant pulses, and increased reliance on organic compost and indigenous pest control. However, institutional support and awareness remained limited. The results indicate that ecosystem-based adaptation strategies—such as crop diversification, wetland restoration, and agroforestry—are more sustainable compared to input-intensive approaches. Strengthening collaboration between scientific research and traditional knowledge is essential for building resilient agricultural systems in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh is one of the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world, where agriculture plays a central role in food security and livelihoods. The country’s floodplain ecosystems are highly sensitive to climate-induced hazards such as floods, prolonged droughts, and saltwater intrusion. These hazards have intensified in recent decades, leading to significant disruptions in agricultural productivity and threatening the sustainability of rural livelihoods. Although several studies have documented the general impacts of climate change on agriculture, less attention has been given to localized adaptation practices in floodplain areas. Understanding how farmers perceive and respond to climatic stresses is crucial for designing effective adaptation strategies. Therefore, this study investigated the impacts of climate change on agricultural production in the Jamuna floodplain and analyzed the adaptation strategies adopted by smallholder farmers.

A mixed-methods research design was applied to capture both quantitative and qualitative insights.

1. GIS Analysis: Image processing and data extraction were analyzed to detect land-use changes and variations in the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index.
2. Household Surveys: Structured questionnaires were administered to 120 smallholder farmers selected through stratified random sampling in the Jamuna floodplain region. The survey collected data on cropping patterns, yield changes, input use, and perceptions of climate change.
3. Focus Group Discussions (FGDs): FGDs were conducted to explore traditional ecological knowledge, local coping mechanisms, and community-based adaptation practices. Triangulating these methods enhanced the credibility and validity of the findings.

This study revealed significant shifts in agricultural practices and productivity due to climate change.

• Decline in Productivity: Seasonal crop yields declined by approximately 22% over the last two decades, largely linked to delayed monsoon onset and increased soil salinity in low-lying areas.
• Changes in Cropping Patterns: Farmers reported reducing dependence on long-duration rice and increasingly adopting short-duration rice and drought-tolerant pulses.
• Adaptive Practices: The use of organic compost, indigenous pest control, and water-efficient techniques became more common. Farmers also experimented with crop diversification, including vegetables and oilseeds, as a risk management strategy.
• Limitations in Institutional Support: Despite local innovations, farmers faced inadequate access to extension services, credit facilities, and training related to climate adaptation.

These findings are consistent with the existing literature, which emphasizes the importance of ecosystem-based adaptation approaches. Practices such as wetland restoration, agroforestry, and crop diversification offer long-term sustainability compared to input-intensive methods that may provide short-term gains but degrade natural resources.

Climate change has already had a significant negative impact on agricultural systems in the Jamuna floodplain of Bangladesh. Farmers have adopted several local strategies, including short-duration and stress-tolerant crops, organic inputs, and diversification. However, the absence of strong institutional support limits the effectiveness of these adaptations. Promoting ecosystem-based adaptation and integrating scientific innovations with traditional ecological knowledge can enhance resilience. Policymakers, researchers, and local communities must collaborate to strengthen adaptive capacity and safeguard food security in the face of ongoing climatic challenges.