Community Vulnerability, Resilience Strategies, and Governance Challenges in Coastal Bangladesh: A Mixed-Methods Study of Taltali Upazila, Barguna District

Communities in the coastal region of southwestern Bangladesh are increasingly exposed to climate-induced challenges, including salinity intrusion, cyclones, freshwater scarcity, and the degradation of canal networks. While coastal vulnerability has been extensively documented, the role of local governance and power dynamics in shaping adaptation outcomes remains underexplored. This study investigates the interconnections among vulnerability, resilience, and governance in Taltali Upazila of Barguna District. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research combines household surveys with Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA), Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) conducted in Barabagi, Nishanbaria, and Sonakata unions. Findings reveal that climate risks are amplified by institutional weaknesses, including unequal access to water resources, politically influenced support distribution, weak stakeholder coordination, and limited participation of marginalized groups in decision-making processes. These factors contribute to socioeconomic hardship and declining agricultural productivity. Despite these challenges, local communities demonstrate resilience through earthen embankment systems (badh), seasonal water management practices, salinity-tolerant crops, and diversified livelihoods. Drawing on Social-Ecological Systems, Pressure-and-Release, and Climate Justice frameworks, the study advocates inclusive governance, equitable resource management, canal restoration, and gender-responsive adaptation to strengthen long-term resilience.