Shrimp farming at the interface of land use change and marginalization of local farmers: critical insights from southwest coastal Bangladesh

Coastal Bangladesh is one of the most climate vulnerable regions in the world. In addition to its physical vulnerability, drastic changes in land use due to unplanned shrimp farming, particularly in the southwest region, are creating short and long-term adverse impacts to the local economy, society, and environment, which further amplify risk, conflict and overall vulnerability of this region. This article unpacks the realities associated with the conversion of traditional farmlands to capital-intensive shrimp farming, and the consequences on the local environment, society, and economy. Even though this article has a geographical focus, insights have critical implications on other parts of the world facing similar social and environmental challenges.