Integrating Adaptation and Mitigation in Irrigation Through Diffusion of Solar Energy Technology: A Case from the Northwest Bangladesh

Abstract

Adaptation and mitigation addressing climate change are integrally allied and complementary to each other though both differ in concept, application, and scale. Integrated adaptation and mitigation initiatives produce multiple benefits to the community. Solar-powered irrigation in the Barind Tract, a drought-prone area in the northwest Bangladesh, has become such a cohesive approach that contributes to emission reduction and also enhances adaptive capacity of the rural community, particularly farmers. The Barind Multipurpose Development Authority (BMDA), a government unit dedicated for the Barind Tract, provides irrigation support using both groundwater and surface water. Although renewable energy in agriculture is yet to achieve a significant breakthrough in Bangladesh, BMDA-supported solar-powered irrigation has become a successful geoengineering for turning a drought-prone area to a regular cultivable land. BMDA-operated common resource solar panels provide benefits to a wider range of population irrespective of their social status and economic strength through generating employment both in agriculture and non-agriculture, and by forming social group to ensure irrigation for smaller-sized land areas. Farmers' awareness about climate change in the region conveys an acceptable level, which may be linked to the effective functionality of the BMDA. Yet, there are substantial opportunities for research about reinforcement of integrated adaptation-mitigation strategy and inclusion of related other wings for a better result-oriented assimilation for nationwide climate change programs.