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  • Title: Stresses and storms: the case of Bangladesh.
    Author: Ahmad N.
    Journal: INSTRAW News; 1993; (19):23-7, 32-7. PubMed ID: 12157782.
    Abstract:
    The problems of women and environmental degradation have recently come to be addressed by women's groups, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), and government policies in Bangladesh. NGOs have been the most active, with 600 registered organizations: 40% international, 38% national, and 22% local. NGOs have promoted the recent inclusion of environmental concerns into development plans. About 100 NGOs are engaged in forestry projects. The National Association for Resource Improvement, for example, involves women in tree planting along roadsides and income-generating activities. About 75% of upazilas (administrative units) have environmental and women's projects, but under 20% of all villages are affected and 1% of landless people are reached. Women's groups have created awareness of women's problems and advocated for socioeconomic changes. Women, despite cultural and social restrictions on their social behavior, have changed environmental and economic conditions. Women's leadership and organizing abilities have contributed to public awareness of environmental degradation. Because Bangladesh is a delta, a rise in sea level from greenhouse effects would have serious consequences for the land and population. Global warming has contributed to river flooding and climate changes that have increased rainfall and tropical storms. Deforestation upriver adds to the water runoff problems. About 20% of the cultivable land area is affected by natural disasters. Population density is 760 persons per sq km. About 50% of forested areas have been destroyed within the past 20 years. 4% of gross domestic product comes from forest activity. The lack of wood fuel limits the ability of people to boil water and contributes to the increased incidence of diarrhea, other intestinal problems, and less nutritious food. Drought is another problem. Urban migration has overwhelmed the ability of urban centers to provide basic services. Coastal areas have been settled by 20% of total population, but coastal storms regularly impact on people's lives and livelihoods. Coastal fishing supports 1 million fishermen and 10 million in fishing-related employment. Land and water management practices and marine pollution have destroyed 40% of coastal forest areas. Excessive use of chemicals in agriculture has decreased soil fertility, produced water pollution, destroyed fishing, and jeopardized the health of agricultural workers. Women continue to have limited economic opportunities and subordinate positions in the household and economy. Women have been disadvantaged in their sex ratio, nourishment, and mortality. Although the Constitution since 1972 has guaranteed women 30 seats in the 330-member parliament and 10% of government service jobs, the gains have not been fully realized. The Five Year Plan for 1986-90 aimed to increase women's participation in economic development. More detailed plans were included in the following plan for 1991-95.
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