Better Options for Integrated Floodplain Management in Bangladesh

The purpose of the research was to develop an implementation methodology for wider practice of Integrated Floodplain Management (IFM) options in diverse floodplain situations in Bangladesh through adaptive testing of improved IFM options with the participation of user communities and related stakeholders. It also had the purpose of promoting improved IFM options to key decision makers and organisations who are influential in maximising joint benefits from floodplains, and especially those who target the millions of people (poor men and women) in rural Bangladesh. The IFM options aimed at maximising joint benefits (rice and fish) from the floodplains. It was assumed that piloting IFM options would create an opportunity to build consensus among the various users of floodplain resources to protect and enhance the open capture fisheries upon which the poor are most dependent. The farmers can also potentially gain through adopting alternative crop management practices that are fish friendly. Through this it was hoped that key policy stakeholders and practitioners could be reached, to contribute to changing their views and approaches to floodplain management.