ABSTRACT
This chapter outlines the research design, detailing sampling procedures and fieldwork conducted in the villages of Kalinchi and Shora. In addition, using livelihood history interviews as a key method was instrumental in thoroughly answering the first research question studying the 2009 Cyclone Aila's specific effects on conventional livelihoods in the Sundarbans and post-Aila livelihood sources. Specific methods used to gather data comprised participant observation, seven focus groups, and 48 livelihood history interviews dealing with gender, livelihoods, disaster recovery, impacts on climate change and development. In the post-Aila landscape, little previous research shows the extent of the psychological and economic stress under which Aila survivors were placed due to the uncertainty of livelihood support, tensions over personal security, physical health hazards triggered by diarrhoea and cholera. In cyclone-affected rural communities, social and biophysical concerns make a big difference when transforming livelihoods. The transformation of livelihoods is gender specific in rural communities experiencing the effects of climate-induced ecological disasters in south-west Bangladesh.
