Adapting across generations: Livelihood pathways in environmentally stressed rural coastal regions of Bangladesh and India

Existing studies rarely capture the dynamic nature of livelihood practices in response to environmental changes. We address this gap by introducing the analytical framework of Intergenerational Livelihood Pathways, which explores how environmental changes have shaped the availability of and access to livelihood capitals over time and how different adaptation strategies have evolved across generations. We apply this framework in rural coastal communities in Bangladesh and West Bengal, India, where livelihoods remain deeply rooted in natural resources and have long been shaped by multiple environmental hazards. Drawing on life-history interviews in 10 villages, we trace the evolution of livelihood practices across three generations. Our findings indicate a gradual shift from solely nature-based livelihoods to more mixed and diversified practices, mainly due to the degradation of natural capital. Moving beyond static analyses, our study captures the dynamic and intergenerational nature of changing livelihood trajectories in the face of environmental change. It suggests essential policies for vulnerable communities to adapt to the adverse impacts of environmental changes.