Desert in the Delta – Shrimp In Bangladesh
This report is an in-depth examination of the effects of shrimp farming in Bangladesh. The study focuses on the deleterious effects on the human laborers in the industry and the environment.
Excerpts from Executive Summary:
“This report summarises the abuses and problems associated with shrimp production in Bangladesh, while defining potential solutions. Researched over an 18-month period, it incorporates over 250 references and, crucially, the personal testimony of Bangladeshi individuals directly affected by the shrimp industry.”
“As over-exploitation caused marine shrimp stocks to decline, shrimp farming (aquaculture) has rapidly surpassed wild capture in terms of production. Structural Adjustment Programmes, foreign lending and aid, government policies and increasing global demand for shrimp have all encouraged the growth of shrimp aquaculture in Bangladesh. Exports of shrimp increased from US$90.8 million in 1986 to US$280 million in 2002-3, mainly to the European Union, the USA and Japan. ”
“Shrimp aquaculture in Bangladesh has encouraged unacceptable business practices and corruption. These factors, allied with increasing land values, poor governance and minimal regulatory oversight have led to – and escalated – conflicts over land rights and access to resources, exacerbating existing brutality and conflicts.
Kidnapping, intimidation, arson, rape and even murder linked to the industry have become widespread occurrences, and peaceful grassroots opposition to the industry has all too often been met with violence. Over 150 people have reportedly been killed since 1980 in clashes related to shrimp farming.”
“The inundation of agricultural land to create shrimp ponds has reduced the availability of land for homestead crop or fruit cultivation or livestock production.
Shrimp aquaculture has had direct impacts on food production and security and on the health, incomes and livelihoods of rural communities.”
https://ejfoundation.org/reports/desert-in-the-delta