Overview
The Bangladesh Environment and Migration Survey (BEMS) gathers data to understand the patterns and processes of internal and international migration in Bangladesh. We pay special attention to how climate change and other forms of environmental stress affect migration patterns and the well-being of migrants and their families. We use mixed methods including household surveys, qualitative interviews, and remote sensing.
The BEMS was launched in 2013 by an interdisciplinary team of researchers spanning the social and natural sciences (collaborators). In 2022 we launched the third phase of this project. The BEMS-3 will collect longitudinal follow-up data from households initially surveyed before the pandemic as well as more detailed information about land use and livelihood activities over time.
The BEMS was launched in 2013 by an interdisciplinary team of researchers spanning the social and natural sciences (collaborators). In 2022 we launched the third phase of this project. The BEMS-3 will collect longitudinal follow-up data from households initially surveyed before the pandemic as well as more detailed information about land use and livelihood activities over time.
Methodology
The primary method of data collection is household surveys using the BEMS-HH Questionnaire. We use an ethnosurvey approach to collect survey data. Households are selected using representative sampling within pre-selected communities. We interview household heads and their spouses using a flexible approach that elicits quantitative information about household conditions and experiences. The BEMS-HH collects information about the following: demographics, economic activity, income, assets, livelihoods, internal and international migration trips, access to services (e.g., health care, education), access to food and water, nutrition, health, social networks, perceptions and responses to environmental change. We supplement household survey data with other methods including community leader surveys, surveys of migrants in the destination, qualitative interviews of community members and migrants, and focus group discussions.
The BEMS is now in its third phase. The specific methods used vary from phase to phase. A more detailed description is below:
Phase 1 (BEMS-1)
The BEMS methodology was developed and piloted during Phase 1. BEMS-1 data were collected from 2000 households in 11 sites in Shatkhira, Khulna, Bagerhat, Narail, and Jessore Districts. Data were collected in 2013-14 using the following instruments.
Phase 2 (BEMS-2)
The BEMS-2 expanded the project to 20 new locations throughout the southwestern region of the country. BEMS-2 data were collected in 2019-20 using slightly modified versions of the BEMS-HH and BEMS-C questionnaires. Migrant surveys were not collected due to the emergence of the COVID pandemic.
Phase 3 (BEMS-3)
Phase 3 was launched in May 2022. This phase will collect longitudinal follow-up data from a subset of households interviewed during BEMS-2. We will pay special attention to how the COVID pandemic has impacted migration, including return migration and new trips. We also consider the social, economic, and health impacts of the pandemic on migrants, their families, and others living in rural communities.
The BEMS-3 will also gather detailed information about landholdings, land use, and agricultural practices over time. These data will be integrated with information about historical land use and land use change, inferred from satellite imagery. Together, these methods will allow us to gain insight into the relationship between migration and the resilience of rural livelihoods.
The BEMS is now in its third phase. The specific methods used vary from phase to phase. A more detailed description is below:
Phase 1 (BEMS-1)
The BEMS methodology was developed and piloted during Phase 1. BEMS-1 data were collected from 2000 households in 11 sites in Shatkhira, Khulna, Bagerhat, Narail, and Jessore Districts. Data were collected in 2013-14 using the following instruments.
- The BEMS-HH Questionnaire was administered to household heads and spouses in randomly selected households.
- Surveys were also collected from a sample of migrants living in Dhaka or Khulna cities using the BEMS-M questionnaire. The BEMS-M collects similar information as the BEMS-HH.
- The BEMS-C Questionnaire is used to collect information about infrastructure, services, and economic activity within origin communities, including: markets, health care facilities, schools, water sources, employment, NGO’s, government aid, etc. These data were gathered through key informant interviews of community leaders.
Phase 2 (BEMS-2)
The BEMS-2 expanded the project to 20 new locations throughout the southwestern region of the country. BEMS-2 data were collected in 2019-20 using slightly modified versions of the BEMS-HH and BEMS-C questionnaires. Migrant surveys were not collected due to the emergence of the COVID pandemic.
Phase 3 (BEMS-3)
Phase 3 was launched in May 2022. This phase will collect longitudinal follow-up data from a subset of households interviewed during BEMS-2. We will pay special attention to how the COVID pandemic has impacted migration, including return migration and new trips. We also consider the social, economic, and health impacts of the pandemic on migrants, their families, and others living in rural communities.
The BEMS-3 will also gather detailed information about landholdings, land use, and agricultural practices over time. These data will be integrated with information about historical land use and land use change, inferred from satellite imagery. Together, these methods will allow us to gain insight into the relationship between migration and the resilience of rural livelihoods.
Images from Our Work
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Funding
We gratefully acknowledge the following sources of funding:
- 2022 - 2025. US National Science Foundation. NSF-BCS-2149191. Investigators: Amanda Carrico (PI), Emily Burchfield, Katharine Donato, Christopher Small
- 2021 - 2022. Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development of the National Institutes of Health (USA; Award # P2CHD066613) through the University of Colorado Population Center. PI: Amanda Carrico
- 2021 - 2022. University of Colorado Population Center. PI: Amanda Carrico
- 2017 - 2022. US National Science Foundation. NSF-CNH-1716909. Investigators: Amanda Carrico (PI), Katharine Donato, Jonathan Gilligan, Kimberly Rogers, Carol Wilson
- 2011 - 2016. Office of Naval Research. #N00014-11-1-0683. Investigators: Steve Goodbred (PI), Brooke Ackerly, Jon Ayers, Janey Camp, Katharine Donato, Jonathan Gilligan, George Hornberger, Chris Small, Mike Steckler