The impacts of climate variability and change are global concerns, but in Bangladesh, where large parts of the population are chronically exposed and vulnerable to a range of natural hazards, they are particularly critical. In fact, between 1991 and 2000 93 major disasters were recorded, resulting in nearly 200 000 deaths and causing US$5.9 billion in damage with high losses in agriculture.  

Agriculture is the largest sector of the Bangladesh economy, accounting for some 35 percent of the GDP and 63 percent of the labour force. Agricultural production is already under pressure from increasing demands for food and the parallel problem of depletion land and water resources caused by overuse and contamination. Impacts of climate variability and change cause an additional risk for agriculture.