Floating gardens (Baira) in Bangladesh
Many riverine and flood-prone villages build floating gardens—beds of water hyacinth and soil where vegetables grow during floods. Communities design, plant, and manage them together.
Represents community values: Locally owned, uses traditional knowledge, and fits local diets and customs.
Addresses challenges: Provides food and income when fields are flooded and transport is limited.
Adequately assesses vulnerability: Villagers know flood timing and choose flood-tolerant crops and safe locations.
Demonstrates conflict resolution: Shared rules for nursery spots and harvest times reduce disputes; local leaders mediate when needed.
Meets expectations and needs: Immediate food security, extra income, and low-cost setup meet community priorities.
Contributes to adaptive capacity: Builds local skills, strengthens social networks, and can be scaled or linked to market support and training.
This simple, low-cost practice shows how community-led solutions can be resilient, inclusive, and sustainable.