Water and Energy International

The coastal region of Khulna, Bangladesh, is increasingly vulnerable to climate change, with salinity intrusion, frequent natural disasters, and a shortage of safe drinking water severely affecting local communities. Women and children, who traditionally bear the burden of water collection and household responsibilities, are disproportionately impacted. To address these challenges, Dushtha Shasthya Kendra (DSK), with support from UNDP and the Government of Bangladesh, has introduced Rainwater Harvesting Systems (RWHS) to strengthen climate resilience and improve livelihoods. This study evaluated the socio-economic and environmental impacts of RWHS in Dacope and Paikgacha upazilas of Khulna, using a quantitative design and a survey of 345 respondents. Findings reveal that 92.9% of households have adopted RWHS, with rainwater serving as the primary source of drinking water. RWHS adoption significantly reduced women’s time and physical burden in water collection, enabling 92.94% of them to spend less than one hour daily compared to up to three hours previously. Health outcomes also improved, with 97.74% reporting reduced waterborne diseases, while 99.15% noted greater safety due to reduced travel. RWHS facilitated financial savings and enabled 42.09% of women to engage in small-scale income-generating activities, enhancing social empowerment and decision-making roles. Children benefited through improved health, nutrition, and academic performance. At the community level, nearly all respondents recognized RWHS as environmentally sustainable and socially beneficial. Despite these gains, key challenges include limited storage capacity, seasonal scarcity, and gaps in maintenance knowledge. The study recommends scaling up tank capacity, strengthening training and monitoring, supporting livelihood diversification, and integrating RWHS into national policy frameworks. Overall, RWHS has proven to be a gender-responsive, sustainable adaptation strategy with transformative impacts on health, livelihoods, and resilience in coastal Khulna.