Indigenous Knowledge, Practices, and Transformation of Drinking Water Management System: Evidence from Munda Community of Bangladesh

Abstract

This study investigates indigenous knowledge, practices, and transformation of the water management system of the Munda community of Satkhira Upazila, Bangladesh. Using a qualitative approach, this study aimed primarily at the overall water-related knowledge, practices, and problems of the Munda community people. In this purpose, data were collected between February and March 2022 from 13 individuals using 12 in-depth interviews (IDIs) and a single key informant interview (KII) from Burigoalini of Satkhira district in the southwestern region of Bangladesh. This study used both thematic and narrative analysis to interpret the qualitative data. Findings explored that the Munda community—one of the ethnic groups residing adjacent to the Sundarbans mangrove forest (SMF)—is exceptionally marginalized as a community lacking knowledge concerning water contamination and the water purification process and benefits of the latter. Although a colossal transformation of the water management system has been made over the years, the only reliable source of potable water is rainwater harvesting. However, the way they collect rainwater is not proper and healthy because they mostly use alum and natural filters to purify the water. Consequently, the prevalence of waterborne diseases is very high among them. Furthermore, this study found that poverty also hinders them from managing water on their initiative. This study recommends that the government of Bangladesh and non-government organizations (NGOs) need to collaborate on improving ethnic community-centric water infrastructure to support rainwater harvesting to ensure their access to safe drinking water.