Navigating Disasters: Social Capital, Sustainable Livelihoods and Revival of the Pottery Industry of Coastal Bangladesh

This paper explores the revival of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the pottery industry within the coastal area of Sundarban, Bangladesh, focusing on the Shyampur Upazila of Satkhira. The study examines how pottery communities, heavily impacted by natural disasters, adopted sustainable practices and new technologies to restore their livelihoods. Using a qualitative research approach, six focus group discussions (FGDs) with men and women, and six life history interviews were conducted to understand the challenges and strategies employed by the community. The Sustainable Livelihood Framework (SLF) was applied as an analytical tool to assess how different forms of capital—social, human, physical, natural, and financial—contributed to the resilience of these pottery enterprises. The findings indicate that social capital played a critical role, particularly through the support of external actors such as non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Pottery workers who successfully established connections with these external entities were able to access resources and assistance, which proved essential for their survival during times of disaster. Conversely, those lacking such connections were forced to abandon their traditional livelihood practices. This study sheds light on the importance of social networks and institutional support in fostering sustainable recovery for SMEs in vulnerable regions. The article ultimately argue that disasters can also bring new opportunities for the vulnerable population but those who are well equipped with necessary social capital are in better situation to navigate the opportunities.