ENVIRONMENTAL AND LIVELIHOOD ASSESSMENT OF HANDMADE CLAY TILES FROM KOLAROA UPAZILA FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

Handmade clay tiles from the south-western part of Bangladesh initially found a new market in the European construction industry. Traditional pottery product has been integrated into the global construction industry with few local entrepreneurs and agents. This international integration has produced an immediate standard set of economic and social outcomes as increased income, reduced migration, and reduced decay of the culture of the potter communities. Recently, the development of more durable and cheaper mass-produced alternatives to traditional potteries has pushed the traditional pottery industry, the livelihood, and the potter communities' cultures almost to the brink of extinction of the potters of Bangladesh. This research aims to assess the environmental and livelihood aspect of the export-oriented handmade clay tiles of Kolaroa Upazila its significance in local economic development. For this purpose, the economic and social contributions of clay tiles toward the livelihood of the potter communities have been analysed and, in contrast, environmental issues of this industry are highlighted. The results explore the upgrading aspects for the sustainable development of the handmade clay tiles industry.