Against the backdrop of Bangladesh’s susceptibility to climate change and the compounded challenges accentuated by the COVID-19 pandemic, this project sets out to enhance the socio-economic resilience of climate migrants and “new poor” individuals residing in climate-vulnerable, low-income urban settlements. These communities confront multifaceted adversities, particularly urban slums characterized by high population density, inadequate infrastructure, and limited income avenues. The pandemic induced a new wave of poverty, pushing vulnerable groups further into destitution. By facilitating diverse livelihood opportunities, enabling capacity building, offering asset transfers, establishing market linkages, securing social safety net access, and improving water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities, the initiative aims to empower these populations and offer a trajectory towards economic recovery and foster enhanced well-being.
Researchers: Kamal, Rohini; Mehzabin, Tasfia; Hossain, Md. Mohsin; Sharan, Md. Mahbubul Hassan; Azam, Mohammad Tofail Bin; Ferdous, Mirza Mahmuda
Partner: BRAC Urban Development Programme (UDP)
Timeline: 2022–2024
Status: Ongoing
Contact: Md. Tofail bin Azam; azam.mohammad@bracu.ac.bd
Context
Climate migrants and the “new poor” communities residing in climate-vulnerable, low-income urban settlements, particularly urban slums, confront multifaceted adversities, characterized by high population density, inadequate infrastructure, and limited income avenues. The pandemic induced a new wave of poverty, pushing vulnerable groups further into destitution. By facilitating diverse livelihood opportunities, enabling capacity building, offering asset transfers, establishing market linkages, securing social safety net access, and improving water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities, the BRAC Urban Development Programme (UDP) aims to empower these populations and offer a trajectory towards economic recovery and foster enhanced well-being.
Objectives
The objective of this initiative is to enhance the evidence base for the impact and programming experience related to the multi-sectoral integration of livelihoods and climate change interventions. By focusing on comprehensive and transformative livelihoods and resilience programming, we aim to elevate programmatic quality and optimize resource utilization for adaptation efforts in Bangladesh. Additionally, the initiative seeks to generate knowledge on the multidimensional linkages between climate change, socioeconomic and environmental vulnerabilities, and other shocks, such as COVID-19, to inform and improve future interventions.
Methodology
BRAC UDP will target 5,500 low-income individuals in 141 urban slums across Chattogram City Corporation, Dhaka North and South City Corporations, Gaibandha Municipality, Khulna City Corporation, Rajshahi City Corporation, Satkhira Municipality, and Sirajganj Municipality. At least 65% of participants will be climate migrants. The project will explore climate-resilient livelihood options and develop tailored training modules for each community. Among the participants, 5,000 youths will receive training in financial literacy, Entrepreneurship Development, and Business Management (EDBM), while 500 others will undergo skills training with stipends and support from GO-NGO entities. In-kind business support will be provided, and 100 vulnerable youth will receive job placement assistance. Additionally, 10 water points and 15 latrines will be established based on community needs. A baseline vulnerability index will be conducted with 600 selected participants, with a comparison group of similar size from a control group. An alternative analysis involves pre-post comparisons to assess changes in resilience.
Findings and Recommendations
Forthcoming
