The study, supported by the BRAC Skills Development Programme, addresses the critical issue of sustainable livelihood opportunities for a specific demographic in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The project aims to empower women-owned MSEs and artisan groups by providing them with essential skills such as digital literacy, financial knowledge, and entrepreneurship, enabling them to overcome the adverse impacts of climate change and pandemic-induced disruptions. By supporting both artisans and MSE owners, the study also seeks to bridge the gap between education and employment, aligning objectives with national climate strategies and recovery plans.
Researchers: Munshi Sulaiman, PhD; Rohini Kamal, PhD; Md. Mohsin Hossain; Md. Mahbub Ul Hasan; Tasfia Mehzabin
Partner: BRAC Skills Development Programme
Timeline: 2022–2024
Status: Ongoing
Contact: Tasmiah Tabassum Rahman; tasmiah.rahman@brac.net
Context
Bangladesh was ranked as the seventh most vulnerable country in the world, placing it exceptionally vulnerable to climate change impacts (Global Climate Risk Index 2020). The country’s low elevation, rapid urban growth, unplanned urbanization, high population density, and environmental degradation have generated vulnerabilities in the coastal megacities. The livelihoods of artisans in Bangladesh as well as the Cottage Micro, and Small Enterprises (CMSEs) were greatly impacted due to the loss of purchasing power from the demand side. CMSEs also struggle due to their limited digital literacy and financial knowledge, leading to a limited scope of their inclusion in formal finance.
Objectives
The study aims to follow a holistic approach to address the core problem of the “lack of sustainable livelihood,” both at the individual artisan and collective enterprise level to facilitate improved sustainable livelihood opportunities through skills development training within Dhaka in both the CSME and MSE sectors. The study will also contribute to enhanced livelihood opportunities for COVID-19-induced climate migrants, improved climate-resilient livelihood and productivity, and sustainable capacity development training for MSE owners.
This study is relevant to SDG 13 (climate action), in particular to the goal of taking immediate action to combat climate change and associated impacts.
Methodology
The impact evaluation for the programme will be conducted using a quasi-experimental method. Treatment sample lists were provided by the programmes and the comparison samples were selected from the adjacent locality based on the visible similarities to the treatment group households. Since the comparison sample was not selected randomly, there could be differences in characteristics between the treatment and comparison samples. To account for this non-random sample bias, propensity score matching (PSM) will be used to evaluate the impact of the programme intervention.
Findings and Recommendations
Forthcoming.
