More community-focused approach needed to adress shortcomings in climate adaptation: Study

A recent study has identified critical shortcomings in climate adaptation efforts across Bangladesh, raising concerns over the effectiveness of existing initiatives.

The study conducted by the Centre for Participatory Research and Development (CPRD) illuminates significant gaps in project designs, implementation, and outcomes, underscoring the urgent need for a more community-focused and science-based approach.

The study was shared at an event titled “Effectiveness of Climate Change Adaptation in Bangladesh: Challenges and the Way Forward,” organised by CPRD, ICCCAD, Independent University, Bangladesh, Brighters, Youth4NDCs, and Greenpeace at a city hotel on Thursday.

Findings from two ground studies independently were conducted both by CPRD and ICCCAD.

Among the two studies, the one conducted by CPRD intended to sketch the scenario of the climate adaptation actions at the local level and their effectiveness in minimising or avoiding climate risks at the community level, as well as to figure out the potential factors that determine effectiveness and sustainability adaptation efforts.

The ICCCAD study aimed to explore ways to incorporate locally-led adaptation (LLA) to the overall global goal on adaptation (GGA) targets through developing context-specific, complementary, and inclusive adaptation indicators and also to investigate how NAPs align with climate adaptation efforts and a country’s development goals, mobilizing resources, and engaging local stakeholders.

Both the studies used participatory methods to collect data, including key informant interviews, focus group discussions, consultation meetings, and a criteria-based rapid assessment from sub-district level officials at DAE, DDM, DLS, WDB, DWCA, LGED, DPHE, and DGHS, focal persons of local NGOs, community/local government leaders, and the community people. The studies were conducted in the Haor region and the southwest coastal region.

Md. Shamsudohha, Chief Executive of CPRD, gave a welcome speech and explained the study findings and put forth several recommendations.

He demanded adaptation actions be designed, prioritized, and implemented based on robust assessment of the future risks, taking into account Indigenous knowledge and scientific modelling and the needs of the locality, as well as the differentiated risks and existing inequality

Dr. Fazle Rabbi Sadeque Ahmed, deputy managing director, PKSF; and Dr. M. Asaduzzaman, former research director, BIDS were present and spoke at the event. Dr. M. Asaduzzaman, former research director of BIDS, was present at the function as the special guest.

The CPRD-conducted study was presented by Shekh Nur Ataya Rabbi and Shanjia Shams and the study by ICCCAD was presented by Towrin Zaman Raya. The event was concluded with a vote of thanks from Sumaiya Binte Anwar, Program Manager at CPRD. 

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