Project Description:

The AVCB III project, led by the Local Government Division in Bangladesh, builds upon the success of AVCB II to enhance Access to Justice and Social Harmony in rural areas. Spanning from July 2022 to June 2027, the initiative aims to establish fair and efficient dispute resolution mechanisms, particularly benefiting women and marginalized groups through Village Courts (VCs). With support from the Government of Bangladesh, the European Union, and UNDP, the project covers 4,457 unions and focuses on strengthening VC service providers, promoting awareness, and facilitating access to justice for minor conflicts. Strategic partnerships with national institutions and NGOs/CSOs are in place, and the project plans a comprehensive baseline survey in activation areas to measure impact effectively.

The overall objective of the baseline study was to collect the baseline status of different indicators of the project’s M&E plan / Logical Framework Approach (LFA) and generate high quality baseline study report. The study encompassed key areas including community knowledge, access to justice, trust, communal harmony, awareness of VC services, women’s empowerment, and the sustainability of project-generated results in rural Bangladesh. The study spanned diverse regions of Bangladesh, covering eight divisions, 16 districts, 50 Upazilas, and 200 Union Parishads, selected based on criteria such as geographic remoteness, environmental vulnerabilities, social complexities, and economic challenges for a comprehensive project impact assessment.

The study employed a mixed-method design, utilizing both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods to comprehensively assess the project’s impact. Initial steps involved planning, document review, and stakeholder mapping. The study employed various tools such as household interviews, KAP surveys, and case document reviews. Data analysis utilized advanced tools like SPSS and Excel for quantitative data and thorough transcription and summarization for qualitative data. A preliminary report was drafted, refined through collaboration with the UNDP team, and validated in a workshop with key stakeholders. The final baseline report was meticulously prepared, adhering to industry standards, and submitted in various formats, ensuring accuracy, transparency, and comprehensive documentation of study outcomes.