Project Description:

DM WATCH LIMITED conducted the baseline survey for the Building Climate Resilient Livelihoods in Vulnerable Landscapes in Bangladesh project, initiated by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Government of Bangladesh (Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), and the Department of Environment (DoE)).

The project aimed to enhance climate resilience among vulnerable communities in the High Barind Tract (HBT), Waterlogged/Saline-prone regions, and the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT), fostering sustainable livelihoods and adaptive strategies to address climate-related risks.

The survey provided a comprehensive assessment of socio-economic conditions, agricultural practices, climate vulnerabilities, and community resilience in these regions. Key areas of focus included the impact of climate change on livelihoods, food and water security, and farm management. The study’s findings were instrumental in guiding region-specific interventions and informing decision-making for climate-resilient development.

Key Highlights of the Assignment

1. Comprehensive Baseline Survey

Conducted a detailed baseline survey across three distinct vulnerable landscapes: the High Barind Tract, saline-prone coastal areas, and the Chittagong Hill Tracts. The survey captured socio-economic conditions, climate vulnerabilities, agricultural practices, and community resilience strategies, providing a foundational dataset for the project.

2. Extensive Qualitative and Quantitative Data Collection

• * Quantitative Data: Collected data from households using structured surveys via KOBO Toolbox to ensure efficiency and accuracy in the field.
• * Qualitative Data: Conducted key informant interviews (KIIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs) with community stakeholders, farmers, and local authorities to gather in-depth insights on challenges and opportunities in the regions.

3. Econometric and Statistical Data Analysis

Utilized advanced statistical and econometric software such as SPSS and STATA to analyze data from multiple perspectives, including gender, food security, climate resilience, and livelihood trends. Key insights were drawn using climate vulnerability indices and econometric models.

4. Integration of Gender and Climate Resilience Perspectives

Incorporated a gender-sensitive lens in the analysis, highlighting disparities and adaptive capacities of marginalized groups, especially women. The study also focused on climate resilience strategies employed by communities in different ecological zones.

5. Customized Reporting and Deliverables

• * Delivered detailed region-specific and combined assessment reports tailored to the needs of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the Government of Bangladesh.
• * Provided a complete dataset with coding files in Excel and STATA formats, ensuring transparency and reusability for future reference.

6. Stakeholder Engagement

Facilitated meaningful interactions with key stakeholders, including community leaders, government officials, and local organizations, to validate findings and ensure practical applicability of recommendations.

7. Knowledge Dissemination

Presented findings and recommendations in workshops and meetings with FAO and project stakeholders. Insights from the study were geared towards informing climate-adaptive policies and sustainable livelihood interventions.

Capacity Building for Field Teams

Conducted training sessions for enumerators and field staff, emphasizing the use of digital tools for data collection and maintaining data quality through cross-validation and supervision.

The study contributed significantly to designing pro-poor, climate-adaptive interventions, supporting communities in mitigating climate risks while advancing sustainable development goals in Bangladesh.