Assignment Name: Cross-Sectional Analysis of the Climate Adaptive Livelihood Options (CALO) in Climate-Stressed Areas of Bangladesh under the Local Government Initiative on Climate Change (LoGIC) Project

Country: Bangladesh

Client Name: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

Local Government Initiative on Climate Change (LoGIC) is a multi-donor collaborative initiative of GoB, UNDP, UNCDF, the European Union (EU), Sweden and Denmark. It aims to enhance the capacity of vulnerable communities, Local Government Institutions and civil society organizations for planning and financing climate change adaptation solutions in selected climate-vulnerable areas. Originally designed as a four-year initiative, this project was extended by two years, until June 30, 2023, based on an independent assessment and the success of its initial results. To sustain and scale up the LoGIC model nationally, as well as to innovate and institutionalize a climate financing model across Bangladesh, development partners have signed an agreement to further extend the project by an additional two years, from June 2023 to June 2025. The project’s scope has also been expanded to include two districts in the Chattogram Hill Tracts (CHT), Rangamati and Bandarban. The Local Government Division will continue as the lead implementing agency, in partnership with UNDP and UNCDF. LoGIC will support the most vulnerable 500,000 households based in hard-to-reach areas in 94 unions of 29 Upazila in 9 districts of Bangladesh. By achieving the objectives and results, the project will contribute to the reduction of poverty and climate vulnerability in Bangladesh. During the two-year bridging/extension phase a project proposal is to be designed to submit to Green Climate Fund (GCF) in close collaboration with National Designated Authority (NDA) to harness the international funding for scaling up the model nationwide and to all climate stress areas. The main objective of the LoGIC project is to improve and inclusive local-level planning and a strengthened financing mechanism for community-based climate change adaptation solutions through local governments. The project will address the climate change impact in Bangladesh and intends to enhance the capacity of vulnerable communities, LGI and CSOs for planning and financing climate change adaptation solutions in the selected climate-vulnerable districts in coastal areas, wetlands and flood-prone areas.

The “Cross-sectional Analysis of Climate Adaptive Livelihood Options (CALO) in Climate-Stressed Areas of Bangladesh” aimed to evaluate the effectiveness, adaptability, and scalability of CALOs implemented under the Local Government Initiative on Climate Change (LoGIC).

The study assessed the environmental, social, and economic viability of CALOs, focusing on their contributions to livelihood enhancement, community resilience, and sustainable development in climate-impacted regions. Through a comprehensive methodological approach, the study examined the gender impact of CALOs and their role in reducing vulnerabilities associated with climate change. The findings aimed to inform the scaling of CALOs and refine strategies for locally-led adaptation, contributing to the broader goals of climate resilience and socio-economic empowerment in Bangladesh.

The research spanned 11 districts, including areas with distinct climate challenges such as saline intrusion, tidal flooding, and extreme rainfall. It involved a detailed examination of CALOs’ performance, including income generation, food security, adaptive capacity, and marketability, alongside stakeholder involvement at community, local, and national levels.

DM WATCH LIMITED executed the project through a structured four-phase methodology, combining quantitative and qualitative research methods to provide a comprehensive analysis of Climate Adaptive Livelihood Options (CALOs). Key tasks undertaken included:

Inception Phase

• Conducted detailed discussions with UNDP and LoGIC stakeholders to finalize the scope and objectives of the study.
• Developed and submitted an inception report outlining methodology, tools, and a work plan.
• Incorporated feedback from stakeholders to finalize the inception report and survey instruments.

Data Collection

• Conducted household surveys using a stratified random sampling approach across diverse agroecological zones.
• Collected qualitative data through Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), and case studies.
• Employed Computer-Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) for data collection, ensuring quality and accuracy.

Data Analysis

• Processed and cleaned collected data using advanced statistical software such as SPSS and STATA.
• Performed a range of analyses, including descriptive statistics, econometric modeling, and thematic coding, to assess CALOs’ effectiveness.
• Conducted gender impact analysis and used the PESTEL framework to evaluate CALOs’ marketability and sustainability.

Reporting and Dissemination

• Prepared a draft report detailing the findings, supported by data visualizations and infographics.
• Conducted a validation workshop to gather feedback from stakeholders on initial findings.
• Finalized and submitted the study report, incorporating feedback from UNDP and LoGIC stakeholders.
• Delivered a comprehensive dataset in Excel and coding files in STATA, along with the final report.

Deliverables

• A detailed inception report with methodology and tools.
• A comprehensive final report summarizing the findings and providing strategic recommendations.
• A clean dataset for future reference and analysis.
• Presentation materials for dissemination workshops, including infographics and slide decks.

This study highlighted DM WATCH LIMITED’s capacity to execute large-scale, multidisciplinary assessments that support evidence-based decision-making for climate resilience and sustainable development.