Introduction
Flood resilience is vital for the safety and sustainability of communities in flood-prone areas. The Integrated Flood Resilience Programme Phase 2, implemented in Tangail, Bangladesh, aimed to bolster community resilience against flooding. Our recent endline evaluation provides critical insights into the Programme’s impact on local communities, focusing on vulnerability reduction, economic conditions, and WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) behaviors.
Methodology and Study Area
The evaluation employed a mixed-methods approach, combining both qualitative and quantitative research techniques. Data were collected through household surveys, Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), and observations. The study focused on the Katuli and Kakua unions within the Tangail district, with communities actively involved in the Programme’s initiatives.
Improving Climate Awareness and Preparedness
A significant finding from the evaluation was the increase in climate awareness among the community members. About 66.5% of respondents were knowledgeable about climate-related information, while 69.8% were aware of early warning systems, with the Red Crescent being a primary source of information. This heightened awareness has led to better preparedness, as evidenced by 59.0% of households taking preventive measures before floods.
Economic Improvements and Coping Strategies
The evaluation showed positive economic trends, with an increase in average monthly income across the study areas. For instance, in Katuli Union, income rose from 5,445 BDT to 7,753 BDT, indicating economic resilience. Households adopted various coping strategies to mitigate flood impacts, such as raising household plinths, preserving food, and saving money.
Progress in Sanitation and Hygiene
Sanitation improvements were notable, with the percentage of households using improved latrines increasing significantly. The number of kaccha (unimproved) latrines decreased from 61.0% to 47.2%, while the use of semi-pucca and pucca (improved) latrines rose. Additionally, 97.5% of households reported practicing handwashing after defecation, highlighting the Programme’s success in promoting better hygiene practices.
Community Resilience and Sustainability
The study also highlighted the importance of community involvement in resilience-building activities. Training sessions significantly increased knowledge and awareness among households, enabling them to participate actively in community disaster response. Notably, 77.5% of participants believe that the Programme’s activities will continue to benefit their communities, ensuring sustained disaster preparedness and resilience.
Challenges and Recommendations
Despite these positive outcomes, challenges remain. There is a need for improved feedback mechanisms and inclusion of socially excluded groups in resilience planning. The evaluation recommends optimizing resource use, enhancing collaboration among stakeholders, and strengthening relationships between local communities and key stakeholders to ensure the sustainability of Programme outcomes.
Conclusion
The endline evaluation of the Integrated Flood Resilience Programme Phase 2 demonstrates substantial progress in enhancing community resilience against floods. By increasing climate awareness, improving economic conditions, and promoting better WASH practices, the Programme has laid a solid foundation for sustainable community development. As we continue to face the challenges of climate change, these insights will guide future efforts to build resilient communities in Bangladesh and beyond.