Strengthening Resilience Capacity of Rohingya and Host Communities in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh

Client: Gana Unnayan Kendra (GUK)
Duration: January 2024 – February 2024
Location: Rohingya and Host Communities, Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh

Project Overview:
Advanced Research Thoughts Lab Ltd. (ART Lab) conducted a comprehensive baseline study for the project titled “Strengthening Resilience Capacity of Rohingya and Host Communities by Promoting Livelihood, Disaster Preparedness, and Climate Change Adaptation Measures in Cox’s Bazar”. Commissioned by Gana Unnayan Kendra (GUK), the initiative focuses on addressing vulnerabilities in one of Bangladesh’s most disaster-prone regions.

The project aims to enhance resilience by promoting sustainable livelihoods, improving disaster preparedness, and implementing climate-adaptive practices. It targets both the Rohingya refugee population and the host community, fostering inclusivity, collaboration, and equitable access to resources for marginalized groups, including women, youth, and persons with disabilities.

Key interventions included livelihood development, disaster risk reduction (DRR) training, establishment of disaster management committees, and climate-resilient practices to mitigate environmental risks.

ART Lab’s Role:
ART Lab delivered end-to-end research services to establish a robust baseline for the project. The team’s contributions included:

1. Planning and Methodology Development:
   • Reviewed project policies and frameworks to design an evidence-based methodology.
   • Developed an inception report outlining objectives, tools, and implementation strategies.
2. Tool Development and Validation:
   • Designed semi-structured questionnaires and interview guides for data collection.
   • Conducted pilot testing to ensure the tools’ reliability and validity.
3. Data Collection and Field Engagement:
   • Administered surveys to 908 respondents (671 from the Rohingya camps and 237 from the host community).
   • Conducted 12 Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with key stakeholders and community members.
   • Facilitated Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) and In-Depth Interviews (IDIs) with local leaders and NGO representatives.
4. Field Observations and Inspections:
   • Evaluated disaster preparedness infrastructure, such as cyclone shelters and early warning systems.
   • Assessed ongoing livelihood initiatives for sustainability.
5. Data Management and Analysis:
   • Processed quantitative data using statistical software for robust analysis.
   • Conducted thematic analysis of qualitative data to extract actionable insights.
6. Stakeholder Engagement and Dissemination:
   • Organized workshops to share preliminary findings and incorporated stakeholder feedback into the final report.
7. Reporting and Recommendations:
   • Delivered a detailed baseline study report with actionable recommendations to enhance project implementation.
   • Provided strategies for improving disaster preparedness, livelihoods, and climate change adaptation.

Impact:
The study provided a critical understanding of the socio-economic dynamics and disaster resilience within the Rohingya and host communities. The insights and recommendations generated by ART Lab are guiding interventions aimed at building safer, self-reliant communities capable of withstanding natural and man-made disasters.