PHALS Project
This executive summary presents the findings of a baseline study for the project titled “Resilience Strengthening of Vulnerable Populations in Northern, Western and Eastern Bangladesh through A Network Approach of 5 Partner Organizations. This project is implementing by PHALS (Programme for Helpless and Lagged Societies) which is supported by Malteser International (MI), Germany. This baseline study conducted in Khuruskul and Chowfaldandi unions under Sadar Upazila, Cox’s Bazar district, Bangladesh. A comprehensive survey and qualitative data collection methods were employed to gather information from the participants. The baseline study highlighted a significant lack of awareness and understanding of climate change among the marginalized and impoverished participants in Khuruskul and Chawfaldandi unions of Cox's Bazar. Many respondents exhibited limited knowledge about the concept of climate change, its causes, and potential impacts on their livelihoods and overall well-being.
This knowledge gap poses a considerable challenge to implementing effective climate adaptation and mitigation strategies in the region. The study revealed that the majority of participants were not self-reliant and heavily relied on domestic chores, day labours, small business and some on traditional livelihoods such as agriculture and fishing, which are highly susceptible to the adverse effects of climate change. Increased instances of extreme weather events, changing precipitation patterns, and rising sea levels have negatively impacted their livelihoods activities. Moreover, the lack of access to market, knowledge, skills and capacity further hindered the adoption of alternative income-generation options, perpetuating their vulnerability to different risks and adversity. Poor market accessibility emerged as a significant barrier to improving economic conditions for the participants. The lack of adequate opportunity, accessibility and value chains restricted their ability to access broader markets, thereby limiting their income opportunities and economic growth.
This issue is exacerbated by the remoteness of the study area and inadequate linkages to regional and national markets, preventing participants from harnessing their full economic potential. The study findings indicated a persistent gender disparity in the study locations, where women faced numerous challenges regarding their freedom, participation, and decision-making power in both family and community matters. Women's empowerment remained low, and their limited involvement in decision-making processes hindered the adoption of alternative livelihood strategies that could positively impact their economic and social well-being. Addressing gender inequality is essential to fostering sustainable development and resilience in the face of climate change. Climate change has had adverse effects on income and economic activities among the participants. Irregular weather patterns, increased temperature, sea level rise and increased frequency of natural disasters have disrupted income-generating activities, leading to financial instability and insecurity. As a consequence, participants have faced challenges in sustaining their livelihoods and meeting their basic needs, perpetuating the cycle of poverty.
The study also highlighted the tangible impacts of climate change on health, water, and sewage systems in the study area. According to the participants, rising sea levels and extreme weather events have detrimental effects on sewage systems, causing overflow and breaches that contaminate water bodies and nearby lands. This not only pollutes the environment but also enhances the risk of waterborne diseases, affecting both human and aquatic life. The participants were asked to indicate how they use different healthcare providers in this adversities, the majority of participants, numbering 85, frequently seek healthcare support from government hospitals. The second most frequently utilized healthcare provider is the Union Health Service Centre, with 18 participants reporting regular visits. Following closely are community clinics, with 8 participants seeking healthcare there on a regular basis. A smaller number of participants, 6 in total, access healthcare services from NGOs. Lastly, 9 participants mentioned using other healthcare providers regularly. This data provides valuable insights into the preferences and utilization patterns of healthcare services in the surveyed population, indicating the prominence of government hospitals as the primary source of healthcare support. Despite the existence of social safety net programs, the study revealed limited awareness and access among the participants. Many eligible individuals remained unaware of these programs, leading to low participation and uptake. Bureaucratic and political complexities, lack of information dissemination, and limited outreach efforts have contributed to the underutilization of these crucial social support mechanisms, thereby hindering the potential for poverty reduction and increased resilience against climate-related shocks. This baseline study shed light on the significant challenges faced by the poor and marginalized communities in Khuruskul and Chawfaldandi unions of Cox's Bazar. The study emphasized the urgent need for targeted interventions addressing climate change awareness, livelihood diversification, market development, women's empowerment, climate-resilient infrastructure, and improved access to social safety net programs. By implementing evidence-based strategies and interventions, the project can enhance the participants' socio-economic conditions, foster resilience to climate development in the region.