Call summary :

Objectives of the Action Research

Locally-led action research aims to identify specific research problems and develop innovative, practical, and scalable solutions or recommendations to enhance disaster preparedness and resilience in the vulnerable communities of Cox’s Bazar (highly vulnerable to Cyclone, landslide and flash flood), Kurigram (highly vulnerable to flood), and Bagerhat (highly vulnerable to cyclone). This research will be led by academic institutions and local organizations, ensuring academic rigor and relevance while focusing on understanding local challenges and formulating evidence-based solutions and strategies tailored to the unique vulnerabilities of these regions.

The objective of this action research is to identify and develop locally-driven, innovative solutions that enhance disaster preparedness and resilience in Bangladesh by integrating community-based approaches, inclusive practices, and technological innovations.
Expected Outcome

The outcome of the Locally-Led Action Research includes:

Innovative, Community-Driven Solutions: Develop disaster preparedness strategies that blend local knowledge with modern technology to enhance resilience to hazards such as floods, cyclones, and landslides.
Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction: Encourage active participation of vulnerable groups, ensuring that disaster preparedness efforts address the needs of all community members.
Scalable Interventions: Identify practical solutions that can be implemented in diverse regions, fostering adaptability and broader impact.
Adoption of Localized Tools: Encourage using tools that enhance resilience in at-risk communities, supporting sustainable and localized disaster preparedness.
Evidence-Based Policy Recommendations: Produce actionable insights to inform policy adjustments, effectively supporting disaster management frameworks.

Research Design and Implementation

The research aims to turn findings into actionable strategies, ensuring solutions are based on evidence and fit the community context, leading to innovative and effective approaches to disaster preparedness and resilience. The grant supports creating and applying solutions based on both primary and secondary research, focusing on practical ways to meet community needs in disaster resilience.
Geographical Scope

Bangladesh’s geographical location makes it highly susceptible to various natural hazards. The target areas – Cox’s Bazar, Kurigram, and Bagerhat—face distinct vulnerabilities that can range from low-attention disasters to being regularly impacted by large-scale disasters:

- Cox’s Bazar: highly vulnerable to Cyclone, landslide and flash flood
- Kurigram: Susceptible to riverine floods and seasonal erosion
- Bagerhat: Exposed to cyclones and storm surges due to its coastal location

The proposed research projects targeting one of the above-mentioned districts will aim to address low-attention disasters and showcase maximum impact for the at-risk communities.

Thematic Areas

Locally-Led Action Research for Disaster Preparedness and Resilience in Bangladesh focuses on “bringing out innovative, community-driven solutions to address local challenges posed by disasters.” To achieve this outcome, applicant should focus on one of the below mentioned theme:

1/ Community-Led DRR and Preparedness for Response...
2/ Nature-Based Solutions and Climate Adaptation
3/ Preparedness for Community Resilience
4/ Technological Innovations for Resilience

Grant Amount

Each selected locally-led action research proposal will receive up to $3,000 to support proposed research and actions, subject to approval based on the technical and financial components of the proposal.