Barishal is the 7th largest city in Bangladesh with a population estimated at more than five million people. Situated on the banks of the Kirankhola River, Barishal is one of the most cyclone prone areas in the world. At just one metre above sea level and being frequently affected by tropical storms and flooding, the city is typified by a dense population, underdeveloped infrastructure and poor land management in the hinterlands.

From 2021 to 2024, the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society, with support from British Red Cross, implemented a Livelihoods and Disaster Risk Reduction programme in 16 slum communities of Barishal City. The programme was designed around a series of mutually supporting activities, including safeguarding livelihoods and jobs against hazards, promoting women’s leadership, and providing sustainable income access for community members – women and youth, primarily. It aimed to impact 2,500 people directly, and an additional 22,000 slum residents.

In April 2021, a Household Economic Security (HES) assessment was undertaken with the objectives of developing a baseline against which to monitor project impact and the additional impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on households; to support development of Beneficiary Selection Criteria; and to inform the programme design and logical framework. The HES assessment used a number of survey tools although, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, data collection had to be adapted to maintain physical distancing and hygiene measures. 

In 2024, a Final Evaluation was carried out focused on determining and recording changes to peoples’ livelihoods as a result of financial, technical and mentoring support provided in relation to skills training, business development and management, alongside broader awareness raising on a number of issues, as a means of accountability and learning.

Despite a significant number of challenges, addressed on an active and adaptive way, the programme achieved the vast majority of what it set out to achieve. Lessons taken from this programme can and should be used for future similar initiatives, with due consideration given to the particular context.

HES Assessment Report - Household Economic Security assessment of Barishal city

Final Evaluation Report - Livelihoods and Disaster Risk Reduction Programme in Barishal city

• Organization: Bangladesh Red Crescent Society and British Red Cross
• Year of publication: 2024