Baseline Study of Child-Centred Anticipatory Action for Better Preparedness of Communities and Local Institutions in Northern and Coastal Areas of Bangladesh (2025)

This baseline study, commissioned by Save the Children Bangladesh and conducted by Progress Inc., assesses the initial conditions for a multi-hazard Anticipatory Action (AA) project in Gaibandha, Patuakhali, and Chattogram, three disaster-prone districts in Bangladesh. The study aims to establish baseline indicators for project outcomes, evaluate community and institutional capacities, and identify gaps in early warning systems (EWS), anticipatory actions, and disaster preparedness.

Using a mixed-method approach, the study surveyed 824 respondents and conducted 23 FGDs and 32 KIIs with stakeholders. Findings reveal significant vulnerabilities to floods, cyclones, and landslides, with rural areas facing prolonged recovery periods compared to urban regions. While access to electricity and mobile phones is widespread, challenges persist in early warning dissemination, short lead times, and limited localized forecasts. Gender and child inclusion in disaster preparedness remain inadequate, and institutional coordination gaps hinder proactive anticipatory actions.

Key recommendations include strengthening impact-based forecasting, digitizing disaster management actor databases, improving financial accessibility, enhancing volunteer recognition, and integrating gender-sensitive and child-friendly measures into anticipatory action plans. The study provides a critical reference point for monitoring progress and refining interventions to build resilience and reduce disaster risks in Bangladesh.