Child-Centered Anticipatory Action for Better Preparedness of Communities and Local Institutions

Project Title: Child-Centered Anticipatory Action for Better Preparedness of Communities and Local Institutions in Northern and Coastal Areas of Bangladesh. (GFFO Multi-Hazard Anticipatory Action Initiatives in Bangladesh)

Project at a Glance

  • Donor: German Federal Foreign Office (GFFO)
  • Implementing Partner: YPSA – Young Power in Social Action
  • Project Duration: 1st February 2024 – 30th August 2026
  • Target Reach: Approximately 50,000 individuals.

Project Background

Bangladesh’s northern and coastal regions face increasing multi-hazard risks due to climate change, including landslides, flash floods, and extreme rainfall. Vulnerable communities, especially those in hilly areas, experience frequent losses of life, shelter, livelihoods, and agricultural production. This project aims to strengthen anticipatory action systems by empowering communities, engaging children and youth, improving early-warning dissemination, and supporting climate-resilient agricultural practices.

Project Objective

Promote and facilitate community-led Anticipatory Action, encompassing a child-centered gender-sensitive approach to safeguard lives and livelihoods from climate-induced hazards in northern and coastal regions in Bangladesh.

Geographical Coverage

This project covers:

  • Chattogram City Corporation: Ward 07, Ward 08, Ward 09 and Ward 14.
  • Banskhali Upazila: Pukuria Union, Sadhanpur Union, Kalipur Union and Bailchari Union.

These areas are highly vulnerable to landslides, heavy rainfall, and climate-induced hazards.

Target Groups

  • Children and students
  • Women and vulnerable households
  • Smallholder farmers participating in FAARM Schools
  • Youth volunteers and community groups
  • Local Disaster Management Committees, local government authorities (C.C.C, BMD, DC Office, FACD) and community Leaders.

Main Components

  • Impact-based forecasting and early-warning dissemination through voice alerts, miking, and digital platforms.
  • Development of local-level thresholds and triggers for anticipatory action, led by youth research fellows.
  • Child-centered engagement through MET Clubs to enhance climate awareness and community participation.
  • Urban and community-level risk assessments mapping exposure, vulnerabilities, and safe evacuation points.
  • FAARM Schools for farmer training on climate-responsive agriculture and use of BAMIS app for real-time guidance.
  • Supporting Women Entrepreneurs with conditional cash assistance, capacity strengthening, and preparedness resources.
  • Establishing and strengthening the Youth Anticipation Hub.
  • Implementation of anticipatory actions such as evacuation support, cash distribution, and hygiene/kitchen kits.