Crises Mapping and Coping Strategies: Participatory Evidence from Rural Bangladesh

Abstract

The study focuses on rural livelihoods in the northeast region of Bangladesh highlighting two important aspects: exposure to crises and household coping strategies. It uses participatory methods and quantitative techniques to understand the livelihood dynamics and the extent of livelihood securities. In the broader context of vulnerability, the study investigates how rural people deal with risks to achieve livelihood securities. Findings show that rural people handle minor risks by self-insurance mechanism including cash in hand and household savings. They manage intermediate risks through community or market-based arrangements including borrowing from moneylender or MFIs. For major risks such as flood and cyclone, they often urge for government or donor support. Household's coping capacity depends on the appropriateness of risk management tools and strength of the households (resilient, weak or fragile). Adaptation and resilience to risks largely depend on household's resource base and external interventions including inclusive microfinance.