A Sustainability Livelihood Approach (SLA) Model for Assessing Disaster Preparedness and Resilience of the People: Case Study of Cox’s Bazar Sadar Upazila in Bangladesh

Abstract

This paper investigated the livelihood condition and resilience of the people to evaluate their readiness to climate change adaptation and disasters risk reduction in the coastal areas of Bangladesh. A preliminary literature review was carried out to enrich theoretical background and understand the possible impacts of climate change and natural disasters, and strategies of climate change mitigation and adaptation. Based on a comprehensive literature review a conceptual framework was developed to conceptualize the study. Socio-economic condition (e.g. population increase, GDP growth rate, literacy rate) of the people was analyzed to know climate change and disaster preparedness conditions. A household questionnaire survey was conducted to collect information about disaster preparedness and resilience of the people to climate change and disasters. Analyzing data the study found that Bangladesh is a country with low socio-economic development, high poverty, high population density, vulnerable infrastructure, fragile communication system, and political instability. Conducting field survey the study also found that disaster preparedness and resilience of the people are average or below average. Institutional framework and policies, plans, programs are comprehensive and capable of achieving targeted goals and objectives. However, lack of proper integration and coordination, scarcity of resources, lack of transparency and accountability hinder the desired outcomes.