Abstract :
[en] The Transitional Funding Project (2017–2023), implemented by Friendship NGO, aimed to strengthen community resilience, economic stability, and disaster preparedness in vulnerable communities across five districts in northern and southern Bangladesh. Spanning four phases (C1–C4), it evolved from pilot initiatives into sustainable, community-led solutions, reaching 198 communities. The evaluation employed a participatory mixed-methods design, combining semi-structured interviews, focus groups using Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) tools, such as mapping and timelines, and document reviews with 81.5 % of participants being women.
The evaluation confirms substantial progress in disaster risk reduction, economic empowerment, and governance. Local capacities were enhanced through Friendship Disaster Management Committees (FDMCs) and inclusive governance mechanisms, with women actively involved (50–60% participation). Economic interventions, such as livestock distribution, climate-adaptive agriculture, and savings schemes; supported income generation and financial autonomy: 72.9% of households reported higher earnings, and 82.5% diversified their income sources.
Governance and advocacy initiatives fostered stronger local partnerships, enabling communities to manage infrastructure, seek legal assistance, and access public services. Environmental resilience was reinforced through afforestation, dyke protection, flood preparedness, and agroecological practices, consistent with IPCC (2022) adaptation strategies. Gender inclusion advanced through greater female participation in decision-making and economic activities.
The project achieved a high financial execution rate (average budget absorption above 97%). However, challenges remain, including limited income diversification in some areas, continued reliance on external funding, and infrastructure gaps. From project pilot phase (C1) to last project phase (C4), both per-household spending and micro-savings rose steadily: C1 invested 48,379 BDT for 643 BDT in savings; C2 invested 94,321 BDT for 986 BDT; and C3 invested 182,294 BDT for 1,305 BDT. In C4, spending fell slightly to 179,764 BDT while savings climbed to 1,621 BDT, showing that integrating lessons from earlier phases increased efficiency and improved outcomes. In coastal regions, access to clean water remains a critical need. The long-term sustainability of outcomes will depend on institutional support, economic diversification, and local resource mobilization.
To ensure lasting impact, the evaluation recommends:
(1)
strengthening community-led governance to decentralize decision-making;
(2)
expanding climate-resilient economic models for greater self-sufficiency;
(3)
deepening gender-transformative approaches;
(4)
Develop risk-mitigation plans, including dynamic protocols for re-allocation of resources;
(5)
developing a knowledge management system across Friendship to organize learning, ensure continuity between project phases, and support informed decision-making. This system would use practical tools to capture, share, and apply knowledge in daily operations.
By addressing these areas, Friendship and its partners can further empower communities to drive their own development, ensuring resilient, sustainable futures in the face of economic and environmental challenges.
