Learning Review of Cash Transfer as an Anticipatory Action in Bangladesh—study

The “Learning Review of Cash Transfer as an Anticipatory Action in Bangladesh” study, conducted under the Asia Community Disaster Preparedness and Transformation (ACT) Program, highlights the significance of cash transfers in enhancing disaster preparedness and resilience among vulnerable communities in cyclone- and flood-prone regions. This initiative, implemented by Jago Nari, Wave Foundation, and SKS with support from Oxfam, aims to facilitate systematic knowledge sharing among local and national actors and international organizations. The findings underscore the effectiveness of anticipatory cash transfers, despite ongoing challenges in program design, targeting, and transparency.

Good Practices:
- Community-Centric Design: Protocols developed through extensive community consultations.
- Swift Fund Distribution: Funds distributed within two days during cyclone emergencies.
- Financial Inclusion: Promoted particularly for women, enhancing community resilience.
- Grievance Mechanisms: Established for accountability and trust among stakeholders.
- Post-Disbursement Monitoring: Ensured responsible use of funds and effective protocols.

Learnings:
- Community Involvement: Essential for designing effective protocols.
- Triangulation in Research: Enhances the validity of findings.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Improved efficiency and transparency in disaster response.
- Cost-Effective Measures: Local initiatives can enhance disaster risk reduction knowledge among marginalized populations.

Challenges:
- Limited Transportation and Digital Services: Particularly in remote islands.
- Concerns Digital Cash Transfers: Issues related to mobile phone usage, text comprehension, and PIN confidentiality.
- Lack of Decentralization: Current systems hinder effective planning and response as weather forecasting system yet to decentralize.
- Vulnerability of Communities: Confusion between anticipatory and post-disaster grants exposes communities to risks.

Way Forward:
- Proactive Mindsets: Encourage vulnerable populations to adopt proactive responses.
- Awareness Campaigns: Promote understanding of anticipatory actions for financial resilience.
- Targeted Cash Distribution: Ensure rapid cash distribution in remote areas.
- Inclusive Planning: Integrate gender and age disability considerations into DRR assessments.
- Collaboration Enhancement: Foster partnerships between local governments, NGOs, and the Cash Working Group to strengthen community planning and response.

This study serves as a valuable resource for stakeholders involved in disaster response, offering insights into best practices, challenges, and recommendations for improving anticipatory cash transfer efforts in Bangladesh.

See the detailed report here