Case studies

Explore a series of real-world case studies that highlight successful risk communication practices in diverse contexts.

These examples offer valuable lessons for practitioners, illustrating how tailored communication approaches can lead to better outcomes in risk awareness and action.

Black and white hands holding a clear and a glowing yellow light bulb against textured background.
Case study
Nepal
Common Questions / Sajha Sawal
This project's aim was to help people to ‘build back better’ and hold the government accountable as part of the 2015 earthquake response. A weekly TV and radio debate show format (Sajha Sawal – Common Questions) leveraged for this.
  • BBC Media Action
Case study
Costa Rica
Thunder, World Animal Protection
This project was part of a wider programme World Animal Protection was implementing with the Costa Rican Ministry of Agriculture and local Animal Health Services to strengthen national and local capacity in emergency management.
  • World Animal Protection
Case study
Philippines
Youth reporter project
The Youth Reporter Project was a participatory, community-based youth media project that is part of Plan's child-focused disaster response and designed to evolve with the recovery process and transition to development.
  • Plan International (PI)
Case study
Asia
Tales of disaster series, No Strings International
This project aimed to reduce vulnerability in at-risk children and young people in South East Asia by increasing their understanding of key issues contributing to risk around a series of natural hazards.
  • No Strings International
Case study
India
Petpuja
The aim of this project was around child nutrition, but the approach used to reaching remote audiences in 'media dark' areas is relevant to others attempting the same on issues of DRR.
  • BBC Media Action
Case study
Ethiopia
Walle Damma (a honey-seeking bird) and Genna Bona (winter into summer)
This project aimed to help people understand and trust modern weather forecasts in a way that would support better-informed decision-making for more resilient farming and pastoralism.
  • BBC Media Action
Case study
Cambodia
“Don’t wait for rain” episode
This project aimed among others to increase understanding about the importance of flood early warning systems and provide detailed information about how to construct one for their own communities.
  • BBC Media Action
Case study
Bangladesh
Support to the Bangladesh Cyclone Preparedness Programme, Cox’s Bazar
This project aimed to increase understanding amongst community volunteers of what the three-flag system meant, and how to communicate these warnings effectively to residents of Cox's Bazar, including Rohingya refugees.
  • BBC Media Action
Case study
Bangladesh
Support to the Bangladesh Cyclone Preparedness Programme
The aim of this project was to increase understanding amongst at-risk populations of what the three-flag system meant, what actions to take in response, and to motivate people to be prepared to act when required.
  • BBC Media Action
Case study
Kenya Tanzania, United Rep of Uganda
Weather wise
In this project, media aimed to inform communities of what services the government is meant to provide to them as tax payers during extreme weather events so that local chiefs, community reps and residents can demand services they are entitled to.
  • BBC Media Action
Case study
Bangladesh
Bangladesh Sanglap, Cyclone Sidr special
This project's aim was to give the cyclone victims an opportunity to talk about their experiences and ask questions
  • BBC Media Action
Case study
Tanzania, United Rep of
Little by little / Haba na Haba
This episode was a special community discussion. Through using the Haba Na Haba programme, BBC Media Action's flagship governance programme in Tanzania, disaster risk reduction was adressed from a governance angle.
  • BBC Media Action
Case study
Tanzania, United Rep of
Radio for resilience / Times are changing / Nyakati Zinabadilika
One of the aims of this project was to increase people's ability to respond to climate-related issues, including by increasing collective and individual efficacy and motivation, and connecting different stakeholders.
  • BBC Media Action
Case study
Cambodia
Neighbours together / Don’t wait for rain
The aims of this project was to build confidence among people to try something new and explore options to address financial barriers to trying something new.
  • BBC Media Action
Case study
Bangladesh
Together we can do it / Amrai Pari
The aim of this project was to showcase practical actions that people can take using affordable, local materials, often incorporating traditional techniques or practices from the local area.
  • BBC Media Action
Case study
Nepal
Milijuli Nepali – Recovery phase
The strategy of this project was to provide role models (real and fictitious) who demonstrate ways of taking initiative and successfully rebuilding. Provide a forum at local levels to interact with experts and decision-makers.
  • BBC Media Action
Case study
Caribbean: Music for hurricane season
A World Bank study identified several barriers hindering proactive action measures in relation to disaster risk reduction.
  • World Bank, the
  • Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency
  • Pacífico Applied Risk Communications
Case study
Humour and acrobatics to change policy dialogues
The Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Center explored how to enrich policy dialogues through two innovative approaches: humour and acrobatics.
  • Red Cross / Red Crescent Climate Centre
Case study
Haiti
An n prepare n pi plis toujou ! [Let us be more and more prepared]
In order to reduce the number of fatalities, as well as economic losses caused by disasters, the World Bank is supporting the Haitian Government to strengthen disaster and climate resilience through projects aiming to reinforce risk understanding.
  • World Bank, the