Resilience strategy framework and theory of change for NARRI consortium 2015-2020

This strategy paper focuses on developing solutions for the vulnerable and excluded groups in Bangladesh, with a hope to give them the choice of growth for a better tomorrow. It proposes a framework with three major phases where programs activities need to put their attention. Research, innovation and knowledge management are the instruments to improve the strategic environment for this framework.

The phases are:

• build stability through preparedness, response and resource mobilisation;
• improve adaptive strengths by building resilient livelihoods and access to basic services along with social safety nets;
• develop transformative capacity by encouraging good governance and transformation of leadership.

The document concludes and recommends the following:

• A critical overview needs to be done on the approach taken to assist the vulnerable communities.
• A common understanding and framework about ‘resilience’ need to be developed to minimise incongruity.
• Community capacity, as opposed only to household capacity, requires more emphasis on offering its members regular livelihood options and more access to business and trading opportunity.
• Strengthening partnerships for capacity building and finance for local climate change adaptation practices can help the beneficiaries.
• More collaboration with research hubs and knowledge platforms is required to conduct action-based research, foster adaptation and respond comprehensively to the effects of climate change and natural disasters.
• Sometimes there is less focus on keeping the people at the very core of the concept, giving relief and rehabilitation more emphasis.