Exploring the unnoticed holes: Implementation challenges of social safety-nets in coastal Bangladesh

Abstract

Like other coastal countries, Bangladesh is also facing the numerous adversities raised from natural disasters and climate change hazards. The present study examines the implementation challenges in disaster affected areas and identifies the possible ways to make the social safety-nets (SSNs) more effective in coastal Bangladesh. Using a qualitative approach, data were collected from Raruli and Vobanipur villages at Paikgaccha Upazilla in Khulna district through Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), Key Informant Interviews (KII) and observation. This study found that Bangladesh provides these (SSNs; e.g. VGF, GR, TR, CoDRH, FFW/FW and EGPP) in the coastal areas during the religious festivals and normal and emergency period as well to alleviate poverty, decrease food crisis, reduce disaster risks and climate vulnerabilities. Additionally, the traditional 'top down' approach for selecting beneficiaries and the existing distribution process creates obstacles to find out the actual targeted people. Findings show there are some challenges (e.g. faulty beneficiary targeting process, complex selection criteria, excessive political interference, mal-functioning of local committee, location of the support distribution center etc.) especially during the implementation phases. This study argues that as a good initiative of the government, the local people do not get the utmost benefits from the SSNPs and there is discrimination in the community in selecting beneficiaries. The study suggests that, to achieve the ultimate goals of SSNPs, such as reducing corruption and political interference, the local beneficiary selection committee should function properly.