Poverty and Development

Research and policy both recognize that Bangladesh is highly vulnerable to climate change. Bangladesh faces a variety of climate-related hazards because of its geographical position and the low-lying topography. Tropical cyclones with storm surges, saline water intrusion into freshwater ecosystems, droughts, floods, sea-level rise, and unfavorable conditions for fishing and agriculture are some of the common climatic hazards in Bangladesh with other social challenges. In terms of local-level organizations, it is the microfinance providers that have the widest network involved with 60% people. The objective of this presentation is to understand the contributions of microfinance organizations to reducing vulnerability to climate change in Bangladesh. For this research, one national-level and one local-level microfinance organization working in disaster-prone areas of coastal areas in southern Bangladesh were studied as case studies. Data were collected through interviews, focu...

Abstract Microfinance Organisations (MFOs) are working with more than 175 million families around the world. In theory, they can be instrumental in reducing social vulnerability to climate change, yet their effect on social vulnerability to climate change has not been well demonstrated. This study aims to explore the role that MFOs play in reducing social vulnerability to climate change in Bangladesh, a country that not only pioneered microfinance but also is one of the most vulnerable to climate change. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected through interviews with 60 households across four villages in a disaster-prone coastal area in south-western Bangladesh, along with observations and interviews with key informants. The quantitative data was used to develop a social vulnerability index based on an assessment of livelihood capitals (human, physical, natural, financial, and social), which was compared with different levels of membership with microfinance organisations...