Exploring the Unnoticed Holes: Implementation Challenges of Social Safety-Nets in Coastal Bangladesh

Tanvir Mosharof Khan*, Rabiul Islam**, Tarik Aziz***
*,*** Institute of Bangladesh Studies (IBS), University of Rajshahi, Bangladesh.
** Department of Social Work, University of Rajshahi.
Periodicity:September - December'2023
DOI : https://doi.org/10.26634/jhss.3.3.20220

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.

Keywords

DRR, CCA, SSNs, Implantation Challenge, Bangladesh Coast.

How to Cite this Article?

Khan, A. M., Islam, R., and Aziz, T. (2023). Exploring the Unnoticed Holes: Implementation Challenges of Social Safety-Nets in Coastal Bangladesh. i-manager’s Journal on Humanities & Social Sciences, 3(3), 26-37. https://doi.org/10.26634/jhss.3.3.20220

References

[1]. Ahmed, A. U., Ahmad, K., Chou, V., Hernandez, R., Menon, P., Naeem, F., & Hassan, Z. (2013). The Status of Food Security in the Feed the Future Zone and Other Regions of Bangladesh: Results from the 2011–2012 Bangladesh Integrated Household Survey. International Food Policy Research Institute, Dhaka.
[3]. Ahmed, I., Jahan, N., & Zohora, F. T. (2014). Social safety net programme as a mean to alleviate poverty in Bangladesh. Developing Country Studies, 4(17), 46-54.
[6]. Barkat, A., Gupta, S. S., Hussain, A. A., Rahman, M., & Ahamed, F. M. (2013). Improving the Targeting Effectiveness of Social Safety Nets in Bangladesh. Extreme Poverty Research Group (EPRG).
[8]. Dercon, S. (2011). Social protection, efficiency and growth. Centre for the Study of African Economies, WPS (2011-17), 1-29.
[10]. Gajjar, D. (2013). Ethical consideration in research. Education, 2(7), 8-15.
[14]. Hasan, M. K. (2017). ABCD of Social Protection in Bangladesh. Cabinet Division and General Economics Division, Government of Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
[19]. Islam, K. M. (2016). Is the Glass Half Full or Half Empty? Food Security and Social Safety Net Programs in Rural Bangladesh (Doctoral dissertation, UNSW, Sydney).
[24]. Mahmuda, A. (2018). Changes in Social Safety Net to ensure Governance in Bangladesh. Journal of Governance and Innovation, 4(1), 35-50.
[25]. Maniruzzaman, M., & Somiti, C. D. M. (2009). Management of Selected Social Safety Net Programmes in the Vulnerable Charlands of Bangladesh. National Food Policy Capacity Strengthening Programme, USAID.
[29]. Mitra, S. (2005). Disability and social safety nets in developing countries. International Journal of Disability Studies, 2(1), 43-88.
[30]. Mohajan, H. K. (2020). Quantitative research: A successful investigation in natural and social sciences. Journal of Economic Development, Environment and People, 9(4), 50-79.
[34]. Rahmatullah, N. M. (2009). Spectre Problems of Food Distribution Systems and Impact on Household Food Security Status in Two Southern Islands in Bangladesh. National Food Policy Capacity Strengthening Programme.
[38]. Sharif, I. (2009). Building a Targeting System for Bangladesh Based on Proxy Means Testing. World Bank, Human Development Network.
If you have access to this article please login to view the article or kindly login to purchase the article

Purchase Instant Access

Single Article

North Americas,UK,
Middle East,Europe
India Rest of world
USD EUR INR USD-ROW
Pdf 35 35 200 20
Online 35 35 200 15
Pdf & Online 35 35 400 25

Options for accessing this content:
  • If you would like institutional access to this content, please recommend the title to your librarian.
    Library Recommendation Form
  • If you already have i-manager's user account: Login above and proceed to purchase the article.
  • New Users: Please register, then proceed to purchase the article.