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Livelihood Restoration Strategy in Cyclone SIDR

Livelihood Restoration Strategy in Cyclone SIDR

Duration: 5 years

Budget: 50 million USD

Period: July 2008 to June 2012

Funding: The World Bank and the Government of Bangladesh (GoB)

Client & Country of Assignment: Financial Institutions Division, Ministry of Finance, Bangladesh.

Role on Assignment: Lead Implementer on behalf of the Financial Institutions Division, Ministry of Finance, Bangladesh.

Project Cover
Livelihood Restoration Strategy in Cyclone SIDR Project Image

The Livelihood Restoration Strategy in Cyclone SIDR project, implemented by the Social Development Foundation (SDF) under the Financial Institutions Division of the Ministry of Finance, was a crucial five-year initiative aimed at rebuilding and enhancing the livelihoods of communities devastated by Cyclone SIDR. The project, which ran from July 2008 to June 2012, had a total budget of USD 50 million funded by the World Bank and the Government of Bangladesh. 

Targeting 580 villages across five districts severely impacted by the cyclone, the project focused on restoring and improving the livelihoods of vulnerable households, strengthening community-based institutions, and establishing sustainable assets to bolster long-term resilience against future disasters. The initiative also emphasized capacity building for the implementing agencies to ensure effective support, monitoring, and long-term sustainability of project initiatives.

Community Empowerment
The project ensured that 80% of the community organizations operated with a strong emphasis on transparency, inclusivity, and accountability, fostering more democratic and effective decision-making processes at the village level. These organizations played a pivotal role in spearheading local development initiatives, from livelihood support to infrastructure improvements, which encouraged a sense of ownership among community members.
Income Generation and Economic Growth
The project significantly improved the economic prospects of the targeted beneficiaries, with 50% of the households experiencing a substantial increase in income due to enhanced livelihood opportunities. This achievement was primarily due to the provision of financial and technical assistance for income-generating activities, enabling households to rebuild their economic base and enhance resilience to future shocks.
Sustainable Asset Creation
The project contributed to the development of sustainable assets and institutions, ensuring long-term benefits for the involved communities. By focusing on the creation of resilient infrastructure and the establishment of community institutions capable of managing and maintaining these assets, the project laid a solid foundation for continued growth and development long after its conclusion.
Capacity Building of the Implementing Agency (SDF)
A critical achievement of the project was the enhancement of the SDF’s capacity, equipping it with the necessary skills and tools to conduct field operations effectively, support community initiatives, and monitor progress. This capacity-building element ensured that the SDF could provide ongoing support to communities, further securing the sustainability of the project’s outcomes.

In summary, the Livelihood Restoration Strategy in Cyclone SIDR project not only restored livelihoods in the wake of one of Bangladesh’s worst natural disasters but also laid a strong foundation for long-term development and disaster resilience in the affected regions. By focusing on transparency, inclusivity, income growth, and sustainability, the project significantly improved the quality of life for thousands of rural households while enhancing the capacity of local institutions to manage future challenges effectively.

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