Project Name: Strengthening Transformative Action for Resilience (STAR) (phase 2)
Name of the Donor: LiFE NGO, France.
Duration: August 2025 to July 2026.
Background
Climate change-induced floods, droughts, and cyclones in Bangladesh’s coastal areas have severely impacted the livelihoods of poor communities. Khulna districts stand as the most vulnerable to natural disasters and climate change especially Batiaghata and Paikgachha Upazila (sub-district). This sub-district is severely affected by cyclones, floods, and waterlogging. The soil of this sub-district is burning owing to salt, which is increasing day by day as a result of the effects of climate change. Being the most climate change vulnerable area, agriculture is facing salinity intrusion, drought, erratic rainfall, heavy rainfall, waterlogging, and scarcity of irrigation fresh water. Salinity issues prevail in 62.5% of the coastal lands. In Khulna districts, show soil salinity below 4 dS/m during wet months that exceeds 4 dS/m during dry months, hindering the growth and development of rice plants. Freshwater flushes out salt from the soil, thus decreasing the salt concentration. One-millimeter increase in monthly rainfall can decrease soil salinity by 0.003 dS/m through dilution effect. The agricultural production has been declining 3.45% yearly in Khulna district due to salinity and monsoon variability as well as decreases soil fertility, which has a negative influence on food production, approximately 10480 hectares of land are affected by varying degrees of soil salinity in this area. The people are forced to adjust their agricultural practices, livelihoods in response to saltwater intrusion. Agriculture livelihoods have been severely disrupted in recent times, primarily due to a combination of natural and anthropogenic factors. As a result, rice and other crop yields have significantly decreased, thereby impacting farmers’ income and food security.
73% of the people in the coastal area of Bangladesh are suffering from drinking water crisis. The scarcity of safe drinking water is a severe problem in the south-west coastal zone of Bangladesh. The salinity of the groundwater is the main cause in this regard. On the other hand, the existing freshwater bodies get contaminated with saline water due to frequent disasters and Sea Level Rise (SLR). In the dry season, most of the water bodies are dried up and people are left with very few options of safe drinking water. They become bound to use contaminated water and therefore become victims of different waterborne diseases like diarrhea, cholera, and skin diseases.
In this circumstances, LEDARS has been implemented Strengthening Transformative Action for Resilience (STAR) with the support from LiFE NGO, France.
Project Goal
Project Objectives
- People can adopt climate-resilient agricultural practices.
- Water-related health risks is reduced.
- Local government becomes more effective and people change their practices to better cope with climate change issues.
Major Activities
• People Organization Formation and Capacity Development:
To promote climate adaptation and strengthen resource user groups for community-led adaptation, LEDARS mobilized Community peoples in45 villages under 4 Union of the Batiaghta and Piekgascha Upazila in Khulna District of Bangladesh. Through this initiative, Climate Resilient Groups (CRGs) have been formed at the village and cluster levels.
• Provision of Safe Drinking Water Solutions:
The project ensures access to safe drinking water through the distribution of Bio Sand Filters (BSF) to the vulnerable families and the installation of Household Rainwater Harvesting Systems for 20 families. Additionally, inactive Pond Sand Filters (PSF) are reactivated, and one pond is re-excavated and upgraded with a modern PSF. The methodology includes community-based selection of beneficiaries, training on filter maintenance, and regular follow-ups to ensure sustained use.
• WASH Education and Awareness Campaigns:
WASH education sessions are conducted among beneficiaries to improve hygiene practices and sanitation awareness. The sessions utilize participatory learning methods, including community discussions, demonstrations, and educational materials to reinforce key messages on water safety, hygiene, and sanitation.
• Capacity Building and Community Engagement:
The project strengthens community participation by organizing an inception workshop with stakeholders, forming Climate Resilient Groups (CRGs), and conducting capacity-building training for staff. These activities ensure active community involvement and enhance local capacity in managing water and sanitation resources effectively.
• Water Source Management and Sustainability:
Orientation sessions on water source management equip community members with the knowledge and skills to maintain and protect water sources. Practical demonstrations and expert-led discussions emphasize sustainable practices and long-term management strategies.
• Promoting Resilient and Nutrition-Sensitive Agriculture:
LEDARS is promoting adaptive, ecological, and nutrition-sensitive agriculture in the coastal areas to strengthen community resilience against climate change. The project focuses on developing and strengthening people’s organizations, raising community awareness, providing stress-tolerant varieties of rice and vegetable seeds, and supporting improved water management for agriculture. Nutrition is integrated by promoting the production and consumption of diverse, nutrient-rich crops to enhance food and dietary security at the household level. Indigenous and scientific knowledge are combined to ensure optimal use of available resources while fostering climate-resilient and nutrition-sensitive agricultural practices that improve both livelihoods and community health.