Scoping Study for Developing Strategy on Disaster Risk Reduction/Mitigation Interventions (October 2023 – March 2024)

Partner: Reliance Foundation

Overview:
Change Alliance conducted a scoping study in the districts of Bhadrak and Ganjam in Odisha to inform district-level planning for disaster risk reduction (DRR) and climate-resilient livelihoods. The study sought to strengthen the preparedness and resilience of vulnerable communities against extreme weather events.

Project Objectives:

  1. Understand the hazard vulnerability of Bhadrak and Ganjam districts.
  2. Develop district-level disaster resilience plans tailored to local vulnerabilities.
  3. Promote and strengthen climate-resilient livelihood practices among affected communities.

We designed and executed the methodology – which was a 4-Pronged Mapping Exercise:

  • Hazard Vulnerability Mapping
  • Livelihood Mapping
  • Resource Mapping
  • Early Warning System (EWS) Mapping

These mappings were used to identify risks, assets, and preparedness gaps in communities.

Key Deliverables:

  • Inception report & toolkit (including KII and FGD guides)
  • Primary data collection completed in both Bhadrak and Ganjam
  • District-specific reports submitted
  • Transcriptions and raw data submitted for further analysis

Outcome:
The study has laid the foundation for district-specific DRR strategies and interventions. These contributed to the design of targeted resilience programmes and capacity-building initiatives led by the Reliance Foundation in partnership with local actors.