Vulnerable group profiling and institutional analysis
The vulnerable group profiling and institutional analysis in this study has been developed focusing the study objectives. The methodological measures for the present has been developed both: a) taking experiences from the already established methodologies that are applied in the context of Bangladesh (e.g. CEGIS May 2004, CEGIS-DAE-FAO May 2005), and b) trying out innovative vulnerable group profiling approach to develop climate change specific vulnerability analysis that are useful for assessing climatic hazards and adaptive practices/responses at a local level.
Under the present study the vulnerable group profiling has been instrumented through:
a) Carrying out community level PRA/RRA sessions;
b) Carrying out upazila/district level workshops;
c) Key informant interviews; and
d) Community level observations and visual depiction through photography.
The institutional analysis was developed through:
a) Reviewing of relevant documents, policies and publications;
b) Carrying out community level PRA/RRA sessions;
c) Carrying out upazila/district level workshops;
d) Carrying out open discussions with relevant institutional professionals and local knowledgeable persons, and
e) Field observations by the researchers.
2.8.1 Community sessions
In each community session, discussions have been held with major livelihood groups in the community. Representatives of the various livelihood groups were present in the community level PRA/RRA sessions. In these sessions, intensive discussions were generated on the pre-devised matrices (see in the annex section for details) were filled out by the facilitators.
CEGIS team comprising experienced participatory appraisal facilitators have facilitated the discussion. These community sessions assessments were carried out adopting participatory approach and methods. This allowed participation of the vulnerable groups and inclusion of their respective community perspectives in a more pro-active interface. The primary focus was on the qualitative data but was converted to the matrices that ultimately allowed quantitative figures as well. The field team prior carrying out the field assessments have been trained in house by the study lead anthropologist on administering participatory tools and techniques in the field work.
In each of these sessions, a dedicated “note-taker” has been appointed for detailed documentation. In each community sessions a cross section of approximately twenty participants have participated. The community sessions were held at selected village locations.