Research Reports (2000): Social Studies, Vol – XXVI

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10361/13313

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Socioeconomic development and human well-being BRAC-ICDDR, B Joint Research Project, Matlab (Repeat survey 1999)
(BRAC Research and Evaluation Division (RED), 2000-10) Ahmed, Syed Masud; Fusillo, Lauren; Rana, AKM Masud; Adams, Alayne; Chowdhury, Mushtaque; Bhuiya, Abbas
Recent financial crisis in BRAC and the rule of rumors
(BRAC Research and Evaluation Division (RED), 2000-04) Rana, AKM Masud; Ahmed, Syed Masud
Progress of basic competencies, literacy and enrolment of children in Matlab: re-visiting baseline villages
(BRAC Research and Evaluation Division (RED), 2000) Rana, AKM Masud; Ahmed, Syed Masud
The Assessment of Basic Competency (ABC) test was administered under BRAC ICDDR, B Joint Research Project to explore the progress of enrolment, basic competency and literacy of children during the seven years period (1992-1999) under study in rural Matlab, Bangladesh. The test was administered initially in 1992 followed by 1995 and 1999. A total of 749 children was included in 1992 test and followed by 1703 in 1995 and 969 in 1999. All three types of households viz BRAC member, eligible non-member and non-eligible households were included in the samples who were aged 11-15 years irrespective of their enrolment status. The study villages were selected from the 60 villages of baseline survey, where socioeconomic survey was carried out simultaneously. Findings revealed that enrolment has increased from 77% in 1992 to 89% in 1995 and to 93% in 1999. Enrolment of girls was found to be higher than boys in the follow up tests. Both enrolment and drop-out rate was higher among the eligible non-member household's children. The rate of basic competence increased from 17.4% in 1992 to 26.4% in 1995 but dropped to 18.1% in 1999. One notable feature was that the children from BRAC schools did somewhat better compared to children in similar schools elsewhere, being more pronounced in 1995. The gender gap has slightly narrowed down in terms of learning achievement from 1992 to in 1995 though girls were still lagging behind. However in 1999, girls performed better than boys did in learning achievement.
International migration and the change of women's position among left behind in rural Bangladesh
(BRAC Research and Evaluation Division (RED), 2000) Hadi, Abdullahel
While the impact of remittances on the economic condition of sending communities has received much attention, the effects of international migration on women's position among the left: behind have not been adequately explored. This paper examines the changes of the left behind women's position at the family level as a result of the migration of adult men to overseas. Data came from a demographic surveillance system covering 70 villages in Bangladesh. All migrant families having at least one male member working abroad for more than six months were identified in the study villages in 1996. A comparable number of non-migrant families were selected at random from the same villages to yield a total sample of 1,030 families. In-depth interviews were conducted with adult women of the sample families. Findings reveal that the overseas migration of adult males has a significant positive association with women's decision making capacity and education of girls in the migrant families. The remittances as well as the influence of secular values have reduced the practice of dowry in marriages. Multivariate analysis suggests not only that remittances have increased the financial capacity of the migrant families, but also that secular influences from overseas might have modified women's position when the role of other socio-economic factors are controlled. The study concludes that overseas migration of adult men can create a context for change of women's position in the traditional communities.
High level employees perceptions of the research and evaluation division and its work: a qualitative study
(BRAC Research and Evaluation Division (RED), 2000-02) Schaefer, Kal
The purpose of this study is to examine the role of BRAC's Research and Evaluation Division and how it provides information and support to BRAC's high level employees in program development, planning and management. Data was collected from 15 employees through interviews and focused discussions with two people outside the target group during January 2000. After a short introduction and some remarks on the methodology used in this study, the main chapter, that deals with the participants critiques, complaints and suggestions follows. The findings of this study clearly showed that the participants are quite satisfied with the improvement of RED in the last couple years. However, the results also reveal the need for further improvement. These include very specialized suggestions, such as the methodology used in the studies, to highly general complaints about a lack of interaction and communication. The study paper closes with some conclusions and personal remarks.
Exploring the perception of different stakeholders regarding BRAC pre-primary schools
(BRAC Research and Evaluation Division (RED), 2000-12) Aker, Shaheen
BRAC began piloting its pre-primary school program with 40 schools in 1997. The number of ongoing pre-primary schools stands at 950 at present. Another 484 schools have already been closed. The present study is based on these pre-primary schools focusing on different stakeholders' perceptions ont the schools. The study was conducted in four schools from two BEP (BRAC Education Progranune) regions of Jarnalpur and Rangpur. Data were collected from parents, teachers. committee members, community people, BRAC staff. and learners. Data collection was done by focused group discussions, informal discussions, classroom observations, semi-structured interviews and a mini achievement test using checklists and a test instrument. Title findings revealed that almost all the respondents expressed a positive view· on the preprimary education. There were no significant differences between the behaviour and the performance of ex-preprimary learners and those of formal primary learners. About 50% of the learners were found to be admitted into the formal schools after completing the preprimary education. However, around half of them could not continue their schooling regularly or dropped out of the formal schools after a few months. The study suggests that the preprimary school should be established within the catchment area of formal primary schools and provisions should be made for a follow up by BRAC staff regarding preprimary learners' admission into the formal primary schools. The study also suggests that teachers' salary should be increased where a further study would provide more in-depth information on the programme.
Comparing changes in basic competency, literacy and enrolment of children in Matlab between 1992 and 1995
(BRAC Research and Evaluation Division (RED), 2000-08) Rana, AKM Masud; Chowdhury, AMR; Ahmed, Syed Masud; Bhuiya, Abbas
In 1995, three year after the baseline survey and initiation of the BRAC-ICDDR'B Joint Research Project in Matlab, a follow up survey was carried out to explore changes in the areas of education. These included enrolment, literacy and basic competency of children. A total of 1703 children took part in the test in 1995. Of these 315 were from BRAC households, 670 from eligible non-members and the other 718 from non-eligible households. The children selected were between 11 to 15 years irrespective of whether they enrolled in the school or not. The results showed improvement in each of the above areas since 1992. Literacy as measured through verbal reporting, increased from 34.4 % to 43.8% and was more noticeable among from BRAC organised households (p<.05). Enrolment of children has increased significantly more in case of girls and the lesser poor. The BRAC schools set up in the area in this time played an important role in these changes. This is true particularly for girls who constitute about 70% of BRAC school's enrolment. The percentage of children qualifying for basic competency increased from 18% in 1992 to 26% in 1995. The rate of increase was almost equal for boys and girls but was higher for the 'less poor' than the poorest children. Children belonging to the BRAC schools performed much better than those in the government primary schools. The improvement was minimal in villages where there was no school at all.
Combating a deadly menace: early experiences with a community-based arsenic mitigation project in Bangladesh
(BRAC Research and Evaluation Division (RED), 2000-08) Chowdhury, AMR; Hossain, Md. Zabed; Nickson, Ross; Rahman, Mizanur; Jakariya, Md.; Sharnimuddin, Md.
Bangladesh is facing the problem of arsenic poisoning in drinking water. Around 27% of the tubewells, which supply drinking water to most of the population, have arsenic concentrations above the government of Bangladesh limit of 50 t.g per litre. This means that a quarter of the • country's population is exposed to arsenic poisoning which is alarming and unprecedented in history. BRAC, a non-governmental organisation, in conjunction with the Department of Public Health Engineering (DPHE) of the government of Bangladesh and UNICEF, has implemented a project titled, 'Action Research into Community-Based Arsenic Mitigation' in two upazilas of Bangladesh - from June 1999 to June 2000. The aim of the project was to assess the technical viability as well as the effectiveness of different alternative safe water options and to figure out the community acceptance of such options. The activities included the determination of the extent of arsenic contamination in water of all the tubewells of the project area; involvement of community members in choosing, implementing and maintaining alternative sources for safe drinking water, determination of the viability and effectiveness of different mitigation option and assess their relative acceptance by villagers; identification of arsenic-affected patients and providing treatment; and make the community people aware of arsenic poisoning. This report presents the experiences of the initial course of project implementation.
Bhairab bridge project: assessment of the implementation of social action plan
(BRAC Research and Evaluation Division (RED), 2000-03) Hadi, Abdullahel
For construction of the Bhairab-Ashuganj Bridge, the government acquired land on both sides of the Meghna river that affected the owners of small and medium size enterprises (SMEs) and their employees in the area. To remedy the possible negative impact, a Social Action Plan (SAP) was prepared to ensure that affected persons receive appropriate compensation and other support to reconstitute their livelihoods. Christian Commission for Development in Bangladesh (CCDB) was given the responsibility to implement the plan. The purpose of this monitoring was to assesses the achievements in implementing the plan, identifies weaknesses, if any, and recommends remedial measures. Several approaches such as review of documents, survey of the affected persons and rapid appraisals with stakeholders were used to monitor the implementation of SAP. The monitoring data were collected in February-March 2000. The monitoring report covers various aspects of compensation payments and grievance resolution mechanisms of the plan. The achievement of the project was poor and insignificant at the time of monitoring. The progress of the implementation of SAP was very slow. In Bhairab side, of the 2,374 project affected persons (PAPs) identified by CCDB, only 102 were compensated, 20 cases were ready for approval but not paid, and 54 cases were in the process. In Ashuganj, no payment was made but 154 cases were ready for payment, 200 were sent to Dhaka for clearance, and 94 cases were in the process. No indication of inconsistency between the official and actual payments and no incidence of deduction from payments were found. However, all affected persons had to pay extra-money in various occasions to receive payments. CCDB never demanded extra-money but asked affected persons to submit supporting documents. Most of the affected-persons expressed their dissatisfaction about the performance of CCDB. They had to spend many workdays to collect necessary documents. Each wage labourer, on average, had to pay about Tk. 450 to receive Tk. 2,400. The Project Compensation Policy (PCP) was generally followed in calculating the amount of compensation defined in the SAP. The affected persons were unhappy about the calculation procedure, felt that the value of land was heavily under-estimated and demanded actual market value for the acquired property. The provision of paying Tk. 2,400 for losing job regardless of the type of employment created a negative image on RHD and CCDB.
Awareness and choice of options of Arsenic-free drinking water
(BRAC Research and Evaluation Division (RED), 2000) Hadi, Abdullahel
The discovery of arsenic contamination in tubewell water has created concern for its potential health effects. BRAC initiated an arsenic mitigation project in two upazilas in 1999. The project included promotion of community awareness about arsenic contamination in drinking water and the demonstration of alternate safe water options among others. This report assesses the contribution of BRAC initiative in raising awareness about arsenic problem and identifies the choice of options for safe drinking water. A combination of several methods s~ch as sample survey, in-depth interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs) were used. The study was conducted in selected villages in Jhikargachha (project area) and Bheramara upazilas (comparison area). A total of 1,240 randomly selected adult persons were interviewed. Arsenic problem and its mitigation options were discussed with key stakeholders relevant to the project. In addition, the perception of the users about options was understood through eight FGD sessions. The term arsenic became well known in the remote communities where the tubewells were tested to identify arsenic. The knowledge of safe water options was much higher in the project than comparison villages. However, a very small proportion was aware of more than two options. The mitigation project was not only able to significantly raise the awareness but also the knowledge of the signs and transmission of arsenicosis, it prevention and sources of treatment. The report assesses public perception about several safe water options that BRAC tested. No community had all options together. The beneficiaries were given limited choices on the basis of which they could finally select a mitigation option. It has become clear that each option had strengths as well as problems. Rainwater harvesting, for example, was well known in the community but not preferred by most because of its seasonality problem and odd smell of its water. The pond-sand filter (PSF) was a viable option although its distance from home discourages many to use it. The main problem of Shafi filter was its maintenance and water containing capacity. The dugwell water was reportedly visibly dirty and had health hazard. The maintenance of SIDKO filter was proved difficult. The flow of water and the containing capacity of the lately introduced three-pitcher was inadequate. However, considering price and privacy of its use, this option became very popular and acceptable to a large community. The study concludes that the community awareness of arsenic has significantly increased although the use of safe water options was much less than expected. The main thrust of the project should, therefore, be shifted from raising awareness to increase practice. Less preferred options should be discontinued in the subsequent phase of the project. BRAC should think of providing more options in limited communities rather than limited choices in more communities. The community played a very limited role in the mitigation process. The project can sustain only when the users not only participate but own its success and failure. The role of key stakeholders of the project should be clearly defined and their performance should be monitored. While tile project has provided valuable insights about arsenic mitigation in a poor community, a number of issues have remained unsolved. The project, therefore, should continue for some time.
A study on the approaches of CLIP implemented NFPE school and regular NFPE school
(BRAC Research and Evaluation Division (RED), 2000-01) Ahmed, Ameena
A study on the approaches of CLIP implemented NFPE and regular NFPE schools was undertaken to find out the variations of teaching-learning situations in the classroom of these schools. In the study, detailed and thorough investigation was made to ascertain the effectiveness of teaching-learning process, to assess its strengths and weaknesses in the class-room situation and to observe various ways of communication between the teachers and learners. The study was conducted in four NFPE . schools (CLIP implemented and two regula), on a sample of 132 learners (1st year). The role of the teacher was found very prominent in the class room. The study clearly revealed that the learners of regular NFPE school were found better in 'reading' but not in 'writing' while those of CLIP implemented schools showed just the opposite result. In respect to learners' achievement tests, the results clearly showed some deficiencies. However, some specific recommendations had been made here with the hope that the NFPE programme would be benefited.
A guide to identification of affected persons, damage estimation and need-assessment during flood
(BRAC Research and Evaluation Division (RED), 2000) Ahmed, Syed Masud
Bangladesh's topographic and climatic systems make it one of the most water-related disaster prone countries in the Asian region. Its unique geographical location makes it especially vulnerable to excessive rainfall both in the catchment area and within the country, and predisposes to annual flooding which at times becomes catastrophic (as in 1988 and 1998). Floods have caused a greater loss of life and property, and have affected livelihood of more families and communities in Bangladesh than all other natural hazards combined. In a poverty-stricken country like Bangladesh, resources are always less than needed, especially in a disaster situation. Therefore, the question arises: whom to give assistance? And how do we identify them? This report reviews the experience of BRAC as well as other NGOs during the flood in search of these queries and proposes a step-bystep guide for rapid identification of affected households, damage estimation and need assessment, combining both quantitative and qualitative methods and modified as the circumstances demand. Issues discussed are: selecting the areas and households for interventions, procedure to be followed for rapid survey, damage estimation, needs assessment, and maintaining and building Social Capital.

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