Inclusive Pathways Towards Climate-Resilient WASH in Bangladesh

The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine

Climate Resilience Research (WRA-CR01)

Research theme: Social inclusion and climate resilience in WASH

Research focus: Development of evidence on the intersection between WASH, disability, climate and health and co-development of principles to strengthen climate-resilience and social inclusion in WASH programs. 

Location: Gaibandha and Satkhira districts, Bangladesh

Partners: London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, World Vision Australia and Bangladesh

"We are looking forward to our research generating new evidence on how WASH-related climate risks can differently impact women and men with disabilities in Bangladesh, and then strengthening climate-resilient, inclusive WASH interventions.”

Jane Wilbur, Assistant Professor, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine 

Research Description

There is an urgent need for research to provide the evidence base for investment in climate-resilient WASH measures that are equitable and benefit everyone. One in seven people worldwide has a disability, and 80% of disabilities are invisible. People with disabilities are often the most vulnerable to climate hazards and face greater risks because of existing vulnerabilities. There is no rigorous evidence about the disproportionate impacts that climate hazards have on the WASH experiences of people with disabilities.

Led by London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), this research project addresses WASH-related challenges posed by climate change in Bangladesh, as one of the most vulnerable countries to the impacts of climate change. With 90 million people — more than 50% of the population — living in high climate exposure areas, the population faces coastal flooding, erosion, rising sea levels, erratic monsoons, and increasing temperatures. Water resources are impacted by saltwater intrusion, further affecting availability and quality.

The research focuses on two high-risk districts: Satkhira and Gaibandha. Satkhira experiences cyclones, flooding, rising sea levels, and saline intrusion, while Gaibandha faces flooding, river erosion, and monsoon rainfall variability. These hazards decrease water availability, damage WASH services, and increase the risk of water-related diseases.

The research aims to explore the impact of climate events on the WASH experiences of people with disabilities in these districts. By providing evidence for climate-resilient and equitable WASH measures, the study aligns with Bangladesh's Adaptation Plan, which recognises the vulnerability of persons with disabilities and emphasises the need for resilient infrastructure and improved access to WASH.

The research objectives include:

1. Understanding intersections with climate-risk, WASH, health and disability.
2. Comparing impacts on individuals with and without disabilities.
3. Exploring management and inclusive WASH strategies.
4. Co-developing key principles for climate-resilient and inclusive WASH.

By collating and synthesising literature on disability, gender, and climate-resilient WASH interventions in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), this research addresses knowledge gaps and provides recommendations for future research and practice. It explores the differential impacts of climate hazards on women and men with disabilities in Bangladesh, contributing to a significant evidence gap.

This research aims to enhance climate resilience and inclusivity in Bangladesh's WASH sector by providing evidence-based insights, engaging stakeholders, and co-developing principles. The findings and recommendations should support decision-making and improve program design, fostering inclusive and resilient WASH practices in response to climate change challenges. Ultimately, this research seeks to enhance the wellbeing of individuals with disabilities, improve access to WASH services, and promote sustainable development in the face of climate change.

Pathways to impact

1. Evidence synthesis: reviewing and summarising relevant studies on climate-resilient WASH and disability in LMICs, making the evidence more accessible to decision-makers, practitioners and academics.
2. Gender and disability analysis: examining how climate risks affect women and men with and without disabilities differently, informing more inclusive interventions across stakeholders.
3. Empowerment of individuals with disabilities: supporting people with disabilities to understand their role in climate-resilient WASH efforts and co-develop recommendations to ensure these are equitable and inclusive.
4. Enhancing program inclusivity: supporting World Vision Bangladesh to make their climate-resilient WASH programs more disability-inclusive through insights and recommendations.
5. Stakeholder engagement and co-development of principles: engaging relevant stakeholders in Bangladesh to co-develop principles for climate-resilient, inclusive WASH efforts.
6. Advocacy for increased funding: generating evidence on the importance of including individuals with disabilities in climate-resilient WASH efforts, with the aim of increasing political will and funding to address this issue.
7. Knowledge exchange and collaboration: promoting collaboration among WASH, disability, health, and climate adaptation actors, facilitating improved practices in climate-resilient inclusive WASH.

Through these actions, the research project is advancing climate resilience, inclusion, and informed decision-making in Bangladesh's WASH sector.

“Our study aims to provide policymakers and implementers with comprehensive evidence on the current accessibility of WASH and menstrual health and hygiene facilities for people with disabilities in climate-vulnerable areas of Bangladesh. The findings will inform future national and local WASH and climate adaptation policies and interventions.”

Dewan Muhammad Shoaib, Research Investigator, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh

Feature photo: A person with disability accesses an inclusive toilet (World Vision / Proshanto Roy)