Problems Encountered in Disaster Coping Strategy Practices in Gangachara Upazila of Rangpur District

Abstract

This study examined constraints faced by disaster-affected people when practising coping strategies in Gangachara Upazila, Rangpur District, Bangladesh. Fieldwork was conducted from September to December 2022. Data were collected from 302 randomly selected respondents using quantitative and qualitative methods. A closed-form questionnaire assessed 15 problem statements, while three focus group discussions and scored causal diagrams provided supplementary evidence. Frequencies, percentages, problem indices, rankings, and descriptive interpretation were used in the analysis. Inadequate relief supply ranked as the most important problem, followed by insufficient drinking and cooking water during and after disasters and food shortages during disaster periods. Focus group discussions identified limited knowledge and skills, inadequate relief materials, food shortages, and insufficient water as major constraints. The scored causal diagrams further indicated that weak institutional initiative, inadequate communication and transport, limited training, lack of coping equipment, low financial capacity, weak weather forecasting, and poor health and sanitation coverage contributed to the low level of coping strategy practice. Respondents reported using household, agricultural, financial, shelter, water-management, and food-management strategies during floods, droughts, storms, and river erosion. The findings indicate that locally accessible training, timely relief distribution, safe water and sanitation services, improved transport and communication, access to credit, stronger forecasting, and coordinated support from government agencies, non-governmental organisations, local institutions, and community members are needed to strengthen disaster coping practices in the study area.