HFH Framework for Livelihood Resilience in Bangladesh
A strong example of a community-centered adaptation plan is presented in my paper “Nexus between heat wave, food security and human health (HFH): Developing a framework for livelihood resilience in Bangladesh.” The framework addresses the growing impacts of heat waves on vulnerable communities in Bangladesh, particularly how extreme heat affects food security, livelihoods, and human health simultaneously.
Representation of Community Values: The HFH framework is grounded in local realities and community experiences. It reflects community values by prioritizing livelihood security, health protection, and food access—issues that rural and urban poor households identify as immediate concerns during heat stress. The framework emphasizes locally appropriate coping strategies, such as adaptive work schedules, crop diversification, and community-based health awareness.
Addressing Key Challenges: The plan directly tackles interconnected challenges—heat stress, reduced agricultural productivity, rising food prices, and health risks—rather than treating them in isolation. This integrated approach aligns with how communities experience climate impacts in everyday life.
Vulnerability Assessment: Vulnerability is adequately assessed by identifying at-risk groups such as outdoor workers, low-income households, elderly populations, and smallholder farmers. The framework considers socioeconomic conditions, exposure to heat, and limited access to healthcare, making it context-specific and inclusive.
Conflict Resolution: While not focused on overt conflict, the framework reduces potential tensions (e.g., over labor conditions or food access) by promoting equitable adaptation measures such as community cooling spaces, inclusive health interventions, and livelihood diversification that benefit multiple groups.
Meeting Community Needs and Expectations: By linking adaptation to health, food security, and income stability, the HFH framework aligns closely with community expectations for practical, immediate benefits rather than abstract climate goals.
Contribution to Adaptive Capacity: Overall, the framework strengthens adaptive capacity by integrating local knowledge with policy and scientific insights, encouraging cross-sectoral coordination, and promoting community-led resilience planning. It demonstrates how community-centered adaptation can be both locally grounded and scalable under national adaptation and LLA frameworks.