Dr. Md. Moniruzzaman :
The Employment Generation Programme for the Poorest Plus (EGPP+), implemented by the Department of Disaster Management (DDM) from July 2021 to December 2024, aims to improve livelihoods and enhance disaster-resilient infrastructure in Bangladesh. Given the country’s vulnerability to various natural and human-induced disasters – including cyclones, floods, landslides, droughts, and the challenges posed by the influx of Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals (Rohingya) – disaster management is a critical area of focus. Since 2017, nearly one million Rohingya have sought refuge in Bangladesh, with the majority residing in the Cox’s Bazar region. This influx has placed significant economic strain on the host community, leading to increased competition in the labour market, rising food prices, and other socio-economic challenges.
In response to these issues, the Government of Bangladesh has implemented the EGPP+ under the SMoDMRPA project to support host communities. The programme aims to assist 40,174 beneficiaries in Cox’s Bazar district, covering 71 unions across nine upazilas. The objectives of EGPP+ include: (i) providing short-term employment or income support to disaster-affected families to prevent them from resorting to negative coping strategies, such as selling productive assets or reducing food consumption; (ii) developing disaster preparedness, response, and recovery processes at the community level; and (iii) building disaster resilience to mitigate the impact of disasters by preparing poor and vulnerable families, reducing risks, developing rural infrastructure capable of adapting to climate change, and implementing related activities.
Despite the Government of Bangladesh’s efforts to address these challenges, the economic conditions of host populations remain precarious. The influx of Rohingya into the local labour market, combined with the socio-economic impact of the refugees, has led to increased poverty, reduced income, and a reliance on negative coping mechanisms. The EGPP+, supported financially by the World Bank, aims to provide short-term employment and income support to disaster-affected families. However, the impact of EGPP+ on improving the livelihoods of the host community and contributing to infrastructural development in Cox’s Bazar district remains under-explored.
According to the Household Income and Expenditure Survey (HIES) 2022, 37.6% of households received benefits from Social Safety Net Programmes (SNSPs), with a higher rate of 44% in rural areas. Despite the positive impact on beneficiaries, millions still lack assistance. Ahmed et al. (2009) emphasise the need to enhance coverage and efficiency by refining targeting methods and reducing leakage. The EGPP+ was designed as a shock-responsive “window” from the regular programme to enable vulnerable groups, such as women, older persons, and those with disabilities, to participate (Monthly Environment and Social Monitoring Report, December 2022).
The influx of Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals (FDMNs) into Cox’s Bazar has strained host communities, leading to price hikes and a decline in employment opportunities. This has heightened the need for financial and social support, placing additional pressure on the already stretched public service delivery system. In recognition of these challenges, the SNSP introduced in FY 2021-22 focused on enhancing the EGPP+ in Cox’s Bazar district. Under Component-4, titled ‘Strengthening Host Community Resilience using EGPP+’, the project aims to address economic crises and vulnerabilities exacerbated by the FDMN crisis since August 2017. The International Development Association (IDA) and the World Bank have committed additional financing to support this endeavour, benefiting poor households in Cox’s Bazar host communities with technical support from Component-2: Strengthening of the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief Programme Administration (SMoDMRPA) Project. The expanded EGPP+ programme, now encompassing a new shock-responsive modality, has reached a total of 40,174 beneficiaries, an increase from the previous 16,174. Notable features of EGPP+ include supplemental daily wages, the inclusion of community services alongside traditional public workfare, year-round implementation, and gender-sensitive measures to enhance female participation, aligning with the World Bank’s expectations.
The implementation of EGPP+ initiatives is poised to drive socio-economic advancement and align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Primarily, it targets SDG 1’s indicators, focusing on population coverage by social protection systems, particularly aiding the poorest and most vulnerable below the poverty line. EGPP+ also addresses the ramifications of disasters in Cox’s Bazar District, contributing to SDG 1.5.2 by mitigating direct economic losses attributed to disasters. Efforts to bolster female participation to 40% surpass EGPP’s target of 33%, promoting SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by overcoming cultural barriers. Additionally, environmental sustainability efforts, including forest protection and tree plantation, support SDG 15 (Life on Land), enhancing the programme’s holistic impact on community resilience and sustainable development.
According to the final consolidated Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) survey report on EGPP+ conducted by DDM and Shahidul Consultant Ltd. (2024), a total of 38,320 beneficiaries (95.39%) were enrolled in FY 2023-24 out of the targeted 40,174. The participation of female beneficiaries increased from 27.8% in December 2021 to 36.62% in December 2023, compared to the expected 40% target set by the World Bank. A new project entitled “Inclusive Services and Opportunities for Host Communities and Displaced Rohingya Population” is set to be implemented from 2024 to 2028, with a budget of approximately US$ 350 million. This project will involve six implementing agencies, including the Department of Disaster Management (DDM) under the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief (MoDMR), the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs (MoWCA), the Health Service Division (HSD) and Medical Education and Family Welfare Division (MEFD) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), the Department of Primary Education (DPE) under the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education (MoPME), and the Department of Social Services (DSS) under the Ministry of Social Welfare (MoSW). However, an in-depth study is required to provide robust empirical evidence on the socio-economic impacts of EGPP+ and offer actionable insights for policy refinement and programme enhancement.
(The writer is Professor, Bangladesh Institute of Governance and Management (BIGM) and former Additional Secretary to GOB).
