Collective Anticipatory Humanitarian Action for Monsoon Flooding: Bangladesh

60 Decibels (an impact measurement company) undertook a phone survey of 985 beneficiaries of the 2020 CERF-funded anticipatory action programme in Bangladesh, which included cash and in-kind support. Follow-up interviews were conducted with 785 recipients (85 per cent women). Local Bangladeshi researchers asked recipients questions including how the floods adversely affected beneficiaries, the experience and impact of receiving aid, and requests for future assistance.

Findings included that the Net Promoter Score (measure of customer loyalty and satisfaction) was above 50 – the marker of excellence. In monetary terms, non-cash aid was found to be worth more during the floods than before or after, while cash was more useful before and after the floods. Yet, cash continued to be the top request for support. Across all respondents, 80 per cent responded that their quality of life improved due to the aid delivered. Approximately half said aid arrived at the time ‘when needed most.’ Detailed feedback was also collected on cash, with 20 per cent of respondents  or fewer saying receiving cash had no impact on their lives during the flood, that it was insufficient to improve their wellbeing, or that it would have been more effective if implemented earlier.