- MOMODa FOUNDATION (Research Partner)
- Dr. Abu S Shonchoy, Associate Professor of Economics, Florida International University (FIU)
- Dr. Saravana Ravindran, Assistant Professor, National University of Singapore
- Dr. Nusrat Abedin Jimi, Visiting Assistant Professor of Economics, Vassar College
- Syed Riaz Mahmud
Bangladesh faces rising salinity in coastal regions due to climate change. In collaboration with J-PAL K-CAI, MOMODa FOUNDATION is conducting an RCT in three salinity-prone Upazilas of Khulna: Dighalia, Terokhada, and Batiaghata to enhance climate resilience. The primary objective of this project is to evaluate how increased salinity affects key aspects of health and development within vulnerable populations, particularly focusing on pregnant women, children, and adolescent girls. Additionally, the study seeks to explore local preferences and behaviors around accessing clean drinking water, with an emphasis on building evidence that can inform interventions to enhance climate resilience and improve access to essential resources in salinity-affected areas. Baseline data collection began on 28 December 2024 and covered 1,345 households in 156 communities across the targeted upazilas. Comprehensive data cleaning has since been finalized. As part of the intervention, the randomized participants are currently receiving clean drinking water. Drinking water samples were collected from each surveyed household and rigorously tested at the state-of-the-art laboratory of the Soil, Water, and Environment Discipline at Khulna University. The project has successfully completed the intervention phase, during which clean drinking water was provided free of cost for a period of three months to selected coastal communities, with a focus on enhancing climate resilience. Following this, the endline survey has also been completed. Preparations for the follow-up phone call survey are underway to further assess the intervention’s sustainability and impact.
Bangladesh faces significant challenges due to rising salinity levels in its coastal regions, driven by climate change. In response, MOMODa FOUNDATION is conducting a Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) in three salinity-prone Upazilas of Khulna-Dighalia, Terokhada, and Batiaghata to better understand and address the impacts of salinity on public health and community well-being.