Strengthening DRM Structures & Capacities (SDSC) Project
Project Overview:
The Strengthening DRM Structures and Capacities of the BDRCS (SDSC) Project, funded by the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development and co-funded by the German Red Cross, spans from 2017 to 2026. It aims to enhance Disaster Risk Management (DRM) capacities at various levels, particularly focusing on empowering the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS) to serve communities in a better way.
Overall Goal:
The project’s overarching goal is to contribute to strengthening the self-help capacities of the population through improved disaster risk management (DRM) services provided by the BDRCS.
Project Objective:
The project focuses on the capacities and structures in Disaster Risk Management (DRM) of the BDRCS is further strengthened to contribute to long-term resilience of target communities and marginalized groups, fostering a more sustainable, disaster-resilient environment.
Project Approach:
This project operates in micro, meso, and macro levels strategically addressing community, organizational, and advocacy dimensions aims to support disaster resilience across Bangladesh. At the micro level, the project actively engages with communities to strengthen local resilience through enhanced services delivered by BDRCS branches. At the meso level, emphasis has been placed on strengthening the DRM capacities at the branch and national headquarters level. At the macro level, the project advocates for improved framework conditions for disaster risk management through proactive government engagement and promoting efforts. The proposed Phase 3 of the project is intended to build directly on the objectives and results achieved in Phase 2 and is similarly structured, with comparable objectives and expected results, but with a clear focus on sustainability centered on the institutional level and institutional anchoring in the wider DRM environment. The objectives and expected outcomes of the previous phases were largely achieved, as outlined in the previous reports. Overall, Phase 3 is seen as an evolution of Phase 2, building on the successes and addressing the challenges to achieve sustainable impact on DRM in Bangladesh.
Coverage Area:
| Phase | Timeframe | Coverage Area |
| Phase-03 | 2024-2026 | 02 Branch (Noakhali and Bogura) |
| Phase-02 | 2021-2023 | 10 Branch (Dhaka District, Dhaka-NHQ, Chattogram, Noakhali, Barguna, Lakshmipur, Pirojpur, Netrokona, Bogura and Sirajganj) |
| Phase-01 | 2017-2020 | 06 Branch (Dhaka, Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Noakhali, Gaibandha and Tangail) |
Project Results Phase-III (2024-2026)
Micro Level: Project communities work jointly with local branches of the BDRCS to strengthen their resilience, whereby volunteers, communities, youth, and schools form the foundation for longer-term, sustainable local DRM.
Result 1:
Selected project communities have deepened their disaster risk management measures (CBDRM), with the support of National Societies branches and in partnership with local stakeholders, further strengthening their self-help capacities, and forming an integral part of comprehensive local disaster risk management efforts.
Result 2:
Project communities, with a particular focus on teachers and pupils from selected schools and colleges, have actively participated in DRM training, drills, and simulations, leading to the establishment and enhancement of robust DRM capabilities at the school level.
Meso Level:
The BDRCS is better equipped to sustainably deliver high-impact services in mandated core areas, in a manner that supports long-term resilience, ensures continued growth, and respects the resources of the communities they serve.
Result 1:
BDRCS has reinforced their competencies in prioritized core areas of DRM, and in selected administrative standards and instruments.
Macro Level:
BDRSC has an enhanced role in the wider DRM environment, underscoring the commitment to sustainable DRM practices that prioritize long-term resilience and equity.
Result 1:
Government and administration representatives in the field of DRM have developed a deeper understanding of the mandates, roles, competencies, and sectoral approaches of BDRCS, emphasizing the National Societies’ increased value to the aid system, and showcasing the benefits of sustainable practices in DRM.
Number of people reached in (Micro, Meso, Macro) different level (Phase 1 & 2):
| Phases | Direct Recipients | Indirect Recipients |
| Phase 1
(Sep 2017-Dec 2020) |
6708 | 27234 |
| Phase 2
(Jan 2021- Dec 2023) |
25,093 | 1,07,900 |
