Community Social Work Practices in Mitigating Natural Disasters in Bangladesh: Identifying Interventions, Working Organizations and Challenges
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25128/2520-6230.25.4.5Keywords:
community social work, disaster mitigation, social work intervention, community participation, pera-professionalAbstract
This study explores the role of Community Social Work (CSW) in disaster mitigation across coastal Bangladesh. Given the increasing frequency of climate-induced disasters, the research highlights the significance of integrating CSW approaches to enhance community resilience. The study aims to identify key actors, interventions, and the effectiveness of CSW practices in disaster settings. A qualitative approach was employed, utilizing case studies, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions with NGOs, government officials, and volunteers to gather in-depth insights on local responses and social work engagement in disaster preparedness and recovery. The study reveals that diverse actors including NGOs, INGOs, government bodies, universities, and CBOs are applying community social work (CSW) approaches for disaster mitigation in Bangladesh. Interventions include climate-resilient livelihoods, psychosocial support, awareness training, and volunteer mobilization. Community organization practices such as local taskforces, women’s groups, and youth-led mapping have strengthened disaster response. Community development strategies like asset mapping, savings schemes, and participatory needs assessments enhance resilience. However, the role of professional social workers remains informally recognized, and institutional gaps persist in capacity, coordination, and integration with national disaster management frameworks. This study proposes evidence-based recommendations to formalize Community Social Work CSW in disaster response by recognizing Social Service Officers as a professional cadre, integrating disaster modules into social work education, strengthening NGO-government coordination, arranging training for para-professionals and engaging trained and skilled youth and women in community-based disaster preparedness and recovery efforts.
Key-words: community social work, disaster mitigation, social work intervention, community participation, pera-professional
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