By Gunjan Rema from Kalmakanda (Netrakona)

A training workshop titled “Practice of Indigenous Knowledge in Disaster Management” was held at the Bonbera Agroecology Learning Center in Kalmakanda Upazila of Netrakona district. Organized by BARCIK the training brought together 32 participants, including local farmers (men and women), union parishad members, and youth from diverse backgrounds.

At the beginning of the training, BARCIK’s field facilitator Munna Rongdi explained the objective of the initiative, saying, “The main objective is to raise awareness among local people about natural disasters and to build their capacity for preparedness based on indigenous knowledge.”

BARCIK’s upazila coordinator Gunjan Rema provided an in-depth discussion on the concepts and applications of disaster, disaster management, and indigenous knowledge. He said, “Indigenous knowledge refers to effective knowledge gained from the life experiences of local people in coping with natural disasters over generations.”

Following the discussion, participants were divided into three groups to explore and document their ideas and experiences on brown paper regarding three topics: “Ways to Protect from Flash Floods,” “Strategies for Safeguarding Crops During Drought,” and “Preparedness for Cyclone Response.” Their presentations reflected realistic and locally applicable strategies and insights.

During the closing session, BARCIK’s associate coordinator Shongkor Mrong evaluated the training based on participants’ feedback and reflections. He said, “Such trainings play a vital role in building disaster preparedness based on local knowledge.”

Participant Kamona Hajong remarked, “We learned a lot from each other by sharing our experiences. This knowledge will be helpful in both our lives and our farming practices in the future.”

As natural disasters and the impacts of climate change increasingly threaten border areas, the practice and application of indigenous knowledge has become more essential than ever. BARCIK’s initiative does not only strengthen disaster resilience but also paves the way for building a self-reliant, knowledge-based community.