The Behavioral Insights Research and Design (BIRD) Lab, initiated and co-facilitated by Norwegian Church Aid (NCA), with a funding from Norad, has successfully conducted a landmark study titled “Adaptive WASH behavior’s Research in Protracted and Climate-Affected Settings, generating critical evidence to inform water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) programming in fragile and climate-stressed contexts.
The research was implemented through a strong multi-institutional collaboration. The Institute of Development Studies (IDS) provided overall leadership of the research process, including methodological design and the training of research assistants, ensuring high-quality data generation and ethical rigor throughout the study.
In addition, the Chr. Michelsen Institute (CMI) led a high-level multi-stakeholder workshop held in Addis Ababa, convening key informants, sector experts, policymakers, and practitioners. The workshop served as a vital platform for validating findings, deepening contextual understanding, and translating research insights into practical and adaptive WASH strategies.
This research responds to the growing urgency of understanding how communities adapt WASH behaviors in protracted crises and climate-affected settings, where conventional approaches often fall short. The findings are expected to inform adaptive programming, policy dialogue, and future investments in resilient WASH interventions.
BIRD Lab is proud to contribute to this collaborative effort and remains committed to generating actionable behavioral evidence that strengthens development and humanitarian responses in Ethiopia and similar contexts globally.
