Climate Resilient Farming and Market Access for Women

Communities in the southern regions of Bangladesh are on the frontlines of climate change impacts. Salinity intrusion has significantly degraded agricultural land, making it infertile and unsuitable for traditional farming, thereby undermining local livelihoods. Compounding this challenge, recurrent disasters—particularly cyclones—repeatedly erode their resilience and push already vulnerable populations closer to the poverty line.

This project is targeted to bring together 1,000 young women to develop their resilience through transforming climate-threatened fields into resilient hubs of innovation. The project includes installing solar-powered irrigation and providing salt-tolerant seeds.

Objectives

• Collective Power: Formation of 40 women’s groups to champion sustainable agriculture and foster collective action.

• Capacity Building: Specialized programs for women leaders in climate-resilient farming techniques.

• Resource Distribution: Direct distribution of high-yield, climate-resilient seeds and essential agricultural inputs.

• Sustainable Innovation: Training on the operation of solar-powered irrigation systems and farm equipment.

• Economic Independence: Establishing Village Savings & Loan Associations (VSLA) to ensure financial inclusion.

• Market Integration: Development of direct-to-market sales strategies to bridge the gap between women farmers and consumers.

Project Key Outputs & Impact

• 1,000 women equipped with sustainable agriculture skills to improve crop yields and resilience.

• 40 functional women’s groups established as leadership hubs.

• 10 water-saving irrigation pumps deployed to mitigate climate risks and conserve local water sources.

• 1,000 women gain business skills and develop new business models for economic empowerment.

• 160 women specifically trained in financial literacy to manage VSLA networks effectively.

• 5,000 community members reached through awareness campaigns on climate-resilient farming practices.