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The ITL Climate Resilient Microfinance (CRM) project aims to tackle current gaps and issues in microfinance provision, with a view to enhancing understanding of how these institutions can promote women's equal access to credit and protect the most vulnerable borrowers from climate threats. In this update we share more about the project and some of the tangible changes we are seeing already in the lives of the project participants.
We start with a video interview with Bangladesh Country Director, Nuzhat Jabin. Nuzhat visited the UK towards the end of 2023. We used the opportunity to sit down with her and chat about the project. Watch that interview below.
We are delighted to share that several women participating in the CRM project have been awarded a Joyeeta Award by the Department of Women’s Affairs. The Bangladesh Government bestows this award on women who have made significant contributions to women’s empowerment in society at grassroots level. 4 women from Rajibpur and 3 from Rowmari sub-district involved in this project received an award. Please join us in congratulating them.
Empowerment through Organic Farming
In the remote village of West Khanjanmara, situated in Kurigram district, Mojiron and her husband grappled with the harsh realities of life exacerbated by frequent floods and river erosion. The perpetual challenges of poverty, short-term displacement, and malnutrition affected the entire community, forcing men to migrate in search of income, leaving women to manage households in precarious conditions. With limited income and disruptions in vegetable production due to natural disasters, Mojiron and her husband struggled to provide for their family. Loans became a necessity for daily essentials, making it difficult for Mojiron to balance family expenses and repayments. The cycle of poverty seemed unbreakable.
Mojiron's life took a positive turn when she became a participant in the ITL project, gaining access to valuable agricultural training facilitated by the Department of Agriculture. Through the project she acquired knowledge climate resilient livelihoods. She learnt about field preparation, optimal irrigation, pest and disease control, fertiliser usage, and eco-friendly organic farming. Additionally, she expanded her understanding of climate change and environmental pollution.
Motivated by newfound knowledge, Mojiron embraced eco-friendly organic farming. She began producing vermicompost, a cost-effective organic fertiliser, and utilised pheromone traps for pest control.
Empowered by the ITL project, Mojiron ventured into organic vegetable farming, selling her produce to sustain her family. Her success story became a beacon of hope and resonated with neighbouring women, inspiring them to explore similar avenues. Eager to uplift her community, she shared her knowledge and skills, promoting improved farming practices and sustainable agriculture more broadly. Mojiron's initiative sparked a ripple effect, creating a network of resilience and empowerment within her community.
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