Prevalence of poverty in Bangladesh is high[1], and for most of the people, it is very difficult to secure water, food, fodder, medicine, shelter, clothing and the capacity to acquire above necessities working either individually or as a group by using endowments (both human and material) for meeting the requirements of the self and his/her household on a sustainable basis with dignity. From its experience, LH has identified a number of factors limiting livelihood security i.e. livelihood shocks (price hikes and natural disasters, for example); Social, Economic and Political Context; and limited resources for livelihood. More particular causes of disadvantaged people’s livelihood insecurity includes: a) inadequate scope to determine their own future as well as to access financial resources and influence institutions and decision making process; b) limited access to appropriate skills and technologies; c) limited access to, and control over, natural resources; d) inequitable access to food and labor markets; and e) vulnerability to disasters, both short and long term, including climate change. In response to the above context, LH wants to ensure sustain wellbeing of the community, especially women-led households and enhance their economic development.

 

Considering the situation of the constituents, for reaching the above mentioned goal of the sector, LH identified five (5) major challenges i.e. i) Accessibility to financial resources, appropriate skills and technologies for the targeted constituents; ii) Accessibility to employment and income generating activities for the sexual minority groups, socially excluded communities, ethnic minority communities, PWDs, acid survivors, victims of human trafficking, and disadvantaged rural women; iii) Availability of information related to livelihood for the targeted constituents; iv) Sound supply chain of quality agro products, ensuring fair prices for both the consumers and the producers; and v) Empowerment of individuals with the essential skills of numeracy, communication and problem solving. Under this SP, LH will initiate the following strategic interventions for overcoming the above challenges.

[1] Incidences of poverty and extreme poverty are respectively 24.8% and 12.9% among the population, in 2015, according to the 7th FYP.