The southwestern coastal region of Bangladesh faces severe challenges due to the escalating
impacts of climate change, including increased salinity, unpredictable water availability, and
frequent extreme weather events. These environmental changes have significantly disrupted
traditional agricultural practices, a cornerstone of local livelihoods. To address these
vulnerabilities, LEDARS has taken proactive steps to promote sustainable livelihoods,
particularly for marginalized groups such as tiger widows, women-headed households, and other
vulnerable populations.
LEDARS emphasizes innovative and sustainable approaches to livelihood development. By
integrating data-driven decision-making, technology adoption, and skill development, the
organization fosters resilience and economic empowerment. Efforts include strengthening market
linkages, encouraging community-led initiatives, promoting financial inclusion, and building
strategic partnerships to ensure long-term impact. These initiatives not only create new income
opportunities but also reduce migration pressures and social vulnerabilities, such as gender-based
violence, by fostering economic stability and community cohesion. Through targeted
interventions and comprehensive support, LEDARS helps communities in the coastal region
adapt to changing climatic conditions while ensuring sustainable and dignified livelihoods.
LEDARS supports farmers with saline and drought-tolerant rice and vegetable seeds, fertilizers, and training. Through innovative vegetable cultivation demonstrations and seed production via seed banks, LEDARS empowers communities to adapt to changing climatic conditions while ensuring food security and sustainable agricultural practices.
LEDARS prioritizes women, particularly tiger widows and women-headed families, by providing training and support for alternative income-generating activities such as handicrafts, bamboo crafts, and tailoring. Initiatives also focus on organic food processing and marketing, including honey processing, kawra pickle production, and sanitary napkin manufacturing, enabling financial independence and social empowerment.
Technical and financial assistance is provided to develop Model Resilient Farms showcasing sustainable agricultural practices and adaptive farming techniques. These farms act as learning hubs for communities, demonstrating innovative methods to combat climate challenges while enhancing productivity and income.
LEDARS encourages household-level entrepreneurship by supporting organic fertilizer plants for housewives, grocery shops, handicrafts, tea stall etc. These initiatives provide steady income sources, strengthen local economies, and reduce dependency on vulnerable employment opportunities.
LEDARS fosters financial inclusion and market access by linking producers with buyers and markets. Skill development, community empowerment, and strategic partnerships ensure long-term sustainability, curbing migration, and building resilience in vulnerable populations.
• The food security has been increased among 3131 beneficiaries, they have received saline
tolerant seeds supports;
• Nutrition security has been increased among 3395 farmers, they have received vegetable
seed supports;
• Women headed family and 80 tiger widows are operating small IGAs by using the
revolving loan fund received from LEDARS;
• Income source for disadvantaged women created for 860 households and women’s
dignity increased comparatively
• Domestic employment opportunities have been increased among 754 households;
LEDARS (Local Environment Development and Agricultural Research Society) is a non-profit and non-political development organization. LEDARS has been working since 1996 in Bangladesh. Details…