Use of Sustainable Livelihoods Approaches

The Chars Livelihoods Assistance Scoping Study assessed the state of livelihoods in Kurigram district, Brahmaputra River, NW Bangladesh. The terms of reference for the scoping study required the adoption of a sustainable livelihoods approach, as outlined in Carney (1998) and DFID (1999). Therefore, although the study was a response to a proposal on livestock, the team adopted a broader view. The approach adopted was to investigate the nature of poverty and vulnerability in the chars, and then to consider the kind of interventions which might be able to influence this poverty. The analysis drew attention to a number of possible entry points, including supporting women's and children's rights, access to appropriate government and NGO services, savings and credit, income enhancement, and reducing vulnerability to physical shocks.

The programme, resulting from the scoping study, aims to be cross-sectoral and poverty focused, linking activities at several levels (local, thana, district and national), and seeks to have a realistic direct impact on poverty as well as a broader enabling environment for char development. In particular, it seeks to use lessons-learned through a vulnerability-based char development component focused on two sites within the major river systems.

Work at these sites aims to improve access and services from national organisations and the Government of Bangladesh, and to inform policy and process change at both local and national level.

A prime objective is to lobby and support central government to raise the priority given to chars through better understanding of their specific needs and circumstances.

The programme is transformational in its agenda, seeking to achieve lasting change in the way the needs of the chars are addressed through Bangladesh.