Outcomes of Sustainable Livelihood Framework in Bangladesh

The Sustainable Livelihood Framework (SLF) is a holistic approach to understanding and

improving livelihoods, particularly in developing countries like Bangladesh. I would like to
highlight some potential outcomes and trends associated with the SLF in Bangladesh up to that
point:

Income and Poverty reduction:

The SLF in Bangladesh has likely contributed to poverty reduction by enhancing the income-
generating capacities of vulnerable populations, such as farmers, artisans, and marginalized
communities. Agricultural and rural credit disbursement target of Tk 30,811 crore in the just
ended financial year (revised) for increasing the scope of agricultural credit, financial inclusion,
increasing the use of technology to expand banking activities in rural areas, strengthening food
security through increasing the flow of rural finance, alleviating poverty and stimulating the
rural economy. Is determined. Loans are disbursed under this policy to other sectors/sub-
sectors of agriculture including crops and crops, fisheries and livestock sectors and income-
generating activities and poverty alleviation sectors in rural areas.

In the just ended 2022-2023 financial year, 06 state-owned commercial banks, 02 specialized
banks, 40 private commercial banks and 08 foreign commercial banks have disbursed
agricultural and rural loans totaling Tk 32,829.89 crore, which is about 106.55 percent of the
total target. This amount of loan disbursement is Tk 3,995.68 crore (13.86 percent) higher than
the previous fiscal year 2021-2022. Besides, BRDB has disbursed agricultural and rural loans of
Tk 1,536.16 crore in the financial year 2022-2023. Note that several private banks have
disbursed 100% loans through their own network.
According to the 2022 Khana Income-Expenditure Survey of Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics,
The national poverty rate fell to 18.7 percent which was 24.3 percent in 2016.

Through various sustainable livelihood strategies, including micro-enterprises, agriculture

diversification, and non-farm activities, the framework may have helped people in Bangladesh
diversify their income sources, reducing their dependence on a single livelihood. According to
the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics, the per capita income of the people of Bangladesh in 2018
was 1751 US dollars, which increased to 2824 dollars in 2022.

Food Security:
Improved agricultural practices and access to resources and markets may have enhanced food
security for many households, reducing their vulnerability to hunger and malnutrition. In terms
of sustainable livelihood framework, farmers are getting micro credit and technical services. As
a result, food grain production is increasing and food security is being ensured.
According to the Department of Agriculture Extension, the Boro yield in the fiscal year 2022-23
was 2 crore 18 lakh tonnes.
According to the survey of the food ministry for the fiscal year 2022-23, 3.8 million tons of food
grains have been distributed to the vulnerable community so far.
According to the information of the Ministry of Food, on July 23, 2023, the stock of rice and
wheat in the government warehouse was 19 lakh 53 thousand metric tons. The country's
government food stocks were the highest in the last 18 months in July this year due to higher
grain harvests as well as lower imports and distribution.

Well-being:
Well-being outcomes in Bangladesh can be measured by factors like income levels, food
security, access to healthcare, education, and housing. Sustainable livelihoods should lead to
improved well-being in these dimensions. Improved livelihoods can lead to better access to
education and healthcare services, contributing to overall human development in Bangladesh.
According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare's strategy paper to reduce maternal and
child mortality, the maternal mortality rate was 259 per 100,000 births in 2009. Recently the
number has reduced to 165 people. At the time of independence, the infant mortality rate in
Bangladesh was 141, now it stands at 21. That is, the infant mortality rate has decreased by 85
percent.
As a result of increasing empowerment of women, the trend of education of women along with
men in the field of education is increasing day by day. Currently, the number of literate people
(seven years and above) in the country is nearly 12.34 crore people. In 2011, it was 7 crore 45
lakh 71 thousand 421 people. In 11 years, the number of literate people in the country has
increased by 4 crore 87 lakh 36 thousand. The literacy rate in the country was 51.77 percent in
2011, which reached 74.66 percent in 2022. Bangladesh government has formulated
appropriate policies to ensure 100% signature rate by 2030.

Reduce Vulnerability & Resilience Building:

Bangladesh is prone to natural disasters, which can have a significant impact on well-being.
Vulnerability reduction measures, such as disaster preparedness and climate change adaptation,
are essential to mitigate these risks. SLF often emphasizes building resilience to shocks and
stresses. In Bangladesh, where natural disasters like floods and cyclones are common, livelihood
strategies that enhance resilience may have helped communities better cope with and recover
from these events.

Environmental Sustainability and Sustainable Uses of Natural Resources:

Given Bangladesh’s vulnerability to climate change and its dependence on natural resources,
ensuring environmental sustainability is critical for long-term well-being.

Renewable Energy: Transitioning to renewable sources like solar, wind, and hydropower
reduces reliance on fossil fuels and minimizes environmental impact.
Sustainable Forestry: Implementing responsible logging practices, reforestation, and protecting
old-growth forests to maintain healthy ecosystems.

Water Conservation: Efficient water use, wastewater treatment, and protecting watersheds
help preserve this vital resource.
Organic Farming: Avoiding synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, promoting crop rotation, and
using sustainable agricultural techniques.
Eco-friendly Fishing: Adhering to catch limits, avoiding bycatch, and protecting marine habitats
to maintain fish populations.
Recycling and Circular Economy: Reusing, recycling, and reducing waste to minimize resource

extraction and landfill waste.

Gender Empowerment:
The SLF also promotes gender equity and women's empowerment. In Bangladesh, this might
have translated into increased access to resources, decision-making power, and income for
women in rural areas.

These outcomes are based on the general principles of the Sustainable Livelihood Framework,
and the specific results can vary depending on the context, interventions, and local dynamics.
For the most recent and detailed outcomes, it's essential to refer to updated research and
reports from relevant organizations and government agencies in Bangladesh.