Brief
Cooperative food processing as climate adaptation: early lessons from Bhola
DCD Research · 10/04/2026
Programmes
Climate-Resilient Livelihoods
Helping fishing and farming families transition to new income sources through skills, small capital and cooperative micro-enterprises.
The problem
As climate change erodes the livelihoods of fishermen and farmers, families in char and coastal areas are losing their traditional income. Riverbank erosion, salinity and unpredictable seasons push households toward distress migration.
Our approach
01
Skills training
Practical training in food processing, packaging and allied trades that suit local markets.
02
Small capital
Modest, transparent capital support to start or diversify an income source.
03
Cooperative micro-enterprise
Group-owned enterprises that share risk and build collective bargaining power.
04
Market linkage and food safety
Connecting producers to buyers with food-safety standards built in.
Activities and communities
We work with char and haor communities and with families affected by riverbank erosion, starting in areas such as Bhola. Activities include cohort training, cooperative formation, and market linkage support.
Outcomes and indicators
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Families supported
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Cooperatives formed
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Districts reached
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