In a region where over 63% of the population lives below the poverty line, a group of determined women in Dashar—a small subdistrict in Madaripur—are defying the odds. Despite Dashar being named the poorest area in Bangladesh by the latest Poverty Map released by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics on January 30, 2025, the Chander Alo Cooperative Credit Union has emerged as a beacon of hope.
Originally established in 2002 with support from World Vision Bangladesh and the Cooperative Credit Union League of Bangladesh, the women-led cooperative has spent over a decade empowering its members to rise above poverty. “Organizing, saving, daring and working hard help us to fight poverty,” said Anjali Boidyo, President of Chander Alo. “Over time, we built up our savings and established common facility centres that reduce production costs and ensure fair prices through market linkages. The significant growth in savings, loans, and incomes underscores the vital role of rural women in combating poverty. Together, we are building a resilient and prosperous future.”
Farmers in Dashar have long battled recurrent climate-related challenges including seasonal flooding, water shortages, cyclones, siltation, and heat waves. In response, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, and the Sara Bangla Krishak Society (SBKS)—a national network of producers’ organizations—has been spearheading community-led business models designed to combat poverty and boost climate resilience.
The cooperative’s journey took a pivotal turn around 2014 when it faced operational challenges with its savings and loan programs. Seeking a solution, Chander Alo reached out to SBKS in 2015. With FAO’s support, the cooperative was integrated into the Missing Middle Initiative—a pilot project aimed at strengthening rural institutions. Funded by the Global Agriculture and Food Security Program (GAFSP) and backed by both the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, the initiative focused on comprehensive capacity building.
Key areas of training included good governance, financial management, business operations, market access, as well as digital and technological literacy. The objective was clear: equip rural cooperatives with the tools to make climate-smart investments and break free from the cycle of poverty.
A blended financing model has been central to Chander Alo’s success. By combining member savings, profits from common facility centers, a revolving loan fund established with FAO’s assistance, and bank financing, the cooperative has provided its members with the financial resilience needed during times of crisis.
“FAO and the Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock have been working hand-in-hand with producers’ organizations under this business model for over a decade,” noted Jiaoqun Shi, FAO Representative in Bangladesh. “The results are evident today, as women from 1,900 households in one of the most poverty-prone upazilas have successfully protected their families from poverty.”
A final evaluation of the Missing Middle Initiative revealed that the incomes of cooperative members increased by an average of 35%, a statistic that underscores the transformative potential of community-driven models in poverty alleviation. The success of Chander Alo not only highlights the power of grassroots mobilization but also serves as a model for similar regions grappling with poverty and climate challenges.
As Dashar continues to confront harsh environmental and economic realities, the thriving cooperative stands as a testament to the resilience and determination of rural women. Their story is a reminder that even in the most challenging conditions, collective effort and innovative financial solutions can pave the way for a more prosperous future.