Bangladesh Dewanganj
$40,000 needed of $78,156
Implementing Organization
World Renew
Program Summary
This nutrition-focused food security program is designed to build the capacity of farmers and their families under the leadership of a People’s Institution named “Rangdhanu Society”. This People’s Institution was formed a few years ago under the Integrated Community Development Program that was funded by World Renew and implemented by local partner PARI.
This program helps participants to identify their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and challenges and prepares them to practice sustainable agriculture methods to ensure food security throughout the year. The program is forming Agriculture Forums under the leadership of the People’s Institution, and building their capacities to network with the agriculture and livestock offices of the local government. This allows the Agriculture Forums to have access to available resources such as training and technical support and to build a functional relationship with the local government.
Through training and workshops, the program is equipping the Agriculture Forums with agriculture techniques such as pile composting, worm composting, and the preparation of herbal pesticides to minimize the use of chemical substances, leading to increases in production and income.
This program also prioritizes the inclusion of vulnerable groups through the People’s Institutions and Agriculture Forums, including women, single mothers and people with disabilities, so that they can also have access to the agricultural activities promoted by the program, including production, marketing and decision making at family and community level. It is changing their roles from being dependent to becoming active participants in ensuring food security.
After the COVID-19 pandemic, local inhabitants are still facing challenges in maintaining a healthy life style, due to the shortage of nutritious foods and the lack of job opportunities. This program is working to build the resilience of the target communities by changing the existing social system and transforming their lives. The program aims to equip communities to regain their strength and ability to cope with crisis by reducing the gaps created by COVID-19.
The program is being implemented in three unions; Chukaibari, Chinaduli and Dewanganj under Dewanganj Upazila in Jamalpur District of Bangladesh.
Sureja's Story - Bangladesh Dewanganj Program
Success Stories
From Riverbank to Resilience
In the heart of the Jamuna River basin lies Bhatipara—a small village shaped by resilience. Many families here, including Belal’s, resettled after losing their homes and land to river erosion. Agriculture is the lifeline of this community, though a few residents supplement their income with seasonal work at the nearby sugar mill or brick fields.
Belal, a humble and hardworking farmer, lives with his wife, two daughters, and one son. For years, he cultivated paddy and bananas on a small plot of land, hesitant to explore other crops due to the risks involved. His family survived with great effort, often facing uncertainty and hardship.
That began to change when Belal joined the Community Development Program of PARI Development Trust. Through regular meetings and trainings, he gained practical knowledge and built relationships with government and nongovernment service providers. His participation caught the attention of the Dewanganj Agriculture Office, and he was invited to lead a Farmer Field School as a farmer-trainer.
Belal led the Farmer Field School with dedication—sharing techniques, encouraging innovation, and mentoring fellow farmers. Soon he was called upon to conduct training sessions across Dewanganj Upazila. Gaining experience and confidence, Belal began applying modern agricultural methods on his own land. He transitioned into diversified vegetable cultivation, using advanced techniques that significantly improved his yields. His success not only transformed his family’s financial situation but also contributed to the agricultural growth of his community.
In honor of his remarkable contributions, Belal received the National Medal from the President of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh—a proud moment for his village and a powerful reflection of his inspiring journey.
“I will never forget the fundamental change that came into my life through my association with PARI. Through them, I built relationships with various government departments, which helped me reach where I am today. Now, through the Dewanganj Agricultural Development Program, I am sharing my knowledge and experience with marginal farmers in my area. It is a great honor to contribute to agricultural development.”
Bangladesh Dewanganj Program
Led by World Renew and local partner PARI Development Trust