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The Garo community is the second largest ethnic minority group in Bangladesh. Because of their different language, culture and religion, they have long been remained disconnected with mainstream economic and other activities. They are thus among the most deprived sections of Bangladesh society. Most Garos who stay in villages live below the poverty line. Although many of them possess skills in many areas, they fail to utilize them due to lack of initiatives and opportunities. They may be considered as one of the missing poor groups in the country. The objective of this project is to develop a replicable model where their skill (agriculture, livestock, handicrafts etc.) and existing assets (homestead-yards, collective initiatives, social capital, co-operative etc) would be synergized with modern knowledge to improve their livelihood. This action research carried out in three Garo villages in Jhenaigati Upazilla of Sherpur District is demand-driven and is being conducted with participation of the community. The research is expected to develop a model for integrated village development and poverty alleviation of the Garo community that will also be replicable for other ethnic communities of the country.
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