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Researcher: Ms. Shubhra Sheully Saha
The Garo community is the second largest ethnic minority
group in Bangladesh. Because of their different language,
culture and religion, they have long 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. It is expected to
be replicable for other ethnic communities of similar
nature.
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