2013-2017

JUTE: AN OPPORTUNITY FOR IMPROVED LIVELIHOODS

2013-2017

CARE

CARE works in over 100 countries to save lives, defeat poverty and achieve social justice. The organisation reaches more than 90 million people through 1,300 projects. We supported CARE’s teams in Haiti, Ecuador, Cameroon and Bangladesh, where they provide job opportunities for vulnerable people and help them rebuild their lives.

www.care.org

CHALLENGE

Jute, the so-called “golden fibre of Bengal”, is a cash crop for millions of small farmers across North-West and South-West Bangladesh. Jute cultivation and the export of jute products have great potential, but the industry is limited by weak farming practices and limited marketing.

ACTION

CARE strengthened the jute industry by supporting people involved in the production process, from vulnerable growers to processors and business and market intermediaries.

CARE trained jute farmers in modern cultivation processes, use of organic fertilisers and improved post-harvest management techniques. Jute product workers were taught new production skills and provided with work opportunities. CARE also set up artisan groups to respond promptly to product orders from nearby small enterprises and saving groups.

The programme brought together and trained business intermediaries, three jute mills and a consortium of 20 jute product entrepreneurs. In addition, it successfully advocated for social and environmental compliance standards and good working practices, including fire safety and workers’ rights.

IMPACT

18,000

JUTE FARMERS AND JUTE PRODUCT WORKERS

trained

ARTISAN GROUPS

set up

564

SELF-HELP SAVINGS GROUPS

established