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Income generating and Economic Growth (IGA / Livelihoods)
“Small loans. Big dreams. Sustainable futures.”
ABOUT THE PROGRAM :
The Microcredit Regulatory Authority (MRA) in Bangladesh oversees the Income‑Generating Activities (IGA) programs run by licensed NGO‑MFIs (Microfinance Institutions). These programs provide small, collateral-free loans often alongside training in areas like agriculture, livestock, crafting, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy to low‑income individuals, particularly women for poverty reduction. Under MRA guidelines, beneficiaries use these microloans to start or expand IGAs such as poultry, kitchen gardens, tailoring, livestock rearing, or small trading, effectively creating sustainable livelihoods. Rigorous monitoring and compliance ensure financial transparency and program quality Studies in rural Bangladesh show that such IGA initiatives significantly improve income, food security, and nutrition reducing stunting and anemia among mothers and children after two years.
This initiative supports several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
- SDG 1: No Poverty
- SDG 2: Zero Hunger
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 5: Gender Equality
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
🎯 Mission
To empower low-income households, especially women, with access to finance, knowledge, and resources to build small businesses, achieve self-reliance, and uplift their families from poverty.
👁️ Vision
A society where every individual, regardless of background, has the means to create sustainable income, ensuring dignity, security, and improved quality of life.
⚙️ How It Works
- Loan Access: Beneficiaries receive collateral-free microloans at low interest, regulated by MRA.
- Training & Guidance: Participants undergo training in agriculture, livestock, crafts, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy.
- Business Initiation: Loans are invested in small businesses like poultry, tailoring, shops, or farming.
- Monitoring & Mentorship: Field officers provide continuous guidance to ensure success.
- Repayment & Growth: Borrowers repay loans in installments, and successful participants may access larger loans to expand.
🎯 Target (2025–2026)
- Support 5,000+ low-income families through microloans
- Provide skill training to 3,000+ women entrepreneurs
- Reduce poverty rates in target regions by 15%
- Expand program coverage to 15+ new rural areas
🌍 How It Meets SDGs
SDG 1 – No Poverty
- Provides financial resources to poor households
- Encourages sustainable income generation, reducing dependency on aid
SDG 2 – Zero Hunger
- Supports agricultural activities (kitchen gardens, poultry, livestock) that improve household food security
- Increases nutritional diversity for families
SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being
- Improved income allows better access to healthcare and nutrition
- Studies show reductions in stunting and anemia among mothers and children after two years in IGA programs
SDG 5 – Gender Equality
- Prioritizes women borrowers, empowering them socially and economically
- Strengthens women’s decision-making power within households
SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth
- Encourages entrepreneurship, small-scale businesses, and local job creation
- Enhances rural economic resilience
📊 Impact & Transparency
- ✅ Thousands of women entrepreneurs empowered
- ✅ Increase in household income & savings reported by beneficiaries
- ✅ Improved nutrition & health among participant families
- ✅ Rigorous monitoring ensures compliance and quality
- ✅ Annual audits & reporting maintain financial transparency
🤝 Who Benefits?
- Rural poor and marginalized families
- Women seeking economic independence
- Farmers, artisans, and small traders
- Communities vulnerable to economic shocks
🙌 How You Can Support
🌟 You can help by:
- Sponsoring training workshops
- Funding interest-free loan pools for ultra-poor families
- Partnering with Mastul Foundation to scale the program