Author: Alal Ahmed, Program Manager (Communication and Knowledge Management)
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News & Events
February 24, 2025

Micro-entrepreneurs in Sirajganj prioritize waste management and product diversification

Micro-entrepreneurs in Sirajganj, known for their expertise in producing Lungi and Gamcha, are now setting their sights on product diversification. They aspire to expand into quality garment production while adhering to environmental and waste management protocols, provided they receive the necessary financial and technical support.

This vision was expressed during a workshop organized under the Sustainable Microenterprise and Resilient Transformation (SMART) Project of PKSF at the National Development Programme (NDP) Head Office in Sirajganj. The event served as a platform for local micro-entrepreneurs to discuss the adoption of new technologies and resource-efficient, cleaner production methods.

The workshop was graced by Md Mashiar Rahman, Deputy Managing Director of PKSF, as the Chief Guest, with Md Alauddin Khan, Executive Director of NDP, presiding over the session. Also in attendance were six micro-entrepreneurs, PKSF Panel Supervisors, and other stakeholders. The session commenced with a welcome speech by Gokul Chandra Biswas, Project Coordinator of the SMART Project.

In his concluding remarks, Md Mashiar Rahman emphasized the importance of efficient waste management in loom and dyeing factories. He highlighted the potential of solar power systems as an alternative energy source, stating, “Solar power can significantly reduce electricity consumption and serve as a viable alternative where transparent sheets cannot be used.” He also recommended conducting a study to assess the impact of poor waste management practices on the local community in loom and dyeing clusters.

As part of the workshop, participants visited a mini Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) at a dyeing factory in Tamai village, Belkuchi upazila, along with several loom factories in the business cluster. The visit provided insights into sustainable waste management solutions, reinforcing the commitment of micro-entrepreneurs to adopting environmentally responsible practices.

By Alal Ahmed, Program Manager (Communication and Knowledge Management)
Stories
January 29, 2025

Enhancing water use efficiency in poultry production

|| Md Jafar Eqbal, Senior Program Manager (Livestock), SMART project, PKSF||

In 2024, the global chicken population exceeded 34 billion, surpassing the human population of approximately 8 billion by over four times. Bangladesh ranks 13th among the world’s top poultry producers, with 312 million chickens, as per World Stat 2024. This immense poultry production places significant pressure on natural resources, such as water, energy, and materials, and brings forth environmental challenges like waste, wastewater, and air pollution.

The SMART project, implemented by PKSF, focuses on improving environmental sustainability within Bangladesh’s microenterprise sector, with poultry identified as a priority subsector. Among the six targeted environmental indicators under the SMART project, water use and wastewater management are key areas of intervention. Enhancing water use efficiency in poultry production is critical for the welfare and productivity of birds and ensuring the sustainability of poultry microenterprises.

Strategies to improve water efficiency

Optimized Cleaning Practices

  • Scrape yards to remove dirt before washing.
  • Use high-pressure washing systems to reduce water use.
  • Separate wastewater collection, storage, and application systems.
  • Introduce recycling systems to reuse water.

Efficient Drinking Water Management

  • Conduct regular maintenance of water systems.
  • Use appropriately dimensioned drinker installations.
  • Install suitable nozzles and valves.
  • Optimize feed formulation to reduce water intake and nutrient excretion.
  • Incorporate nutritional technologies like amino acids and enzymes to improve animal performance.

Water quality and disease prevention

Ensuring clean drinking water is critical for poultry health. Contaminated water can transmit diseases such as Salmonella and E. coli, resulting in significant economic losses and potential public health concerns. Regular water quality checks and appropriate treatment are essential to prevent disease outbreaks and maintain flock health.

In poultry production, a single contaminated water source can affect thousands of birds, emphasizing the need for robust water management practices. Farmers can prevent diseases and reduce costs by ensuring water quality, ultimately increasing profitability and sustainability.

The role of SMART project

The SMART project continues to promote innovative practices such as automatic drinking systems and optimized cleaning techniques to enhance water use efficiency in the poultry sector. By integrating sustainable water management practices, the initiative contributes to the resilience and growth of Bangladesh’s poultry microenterprises, ensuring environmental and economic benefits.

Through innovative practices and proper water management, poultry farmers can significantly improve resource efficiency and reduce environmental impacts while ensuring sustainable and profitable operations.

By Alal Ahmed, Program Manager (Communication and Knowledge Management)
News & Events
January 29, 2025

World Bank mission assesses biogas plant feasibility under SMART project

A World Bank team conducted a mission from 19 to 23 January 2025 to observe field-level activities and assess the pre-feasibility of installing biogas plants in dairy clusters under the SMART project, implemented by the Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF). The mission included meetings, field visits, and stakeholder engagements across Sirajganj, Pabna, and Munshiganj districts.

The mission began on 19 January with a kick-off meeting at the PKSF headquarters, chaired by Md. Mashiar Rahman, Deputy Managing Director of PKSF. Discussions were also held with senior officials from PKSF and representatives from other stakeholders, including the Bangladesh Biogas Development Foundation (BBDF).

From 20 to 22 January, the team conducted technical field visits to dairy clusters in Sirajganj, Pabna, and Munshiganj. These visits aimed to evaluate the implementation of biogas and Resource-Efficient and Cleaner Production (RECP) practices, as well as assess progress in subsectors such as dairy, loom, and textile microenterprises under the SMART project.

In Sirajganj, the team visited dairy product and loom subsectors implemented through the National Development Programme (NDP), interacting with local micro-entrepreneurs. The team also explored the potential for expanding project activities in the dairy cluster of Pabna. On 22 January, the mission visited Munshiganj to review dairy activities implemented by the Resource Integration Centre (RIC).

These field visits provided critical insights into the project’s impact on micro-entrepreneurs and its role in promoting sustainable and resilient business practices in the target sectors. The World Bank team emphasized the importance of engaging local communities to ensure the success of project interventions.

The mission concluded on 23 January with meetings involving government and private agencies to explore the feasibility of establishing community-based biogas plants in the dairy clusters.

The mission was led by Eun Joo Allison, Task Team Leader of the SMART project and Senior Environmental Specialist at the World Bank. She was accompanied by Gokul Chandra Biswas, Project Coordinator of the SMART project and General Manager of PKSF, along with officials from PKSF and its partner organizations.

By Alal Ahmed, Program Manager (Communication and Knowledge Management)
News & Events
January 25, 2025

FID secretary lauds ‘eco-friendly construction’ initiatives under the SMART project

Secretary of the Financial Institutions Division Nazma Mobarek visited the ‘Promoting Eco-Friendly Construction Materials through Resource-Efficient and Cleaner Production (RECP) Practices’ sub-project under the SMART project of PKSF on 25 January 2025.

With financial and technical support from PKSF, the Eco-Social Development Organization (ESDO) is implementing the sub-project in eight districts of the Rangpur division. The sub-project aims to extend financial and technical support to 1200 microenterprises so that they can adopt RECP practices in their business.

During her visit to the ‘Eco Holo and Solid Block Factory’ in Akcha Union, Thakurgaon Sadar Upazila, Ms Mobarek praised the initiative, saying, “The production of eco-friendly construction materials not only conserves resources but also sets a benchmark for sustainable practices in microenterprise development. Projects like this reflect our commitment to sustainable growth and environmental preservation.”

She was accompanied by NBR Commissioner Touhidul Monir, Deputy Secretaries Mohammad Amin Shorif and Muhammad Mizanur Rahman, and senior PKSF officials, including SMART Project Coordinator Gokul Chandra Biswas, and other officials from PKSF and ESDO, including Dr Md Shahid Uz Zaman, Founder and Executive Director of ESDO.

During the visit, Dr Zaman provided an in-depth overview of the sub-project’s impact on sustainable development and its potential for environmental conservation.

Designed to strengthen the environmental sustainability of Bangladesh’s microenterprises, the SMART project aspires to benefit 80,000 microenterprises across manufacturing, agriculture, and service sectors. The project aims to enhance productivity, support job creation, empower women, and drive local economic growth by leveraging innovative technologies.

By Alal Ahmed, Program Manager (Communication and Knowledge Management)
News & Events
November 21, 2024

SMART project engages regional stakeholders in Jashore

To foster regional stakeholders’ engagement and promote sustainable practices among microenterprises in Jashore, the Sustainable Microenterprise and Resilient Transformation (SMART) project of Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) conducted a series of workshops and consultations in Jashore from 19-20 November 2024.

On 20 November, a workshop at the RRF Conference Room brought together a diverse group of participants, including government officials, academicians, and representatives from Partner Organizations (POs). Eun Joo Allison Yi, Task Team Leader of the SMART project from the World Bank, underscored the critical role of stakeholder collaboration in achieving the project’s goals. She highlighted global examples of Resource-Efficient and Cleaner Production (RECP) practices, emphasizing their relevance to Bangladesh.

Highlighting the need for sustainable solutions, Professor Mohammad Mahfuzur Rahman from Jashore University of Science and Technology advocated for life cycle-based approaches to address the unique challenges faced by microenterprises, emphasizing the need for long-term sustainable solutions. The session was inaugurated by Gokul Chandra Biswas, Project Coordinator of the SMART project of PKSF, with Philip Biswas, Executive Director of the Rural Reconstruction Foundation (RRF), delivering closing remarks.

The workshop featured representatives from government agencies such as the District Livestock Office, Department of Fisheries, Department of Environment, and Department of Agricultural Extension. Officials from PKSF, the World Bank, and six POs—including Rural Reconstruction Foundation, Shishu Niloy Foundation, Jagorani Chakra Foundation, Unnayan Prochesta, DESHA Shechsashebi Artho – Samajik Unnyan O Manobik Kallyan Sangstha, and NABOLOK Parishad. Micro-entrepreneurs and distinguished academicians from Jashore University of Science and Technology also contributed to the discussions.

In addition to the stakeholder workshop, a separate event was held at Jashore University of Science and Technology on 20 November to share insights about the SMART project and raise awareness of sustainable practices, specially RECP practices, among the students.

The World Bank team visiting an imitation jewelry worker at work in Jhenaidah

As a part of the two-day itinerary, another consultation meeting was organized earlier on 19 November. Micro-entrepreneurs, and officials of PKSF and its respective POs discussed field-level challenges and opportunities in the meeting. The World Bank team also visited microenterprises in the Automobile and Imitation Jewelry sub-sectors in Jashore and Jhenaidah districts to observe ongoing activities and gather feedback directly from the micro-entrepreneurs on the same day.

The SMART project aims to enhance the environmental sustainability of microenterprises across Bangladesh, targeting 80,000 businesses in the manufacturing, agriculture, and service sectors. By introducing innovative technologies, the project seeks to improve productivity, create jobs, empower women, and foster local economic growth.

By Alal Ahmed, Program Manager (Communication and Knowledge Management)
News & Events
November 5, 2024

World Bank applauds PKSF’s progress on SMART project, highlights potential for wider collaboration

In a courtesy meeting held at PKSF Bhaban on 5 November 2024, Christian Peter, Practice Manager of Environment, Natural Resources, and Blue Economy at the World Bank, commended the Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) for its impressive progress on the Sustainable Microenterprise and Resilient Transformation (SMART) Project. “People need to have resilient livelihoods,” Peter noted, suggesting that PKSF could explore collaborations with other government projects to further strengthen its impact.

Presided over by PKSF’s Acting Managing Director, Md Fazlul Kader, the meeting underscored the enduring partnership between the World Bank and PKSF, which spans over 25 years. “The World Bank has always been beside PKSF in its three-decade journey of reducing poverty and creating sustainable employment opportunities for marginal communities,” Mr Kader remarked. He acknowledged the World Bank’s continued support in providing financial and technical resources to advance PKSF’s activities.

Key figures at the meeting included Dr Fazle Rabbi Sadeque Ahmed, Deputy Managing Director of PKSF; Gokul Chandra Biswas, Project Coordinator of the SMART Project; and Eun Joo Allison Yi, Task Team Leader of the project. Following introductory remarks by the Acting Managing Director, Md Rawshan Habib, Deputy Project Coordinator of SMART project, delivered a presentation detailing PKSF’s recent achievements and the progress of the SMART project.

Designed to strengthen the environmental sustainability of Bangladesh’s microenterprises, the SMART project aspires to benefit 80,000 microenterprises across manufacturing, agriculture, and service sectors. By leveraging innovative technologies, the project aims to enhance productivity, support job creation, empower women, and drive local economic growth.

By Alal Ahmed, Program Manager (Communication and Knowledge Management)
News & Events
November 4, 2024

Basic training conducted for newly-appointed sub-project officials

A comprehensive basic training program was organized from 15 to 24 October 2024 for newly appointed officers of the Partner Organizations implementing the Sustainable Microenterprise and Resilient Transformation (SMART) project. The training aimed to equip the officers with essential skills and knowledge required for effective project implementation.

The training was inaugurated on October 15, 2024, at the Padakkhep Institute of Development and Management in Mohammadpur, Dhaka, by Gokul Chandra Biswas, Project Coordinator of the SMART project. He highlighted the unique nature of the training, stating, “Such a session has never been organized before, as this project differs significantly from other microenterprise initiatives. Due to its complex nature, we need to understand the basics at the outset to ensure successful field implementation.”

The training included 80 officers recruited across 9 sub-projects under the project. Conducted by the officials of SMART Project Management Unit, over three days in three separate batches, the training sessions were designed to cover a broad range of critical areas that are essential for the successful execution of project activities.

The training agenda included sessions on Resource-Efficient and Cleaner Production (RECP) practices, environmental management, information management, financial management, procurement management, communication and knowledge management, and gender and social management. Each module was tailored to address the specific needs and challenges of project implementation, focusing on enhancing officers’ practical understanding and operational skills. Environmental management, for instance, covered strategies to ensure eco-friendly practices in project activities, while financial and procurement management modules emphasized efficient budgeting, resource allocation, and procurement processes.

The training also provided guidance on gender and social management, underlining the importance of inclusivity and gender sensitivity in project activities. Officers were also introduced to communication strategies to effectively engage with stakeholders and ensure the smooth flow of information within the project framework.

Dr. Torun Kumar Paul, Project Manager from Grameen Jano Unnayan Sangstha (GJUS), participated in the second batch of training and noted, “This training is incredibly helpful at the project’s beginning, as it will play a significant role in proper field-level implementation.” He added, “It will be easier for our team to carry out the sub-projects in the field.”

The training program reflects SMART project’s commitment to building a knowledgeable and skilled workforce for the sub-projects of the SMART project. Through this training, officials are now better prepared to navigate the challenges of project implementation, ensuring that the SMART project’s goals of sustainable and resilient development for microenterprises are achieved effectively across the project areas.

By Alal Ahmed, Program Manager (Communication and Knowledge Management)
News & Events
November 3, 2024

SMART project to drive sustainable transformation in microenterprise sector

A recent situational analysis has revealed critical insights into the state of Bangladesh’s microenterprise sector as PKSF launches its Sustainable Microenterprise and Resilient Transformation (SMART) Project. The study, conducted by Development Technical Consultants Pvt. Limited (DTCL), surveyed 5,457 microenterprises across nine sectors in 41 districts during the second quarter of this year, emphasizing the urgent need for climate-resilient practices while showcasing the socio-economic potential of these small businesses.

The analysis uncovered significant environmental challenges within the sector, with only 13% of the surveyed microenterprises being familiar with Resource-Efficient and Cleaner Production (RECP) practices. Of these, a mere 2.84% have implemented any RECP measures, highlighting a substantial gap in the sector’s sustainability efforts. Awareness of RECP was notably higher in the horticulture sector (31.77%) but alarmingly low in food processing, where none of the surveyed businesses had any knowledge of these practices.

The findings were presented by DTCL during a session on 1 September 2024. Md Mashiar Rahman, Deputy Managing Director of PKSF, presided over the event. Gokul Chandra Biswas, Project Coordinator of the SMART project, delivered the welcome speech. The session was also attended by key dignitaries from PKSF and DTCL, including Dr Shaker Ahmed, Team Leader of the study; Dr Tapas Kumar Biswas, statistician; and Dr M M Amir Hossain, Managing Director of DTCL.

The study’s objectives included assessing the current socio-economic conditions of microenterprises, identifying strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats within selected sub-sectors, examining environmental conditions, and mapping potential clusters and key actors within the value chains. Methodologically, the study employed both quantitative and qualitative approaches, incorporating a questionnaire survey, focus group discussions (FGDs), key informant interviews (KIIs), case studies, and physical observations.

The survey also highlighted the sector’s significant impact on employment, with an average of 5.91 jobs generated per enterprise, split between self and wage employment. However, challenges persist, with 26.7% of microenterprises citing high raw material costs as a major barrier to accessing fair market prices.

Since August 2023, PKSF has been implementing the SMART project to address these challenges, aiming to support microenterprises in adopting sustainable practices, improving resource efficiency, and mitigating environmental damage. The insights gained from this situational analysis are expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the project’s strategies, fostering sustainable growth and resilience in Bangladesh’s microenterprise sector amidst growing climate-related risks.

By Alal Ahmed, Program Manager (Communication and Knowledge Management)
News & Events
November 3, 2024

PKSF Meets World Bank: Discusses Progress on SMART Project

A bilateral meeting on the progress of the SMART project was held on 14 November 2023 at PKSF Bhaban. Additional Managing Director of PKSF Md Fazlul Kader chaired the meeting attended by, among others, the World Bank’s South Asia Practice Manager Christophe Crepin and Senior Financial Economist Gabi G Afram.

Provat Kumar Saha, an Associate Professor of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) and a representative of the consulting group appointed by the World Bank to verify the RECP technologies to be applied through the SMART project, gave a presentation on the Resource-Efficient and Cleaner Production (RECP) technologies suitable for the project’s interventions.

By Alal Ahmed, Program Manager (Communication and Knowledge Management)
Extreme Poverty Reduction
News & Events
November 3, 2024

World Bank Praises Progress of SMART Project in Bangladesh

The World Bank has conducted two Implementation Support Missions (ISMs) so far to evaluate the progress of the SMART project in Bangladesh, with the latest mission having taken place from 11-18 February 2024.

The first mission, conducted from 24-26 June 2023, rated the project’s progress as ‘satisfactory.’ The subsequent mission included in-depth discussions with officials on various components of the project, such as procurement, environmental and social frameworks (ESF), grievance redress mechanisms (GRM), financial management, communication, monitoring, and evaluation.

During the second mission, the World Bank team held discussion with Partner Organizations of PKSF to refine strategies for Resource Efficient and Cleaner Production (RECP). A tripartite meeting with the Department of Environment (DoE) and Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI) was held to help get the necessary clearance for microenterprises (MEs) supported by the project.

The missions underscore the project’s commitment in promoting sustainable development and environmental conservation in the microenterprise sector of Bangladesh.

By Alal Ahmed, Program Manager (Communication and Knowledge Management)