Engaging Host Community People into Income Generating Activities (IGAs)

In response to the humanitarian and socio-economic crisis triggered by the influx of Rohingya refugees and the COVID-19 pandemic in Cox’s Bazar, this project aimed to strengthen the resilience and income-generating capacity of vulnerable host community members in Ukhiya Upazila. The project was initiated to restore the self-reliance and economic resilience of vulnerable host communities in Ukhiya Upazila, Cox’s Bazar, who were severely impacted by the combined effects of the Rohingya influx and the COVID-19 pandemic. It aimed to enable men, women, and youth to regain their livelihoods by equipping them with relevant skills, assets, and market access for sustainable income generation.

At the core of the initiative, a comprehensive skill development training was provided to 749 targeted beneficiaries on trades including bamboo and jute crafts, food processing, sewing, hand stitching, embroidery, plumbing, and electrical wiring. In addition to vocational training, beneficiaries also received business development training to strengthen their entrepreneurial mindset and financial literacy.

Following the training, the project provided input support—such as raw materials, equipment, and production tools—enabling beneficiaries to start or expand their own enterprises or engage in employment-generating activities.

To cover up the immediate economic shocks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, all 749 beneficiaries were also supported with an unconditional cash grant of BDT 9,000 early in the project period. This support helped stabilize their households during the crisis and prevented negative coping strategies.

To ensure long-term sustainability, the project offered strong market linkage support through both direct buyer engagement and third-party facilitation. Beneficiaries have been producing goods in Production and Innovation Hubs (PIHs) and receiving work orders, for which they are being paid directly—contributing significantly to increased household income.

In parallel, the project developed a digital e-commerce platform—“Grassroots Cox’s Bazar”—to showcase and sell beneficiary-made products to a broader audience, thereby establishing an automated and sustainable customer-producer connection.

To institutionalize support and ensure sustainability beyond the project’s lifecycle, 9 Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) were formed across the PIHs. These CBOs have received trade licenses and opened bank accounts to manage beneficiary-led production activities independently.

In addition, the project ensured accountability and transparency by establishing a Complaint and Feedback Mechanism (CFM), and also conducted capacity building training for staff to improve the quality of implementation.

Through these comprehensive and integrated interventions, the project has significantly improved livelihoods, increased income levels, and enhanced the economic resilience of vulnerable host community members in Cox’s Bazar.