Duration: May 2026 – June 2026

Client: BRAC

Sample Size: 400 questionnaire survey, 12 KIIs, 5 FGDs, and 5 case studies

Responsibilities: Co-researcher.

Contributing to this project while working at Bangladesh Institute of Social Research Trust

Executive Summary

This assessment was conducted to evaluate the impact of livelihood capacity-building, financial literacy, access-to-finance, and renewable energy interventions implemented among women entrepreneurs in climate-vulnerable areas of Bangladesh. The assessment sought to understand how these interventions contributed to strengthening women’s economic empowerment, livelihood resilience, financial inclusion, and adaptation to climate-related challenges. Particular attention was given to examining changes in women’s socio-economic status, access to resources, entrepreneurial development, renewable energy adoption, and overall well-being.

A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques. 400 quantitative surveys were collected from project beneficiaries across Cox’s Bazar, Khulna, Satkhira, Jamalpur, and Kurigram districts. Qualitative information was gathered through Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), and Case studies. This approach enabled the assessment to capture both measurable outcomes and participants lived experiences, providing a comprehensive understanding of project achievements and challenges.

The findings indicate that the project has made substantial contributions to improving women’s livelihood opportunities and economic resilience. Women participants received training on livelihood capacity building and financial literacy. The training enhanced participants’ technical knowledge, business management skills, and awareness of sustainable livelihood decisions. Many participants reported that before the intervention, they had limited knowledge of business planning, bookkeeping, budgeting, banking procedures, profit-loss calculation, and financial management. Through the training, they developed practical skills that enabled them to better manage household finances and income-generating activities. Financial literacy emerged as one of the most significant outcomes of the intervention.

Participants reported learning how to maintain business records, calculate profits and losses, prepare budgets, manage savings, use mobile banking services, and engage with formal financial institutions. Women indicated that these skills have improved their ability to make informed financial decisions and manage both household and business resources more effectively. Several participants noted that rising living costs have increased the importance of proper financial planning and record-keeping, and the training helped them cope with these economic pressures.

The assessment also found that access to finance played a critical role in supporting women’s entrepreneurship and livelihood development. Many women accessed loans and financial services through BRAC Bank. Quantitative findings indicated substantial utilization of financial services among participants, while qualitative evidence demonstrated that women used loans to establish, revive, or expand businesses. Women entrepreneurs reported investing in grocery shops, tailoring businesses, handicrafts, livestock rearing, poultry farming, vegetable cultivation, and other small enterprises. In several cases, participants successfully increased sales, profits, and household income following their participation in the project.

The case studies provide compelling evidence of the project’s impact at the household level. One of the participants, Pronita, was able to revive and expand her vegetable business after receiving training and a BDT 10,000 loan. Increased sales and profits improved household food security and enabled her to accumulate BDT 5,000 in savings, despite having no savings before the intervention. Similar examples were observed across project locations, where women transformed acquired knowledge and financial support into sustainable livelihood opportunities. These findings demonstrate the effectiveness of combining skills development with access-to-finance interventions. Women’s empowerment emerged as another important outcome of the project. The assessment found notable improvements in women’s confidence, self-reliance, mobility, and decision-making power. Participants consistently reported increased involvement inhousehold financial decisions, business management, savings, and investment planning. Many women stated that they can now independently visit markets, banks, and activities that were previously restricted or dependent on permission from male family members. Increased economic participation has strengthened women’s influence within their households and contributed to greater recognition of their contributions by family and community members. Renewable energy adoption represents one of the most significant achievements of the project. Quantitative findings show that more than 93% of respondents were using renewable energy technologies at the time of the assessment. Participants reported receiving training on renewable energy and learning about its practical applications in households, agriculture, and businesses. Solar energy systems were particularly valued for providing lighting during electricity outages, enabling children to study at night, and supporting income-generating activities such as handicraft production and machine operation. Participants emphasized that access to solar energy improved both productivity and quality of life.

The adoption of improved cookstoves, particularly the Bandhu Chula, generated important health, environmental, and economic benefits. Women reported reduced smoke exposure, fewer respiratory problems, lower fuel consumption, and cleaner household environments. Several participants indicated that they no longer experienced eye irritation or breathing difficulties commonly associated with traditional cooking methods. In addition, reduced dependence on purchased cooking fuels lowered household expenditures and contributed to greater economic security. These findings suggest that renewable energy technologies have played a meaningful role in improving household well-being while promoting environmentally sustainable practices.

The assessment also highlights the project’s contribution to climate resilience. Participants reside in areas frequently affected by cyclones, flooding, river erosion, salinity intrusion, and other climate-related hazards. Such environmental challenges continue to threaten agricultural production, livestock rearing, and small businesses. Through training and technical support, women learned climate-resilient livelihood practices and acquired knowledge that enables them to better adapt to environmental stresses. Diversification of income sources, improved business management skills, access to financial services, and renewable energy adoption have collectively strengthened participants’ ability to cope with economic and climatic shocks.

Despite the positive outcomes, several challenges remain. Participants reported that limited access to larger amounts of capital constrains business expansion opportunities. Some women continue to face difficulties accessing markets, while others highlighted challenges associated with solar energy use during prolonged periods of cloudy weather and natural disasters. Participants also noted that the duration of training programs was often too short and suggested extending training sessions to allow for more practical learning and skill development. Furthermore, many respondents emphasized the need for stronger post-training monitoring, mentoring, and technical support to ensure the effective application of acquired skills.

Stakeholders proposed several recommendations to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of future interventions. These include expanding training coverage to reach more women, particularly those from marginalized and climate-vulnerable communities; increasing access to low-interest and larger loan facilities; strengthening beneficiary selection processes to ensure support reaches genuine entrepreneurs; improving market access through dedicated marketing spaces and business networking opportunities; and expanding awareness and accessibility of renewable energy technologies. Stakeholders also emphasized the importance of practical technical training, maintenance and repair training for renewable energy technologies, stronger coordination between government and non-government organizations, and enhanced monitoring and follow-up support after training completion.

Overall, the assessment demonstrates that the integrated approach of combining livelihood development, financial literacy, access to finance, renewable energy promotion, and capacity- building interventions has generated significant economic, social, and environmental benefits for women entrepreneurs. The project has strengthened women’s income-generating capacities, increased financial inclusion, enhanced decision-making power, improved access to renewable energy technologies, and contributed to greater resilience in climate-vulnerable communities. Continued investment in women’s entrepreneurship, financial empowerment, climate-resilient livelihoods, and renewable energy adoption will be critical for sustainingand scaling these positive outcomes and supporting inclusive, sustainable development in Bangladesh.