Annual Report 2015

Society Development Committee (SDC) Zaman Manail, Road # 1, Goalchamot, Faridpur. Tel # 0631-65854, Mobile # 01714022987 E-mail: sdc.@yahoo.com, Web: sdcbd.org

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Content Page

Sl .No. Name of content Page

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01 About SDC 2

02 Vision, Mission and Goal 3

03 Message of Chairman 4

04 Executive Director 5

05 Chapter-1 Background of SDC 6-8

06 Chapter-2 Micro finance program of SDC 9-10

07 Chapter-3 Donor supported program/ project of SDC 11-39

08 Chapter-4 Financial Report of SDC 40-47

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About SDC

Society Development Committee (SDC) had emerged as a local non-governmental voluntary organization in 1988. From beginning SDC has been continuing its activities for overall development in both economically and socially of the poverty stricken disadvantaged section of society- particularly women, children and disabled. Recently SDC has attained the age of 26 years. Over the period it has gradually expanded its agenda of activities and is implementing all out programs in 1637 villages, 269 unions and 19 of Faridpur, Rajbari, Gopalgonj, Shariatpur, Madaripur and district. It has 485 experienced and dedicated staffs (Male-300 and female-185) and 38 branch offices and 1 head office for overall program administering and implementation. SDC has establish Network, linkage, collaboration, partnership with different local, national and international NGOs/donor agencies, different government institutions as well as different people’s organizations and professional groups.

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SDC

Our Vision: SDC’s vision is to establish just, good governance, exploitation & poverty free; gender equity and environment friendly well established Bangladesh.

Our Mission: Not relief but release is the principle of SDC and it is focused on the institutional approach of the rural disadvantaged people ensuring their active participation in development process. Participatory discussion and democratic system is strongly followed regarding resource management and empowerment of the poor and extreme poor for their sustainable development.

Our goal: To develop socio-economic status of the poor and extreme poor in view of poverty reduction and livelihood development through commensurate management of resources with an emphasis of women empowerment.

3 Message from the Chairman

Society Development Committee (SDC) is a local non-governmental voluntary organization has been involved in different domains of development process for more than 27 years. It has undertaken a number of initiatives that has been benefited for the community, especially the poor and ultra poor people including women and children. Remarkable and tangible achievement has been focused in operating the micro finance program, the core program of SDC. Through this program, the target beneficiaries are getting financial support in view of operating different IGAs and enterprises to enhance their family income thus raised their livelihood. However, it is my pleasure that SDC is going to accomplish the annual report of 2015.

SDC has been undertaking different development initiatives that enable to raise the social awareness and skill of the target beneficiaries. It has created employment opportunities to them. Changes are also found in the education, health, hygiene and nutritional practices; sound environment thus restored in their family. Women are linked with the mainstream of development and are now much more concerned and involved in the major decision-making process in their family.

Through ensuring quality implementation of diversified development activities, SDC has been able to attain significant changes and progress, which would be more conducive in view of expanding and flourishing the organization in greater working area. SDC always goes ahead through ensuring quality implementation of its planned activities.

Meanwhile, the organization has been able to create and maintain a high level of public confidence in quality service, peaceful environment and commensurate administering of all the programs/projects. I am optimistic that the concerted endeavors of SDC would put a significant contribution in national development process.

Thanks are due to all those, who had really done hard work maintaining sincerity and a high team spirit that help in bringing the success of the organization. Their sacrifice and contribution are highly acknowledged to build SDC as a quality service provider for the promotion of the targeted segments in Bangladesh. I am also grateful to all of our beneficiaries, donors and government administration who have made valuable contribution towards achieving the success of the organization

I wish all the success of the organization.

(Md. Misba ul Alom) Chairman, Society Development Committee (SDC)

4 Message from the Executive Director

I have the pleasure to welcome to the annual report for the year 2015. It has the special importance to the organization, because the organization has taken a number of initiatives that has been benefited for the poor people as well as enriched the organization itself during the year 2015. I deeply express my thanks to those, who cooperated with us in achieving the change in the livelihood of the poor people.

The organization started its voyage with the firm dedication and commitment to achieve the socio-economic development of the rural people through emerging in 1988. We have become able to accelerate the participation of women folk both in economic and social activities that empowered them in their family as well as in their society. I like to extend my special thanks to all of our target beneficiaries, for their active participation and cooperation that makes us able to carry out our planned activities successfully.

I convey my special appreciation to all my colleagues including project staffs and volunteers who work with heart and soul for the sustainable development of the organization. Simultaneously I am commending all level of staffs for their dedication, commitment and hard work.

It seems to us that without the commitment and support of development partners it would be very difficult to administer and implement all the programs/projects in a befitting manner that helps to be enable and efficient and also affordable for attaining autarky of the target beneficiaries. I am, therefore, greatly indebted to the government authority, national and international donor agencies and the advisers for extending all necessary help and support, cooperation and direction in implementation of different programs/projects.

Further, I express my gratitude to the honorable members of the executive committee for frequently providing their strong and effective guideline to govern the organization.

May the almighty God help us to materialize our cherished dreams of building up a happy and prosperous nation by inspiring and helping distressed and poor people to be autarky.

SDC is committed and optimistic for greater progress and success in the coming years by the benevolent and philanthropic support of all segments. I believe, our vision, mission and goal would be fulfilled through implementation of our planned activities and we would also be able to stand in a dignified position.

(Kazi Ashraful Hassan) Executive Director Society Development Committee (SDC) 5 Chapter-1 Background of SDC

Introduction:

SDC is local non- political non-governmental voluntary organization, Society Development Committee (SDC) had been emerged in 1988 in Boalmari under . At the outset, SDC used to operate several kinds of promotional activities like social awareness, education, health & nutrition and sanitation. Alongside these kinds of promotional activities, the organization started its micro credit program following the demand of the target beneficiaries in the year of 1990 through its own fund. Subsequently, it attained the membership of Palli Karma- Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) in 1992 and in the same year, SDC incorporated Rural Micro credit Program in its existing micro credit program with the financial support of PKSF.

Organizational structure: Society Development Committee (SDC) has a structure, capacity and strength through which it is running the organization in a befitting manner towards attaining its goal and objective. The organizational structure can be highlighted in the following domain.

Governing body of SDC: It has 27-member general committee and 7-member executive committee. Executive committee is elected from and by the general committee. The general committee elects the executive committee for a period of 3 (three) years. The general committee meets once a year; if necessary it can hold emergency meetings. The executive committee performs all responsibilities on behalf of the general committee.

Legal status of SDC: SDC had obtained registrations from the different departments of the government of Bangladesh as its legal entity. Presently, the organization is registered with Directorate of Social Service ( No:Fa-126), NGO Affairs Bureau (No: 533), Department of Family Planning.(No: 71/95) and Micro-credit Regulatory Authority ( No : 03665-02837-00343, MRA-000347)

Working area of SDC : SDC has been operating its all out programs and activities in 1737 villages of 205 unions under 22 upazila's of 6 districts. Under Faridpur district the name of 9 upazilas are Faridpur sadar, Boalmari, Alfadanga, Madukhali, Nagorkanda, Saltha, Bhanga, Charvadrason & Sadarpur, under Gopalgonj district the name of 2 upazilas are Kashiani & Muksudpur and under the name of 5 upazilas are Rajbari sadar, Goalanda, , Baliakandi & Kalukhali, under the name of 2 upazila is Dohar, Srinagor, Nobabganj under Sariatpur district the name 2 upazilas are Sadar and goshairhat and under the name of upazila is Shibchar

Staff strength: In order to run the organization smoothly and to materialize all-out programs and activities It has 485 experienced and dedicated staffs.

6 Office: In view of commensurate administering and implementation of overall program of SDC it has 1 head office and 46 branch offices in different places of working area.

Membership with Different Forums and institutions: Meanwhile, SDC has been able to create much more confidence through ensuring quality implementation of its all out activities in local, national and international level; consequently, it has attained active membership with the different forums and institutions like Federation of NGOs in Bangladesh (FNB), Credit and Development Forum (CDF), National Forum for Welfare of Disabled (NFOWD), Society for Urban Poor (SUP), Campaign for Popular Education (CAMPE), Campaign for Good Governance.

Target Beneficiaries: SDC’s target beneficiaries are both men and women (mainly women) having the following characteristics: Landless, marginal & small farmers, fishermen, small traders, small entrepreneurs and homogeneous professional group members. Total target beneficiaries is 71030 and more than 300000 people have been benefited from this organization.. The member savings is about 37 core BDT and loan outstanding is 86.15 core BDT.

Approach of program/project implementation: To materialize any program/project in a certain area, the organization always follows two approaches like target group approach and integrated community development approach.

Target group approach- before taking up any program/project for a selected area, the organization conducts socio-economic survey in that area to identify the target beneficiaries and their needs. Program/ project are taken for addressing only their needs.

Integrated community development approach-The total committee people are addressed by this approach. Programs/projects are implemented based on the needs of the whole community. Consequently, the total community people get benefit from such type of approach.

7 Organogram of SDC.

8 Chapter-2 Micro finance program of SDC Trough different donor agencies along with the own initiatives, Society Development Committee (SDC) has been undertaking different kinds of development programs/projects in its working area following different dimensions and different strategies. In view of socioeconomic development as well as enhancement of livelihood status of the target beneficiaries, what kind of programs /projects and activities are being implemented are briefly elaborated in the following course of action.

Institution building program: The main purpose of institution building is not only to improve the level of communication and accessibility in the public and the available services but also to make the women aware of these services and of such matters regarding their legal rights and social exploitation. The formation of small groups of rural poor and ultra- poor emphasizing women participation holding weekly meetings with the field level staffs of SDC is the first progressive step towards the development process. Each group comprising 5-30 members on the basis of different programs within the age of 18-55 years and only one member from one family. During the weekly group meetings individuals and family problems are discussed and savings program is successfully implemented. Through the weekly group meetings the group members deposit a certain amount of savings determined by them in SDC. Different types of development and awareness raising information’s are provided to the target beneficiaries/group members in the meeting.

Rural Micro-credit program: From the very beginning SDC launched credit program among the target beneficiaries with its own initiative in small scale in the year of 1990. Subsequently it received credit support from Palli-Karma Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) in 1992.The main objective of this program is to develop the socioeconomic as well as livelihood status of the target beneficiaries through implementation of different income generating activities (IGAs). Now the total group member is 49016 loan outstanding is BDT core 32.97

Micro-enterprise loan program: Contemplating as a crucial program, SDC has been implementing micro-enterprise loan program with technical and financial support of PKSF since 2004. Before this, SDC had operated this program in small scale among the advanced members of existing groups whose dealings were observed as good and who have also essential financial support in large scale for properly continuing their enterprises by its own initiative. After close observation and evaluation PKSF has given an approval to carry out this program and have been providing financial support for commensurate implementation of this program. Now the total group member is 2745 loan outstanding is BDT 13.45

Ultra Poor Micro-credit Program: With the collaboration and financial support of PKSF, SDC has been executing the ultra poor micro-credit program since 2005. The main thrust of this program is to bring the ultra poor people under micro- credit program and to develop their livelihood status through implementation of different need based income-generating activities (IGAs). Through this program, SDC is providing micro-credit support among the ultra poor members who have not

9 got hither to an opportunity of credit from any of the Seasonal Loan Program: organization. Considerable and important criteria of the ultra poor members are women headed households, widow, SDC has been implementing the divorced/separated from husband, victim of river erosion, seasonal loan program since beggar, marginal farmer, day laborer, parents of child labor, September 2006 through the ex-sex-workers, tribal and others whose income below US$ 1 financial support of PKSF in a a day. Now in this program the total group member is 11380 befitting manner and with much loan outstanding is BDT 4.41 core. reputation. The organization has launched this program with credit support to our existing beneficiaries. The beneficiaries who have a good reputation in case of loan repayment Potato and whose existing IGAs are going on properly and accordingly, are getting loan under this project. According to the guideline of PKSF one beneficiaries can receive at beast TK.50,000 as seasonal loan in first circle. At the end of reporting period, Now in this program the total group member is 6707 loan outstanding is 33.74 core BDT.

Ag. Sector Micro-credit Program:

With the collaboration and financial support of PKSF, SDC has been executing the Agriculture-sector micro-credit Program since 2008. The main thrust of the program is to bring the marginal and small farmers under micro- credit program and to develop their livelihood status through implementation of different agro based income- generating activities. Service charge of loan is collected from the beneficiaries with the rate of 2% per month. However, SDC is administering the Agriculture sector micro-credit program in a befitting manner and with much reputation following a modified and specific credit policy through 6 branch offices. Now in this program the total group member is 3434 loan outstanding is 14.22 cores BDT. .

10 Chapter-3 Social Development program/ project of SDC

Education Program:

Non-Formal Primary Education Program:

SDC has been implementing the non- formal primary education program through technical and financial support of BRAC since 1995. This program provides basic reading, writing and mathematical skills to illiterate adult and children. SDC provides primary education to children and adolescents who are unable to continue formal schooling because of the economic limitations of their families and the low social value of education. Under this program there are 25 schools where 750 students are existed in this organization. Quality education is ensured by strong monitoring system and this program is being implemented with the collaboration and financial support of BRAC.

Enrich School: Society Development Committee (SDC) is implementing School program for decreasing the drop out ratio of the primary level student. With the financial and technical support of PKSF SDC has able to establish 41 school in the 27 village of shatoir union. The student of this program is 1230. Student is going to ENRICH Yard School.

11 Enhancing Resources and Increasing Capacities of Poor Households towards Elimination of their Poverty (ENRICH):

With the collaboration and financial support of PKSF, SDC has been executing the ENRICH Program since July, 2010. The ENRICH is a new poverty eradication approach seeking to empower households participating in the program to work effectively to reduce their poverty on a sustained basis towards its elimination; enable them in the process to secure improved health and nutritional status; help and create mechanism for them to work with relevant institutions and larger communities for effectively preparing for responses to natural disasters; and put in place a new and effective method of GO-NGO collaboration for comprehensive development. A range of services and capacity building support shall be offered to the households, based on their felt needs and socioeconomic and environmental realities they face. It also includes: Linkages with government service providing agencies/centers such as social welfare, agricultural extension services, hospitals/community health clinics and educational institutions ; assistance towards improving infrastructure; promotion of cooperation in community to collectively address common problems such as flood and salinity intrusion, and pursue common purpose such as marketing of products etc. ; capacity building and awareness raising training covering a wide range of area; any other support/assistance as may be found necessary. Special emphasis will be given to promoting homestead/kitchen gardening with high value horticultural crops. Primary health care and sanitation services would also be provided. This would include: facilitating health checks of members of the family periodically; Women Crossing Bamboo Bridge providing life saving and other primary health care medicines that would raise productivity ; vitamin and mineral supplements to tackle malnutrition ; access to safe drinking water ; access to sanitation ; households in particular and the community in general. However, SDC is executing this project at Satair union of

12 Water and Sanitation (WatSan) program

Introduction:

This project is working for creating environmental awareness and to create hygienic environment for developing livelihood status of the poor.. The project aims to promote self- managed health, hygiene and sanitation practices. The socioeconomic development of a country largely depends on sound environment. Contemplating this crucial point, with the cooperation of NGOF, SDC has been implementing the Water and Sanitation (WatSan) program with the support of NGO forum since 1994 with much reputation. In 2014 SDC again started working in this sector with a broader range of services. The main objective of this program is to build awareness of the rural poor about the pernicious effect of water borne disease and to involve them in the practical activities of safe water, sanitation and arsenic mitigation. Different types of promotional activities like Court yard meeting, rally, VDO show, mass theater, VDC meeting are being continued in view of raising awareness of the rural poor people relating to water and hygiene.

Objectives: Specific objectives of this project are as follows- Awareness raising among community people relating to health, hygiene and sanitation. Providing knowledge about the pernicious effect of water borne disease alongside the harmful effect of unhygienic condition Promoting self-managed health, hygiene and sanitation practices among the community people. Ensuring the establishment of hygienic latrine by all the community people. Mass people are motivated to use pure and arsenic free drinking water alongside maintaining proper health and sanitation.

Working area: The WatSan program is being implemented in Boalmari upazila and sunder Faridpur and Sadar upazila under Gopalgonj district. However, the overall status of working area is given in the following table-

Table no.-22 : Working area of WatSan program District Upazila Union Number of village Moyna 32 Faridpur Boalmari Satair 29 Alfadanga Gopalgonj Sadar upazila Gobra 30 Nizra 28 Chandra Digolia 32 Horidashpur 26

Implementation strategy: The WatSan program is being implemented in the project working area through existing staffs of SDC following the guideline and consultation of NGO Forum for drinking water supply and sanitation. The existing field level staffs of SDC are working to ensure quality implementation of the activities of this project. NGO Forum is providing proper guideline for appropriate implementation of the project. 1. Significant activities and impacts are highlighted in different forums through Meetings, workshops and publications. Financial support is being provided to the beneficiaries through existing credit program of the organization in view of implementation of different IGAs.

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Impact, observation and learning: Through this project, all these activities have been done towards achieving the goal of the project and a significant and positive impact have been observed, which are the contribution of successful, effective and quality implementation. The remarkable outputs of this project are as follows- Awareness raising among community people relating to health, hygiene and sanitation has been increased in a satisfactory level. Adequate knowledge of the beneficiaries relating to pernicious effect of water borne disease alongside the harmful effect of unhygienic condition has been increased up to a remarkable level. Self-managed health, hygiene and sanitation practices among the community people have been promoted. 80% community people of the working area have been hygienic latrine. Almost all the community people have been motivated to use pure and arsenic free drinking water alongside maintaining proper health and sanitation.

During implementation of this project, it was observed that all out activities is being hailed from all level of stakeholders including GOs and NGOs. However, through administering of the project, it was observed that though the poor and deprived people are not aware of their health, hygiene and nutrition but; they have a positive mentality of receiving the information and accordingly they are motivated regarding this.

Disaster Management Program

Introduction: Disaster management program is a crucial program as the miseries of disaster-affected people is indescribable. Following this, SDC is implementing this program in its working area. Disaster management program is the own program of SDC. Through this program different types of awareness raising activities regarding disaster management are being continued through meeting and training. Not only has that SDC been providing different types of relief materials (cash and kinds) among the beneficiaries, who are the victim at the time of disaster.

Objectives: The main objective of the disaster management program is to reducing the vulnerability of the community people affected by the natural disaster and to cope with disastrous condition. However, the specific objectives are as follows-

Raising awareness among the community people of the disaster prone area about disaster management. Developing the capacity of the members of disaster management committee so that they can provide proper information and support to the community people of disaster prone area at the time of disaster. To support the beneficiaries through providing fore casting information so that they can resort appropriate measure at the time of disaster. Commensurate management of resources of the people of disaster prone area.

14 To support the beneficiaries through providing forecasting information so that they can resort appropriate measure at the time of disaster. To monitor disaster and warn the people frequently in view of taking effective action during disaster. Providing relief to the victimized people of disaster-prone area in emergency cases.

Working area: The Disaster Management Program is being implemented in the existing working area of SDC

Implementation strategy: Disaster management program is being operated through the existing staffs of the organization. All levels of staffs are given training on disaster management so that they can provide quality support to the disaster affected people in the disaster prone area. Different types of training courses on disaster management would be provided to community people of the disaster prone area so that they can resort effective step in view of reducing risk/hazards during disaster.

There is a provision of providing different type of relief materials among the victimized people of the disaster prone area in emergency cases. Regular information/warning is provided among the people through disaster management committee so that the community people can reduce risk/hazards during disaster. Emergency disaster management program would be carried out among the victimized people of the disaster prone area. Frequent monitoring and follow-up is continued in view of commensurate implementation of the project. Community involvement in identifying risks at grassroots level is ensured. Assessment of community risk/hazards is accomplished in every phase of implementation of the project. Through resorting the above stated strategy this project is being materialized in the working area.

Progress of activities: The organization has wide experience in implementing disaster management projects. During the devastating flood of 1988 we had implemented a disaster management program by providing different type of relief materials like rice, dal, biscuits and oil among our flood affected beneficiaries through the financial support of concern- Bangladesh. We managed and distributed all the relief materials among the victims commensurately. Concern-Bangladesh closely monitored the overall program activities and the donor agency evaluated and praised us as good program implementing organization.

The organization has an experience in implementing disaster management program by providing cash money among the beneficiaries who were victimized by flood of 1988. We had implemented the program among our victimized beneficiaries with much reputation with the financial support of ministry of Agriculture through the project of ASSP (DFID). In all cases, cash money had been distributed commensurately among the victims, which had been strictly monitored by the government side. After monitoring and supervision the government officials expressed satisfaction about the implementation of the project and praised us as a good implementing organization.

The organization has also wide experience in implementing post flood disaster management project through the financial support of MCC-Bangladesh. Under the project, vegetables seed, wheat seed, Boro-rice seed, pulse seed, onion seed, seed potato and fertilizer had been distributed among the victimized beneficiaries as relief materials properly and commensurately. Those relief materials had been distributed among the victims following actual need assessment process. Besides, through the project, we had provided adequate fund to our victimized beneficiaries for making and repairing their houses. In implementation of the project the donor

15 agency, MCC monitored the overall activities and expressed satisfaction for commensurate implementation of the project. The organization has implemented another disaster management program with the financial support of ITDG (PAB). Through this project we have provided vegetables seed, pulse seed and groundnut seed, heifer and financial support for goat- house making among the beneficiaries who were the victims of flood in 2004. We had implemented this disaster management program with much reputation and the donor agency ITDG (PAB) praised us for proper implementation of the program. During the flood , SDC with support of PAB distributed different types of relief materials (Rice, dal, soybean, salt, sharee, lungi, gamcha and mosquito net) worth Tk. 5 lakhs among our beneficiaries victimized by the flood. Besides, during the flood of 2007, SDC with the financial support of UNDP and WFP through SAMATA distributed different types of relief materials (Rice, dal, soybean, solt, biscuits etc.) worth Tk. 65 lakhs among our vast beneficiaries victimized by the flood. Moreover, we have been continuing the disaster management project among our beneficiaries in our working area at the time of need following our own strategy. This is our own program and we are carrying out the program during the period of disaster by our own fund along with the fund of donor agency.

Impact, observation and learning: Through this project, all these activities have been done towards achieving the goal of the project and a significant and positive impact have been observed, which are the contribution of successful, effective and quality implementation. The remarkable outputs of this project are as follows- Awareness raising among community people relating to disaster management has been increased in a satisfactory level. Knowledge of the beneficiaries relating to pernicious effect of water borne disease alongside the harmful effect of natural calamities has been increased up to a remarkable level. Almost all the community people have been able to reduce risks/hazards at the time of disaster. Victimized people are capable of managing natural calamity and disaster During natural calamity and disaster, the victimized people have been able to take effective measure for saving their lives and resources

During implementation of this project, it was observed that all out activities is being hailed from all level of stakeholders including GOs and NGOs. However, through administering of the project, it was observed that though the poor and deprived and victimized people are not aware of managing the natural disaster but; they are keen and have a positive mentality of receiving the information regarding disaster management and accordingly they are capable to reduce risk/hazards during disaster.

Cultural Program

Introduction: Awareness rising is the first and foremost initiative for implementation of any development project. If it is possible to raise awareness towards the mainstream of development process, it is 16 easy for socioeconomic development of the poor and deprived people. Cultural program is obviously an awareness-raising program for rapid motivation of the mass people. Following this crucial point, SDC is implementing the cultural program in the working area. However, SDC is implementing this program from its own fund this is the own program of the organization and this program is being carried out to activate and furtherance of other development programs.

Objectives: Raising awareness of the mass people relating to any development issue. Rapid motivation to the mass people through drama, theatre and folksong on the specific issue. Supporting other programs of the organization for commensurate implementation.

Status of the program: SDC has a strong and competent 08-member theatre group in Boalmari upazila under Faridpur district, which has a capacity of creating mass theatre relating to any development issue by its own. Not only that the theatre group has been doing staged and mass theatre in view of awareness raising relating to different programs/projects. The theatre group has a capacity of preparing different theatres regarding different programs related issues. Different types of awareness raising programs have been accomplishing through this theatre group from its inception in view of accelerating and commensurate implementation of different projects. This theatre group has been praising from different NGOs, GOs and donor agencies for its excellent performance. This program is emphasized that the different program related scripts are prepared and delivered according to that.

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CSISA-BD World Fish.

1. Introduction: Society Development Committee (SDC) is a non-governmental organization based in Bangladesh working with world fish under Faridpur HUB which provides micro credit financing. In addition to micro finance, SDC provide enterprise training and support to its member borrowers in poultry and livestock, fisheries, social forestry and agriculture.

2. Objectives:

Objectives of CSISA –SDC partnership are to increase farm household’s income and agricultural productivity focusing on improved cereal cropping systems, fish, livestock, and other high-value agricultural crops and vegetables.

3. Program area of coverage:

SDC has covered Nagarkanda and under Faridpur district, Kashiani upazilla under Gopalganj and under Rajbari district under Faridpur HUB.

4. Reporting Period:

Reporting period of the program is from October, 2015 to March, 2015

5. Major Achievements of the reporting period from October, 2015 to March, 2015:

Focus Group Discussion: Focus Group Discussion (FGD) is a good way to gather together people from similar backgrounds or experiences to discuss a specific topic of interest. The strength of FGD relies on allowing the participants to agree or disagree with each other so that it provides an insight into how a group thinks about an issue, about the range of opinion and ideas and the inconsistencies and variation that exist in a particular community in terms of beliefs and their experiences and practices. For these reason we conduct FGD in our working area (Rajbari, Faridpur and Gopalgonj district) to collect information about fish culture and assist the interest of local people on improved aquaculture. Information about FGD in the period from October, 2015 to March, 2015 are given below-

18 Table 1: Focus Group Discussion (FGD) Training: Society Development Committee (SDC) has organized training under selected areas for fish farmers and also frequently organized farmer’s coaching with the farmers group as per schedule and plan. The Agriculture Extension Worker were communicating with farmers groups and also collected farmers feedback and delivered necessary recommendation to the farmers. Through the training the participants learnt about the pond preparation, stocking time and ratio, seed identification, remove giant fish, feeding ratio and time and different type of disease and prevention Training. Training information under different fish production technologies are given below:

Sl. No. District Upazilla No. of Participant Responded FGD Female Male Total SAADO 1 Foridpur Nagorkanda 5 24 43 67 Md. Rob Miah Bhanga 2 12 14 26 Md. Abdur Rahman Biswas 2 Rajbari Rajbari 4 19 39 58 Md.Najmul sadar Hossain 3 Gopalgonj Kashiani 2 7 22 29 Md. Faruk Hossen

Refresher training information: The previous year farmers are trained for one day under refresher training program to help them enable their learning and support to make correct for next year production season.

19 Table 2: Refresher training

SL. District Upazilla No. of Participant Responded SAADO NO. Refresher Female Mal Total training e

1 Foridpur Nagorkanda 5 29 93 122 Md. Rob Miah Bhanga 2 20 26 46 Md. Abdur Rahman Biswas 2 Rajbari Rajbari sadar 5 53 66 119 Md.Najmul Hossain 3 Gopalgonj Kashiani 7 65 84 149 Md. Faruk Hossen

Table 3: Farmer Coaching during October, 2015 to March, 2015

SL District Upazilla No. of Participant Responded SAADO . Coaching Femal Male Tota N e l O 1 Foridpur Nagorkanda 1 0 24 24 Md. Rob Miah Bhanga 1 1 16 17 Md. Abdur Rahman Biswas 2 Rajbari Rajbari 1 9 13 22 Md.Najmul Hossain sadar 3 Gopalgonj Kashiani 2 9 28 37 Md. Faruk Hossen

Table 4: Linkage Event

SL District Upazilla No. of Participant Responded SAADO . Linkage Femal Male Tota N Event e l O 1 Foridpur Nagorkanda 0 0 o 0 Md. Rob Miah Bhanga 1 31 44 75 Md. Abdur Rahman Biswas 2 Rajbari Rajbari 1 36 34 70 Md. Najmul Hossain sadar 3 Gopalgonj Kashiani 1 34 59 93 Md. Faruk Hossen

Orange Sweet potato planting: Society Development Committee (SDC) has already distributes planting vines of Sweet Potato (OSP) as a part of the CSISA-worldfish Project. In addition provide training on OSP cultivation, production propagation and marketing of OSP leaves, root and vines. There are two types (BARI SP 4 and BARI SP 8) of sweet potato variety. These OSP are high in vitamin A. The introduction of OSP holds great potential for improving nutrition of women and young children as well as generates income among rural households. Now OSP is in premature stage.

20 Vegetable gardening on the dykes: Farmers did not know the use of bank of pond before the project activities start here. Even what type of vegetable are suitable for cultivation they don’t have knowledge about this. From the project some initiative has been taken for providing technology and seed for producing the vegetable on the bank side. The activities of the project have changed the scenario of the pond bank of the farmer. Now it is a great source of nutrition of farm household.

Cereal System Initiative for South Asia in Bangladesh (CSISA –BD-CYMMIT) project.

Introduction: Society Development Committee (SDC) is partner of CYMMIT for implementing the project Cereal System Initiative for South Asia in Bangladesh (CSISA - BD) project. Overall objective of the project is to increase income, food security, and livelihoods in impoverished and agriculturally dependent regions of Bangladesh. Now we are working with farmer who cultivate maize and wheat in different upozilla of Gopalgong, Rajbari and Faridpur Districts through the group approach. No of 1110 beneficiaries are involved in our working area. According to project guide line the project staff formed the producers group in the different village in order to provide new technologies and marketing system for increase income and better livelihood. Each group formed with 30 farmers who are beneficiaries in the project. We provide training in each group for skill development of the group members and also introduce new technologies and implemented some demo to make them understand about the benefit of the new technology of maize and wheat cultivation.

Demonstration: We have organized 37 group the member of those group helped us to conduct of four farmers trainings and execution of following demonstrations/trials. Title Event type Number Establish nutrient omission plot trials to calibrate the Nutrient Manager Trial 12 decision tool for maize in Rabi season Performance verification of wheat genotypes under non-saline Trial 11 environment (BARI gom 25, BARI gom 26 and Shatabdi) Promotion of heat, salt and rust- tolerant or resistant wheat genotypes Trial 13 (BARI gom 25, BARI gom 26 and Prodip) Promotion of heat, salt and rust- tolerant or resistant wheat genotypes Demonstration 8 (BARI gom 25, BARI gom 26 and Prodip) Promotion of best practices for cereal based cropping patterns (Short duration aman rice - maize/wheat - Demonstration 114 jute/mungbean/sesame) using CA machinery Wheat seed promotion Demonstration 19

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Conclusion : The farmers of this area did not aware about the new technology of wheat and maize cultivation. The knowledge which is being dissimilated among the farmers it will increase the production level and reduce the cost of production. Which will help to develop the livelihood status of the target people.

Cereal Systems Initiative for South Asia in Bangladesh (CSISA – BD-IRRI)

1. Introduction Society Development Committee (SDC) has been implementing CISSA-BD project in the Faridpur, Rajbari, and gopalgonj district under the Fardipur Hub as a partner organization. The aims of SDC are to disseminate adopted technologies which will help to increase productivity, production and decrease the production cost through the assistance of CSISA-BD IRRI. SDC is working to ensure farmers have better access to timely and accurate information; capacity building among front line extension agents and service providers is also a prime objective of CSISA –BD, IRRI.

2. Program area and report period SDC has covered Faridpur Sadar and Modhukhali upazila under Faridpur district, under Gopalganj and Rajbari Sadar and under Rajbari district under Faridpur HUB. Reporting period of the program is from April 2015 to September 30, 2015.

3. Major activities 3.1 Focus group discussion A focus group discussion (FGD) is a good way to gather together people from similar backgrounds or experiences to discuss a specific topic of interest. The strength of FGD relies on allowing the participants to agree or disagree with each other so that it provides an insight into how a group thinks about an issue, about the range of opinion and ideas, and the inconsistencies and variation that exists in a particular community in terms of beliefs and their experiences and practices. For this reason we conduct three FGD in our working area to know about the Aman Rice production condition.

Table (1) FGD information

District Upazila Union Village # of Total Participant FGD Male Female Total Faridpur Goalando Uzanchar Baliadanga 01 18 06 24 Faridpur Goalando Uzanchar Nobu 01 18 06 21 ossimuddinpara

22 3.2 Training information Society Development Committee has already organized Aman rice production training under selected areas and also frequently organized farmers meeting with the farmers group as per schedule and plan. Well experience resource person facilitated the training programmed. All training session are accomplishment through the participatory way. Through the training the participants learnt about the seed bed preparation, seedling planting time and ratio, recommended doses of fertilizers application and harvesting time etc. The Agriculture Extension Worker were communicating with farmers groups during the period and also collected farmers feedback and delivered necessary recommendation to the farmers.

Table (2): Training information

Sl. District Upazila Union No. of Total Participant no. Training Male Female Total 1. Faridpur Sadar Ambikapur & 01 16 7 23 Machar 2. Faridpur Sadar Krishnagar & Machar 01 17 11 28 3. Faridpur Goalanda Uzanchar 04 82 26 108 4. Faridpur Sadar Koijuri 02 36 27 63 5. Faridpur Modhukhali Raipur 02 54 10 64 6. Faridpur Modhukhali Modhukhali 01 27 05 32 7. Faridpur Modhukhali Noupara 01 16 13 29 8. Rajbari Sadar Basantapur 01 16 16 32 9. Rajbari Sadar Pouroshava 01 15 14 29 10. Rajbari Sadar Mulghor 01 29 05 34 11. Rajbari Sadar Ramkantapur 01 29 04 33 12. Gopalgonj Kashiany Sajail 02 55 06 61 13. Gopalgonj Kashiany Moshepur 01 23 01 24 14. Gopalgonj Kashiany Jonasur 02 33 20 53 Total: 21 448 165 613

Table (3): Refresher training information

Sl. District Upazila Union No. of Total Participant no. Training Male Female Total 1. Faridpur Faridpur Sadar Koijuri 01 47 05 52 2. Faridpur Faridpur Sadar Kanaipur 01 02 0 02 3. Faridpur Faridpur Sadar Maschar 01 14 01 15 4. Faridpur Faridpur Sadar Noupara 01 37 04 41

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3.3 Demonstration on different technologies The Society Development Committee has already completed following demonstrations in Aman season on different technologies in farmer’s field at 04 upazila under Faridpur, Rajbari and Gopalganj districts. Information about demonstration are given below-

Table (4) Demonstration on submergence-tolerant rice varieties in Aman season

District Upazila Union Village # of Covered Remarks Demos areas (acre) Faridpur Sadar Koijuri Bodorpur 09 2.40 BRRI dhan39 BRRI dhan49 BRRI dhan52 Faridpur Sadar Koijuri Purbagongabordi 04 8.9 BRRI dhan39 BRRI dhan49 BRRI dhan52 Faridpur Modhukhali Modhukhali Nikhordia 10 2.53 BRRI dhan52

Gopalgonj Kashiany Sajail Mazra 07 1.71 BRRI dhan52

24 Table (5) Demonstration on Modern Rice varieties for favorable ecosystem in Aman season District Upazila Union Village # of Covered Remarks Demos areas (acre) Rajbari Sadar Pouroshova Bhobanipur 27 7.92 BRRI dhan39 BRRI dhan44 Rajbari Sadar Pouroshova Sajjankanda 17 4.92 BRRI dhan49 BINA dhan7 Rajbari Sadar Pouroshova Char bagmara 06 1.69 BRRI dhan4 Rajbari Sadar Basantapur Bajitpur 08 2.09 BRRI dhan39 BRRI dhan52 Rajbari Sadar Mulghor Roshora 08 2.22 BINA dhan7 Rajbari Goalando Uzanchar Reazuddinpara 15 3.09 BRRI dhan39 BRRI dhan49 BRRI dhan57 BINA dhan7 Rajbari Goalando Uzanchar Baliadanga 07 2.00 BRRI dhan39 BRRI dhan49 Rajbari Goalando Uzanchar Biswanathpara 02 6.6 BRRI dhan39 BRRI dhan49 Faridpur Sadar Koijuri Purbagongabordi 06 1.49 BRRI dhan52 Faridpur Sadar Koijuri Dumrakandi 04 9.1 BRRIdhan52 Faridpur Sadar Maschar Bahirdia 05 1.53 BRRI dhan39 BRRI dhan52 BINA dhan7 Faridpur Sadar Ambicapur Boitakhali 09 2.85 BRRI dhan39 BRRI dhan52 Faridpur Sadar Maschar Sibrampur 08 1.52 BINA dhan7 Faridpur Modhukhali Raipur Digholia 10 2.14 BINA dhan7 Faridpur Modhukhali Modhukhali Mesordia 13 3.73 BRRI dhan39 BINA dhan7 Gopalgonj Kashiany Sajail Bagjhapa 09 2.19 BRRI dhan49 BINA dhan7 Gopalgonj Kashiany Mashespur Kakadi 07 1.69 BRRI dhan39 BINA dhan7

25 Table (6) Demonstration on Improved cropping system (Rice-Mustard-Rice) District Upazila Union Village # of Covered Remarks Demos areas (acre) Rajbari Sadar Ramkantapur Raynagjar 11 2.90 BRRI dhan39 BINA dhan7 Rajbari Sadar Pourashava Bhobanipur 01 2.2 BINA dhan7 Rajbari Goalanda Uzanchar Biswanathpara 04 1.16 BRRI dhan39 Hijol digha Rajbari Goalanda Uzanchar Baliadanga 04 1.15 Hijol digha Rajbari Goalanda Uzanchar Nobu 32 8.01 BRRI dhan39 Osimuddinpara BINA dnan7 Faridpur Modhukhali Noupara Sriramkandi 12 3.33 BRRI dhan39 BINA dhan7 Gopalgonj Kashiany Mashespur Hiranyakandi 10 1.74 BRRI dhan39 BINA dhan7

Table (7) Demonstration on improve cropping system (Rice-Wheat-Jute) in Aman season

District Upazila Union Village # of Covered Remarks Demos areas (acre) Raibari Sadar Basantapur Bajitpur 06 1.63 BRRI dhan52 BINA dhan7 Raibari Sadar Basantapur Moharajpur 16 4.55 BINA dhan7 Raibari Goalanda Uzanchar Nobu 28 6.90 BRRI dhan39 Ossimuddinpara BINA dhan7 Faridpur Sadar Koijuri Hatgobindopur 12 2.74 BRRI dhan39 BINA dhan7 Faridpur Sadar Koijuri Bongram 12 3.13 BRRI dhan28 Faridpur Sadar Koijuri Purba gongabirdi 07 1.59 BRRI dhan28 Faridpur Sadar Maschar Bahirdia 05 1.55 BRRI dhan29 Faridpur Sadar Maschar Shibrampur 06 1.46 BRRI dhan29 Faridpur Modhukhali Raipur Brahmonkanda 36 6.71 BRRI dhan28 BRRI dhan29 Faridpur Boalmary Satire Kankordi 04 7.3 BRRI dhan28 BRRI dhan29 Faridpur Boalmary Satire Joynagar 04 1.06 BRRI dhan29 Gopalgonj Kashiany Sajail Choto Kharkandi 11 2.21 BINA dhan57 BINA dhan7 Gopalgonj Kashiany Sajail Mazra 09 2.12 BRRI dhan39 BINA dhan7 Gopalgonj Kashiany Sajail Bagjhapa 11 2.53 BRRI dhan39 BINA dhan7 Gopalgonj Kashiany Mashespur Shaibgati 09 2.04 BRRI dhan39 BINA dhan7 Gopalgonj Kashiany Mashespur Jonasur 12 3.20 BRRI dhan39 BINA dhan7

26 Table (8) Demonstration Best Agronomic Practices in Aman season

District Upazila Union Village # of Covered Remarks Demos areas (acre) Rajbari Sadar Pouroshova Bhobanipur 04 1.73 BRRI dhan29 Rajbari Sadar Pouroshova Sajjankanda 05 1.50 BRRI dhan29 Rajbari Goalanda Ramkantapur Char bagmara 06 1.48 BRRI dhan29 Rajbari Goalanda Ramkantapur Raynagar 24 6.93 BRRI dhan29 Rajbari Sadar Basantapur Bajitpur 06 1.80 BRRI dhan29 Rajbari Goalanda Mulghor Baghia 08 2.12 BRRI dhan29 Rajbari Goalanda Uzanchar Biswanathpara 11 2.98 BRRI dhan29 Rajbari Goalanda Uzanchar Ramjan 01 3.3 BRRI dhan39 Mattaberpara Rajbari Goalanda Uzanchar 05 1.36 BRRI dhan39 Reazuddinpara BRRI dahn49 Rajbari Goalanda Uzanchar 10 2.84 BRRI dhan39 Baliadanga BRRI dahn49 Faridpur Boalmary Moyna 11 2.84 BRRI dhan39 Beljani BINA dahn7 Faridpur Modhukhali Raipur Dgholia 12 3.35 BRRI dhan39 Faridpur Modhukhali Modhukhali 16 4.32 BRRI dhan39 Nikhoria BINA dhan7 Faridpur Modhukhali Modhukhali Mesordia 07 1.66 BINA dhan7 Gopalgonj Kashiany Mashespur Mashespur 08 1.93 BINA dhan7

Table (9) Demonstration on Field Specific Nutrient Management in Aman season

District Upazila Union Village # of Covered Remarks Demos areas (acre) Rajbari Goalanda Uzanchar Biswanathpara 06 1.93 BRRI dhan39

Table (10) Demonstration on Aromatic rice

District Upazila Union Village # of Covered Remarks Demos areas (acre) Faridpur Sadar Koijuri Bodaopur 04 8.6 BRRI dhan34 Faridpur Sadar Koijuri Shomespur 08 1.55 BRRI dhan34 Gopalgonj kashiany Mashespur Jonasur 07 1.04 BRRI dhan34

27 Table (11) Demonstration on Late variety rice production

District Upazila Union Village # of Covered Remarks Demos areas (acre) Faridpur Modhukhali Noupara Sriramkandi 10 2.73 BRRI dhan23 Gopalgonj Kashiany Mashespur Pachimmajhigati 08 2.07 BRRI dhan23

Table (12) Trail on short duration Aman rice variety

District Upazila Union Village # of Covered Remarks trial areas (acre) Faridpur Modhukhali Raipur Brahmaokanda 06 8.0 BRRI dhan33 BRRI dhan39 BRRI dhan56 BRRI dhan57 BINA dhan7 Faridpur Sadar Koijuri Bongram 05 9.7 BRRI dhan33 BRRI dhan39 BRRI dhan56 BRRI dhan57 BINA dhan7

Table (13): Information on farmers’ field day

Sl. District Upazila Union No. of participants no. organized field day M F Total

1 Faridpur Koijuri Koijuri 01 75 29 104 3 Rajbari Sadar Pourashava 01 72 32 104 4 Rajbari Goalanda Uzanchar 01 67 35 102 5 Faridpur Sadar Ambikapur 01 78 24 102 6 Rajbari Sadar Ramkantapur 01 61 45 106

Table (14): Exchange Visit information

Sl District Upazila Union # of Total Participant no. Exchange Male Female Total visit 15. Faridpur Faridpur Sadar Koijuri 01 38 06 44

28 Conclusion: The overall performance of SDC is quite satisfactory. Still it has a long way to go ahead in achieving the cherished objectives. For the better implementation of the activities, the micro- finance program is being operated through 35 branch offices. Emphasis has been given on the development of operational system. It is very hard to find out an easy way through which development can be achieved. With its experience for more than 21 years, SDC today realizes that without massive and concerted endeavors, community participation and credit support the dream of making the poor people self-reliant is difficult to be fulfilled. There are experienced personnel to provide technical and HID services in the different projects. Computer services are available at the office to print the official correspondences, reports and tabulation sheets. Telephone and E-mail services are also available in the office. These services facilitate speedy transfer of messages to the field offices and the linked organizations. SDC has established it’s own training center, as it thinks that training is a vital input for staff development. There are also the provisions for training to the beneficiaries to raise their awareness, human resource and skill. The organization is mainly dependent on the donor agency (PKSF) and or other national as well as international NGOs for funding in different projects/programs. Occasionally due to shortage of fund, SDC has to manage fund internally in running its all-out programs smoothly. Overall expansion and sustainability of the organization largely depends on the improved management system and the availability of fund from PKSF and other donor agencies. However, it is expected that coming years SDC would be able to establish as a large and developed organization by its own efforts.

29 Agriculture Unit & Livestock Unit of SDC: Society Development Committee (SDC) had been implementing agriculture related project from its tenure. For giving identity the management of SDC has come under decision to develop an agriculture and veterinary unit for smoothly operating on going agricultural activities of the organization. SDC has successfully completed Agriculture Unit & Livestock Unit project funded by PKSF from 2013-2015.

HarvestPlus Bangladesh Project: SDC and HarvestPlus Bangladesh is working together since November 15, 2015 to make available production and distribution of Zinc enriched rice variety by stake holders and farmers. We are also creating awareness to the general people to set up 250 seed demonstration plots and 1950 farmers training to ensure available seed for future use by the other stake holder and farmers. This project has covered Bhanga, Nagorkanda and under Faridpur district.Muksudpur , Kashinai thana of Gopalgonj district.

Agriculture Value Chain (AVC): SDC and DAI has been implementing Agriculture Value Chain (AVC) project and working together since November 1 March, 2015 with the financial and technical support of USAID. AVC project focuses to ensure available and quality jute production with the easy access of profitably strong market. The 1st phase of the project started to work with 2000 jute farmers of kadirdi area of boalmary upozila, talma union of nagorkanda Upozila under Faripdur district and Khankhanapur upozila under Rajbari District. The project aims to strengthen jute farmers by providing technical training to 67 batches jute farmer on pre and post harvest technology management and 08 linkage meetings with the stakeholders and businessmen and signed MoU with Faridpur Jute Fibres to ensure profitable market for production and to strengthened market system.

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Financial Report – Chapter 4

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