CHAPTER-1

INTRODUCTION
Introduction:Bangladesh is rich in natural resources. In spite of that it is
poor and under developed country. It is because of the fact that its natural
resources are not being properly exploited due to lack of technical knowledge
and skilled labor because of the scarcity of capital resources.
The last two decades number of NGOs has been dramatically increased and
their voluntary development services in many countries of the world have also
increased to alleviate poverty.
Most non governmental organizations engage in the promotion of the
development initiatives at the grass-roots level. BRAC is one of them they
work directly with the poor, marginalized sanctions of the population such as
– women, children, landless, asset less and slum dwellers. It also includes
organization and conscientisation of the poor such that they could play a more
active role in defining and working towards their own development.
Definition of BRAC:
BRAC is a private sector development organization which has been operating
in Bangladesh since 1972. It implements a number of multicultural programs
to achieve its two major goals of poverty alleviation and empowerment of the
poor. Its programs provide support and opportunities to more than one million
poor people covering 36999 villages.
1.1 Statement of the problem:
Bangladesh is one of the poorest countries of the world where about
80% of the total population live in the rural areas. About 50% of the rural
population lives below the poverty line (Fifty five-year Plans 1997-2002).
Now a day’s poverty often forces women to work outside their home, which is
unusual in the context of social set up of rural Bangladesh (Westergard, 1983).
Proverty is regarded as one of the greatest threats to the population growth as
well as environment and the poor are the worst victims of environment
degradation cause by reason of proverty. Average per capita income is 365
US$ and almost half of the total population of Bangladesh still continues to
eke out an existence below poverty line (FFYP, P-1). Underdeveloped rural
economy of Bangladesh is reflected in the low productivity, high population
pressure, unemployment, lack of working opportunities outside agriculture
and the resultant deteriorating living condition of the rural poor. Rural
illiteracy is also high. They are often called (Functionally landless) and their
number is also growing at the alarming rate. In order to dismal poverty and
massive unemployment problem, the question of development problem, the
question of development of rural women comes.

47
1.2 Rationale of the study:
.
Rural development is the core focus of our national economic
development program. Because 85% core focus of the total population live in
rural areas in Bangladesh. But although about half of the total populations are
women, yet their participation in economic activities is very low. It is
commonly known the rural women are in lack of education, proper knowledge
connecting their development. But it is no denying the fact that with out the
development large female section of the country, absolute development is
impossible. So to ensure the socio-economic growth and development of the
country, development of women is very necessary.

1.3 Objectives of the study:

The main purpose of the study is to analysis the role of BRAC for rural
development by uplifting of economic conditions of rural women. However
the specific objectives of the study are as follows.

a)To identify the socio economic background of rural women in Bangladesh.

b)To study the transparent concept about various programmes of BRAC in

Bangladesh.
c)To examine the programmes of BRAC for proverty alleviation and women
empowerment.
d) To know how the programmes implemented in proverty alleviation.
e) To find out the impact on income, expenditure, saving, capital and
occupation of the beneficiaries.
f) To identify problems faced by selected respondents and BRAC personnel.
g) To make some recommendations for solving these problem.

1.4 Scope of the study:The growth of and its policy towards rural
development could be studed with particular emphasis on the rural women
development.There are many NGOs in Bangladesh. BRAC is one of the
dominating NGOs which doing activities over 64 districts (460 thanas, 60627
villages, 2364 urban slums, 68 million people). The study covers only 1
branch office of BRAC, BDP in Magura ( Arpara, Salikha) But all village
members in concerned areas are not include here. Only 50 BRAC loanee
members and 10 BRAC official personnel were interviewed on random basis
who express their opinion from various point of views.

1.5 Review of the Related Literature:

I have made a modest attempt to conduct a search of existing literature
on the finding of BRAC finance for rural development. Some worth out comes
of these study are mentioned in the following with the shortened.

47
 Hashemi, Schuler and Riley (1996) in the study conducted on BRAC
and GB participants using eight quantitative indicators tried to show that
involvement in credit program empowers women by providing them with the
impetus to make economic contributions to their house holds, gain a voice in
familial decision – making, make large and small purchases, increase their
interactions with outside world, as well as, protest political and legal injustice.
According to study findings, a participant in both BRAC and GB has
significant positive effects on the above mentioned areas of women lives.
Other study finding (Huda et al, 1996) also shoes that women who
participate in BRAC make great contributions to household income at
aggregate level than do non-members, own greater number of assets and have
significantly more saving than do non-members.
The second impact assessment study on BRAC’s RDP was conducted
in 1996-97 (Hussain, 1998). The finding of the study shows that RDP inputs
have had significantly positive impact on the socio economic well being of
participants. BRAC group members’ households have higher assets and higher
net worth than nonmembers. Their average per capita calorie consumption and
total food and non food expenditure are also significantly higher than those of
non-members. And they have better housing facilities, enjoy better health and
sanitation facilities and have a higher rate of contraceptive use. The findings
indicate improvement in poverty status and relatively better position of BRAC
house holds in terms of incidence and intensity of poverty. BRAC households
were also found to be less vulnerable to crisis than non-members.
.
Siraz (1999) in a study shows that RDP of BRAC has had some
notable achievement particularly in primary health care, non-formal primary
education, and income and employment generation and credit assistance to the
rural poor. BRAC activities have shown to yield positive impact for the
beneficiaries. This positive impact has been for both income and non-income
indicators of household welfare. BRAC activities help the rural people in
changing their previous traditional life style. Now group members of BRAC
earn more money for their life style. Credit program of BRAC provides
groups members with loan. They established much income generating projects
their living standard is increasing day by day.
The first comprehensive impact assessment study on BRAC’s RDP was
conducted in 1993-94 (Musharaf et all, 1996). The findings of the study
showed positive economic impact RDP on its p-participants. A number of
other studies were conducted on different aspects of RDP’s impact on
participant. Ahmed’s (1998) study on economic empowerment of the rural
poor found significant gain in income and other households condition of
members over those of comparison households.

47
Khondoker and Chowdhury (1995) in their study on targeted credit programs
and rural poverty in Bangladesh assesses the poverty alleviation impact of
three programs viz. BRAC, Gramin Bank and Bangladesh rural development
Board’s RD-12 project. The study findings indicate positive contribution of
the program in poverty reduction and sustaining household welfare. They
estimated that it takes five years for the poor participants to cross the poverty
line and eight years for economic graduation. They also found a shift from
farm to non-farm investment as a result of program intervention.

Zaman (1997) in his study shows the positive contribution of BRAC

program on poverty reduction but the benefits were not found evenly among
the different socio-economic groups. Results appear to suggest that the poorest
members did not benefit much from BRAC interventions.

Ashraf anmd et.all (1999) in a study expose that after involvement

with BRAC , women had learnt about maintenance of good health and
prevention of disease and availability of health and family planning service .
People’s awareness of safe water and latrine use was also found to be raised
among the loanees. Most of the village organization (VO’s) members received
loan, which were being used in income generating activities like small trades,
home gardening, poultry rearing, cattle rearing etc. Some women expected
more loans from BRAC. Besides, being benefited from BRAC’s loan, women
were much more concerned with saving some money out of BRAC activities.
More importantly, they stopped borrowing money from the rich money
lenders in the village. After the credit Programme being introduced, women
status has been slightly improved among their husbands because women have
started bringing cash. The credit program has indeed brought some changes in
women lives.

1.6 Methodology of the study:

The study covered the BRAC activities of Magura district. The study has
been performed through interview with 70 loanees (out of them 65 are women
and 5 are men) who have taken loans from BRAC selected randomly from 4
branches of these district. Both primary and secondary data were used for the
study. Primary data have been collected by personal interview with selected
entrepreneurs by preparing an open-end questionnaire. Secondary data have
been collected from area office of BRAC in Magura, different journals,
periodicals, books, related publications, internet etc.
1.7 Limitations of the study:
No work is free from any limitation for preparing the report the
researcher suffers a lot of problems. Some of these problems are given below:

47
 1. For the preparation of report, various relevant data and information
are most essential. But the officials did not cooperate just enough to
meet requirement. Moreover , they did not provide various types of
manual , journal , report books in relating to BRAC activities due to
their official constrains imposed by the higher authority;
2. The field works was limited to only area under Magura district. The
study could not cover the other area due to lack of time and
resources constraint ;
3. The sample respondents are most illiterate. Due to their illiteracy
proper and adequate answer did not come out against the
questionnaire. In addition to , shyness of the respondents is also
another drawback of the study;
4. To prepare an analytical report need financial aid provided by the
department is insufficient. In perceptive of lack of sufficient
money , various types of analysis did not possible ;
5. To prepare an analytical report need financial aid provided by the
department is insufficient. In perspective lack of sufficient money ,
various types of analysis did not possible ;
6. Due to limited time, it is not possible to prepare the report properly.
7. The data of 2004 is not available.
1.8 Definition of Concept &Terms Used:
Micro-credit:
Micro finance, also known as micro credit, has emerged as a movement
in Bangladesh and in the larger part in the world. There has been
unprecedented growth of micro finance NGOs in this country over the past
two and half decades. Bangladesh can be considered birthplace of the current
concept of micro finance. This country provides models of recognized global
significance in several aspects of micro finance, viz. scale of operation,
modes, and practices of micro finance, wider financial services and poverty
alleviation. The experience of Bangladesh is increasingly being replicated in
many developing countries. The sector is now in transition is term of process
and operational strategies. at the same time , it is encountering some
challenges which need to be addressed . This paper discusses growth of the
sector, its impact and up coming issues including the challenges. The
discussion is focused on the micro finance NGOs which is the major actors in
this field. The experiences of BRAC are reflected in this discussion.
Micro finance, in simple term, can be described as small loans offered to
poor households to foster self- employment and income generation. The loans
largely go to rural landless, disadvantaged women and marginal farmers who
depend largely on selli9ng their labor. The terminology of micro credit has
undergone a change in recent time. Practitioners in many countries call it

47
micro finance for its wider dimension. Micro finance generally involves the
following features:
• Small loans , for both Working capital and assets
• Collateral free , substituted by group guarantees or compensatory savings
• Access to repeat and larger loans
• Intensive supervision and close monitoring
• Secure saving products
• Loan period generally for one year , may go up to 3 years
• Options available of weekly / monthly installment payment
• Can combine social development with financial intimidation.
About 60 million people in Bangladesh, nearly half of the country’s
population, live below the poverty line. But the poor did not practically have
any access to institutional credit, primarily because they are not considered
creditworthy. So they could not borrow from the banks or other financial
institutions. The informal money market including the traditional
moneylenders provides loans but charge exorbitant rate of interest. Micro
finance thus found a space to operate for the poor.
Mandatory Saving
Mandatory saving means the saving which must have to save for every
BRAC member. The minimum saving is TK 2 and maximum is TK 20. The
BRAC loan depends on the amount of mandatory saving. For saving TK 50
loan allowed TK 1000. Every week an amount of TK within 2-20 must have
to save besides the loan amount installment.
Proverty
Proverty means inability to fulfil the fundamental needs. When a
person or family’s income and expenditure level is below the proverty line can
be called as a poor. A country is poor or undeveloped when its per capita
income is below US $ 1000 (called as a general proverty line).
Proverty Alleviation
Proverty alleviation means mitigation the rate of proverty. Such as, in
Bangladesh 50% people live below proverty line (whom income &
expenditure is below US $ 1000). Reduction from 50% may be called as
proverty alleviation. Proverty depends on earning power, income, capital,
education, investment, saving, employment, expenditure etc. Increse these
elements can be called as proverty alleviation. Proverty alleviation also
include creation of adequate environment, employment opportunities for those
entering the job market incoming future and help to create healthy and
sustainable environment which may facilitate to overcome population
problem.
Most BRAC members are women

47
* They are disciplined &easily accessible
* They are quite listeners & responsive
* They are available for day time weekly meeting
* They behave responsibly in repayment of weekly saving & loan
installment
* They have no place to run away or hide out avoiding repayment.
* They could be easily traced / contracted in their home in case of default
& other exigencies
* They are saving oriented
* They utilize the loan properly

Some Abbreviations Which Has Used

BRAC: Bangladesh rural Advancement Committee

Ngos : Non-Government Organizations
FFYP: Fifth Five Year Plan
VO : Village Organization
RDP : Rural Development Programme
HRLE:Human Rights & Legal Education
ASF: Acid Survivors Foundation
ASK: Aino Shalish Kendra
MELA: Micro Enterprise Lending Assistance
AEW: Agriculture Extension Workers
WFP: World Food Programme
BRRI: Bangladesh Rich Research Institutes
BINA: Bangladesh institute For Nuclear Agency
IGVGD:Income Generation Vulnerable Group Development
REP: Rural Enterprise Project
NEER: Non-farm Enterprise Extension and Reinforcement
RRP : Relief and Rehabilitation Programme
NFPE: Non-formal Primary Education
ESP : Education Support Programme
WHDP: Women’s Health and Development Programme
MOU : Memorandum of Understanding
BINP : Bangladesh Integrated Nutrition Project
CNC : Community Nutrition Centers
BIRDEM: Bangladesh Institute of Research for Diabetics and Endocranial
Medicine
ASA : Association for Social Advancement
BRDB: Bangladesh Rural Development Board
RDP : Rural Development Programme

47
 CHAPTER-2
BRAC AN OVERVIEW
2.1 Background, Growth & development of BRAC:
BRAC was founded in 1972 by Fazle Hassan Abed, It began as a
committee of concerned individuals who pledged to bring aid to thousands of
refuges returning to their house in Sulla, a remote rural district in the Sylhet
region under the guidance and leadership of Mr. Fazle Hasan Abed, the
founder and executive director, BRAC carried out an intensive relief and
rehabilitation operation in Sulla for one year. But relief assistance, critical as it
is in times of an emergency, created a state of dependency and did not provide
long term solutions for the problems of a poor , war revenged country. Thus in
1973, BRAC shifted its approach to community development involving the
rural communities as a whole. However, BRAC soon realized that with in the
larger village communities there were other communities that did not share the
same values and resources. The village power base, comprising of the local
elite, controlled much of the economic and social opportunities of the poor.

As a result, in 1976 BRAC underwent a second transformation in its

approach to rural achievement. It decides to bypass the upper levels of village
hierarchy and work directly with the underprivileged. The target population
consisted of the poorest of the poor, day labourers, fisher men without tools or
adequate fishing rights, artisans, other petty traders and women who were
productive but whose economic contribution was not adequately recognized.
They formed a significant segment of the population. They were landless
owned no assets and sold manuals labour to survive. BRAC’s goal of
empowerment of the poor and poverty alleviation required more than
awareness raising and skills training. The people needed access to financial
resources. Extending credit became a corner stone of BRAC’s strategy.
BRAC research clearly shows that women in Bangladesh played a
much more vital role in production than had been heat hearts to acknowledge.
Most women were economically and socially deprived, yet they were for the
most part responsible for the management of households. Women also had the
potential to bring maximum change in the family in particular and the
community in general. Experience showed that as the poor rural women were
contained to manage the entire household with extremely limited means, they
turned out to be better resources managers than their male counterparts.
Therefore, if women gained access to resources, the impact would be more
profound and sustainable. Furthermore, the growing number of households

47
headed by women, as a result of the death of spouse, divorce, desertion and
male migration had left many women as sole provides for the family.
Recognition of these facts led BRAC to develop gender perspectives in its
programs. BRAC took on the formidable task of living the playing field for
women in both social and economic spheres.
BRAC’s programs cover the main aspects of the life of the people with
home it works. The three core areas are rural development, education and
health. In addition, BRAC in recent years has yesterted urban programs.
BRAC’s rural development program focus on the socio – economic
development of underprivileged rural women through access to credit,
capacity development, saving mobilization, institution building and aware
ness creation. The Non formal primary education program provides education
for the children of these children of these women, whole the health and
population program is aimed at addressing the health and nutrition status of
women and children at the community and national level. Efforts are made to
ensure that these programs complement each other.

At a glance growth and development of BRAC by time line :

1972 BRAC starts in Sulla Sylhet as are leaf agency

1973 Transition to the development program
1974 Relief work among famine and flood victims of Rowmari,
Kurigram
1975 RED established , Jamalpur Women’s Project commence
1976 Manikgong intergraded project underway
1977 BRAC commences a tar gated development approach through VOs
BRAC printers stars operation ,
1978 BRAC starts in Sulla Sylhet as are leaf agency
1979 Transition to the development program
1980 Relief work among famine and flood victims of Rowmari,
Kurigram
1981 RED established , Jamalpur Women’s Project commence
1982 Manikgong intergraded project underway
1983 BRAC commences a tar gated development approach through VOs
BRAC printers stars operation ,
1984 TARC setup as Savar , Arong setup in Dhaka, Sericulture Stars in
Manikgong
1985 Out reach RCTP Poultry Program commences
1986 OTEP launched
1983 Livestock Program developed
1985 NEPE,REP launched
1986 RDP formed and RCPT and outreached, CSP commences

47
 1987 IGVGD started
1988 Monitoring
1990 Rural credit under RCP commences
1991 WHDP commences
1992 BCDM established
1993 Training division, WAC setup
1994 NFPE setup a desk in Nairbi under the auspices of UNICEF, to
Some African countries on primary education, Arong open a branch
In London, UK.
1995 Fifteen Adult literacy centers opened under NFPE , BRAC enters
Global partnership for NGO studies , education and training ,
GQAL and GRC setup
1996 RDP IV commences MELA launched , BRAC BD mail goes in to
operation ,
1997 Urban Development project starts , BRAC dairy and Food Project
commissioned , Delta BRAC launched
1998 BRAC information technology institute launched , Chittagong Hill
Tracts integrated Development Project underway
1999 BRAC opens Primary School
2000 BRAC university
2001 BRAC Bank

2.2 Objectives of BRAC

1) To help raise consciousness among the target beneficiaries about
the prevailing social system and their positions in the society
2) To increase the literacy rate through providing literacy and
functional education to the illiterate target people.
3) To promote planned families and reducing maternal and child
mortality rate.
4) To make people aware on sanitation and ensuring safe drinking
water and hygienic latrines.
5) To provide credit support to help the poor in increasing their
income through generating safe-employment opportunity.
6) To develop a capable human resources through human and skill
development training
7) To promote a clean and sustainable disaster
To generate own income of the organization.
8) To mobilize and organize the disadvantages people around
groups for the improvement of their living standard

47
BRAC AT A GLANCE (As on December 31, 2003)

Program Coverage Job creation

District 64 Poultry 1,476,911

Thanas 460(out of 496) Livestock 280,905
Village 60,627 Agriculture 575,857
Urban Slums 2,364 Social forestry 29,431
Population covered 68 million Fisheries 215,330
Water body under 39,077 Acres Sericulture 14,860
fisheries 271,921 Acres Horticulture 146,522
Land under agricultures Agnes forestry 38,579
Handicraft 13,172
Small enterprise 50,311
Small traders 1,519,673
Development programmes

Village organization 109,288

Membership total 4,138,133 Human resources
- Female 4,080,067
- Male 58,066 Staff 26,362
Loan distribution School teachers 33,370
year 2001 Tk-15,099.82 million Community veterinarians 3,654
US$ 274.54 million Community health workers 20,209
Loan distribution Tk-69,544.30 million Poultry workers 46,423
– Cumulative US$ 1,502.30 Community nutrition 6,424
million workers
Loan outstanding
Tk-8,345.56 million
Repayment Rate US$ 151.74 million Programme infrastructure
Member saving 98.85%
Tk-4,304.99 million Regional officers 104
Currently Enrolled US$ 78.27 million Area offices 459
in BRAC schools Team Offices 1,175
Graduated (till to 1.10 million Training centre 14
date) Health centers 90
Legal literacy 2.1 million Diagnostic Laboratories 90
-courses held Community Nutrition centers 5,840
-Learners 79,295 Antenatal care Canters 2,639
completed 1,855,425 School 34,08
Libraries 6
Commercial enterprises School reading centers 570
Handicraft Production centers 6,500
Arong shops 5 Limb & Brace Centre 243
Printing press 1 1
Dairy & Food 1
Project

47
 BRAC, formerly known as Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee, was
established as a relief and rehabilitation organisation in 1972 after the Bangladesh
Liberation War by Mr. Fazle Hasan Abed. Over the years BRAC has gradually
evolved into a large and multifaceted development organisation with the twin
objectives of Alleviation of Poverty and Empowerment of the Poor.
Programme Coverage
Districts 64(100%)
Thanas (Sub-districts) 460(out of 496)
Villages 61,301 (out of 86,000)
Urban Slums 2,369
Population Covered 68 million
Water-body under Fisheries 46,696 Acres
Land under Agriculture 313,320 Acres
Development Programmes
Village Organizations 110,211
Membership – Total 3,505,606
Loan Disbursement Tk. 8,049.45 million
(January – June 2002) US$ 140.23 million
Loan Disbursement – Tk. 77,593.75 million
Cumulative US$ 1,642.53 million
Tk. 8,626.35 million
Loan Outstanding
US$ 150.28 million
Repayment Rate 99.12 %
Tk. 4,614.55 million
Members' Savings
US$ 80.39 million
Currently Enrolled in BRAC
1.10 million
Schools
2.4 million
Graduated
Legal Literacy - Courses Held 82,840
– Learners Completed 1,918,806
Job Creation
Poultry 1,570,175
Livestock 307,359
Agriculture 587,978
Social Forestry 29,431
Fisheries 232,300
Sericulture 16,240
Horticulture 155,421
Agro-Forestry 40,781
Handicraft Producers 13,208
Small Enterprises 55,049
Small Traders 1,642,185
Human Resources
Staff 28,071
School Teachers 33,621
Community Health & Nutrition
19,465
Volunteers
Community Veterinarians 3,645

47
 Poultry Workers 51,112
Community Nutrition Workers 7,226
Nutrition Women Members 71,910
Programme Infrastructure
Regional Offices 104
Area Offices 465
Team Offices 1,187
Training & Resource Centres 14
Health Centres 90
Diagnostic Laboratories 90
Community Nutrition Centres 7,191
Antenatal Care Centres 2,639
Schools 34,053
Libraries 650
School Reading Centres 6,888
Handicraft Production Centres 245
Limb and Brace Centre 1
Programme Support Enterprises
Name No. Capacity (annual)
Poultry Farms 6 15 million chicks
Feed Mills 3 35,000 MT
Prawn Hatcheries 8 15 million post larvae
Fish Hatcheries 4 4,500 kg fish spawn
Seed Processing
2 6,000 MT
Centres
Seed Production Farms 18 4,000 MT
Sericulture
- Silk Reeling Centres 2 15MT
– Grainages 12 2.0 million dfl
Nurseries 20 2.1 million
Bull Station 1 120,000 dose
Vegetable Export
Year 2002
French Beans 101.7 tons
Potato 190.0 tons
Broccoli 4.9 tons
Chili 98.7 tons
Bitter Gourd 38.5 tons
Long Beans 34.1 tons
Teasle Gourd 10.1 tons
OKRA 0.73 tons
Others 40.0 tons
Year 2003 ( Jan - August )
French Beans 53.4 tons
Potato 350.0 tons
Broccoli 3.3 tons
Chili 125.1 tons
Bitter Gourd 88.1 tons
Long Beans 142.2 tons
Teasle Gourd 5.4 tons
OKRA 8.4 tons

47
 Others 20.0 tons
Exported to: England, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, UAE, Bahrain, Singapore, Hong
Kong and Maldives
Commercial Projects
Name No.
Aarong Shops 8
Printing Press 1
Dairy & Food Project 1
Related Companies/Institutions
Annual Expenditure
Donor
Year Amount
Contribution (%)
Tk. 6,283 million
1999 32%
US$ 130 million
Tk. 7,708 million
2000 30%
US$ 148 million
Tk. 8,024 million
2001 21%
US$ 152 million
Tk. 8,135 million
2002 21%
US$ 153 million
Tk. 9,420 million
2003 18%
US$ 166 million
2.3 BRAC’s Mission:
BRAC works with people whose lives are dominated by extreme poverty,
illiteracy disease and other handicaps. With multifaceted development interventions,
BRAC strives to bring about a positive change in the quality of life of the poor
people of Bangladesh particularly of women.
BRAC is committed to making its programs society, financially and
environmentally sustainable using innovative methods and appropriate technologies.
BRAC firmly believes and is actively involved in promoting human rights, human
dignity and gender equity.
Although the emphasis of BRAC’s work is at individual level, sustaining the
work of the organization depends on an environment that permits the poor to break
out of the cycle of poverty and hopeless ness, which frustrates them. To this ends,
BRAC endeavor to bring about change at the level of national and global policy on
poverty alleviation and social progress.
The fulfillment of BRAC’s mission requires the contribution of competent
professionals committed to the goals and values of BRAC. BRAC therefore fosters
the development of the human potential of the members of the organization and
those they serve.
2.4 Goal of BRAC:
To work for the overall human and socio-economic development of the
disadvantaged through implementing people based development programs at grass
roots levels. BRAC brings up two major goals, viz.
a. Poverty alleviation
b. Empowerment of rural poor.

47
2.5 BRAC Organo-gram

47
 4.6 BRAC Organ-gram

Public affairs and communication

Advisor Director public affairs

AV center

Publication

procurement

Arong

Finance and accounts

Deputy construction
executive
Director I
Director HPP health , population & nutrition

Monitoring and internal audit

Adminstration

Director M. IA.& A
personal

stores

Director training Training GP, GRC

research and Evaluation

Director research
EXICUTIVE DIRECTOR

BRAC PROGRAM

Director BRAC Printers BRAC printers

COMMERCIAL
BRAC information tecnology institute
Director BITI DEVELOPMENT

BRAC dairy and food product • BRAC

Director BRAC Dairy printing
• Cold storage
Non-formal Primary & audit Education
Director non-formal
education SUPPOR
CORE
Rural development program • Instituan
Building
• NFPE
• Creditmodel
BRAC urban program
• HRLE• TRAININ
BEOC
• REP •NFPE
RDP
HPD
model
Monitoring
Chittong hill Tracts intregrated•development
EHC• RED
Continu-ed
Deputy • Institutan • Building
BCDM
• Employment
educati-on
&
Executive • Accounts •• Aarong TARC
Ayesha Abed Foundation • Credit •
income RHDC
Adult
Dairy
director II • Audit • GP
• Employment &
BINP
generation
project
• Logistic •• ESP
• IGVGDP
income NIRHD
47 • Personal • Publication
NCU
affair
• com,puter • GRC
• ConstructionPROGRAM
2.7 Rural Development Programme (RDP): .

The Rural Development Programme (RDP) works with and for the
disadvantaged rural population of Bangladesh, especially women. The
ultimate goal of RDP is to contribute towards a just and equitable society, in
which the poor and disadvantaged can, by joining together in their own
organizations, attain a high degree of self-reliance managing their own affairs
to achieve sustainable improvements in their livelihoods.

2.7.1 Institution Building and Social Mobilisation

The Village Organisation (VO) is the primary unit of institution
building and the base for delivering services and inputs. Till date, BRAC had
organised 4.07 million members into 110,064 Village Organisations in over
60,000 villages and urban slums across the country. The VO members meet
once a week to discuss and facilitate credit operations and meet once a month
to discuss various socio-political and legal issues that impact their lives,
including social inequality and injustice, discrimination and violence against
women.
BRAC staff and local lawyers receive and process cases that require
court proceedings. Till date, a total of 6,069 complaints have been considered.
Of these 2,851 have been successfully resolved through local arbitration,
1,940 have been taken to court. The chart below shows the proportion of
complaints received with regards to each issue. In addition, BRAC staff takes
appropriate actions against human rights abuses in their areas of operation
(including rape, acid burning, or other forms of violence against women)
whether or not the victim is affiliated with BRAC. BRAC has been using its
country-wide network to identify cases of acid violence, providing immediate
medical assistance and then putting the patient in touch with the Acid
Survivor's Foundation (ASF) for further treatment and follow-up care. More
than 200 victims have been referred to ASF.
To date, a total of 5,654 such workshops have been held. Similarly, certain
unjust, illegal and exploitative practices of society are highlighted through the
Popular Theatre Programme. The experience so far suggests that it is highly
effective in building rapport and raising issues in local communities. In many
cases the shows have had positive impact towards raising awareness and
solving their problems. Till date, BRAC had formed 85 drama groups
involving 872 performers. A total of 8,334 shows have been staged in 25
regions.

2.7.2 Micro Enterprise Lending and Assistance (MELA)

In December 1996 BRAC started the micro enterprise leading and
assistance program with the aim of providing large loan to its members in
order to develop their own small business. This section of the market usually

47
referred to as the 'missing middle' remains typically unserved-both by
microfinance and commercial banks. Yet, the growth of such enterprises can
have important poverty alleviating effects through direct employment
generation and/or consumption linkages. A MELA loan is between US$ 400-
4,000 (Taka 20,000-2, 00,000). Till date, the programme had 12,564
borrowers and a total of US$ 29.49 million (Tk 1,549 million) has been
disbursed to them. The outstanding stands at US$ 8.03 million (Tk 453.5
million).
MELA is serving a new market segment and prior knowledge of financial
services provision in this market is relatively less developed in Bangladesh.
The lending technology, risk assessment and the need for financial service of
this client group is fundamentally different from that of the microfinance
market. MELA programme has already proved that there is significant demand
and that serving this market is possible. In the future, MELA expects to be a
solid platform for new vision and thinking in providing innovative financial
services for micro-enterprises.

2.7.3 BRAC’s saving and Credit Program:

Though years of experience, BRAC has learned that credit5 can be a
valuable input to better the lives of the poor. The aim of BRAC’s saving and
Credit Program is to help create a financial base for the group members
through saving mobilization and so that they can carry out different income
generating activities. BRAC first experimented with credit in 1974. However,
it was through the RCPT program launched in 1979, that credit becomes an
important component. Savings opportunities with BRAC provide members
with found for consumption, children’s education and other investments. It
also provides security for old age and serves as contingency fund during
natural disasters- time when their income level flutters drastically. Credit on,
other hand provides BRAC VO members with funds to initiate different
income generating activities. Loan and given for both individual and joint
activities and there is no collateral. However, VO members must have some
saving with BRAC before they can take loans.

BRAC’s current credit program, one of the largest in the world, has
more than US$ 38 million in members and US$ 469 million as loans
distributed. So far, the group members a string inclination to participate in this
program and of them repays the loan.

2.7.3(a) Poultry-Livestock
BRAC's poultry-livestock programme demonstrates how an integrated
package of sector -specific training, input, and marketing services can enable
large numbers of poor, landless women to participate in productive economic
activities. The chick-rearers sell the three-month old chicks to over a million

47
women throughout the country trained in various aspects of poultry rearing. A
cadre of over 42,000 village women trained by BRAC provides vaccinations
on an on-going basis in over 50,000 villages.
Besides poultry, group members take up goat and cow rearing for
income generation. To ensure high return from livestock rearing, the cows are
artificially inseminated to upgrade the local indigenous breed as high
producing crossbreed animals by BRAC- trained local para-veterinarians. The
cow rearers are also linked with BRAC Dairy Project, a ready market for the
milk produced by them. Till date 1.56 million new jobs have been created in
poultry programme. On an average, a poultry worker can earn up to US$ 12
(Tk 650) per month and a chick rearer can earn US$ 11 (Tk 600) per month.
This achievement shows not only a significant increase in income level but
also a positive change in their livelihood.
2.7.3(b) Fisheries
The Fisheries Programme has developed into one of the most
promising and profitable income generating activities for rural women because
of its high return, low time commitment and support from BRAC. Fish
Extension Workers are responsible for producing fingerlings through nursery
activities, ensure essential inputs supply, and provide day -to- day technical
assistance to the fish farmers. The fisheries programme extends to include
poor fishermen who are generally deprived of their rights to use large semi-
closed water bodies (Oxbow lakes) to generate income and employment, and
increase fish production. The Oxbow Lakes Fisheries Development Project is
a partnership programme which includes International Fund for Agricultural
Development (IFAD), Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA),
World Food Programme (WFP), Government of Bangladesh and BRAC. Till
date, 39,077 acres of water body have been brought under fish culture and
159,302 farmers are involved in fisheries programme.

2.7.3 (c) Agriculture

BRAC agriculture program assists its members to grow vegetable.
BRAC's Agriculture Extension Programme aims to increase the nutritional
and income status of the rural households by increasing agricultural
production through technology transfer, quality input supply and better
organisational management practice of VO members and small farmers.
Through this programme 20 VO members in each area receive training and
become agriculture extension workers (AEW) and each of the AEWs is
responsible for assisting another 30 participants in agriculture related
activities. As there is a growing demand for maize and wheat from a number
of commercial poultry farms in the country, BRAC encourages farmers to
grow these crops. Under crop diversification scheme cotton, sunflower,
mustard etc. are also grown. The Agriculture Programme is running a number
of collaborative projects with Bangladesh Rice Research Institutes (BRRI),

47
Bangladesh Institute for Nuclear Agency (BINA), and International Rice
Research Institute (IRRI). Till date there are 148,627 vegetable growers and
58,307 acres of land have been brought under vegetable cultivation and 839.37
MT of seed have been distributed.The average income in the agriculture sector
ranges between Taka 1,200- Taka 1,600 per month. The BRAC Agriculture
Programme is contributing significantly to national agricultural development.
At present, BRAC produces about 90% of maize seeds and 35% of vegetable
seeds in Bangladesh. Besides, BRAC is marketing 80% of hybrid rice seeds in
the country.

2.7.3(d) Vegetable Export Programme

Poor farmers require better skills and knowledge of modern agriculture
practices. They also need assistance to obtain fair price for their produce. The
Vegetable Export Programme seeks to link these small farmers with
international markets to bridge the distance between the local producer and
international consumer. BRAC, in collaboration with HORTEX Foundation,
started this programme in 1997-98 with particular focus on vegetables that
have high demand in the European markets and can be grown in the climatic
and soil conditions of Bangladesh. Training and technical assistance were
provided to small farmers for producing particular crops, with arrangement for
packing and transportation to wholesalers in Europe. After three years, the
programme gained both qualitative and quantitative changes and is capable of
exporting to markets in Asia and Europe.

2.7.3(e) Social Forestry

Inorder to preserve the environment BRAC has initiatd a social forestry
program. The purpose of BRAC's Social Forestry Programme is to alleviate
poverty and simultaneously protect the environment. In Bangladesh, forests
comprise only 6.5 % of the total land area. Per capita forestland constitute
only 0.02 hector, which is one of the lowest in the world. On the other hand
demand for timber and fuel wood are rising due to the growing population. To
limit the large scale deforestation, BRAC's Social Forestry Programme is
working to bring all available land in the rural areas under forestation with the
active participation of the rural poor.
These centres are also used for research, demonstration and quality screening.
At present there are 36,759 agro-forestry farmers and on an average a
personcan earn (Tk 2000-2500) per month from social forestry programme.

2.7.3(f) Sericulture:
BRAC's five Sericulture Resource Centres provide technical training to
the rearers on ideal rearing condition, feeding and breeding techniques and

47
pest and disease control. The sericulture programme in the country was
affected severely during the floods in 1998, which wiped out a large number
of mulberry trees and bush plantations. As a result, raw silk production,
cocoon production and other related components failed to achieve its target.
Despite the major setback, the sericulture programme continued to achieve
some of its targets. Till date there are 10,553 silkworm rearers and 20.54
million DFL has been distributed.
7.4 Income Generation for Vulnerable Group Develoment (IGVGD)
Income Generation for Vulnerable Group Development (IGVGD)
programme is a nation-wide food assisted development programme targeted to
reach destitute rural women who have no source of income and do not receive
support from any male earning member. Through World Food Programme and
the Government, these vulnerable women are selected to receive 30kg of
wheat per month while BRAC provides training in a range of income
generating activities, basic health care services, human rights and legal
education and credit. This innovative package not only addresses the basic
symptoms of extreme poverty, it also applies a strategy to pull them out of
their status quo. Given that these women are among the most vulnerable and
chronic poor, the fact that over a period of five years more than 69% of those
who were trained by BRAC became eligible to get credit from BRAC and
other microfinance institutions, suggests a move from mere food transfer and
charity towards a path of sustainable development of these households. The
average loan size of first loan is 2,500 for one year. You are 287,350 VGD
card holders and 103,446 MT wheat had been distributed.

2.7.5 Rural Enterprise Project (REP)

The rural enterprise program (REP) of BRAC was set up in 1985 to
find and test new opportunities for rural development.In order to develop
entrepreneurs among women, REP has created opportunities for them in non-
farm activities like iodized salt production, hybrid paddy cultivation, hand
made paper production, garbage collection for fertilizer production, garment
waste processing etc. REP has two separate wings: Non-farm Enterprise
Extension and Reinforcement (NEER) Programme and Micro Enterprise
Development (MED) Programme. NEER encourages VO members to take
non-traditional roles in creating and managing small enterprises like
restaurants, grocery stores, tailoring, carpentry workshops and laundries.
These initiatives were tested successfully under REP. Currently there are more
than 4,556 grocery stores and restaurants operated by women members in
different parts of the country. MED encourages poor women to get involved in
non-traditional, non-farm enterprises simultaneously with their domestic
work. Most of these enterprises provide rural women with an alternative
source of income. For the MED programme, relatively undeveloped regions
are given priority. In 1997, MED started in 50 BRAC operating areas and. till

47
date a total of 6,877 restaurants, 24,282 grocery stores, 3,630 laundry, 10,311
tailoring shops and 3,038 other micro enterprises are operated by women
members in different parts of the country.

2.7...6 Reliefs and Rehabilitation Programme

Nearly 3.3 million people were affected and a large number of districts
of the south western region of Bangladesh were submerged during the
disastrous flood of 2000. The flood destroyed property, devastated farmlands,
and marooned thousands of people. Hundred percent field crops and more
than 82% houses were damaged. Although death rate was low compared to
previous floods, an epidemic of water borne diseases posed a high risk among
the flood affected population.
A total of 23,500 families were given financial assistance to rebuild
their homesteads. Other forms of assistance were provided in terms of cash for
work, farming and other entrepreneurial inputs. BRAC also aided to restore
and rebuild damaged schools and supported students by distributing books and
other educational materials. This project was supported by the Department For
International Development (DFID), World Food Programme (WFP), BRAC
and the local community.

2.7.7 Education Program

There are two primary school models in the BRAC Education
Programme. In 1985, the Non Formal Primary Education (NFPE) model was
initiated as a three-year programme for children between the ages of 8 and 10
years. These were children who had never enrolled in any school or who had
dropped out from the formal schools. In 1998, this model was expanded to a
four-year programme which covers the primary curriculum for grades 1 to 5.
This was in response to the large number of BRAC graduates interested in
continuing their education to secondary level. The BEOC (Basic Education for
Older Children) schools known as Kishor-Kishori schools were opened in
1987. These schools run for three-years catering to the basic educational needs
of 11 to 14 year old children. Both the NFPE and BEOC schools are provided
with books and other materials free of charge. Most BRAC schools are
bamboo or mud-walled, one-room village structures with a thatch or tin roof,
and a minimum floor space of 360 square feet. The schoolhouse is usually
rented by BRAC for a nominal sum and close to the homes of the students.

2.7.7(a) Education Support Programme (ESP)

BRAC's Education Support Programme was first initiated in September
1991 to reach out to a larger population by partnering with local NGOs. This
partnership increases BRAC's effort towards the eradication of illiteracy and

47
also develops the technical, conceptual and human skills of smaller NGOs. At
present ESP is providing its support to 303 NGOs for 2,505 schools.

2.7.7(b) Continuing education programme

The Continuing Education Programme (CEP) was introduced in 1995
its focus is the post-literacy activities of BEP. Through an organized network
it aims to develop the reading habits of both the rural and urban people. These
objectives are achieved through establishment of Union Libraries and Reading
Centres.

2.7.7(c) Union Library or Gonokendra Pathagars

Union Libraries, or Gonokendra Pathagar aim to make reading
materials available to people in villages. Every library has a children's corner.
So far, 570 libraries have been opened and are run by the local community
management committee with active support from BRAC. The management
committee oversees the day-to-day functioning of the library, and also works
on special events and fundraising. These libraries organized socio-cultural and
learning events. In addition the library members were provided with free skill
training in different areas in collaboration with different Govt. departments.

2.7.7(d) Reading Center or Kishori Pathagars

Reading Centers are set up two months before a Basic Education for
Older Children (BEOC) School completes its cycle. The centers are set up to
develop the reading habits of adolescent girls and women. In addition, they are
provided with training to develop entrepreneurial skills. The centers
highlighted the fact that women also need a place to socialize. Through
Reading Centers young women are encouraged not only to read, but also to
participate in indoor games and develop livelihood skills.
2.7.8 Health program:
Since 1972, BRAC's health intervention has been an integral aspect of
the organization. In the last three decades, BRAC's Health and Nutrition
Programme has made significant shift responding to people's changing needs
toward health care. At present, BRAC's health intervention is a combination of
preventive, curative and rehabilitative health services extending up to the
national level. The health programme is operated in two directions: the first
one is called the BRAC Health Programme (BHP) and it is implemented in
coordination with BRAC's Development Programmes. The second one is the
Nutrition Facilitation Programme (NFP) implemented as a supportive
programme of the Government.

47
 Between 1986 and 1990, the Child Survival Programme (CSP) was
launched and this focused on childhood illness, vitamin A supplementation
and immunization for the six preventable diseases. During 1986-1995, the
Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) facilitated the government's
programme through mobilizing the communities and creating a demand for
increasing coverage of vaccination. To provide health services to Village
Organisation (VO) members a health care programme was designed by BRAC
in 1986 and piloted a Primary Health Care (PHC) programme in six thanas as
part of Child Survival Programme (CSP). In 1991, the PHC activities were
functionally transferred to the BRAC development Programme and renamed
as Essential Health Care (EHC) programme in 1995.

2.7.8(a) Women's Health and Development Programme (WHDP)

During 1991-1995, the Women's Health and Development Programme
(WHDP) initiated an integrated, comprehensive and community-based health
interventions incorporating with BRAC's other programmes to achieve the
goals of poverty alleviation and empowerment with a special focus on women
and children through maternal and child health care.
From 1999 till 2003 the Health interventions have been providing
preventive, promotive and curative measures by four major programmes:
Reproductive Health and Disease Control Programme (RHDC); Nutrition
Facilitation Programme (NFP); Rural Service Delivery Partnership
(RSDP)/Health and Family Planning Facilitation Programme (H&FPFP)
under the National Integrated Population and Health Programme (NIPHP) and
Essential Health Care (EHC) and Shushasthos.

2.7.8(b) New Health Initiatives

BRAC Health Programme (BHP) is implementing a number of pilot
projects such as the New Health Initiatives through its existing programme
network in selected areas to resolve new or emerging public health problems
that are responsible for a significant level of morbidity among the people.
In 2001, BRAC has undertaken the following pilot projects in collaboration
with different funding agencies:
- The Micro-health Insurance Programme.
- Community Based Arsenic Mitigation Project
- Early Childhood Development Project
- Newborn Health Care Initiative
- Public-Private Partnership Project
2.7.8(c) Nutrition Facilitation Programme
In the light of this, BRAC was invited in 1995 to be a member of the
core team of conceptualizing and designing the Bangladesh Integrated
Nutrition Project (BINP) along with the Government of Bangladesh and other

47
developmental partners. Since July 1996, this US$ 65 million project,
financed by a loan from the World Bank, is being implemented in 59
upazillas. BRAC was also given the responsibility to implement the project
activities in four phases in 26 upazillas covering a population of around 7
million through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed with the
Bangladesh Integrated Nutrition Project (BINP), under the Ministry of Health,
Government of Bangladesh. BRAC took on the full responsibility for
planning, management, social mobilization, training, logistics support, and
procurement of equipment and supplies and quality control through supportive
supervision in these 26 upazillas.
In the 5,840 Community Nutrition Centers (CNC), growth/ weight
monitoring and promotion sessions were held with 461,056 mothers of
children under two years of age and 255,710 pregnant & lactating women.
Among the pregnant women 80% received antenatal care services at least
thrice at the government Satellite/Family Welfare Centers and/or the Antenatal
Natal Care Centers run by the CNOs. All the Government health functionaries
(Family Welfare Visitor, Medical Assistant, Family Welfare Assistant, Health
Assistant, Family Welfare Inspector, Health Inspector etc) who received
orientation from BRAC were motivated to combine the EPI and Satellite
Clinic facilities with the 5,840 CNCs. Birth weight recording of 85% of all
new born was done and special counseling was provided for mothers with
children born with low birth weight. Health and nutrition counseling and
micro nutrient (iron and foliate) were distributed to 11,856 newly wed women.
For nutrition education food supplementation packets were provided to 82,990
(18%) children under two years and 122,741 (48%) pregnant women.
2.7.8(d) Shushastho(BRACHealthCentre):
In 2001, BRAC undertook a few new initiatives. It has upgraded all
pathological laboratories in the Shushasthos for proper diagnosis and
treatment through joint collaboration programmes with Bangladesh Institute of
Research for Diabetics and Endocranial Medicine (BIRDEM) . BRAC has
also undertaken a number of steps for prevention of maternal and child
mortality in its operational areas. From its own resources, BRAC has
upgraded three Shushasthos having provisions for basic and comprehensive
EOC facilities. BRAC has upgraded three Shushasthos in three areas in such a
way that complicated pregnancy related care from adjacent Shushasthos could
be referred to these specialized Shushasthos and the people could avail these
services at a low cost. In 2002, BRAC has plans to upgrade four more
Shushasthos with comprehensive EOC facilities.
In 2001, a total of 554,458 received care from the Shushasthos for
various health problems. A total of 5999 deliveries and 5511 MR were done in
2001. The monthly number of deliveries conducted in 2001 increased from
271 in January to 550 in December. There was a similar increase in MR

47
services also. The total number of laboratory tests done is 158,258. In 2001,
average cost recovery from the community through the 90 Shushasthos was
around 56%.
CHAPTER-3
ANALYSIS AND FINDINGS
This chapter is divided into three sections. Socio-economic status of the
respondents, sector-wise investment of BRAC loans and section is impact on
finance. These three sections are discussed below:

3.1 The Socio-economic Status of the Respondents

The socio-economic statuses of the respondents are discussed with the
help of the following tables.
TABLE-3.1.1
Age wise Distribution of BRAC loan.
Age Group (in year) No. of Loanees / Percentage of Loanees /
Respondents Respondents
20-30 12 24%
31-40 18 36%
41-50 13 26%
51 and above 7 14%
Total 50 100%
Source: Field survey

BRAC provides loan to those who are mentally & physically matured.
Moreover, BRAC stresses to the peoples who are energetic, initiative and
active but disadvantaged. In Bangladesh, the age limit of maturity is 18 years.
The above table represents age wise distribution of BRAC loan. It is seen
that , 24% of total loanees whose age lies between 20-30, 36% whose age lies
between 31-40 , 26% and 14 % to total loanees whose age group are 41-50,
and 51 and above respectively. The age wise distribution of loan to the
respondents shows that large part (36%) of the loanees belonged to the age
group ranging from 31-40 years. It is obviously clear that, BRAC provides
financial aid to the women who are able to change their present climatic
economical position and traditional life style.

47
 TABLE-3.1.2
Inspiration to be a Member of BRAC
Inspiration by Whom No. of Loanees / Percentage of Loanees /
Respondents Respondents
Husband 9 18%
BRAC employees 10 20%
Self Motivated 17 34%
Neighbors 12 24%
Others 2 4%
Total 50 100%
Source: Field survey.
Table shows that, 18% of respondents got inspiration from their
respective husbands. 20% of respondents got inspiration from BRAC field
workers and a major portion (34%) of the total respondent were self-motivated
to enter in to BRAC. 24% of respondents also, got inspiration from their
respective neighbor who received loan from BRAC and continuing till now.
So, it is revealed that, role of self-motivation and neighbours is important to
be a BRAC members.
TABLE-3.1.3
Experience in regarding of BRAC Loan Taking
Age of experience No. of Loanees Percentage of Loanees
(year)
5 16 32%
6 13 26%
7 10 20%
8 6 12%
9 and above years 5 10%
Total 50 100%
Sources: Field Study.
The study has been conducted on women loanees who were engaged
with BRAC minimum 5 years. 32% of total respondents have 5 year
experience in loan taking from BRAC 26%, 20%, 12% and 10% of total
respondents have 6,7,8,9 and above years experience in loan taking.

TABLE-3.1.4
Educational background of BRAC loanees
Level Education No. Of loanees Percentage of loanees
No. Education 25 50%
Primary level 28 36%
Junior high school 7 14%
Total 50 100%

47
Sources : Field survey.
We know that the education is the back bone of a nation. If we think
deeply, what is the cause of poverty of third world countries like Bangladesh?
The answer will come out that, illiteracy is the main impediment on the way of
development.
The collected data from field survey exposes that, 50% of total
respondents are fully illiterate i.e. they can not read even sign their name. 36%
of the loanees got primary lavel education. Very poor percentage of the
respondents (14%) received education at junior high level but no respondent
got high school education. From this data it appear that the level of education
of BRAC loanees are yet not to be satisfactory. Data shows, moreover, that
most of the rural women were unable to change there fortune smoothly
because of inadequate educational background.

TABLE-3.1.5
Marital status of BRAC Loanees
Marital Status No. of loanees Percentage of loanees
Married 36 72%
Widow 5 10%
Divorce 9 18%
Total 50 100%
Sources: Field survey.

BRAC delivers loan to the destitute class peoples. The destitute class
people may be married, widow, or divorcee. The collected data discloses that
72% of the total respondent was married taken loan from BRAC. 10 % to total
loanees were widow.

In death of their husband no body were able to earn in their family. As

a result, widow stands at the door of BRAC for taking loan. 18% of their
respondents were divorce. The divorcee female face financial crisis in absence
of their husband in the male – ruled society.
TABLE-3.1.6
Size of the Family of the Respondents:
Family Member Size No. of Respondents Percentage
1-3 2 4%
3-5 13 26%
5-7 15 30%
7-9 11 22%
9 and above 9 18%
Total 50 100%
Source: Field survey.

47
 Bangladesh is facing an enormous problem with high rate of population
growth, the impact of which is being felt in all sectors of the economy in
various dimension and magnitude. The major impediment of poverty
alleviation and economic emancipation of the destitute class is the large
number of family members. In that case, it is seen that is able to earn but 4 or
5 or 6 members of the family depended on him. As a result, poverty increases
with the increase in family member. In the table it shows that 4% of the total
loanees whose family members were 3, which is the optimum family size. The
reasons behind it may be positive attitude of the respondents towards family
planning. 13 respondents who account for 26% of the total loanees whose
family members were 3-5. 30%, 22% and 18% of the respondents whose
family members were 5-7, 7-9 and 9 and above respectively. It is obvious that
the respondents, whose family members were large in size, stood at the door
of BRAC for taking loan to increase their income for poverty alleviation.

6.2 Impact of BRAC Finance:

The impact of financial position of the respondents is discussed with
the help of the following tables:
TABLE-3.2.1
Distribution of income Earner Before and after joining BRAC
No. of Before After
earner
No. of loanees Percentage of No. of Percentage
loanees loanees of loanees
Only-1 37 74% 20 40%
Only-2 13 26% 19 38%
Only-3 0 0% 11 22%
Total 50 100% 50 100%
Source; Field study.
It has been disclosed from the field study that maximum family were
dependent upon the income earner before joining BRAC. These figures were
74% of the sample loanees. Only 26% to total families were two income
earner and no families were 3 earners before joining BRAC. It is revealed
from the field study that, some families were more than one income earning
number, but they were inactive for lack of capital or working field. It
respective of BRAC finance, they found out working field. Consequently,
number income earners of family are increased after joining the BRAC. Table
shows that 40% of the simple families are one income earner after joining
BRAC. That, 34 % of families’ income earners has increased from one to two
or three. 38% to total families’ income earners are two and 22% are 3 after
taking loans from BRAC while this figure were 26% and 0% respectively

47
before joining the BRAC. So that, it is evident that, income earners has
increased in perspective of BRAC loan finance.

TABLE-3.2.2
Educational Level change after joining BRAC.
Level of Education No. of loanees Percentage of loanees
No change 26 52%
Can sign name only 16 32%
Can sign and read only 8 16%
Total 50 100%
Sources: field study.
In rural Bangladesh, especially among the rural women, rate of literacy
is low due to a number of contributing factors. With a view to improve this
situation, BRAC started its Non Formal Primary Education (NFPE) program
giving particular emphasis to the educational needs to the female child. BRAC
operates two types school – (a) primary school literacy, where children study
between ages 8-14 years (b) adult literacy , where adolescent female go there
only to learn how to sign their name and how to read only.
Since the study is related to matured loans, so, we exposed only the
impact of educatio0nal level change after joining BRAC of the loanees. Table
shows that, 52% to total respondents did not change their educational level
after joining BRAC. it is observed after field study that, maximum
respondents were lower educated before joining BRAC. 32% of total
respondents has learnt both how to sign their name only the 16% has learnt
both how to read and sign their name only after joining BRAC. They were
fully illiterate before joining BRAC member they joint to adult literacy
programme.
TABLE-3.2.3
Nature of the Dwelling House and After Joining BRAC.
Nature of Before After
the house
No. of loanees Percentage of No. of Percentage
loanees loanees of loanees
No house 6 12% 0 0%

House made 29 58% 14 28%

by straw
House made 15 30% 36 72%
by tin
Total 50 100% 50 100%
Sources: field study.

47
 BRAC gave the housing loans only to their group members, at the rate
of 12% interest per annum, which includes 6% service charge. The loan is
redeemable with in three years by weekly installment with compound interest.
BRAC estimated 5% of total disbursed loan for housing. It is evident from the
field study that, 10% to total loanees before joining BRAC. They used to live
in rental house or relative’s house. 58% to total loanees had straw shading
house, 30% had tin shading house before joining BRAC. After joining BRAC,
the loanees those had no house before joining BRAC are belonged to a house
now. 30% of the loanees have made their house by tin those had straw shading
house. That means, number of straw shading house has decreased by 30%.
72% to total loanees are possessed of tin shading house. It was 30% before
joining BRAC i.e. 42% loanees has been made tin shade house by taking loan.
So it is obviously clear that, the impact of BRAC loan in changing the
dwelling house of the loanees is significant.

TABLE-3.2.4
Nature of the Latrine before and After Joining BRAC

Nature of Before After

latrine
No. of Percentage of No. of Percentage
Loanees Loanees Loanees of
Loanees
No latrine 10 20% 0 0%
Sanitary 5 10% 34 68%
Open 35 70% 16 32%
Total 50 100% 50 100%
Source: Field Study.

The collected data discloses that, 20% to total loanees had no latrine
before taking loan. Only 10% loanees had sanitary latrine of the sample
respondent and the remaining 70% to total respondents had open latrine which
is unhygienic and pollute the environment. BRAC provides three types of loan
, out of these loan for housing , latrine and tubewell is one of a number . The
term of sanitary latrine of is one year. The loan for the same is redeemable by
weekly installment basis at the rate of 10% interest per annum. It is evident
from the field study, that after taking loan from BRAC all the loanee who had
no latrine before joining BRAC has come under Sanitation system. After
taking loan from BRAC, sanitation system has increased by 68% than that of
before joining BRAC. As a result, number of open latrine is decreased by 32%
than that of before taking loan from BRAC.

47
 TABLE-3.2.5
Sources of drinking water before and after joining BRAC
Sources of drinking Before After
water
No. of Percentage No. of Percentag
loanees of loanees loanees e of
loanees
Own tube well 12 24% 33 66%
Tube well of other 26 52% 12 24%
Government tube 5 10% 4 8%
well 4 8% 0 0%
Pond 4 8% 1 2%
Well
Total 50 100% 50 100%
Source: field survey.

BRAC has been involved in pure water supply program. In order to

insure access of safe water for the poor people BRAC provides loan for the
establishment of tube well. This loan is being given for one year and is
redeemable by weekly installment basis at the rate of 10% interest. It can be
seen from the table that, only 24% to total respondents/ loanees had their own
tube well. 52% and 10% to total loanees would meet their drinking water
demand from the tube well of other and tube well established by the
government respectively. Remaining 16% (8%+8%) peoples drink water from
pond or well respectively. The above picture of drinking water is before
joining BRAC. After joining BRAC this situation has changed rapidly.
Collected data reveals that, 66% to total loanees have own tube well i.e. 42%
loanees are belonged to a tube well by taking loan from BRAC. On the other
hand, number of loanees has decreased who were depended on other tube well
or government tube well by 28% and 2% respectively after taking BRAC loan.
Table shows that, no body drinks pond water and only 2% respondent’s drink
well water after joining BRAC.

47
 TABLE-3.2.6
Other Assets Before and After Joining BRAC
Nature of other Before After
assets
No. of Percentage No. of Percentage
loanees of loanees loanees of loanees
No assets 34 68% 13 26%
Cow 8 16% 25 50%
Goat 4 8% 10 20%
Cow and goat 4 8% 14 28%
Total 50 100% 50 100%
Source: field survey.
It is seen from the table that , major portion of the loanees were not
belongs to any type of assets before joining BRAC loan .only 16% and 8% of
total loanees had cow and goat respectively before taking BRAC loan. 8% of
the total respondents had cow and goats both before receiving loan from
BRAC. Collected data disclosed that, the previous situation has changed
dramatically after receiving financial assistance from BRAC. Table shows
that, only 26 % of total loanees have no other assets after taking BRAC loan.
This number was 68% before joining BRAC i.e. 42% of total respondents
acquired various types of other assets. 50%, 20% to total loanees has cow and
goat respectively after joining BRAC i.e. this percentage is increased by 34%
and 8% respectively after joining BRAC. 28% to total respondents has both
cow & goat and after joining BRAC i.e. this figure is increased by 20% than
that of before joining BRAC.

TABLE-3.2.7
Family Educational Change after Joining BRAC
Educational Level Members %
No change 7 14
Can sign name only 5 10
Can sign and read only 3 6
Primary going children 26 52
High school going 7 14
College going 2 4
University going 0 0
Total 50 100
In rural areas, education depends on family solvency. Most of them are
starving and want to earn by any how only for eating. So the children drop out
before going in primary school. But when any new earning sources create and
they are free from tension of eating, they spread their views firstly on

47
education. Free primary level education and also cash incentive of government
removed all problems.
Since the study is related to BRAC members after joining and before
joining we see that 52% change has created in primary going children, 14%
changed in high school level but no children has gone in university.
So it is clear that BRAC has created a great role in education sector of family
members. To make it more effective various necessary opportunity and steps
should be taken.

TABLE-3.2.8
Distribution of BRAC loan according to size of income Before and
After Joining BRAC
Size of Income Before After
(Per No. of Percentage No. of Percentag
Month)Tk. Respondents Respondents e

Below 2000 9 18% 0 0%

2000-2500 23 46% 1 2%
2500-3000 8 16% 12 24%
3000-3500 8 16% 14 28%
3500-4000 0 0% 9 18%
4000-4500 2 4% 8 18%
4500 and above 0 0% 6 12%

Total 50 100% 50 100%

Source: Field Survey.
Average Income before Joining BRAC is Tk. 2345
Average Income after Joining BRAC is Tk. 3540.
During the survey periods, information is collected regarding both
farming and non-farming income of the sample loanees. It has been observed
in course of the survey that the sample loanees have developed serious apathy
towards agricultural pursuits, because it has become very uneconomical for
them, due to their tiny land holdings, low qualities of agricultural inputs, low
production per acre etc. As a result, the small margined and subsistent farmers
get attracted to other non-farming income from running family business, sail
of labor etc. for poverty alleviation. Obviously, the proper utilization of loan
money taken from BRAC is expected to make a positive impact on the income
and employment generation of loanees. The interpretations of collected data
support this fact. The average income of the sample loanees per month before
joining the BRAC was Tk.2345. It can be observed that 64 percent of total
loanees belong to an income bracket up to Tk.2500. The income of the sample
loanees has undergone significant change after taken loan from BRAC

47
through use of loan money. The average income in post loan situation stand to
Tk. 3540, which accounts for a sharp increase 50.96% compared with pre-
loan. Post loan situation indicates that the income distribution pattern of the
participants experience significant improvement. The table represents that, the
highest number of loanees (28%) concentrated in the income bracket between
Tk.3000-3500. It also reveals that 2% of the loanees in income group up to
Tk. 2500 while 98% belong to income bracket above Tk.2500 compared to
pre-pan situation of 64% and 36% respectively. The income scenario reveals
acceleration in after loan situation.
TABLE-3.2.9
Size of capital of the loanees:
Capital size Before After
No. of Percentage of No. of Percentage
loanees loanees loanees of loanees
Tk up to 4000 29 58% 5 10%
Tk 4001-8000 14 28% 30 60%
Tk 8001- above 7 14% 15 30%
Total 50 100% 50 100%
Source: field survey.
Size of capital is very important for efficient and smooth operation and
growth of an enterprise. Size of capital indicates the size of business. The table
shows that the capital size of 58% of the sample ventures was Tk 4000 of less,
only 42% of the sampled ventures capital size was over Tk 4000 before taking
loan of BRAC, while after receiving BRAC loan 90% of the sampled ventures
size was over Tk 4000. It also shows that the picture of development of
women.

Impact at a Glance
Ingredients Positive Negative
Earning power √
Income √
Earning persons √
Capital √
Educated children √
Investment √
Savings √
Self employment √
Expenditure √

47
 Comment on life standard: From the above progress gotten from survey
the researcher realize that only 3% to 6% members have pushed into debt for
the cause of natural unfavourableness. The living standard is developing
because all factors have created a positive impact and a significant role on
living standard. The expenditure of one person is the income of others. So, the
micro credit programme of BRAC is very much effective for proverty
alleviation and self-employment.

3.3 Sector-wise Investment of BRAC Loans:

a) Processing & Manufacturing 6%

b) Agriculture & Forestry 28%

c) Livestock & Fisheries 36%
d) Services 8%
e) Trading 6%
f) Peddling 4%
g) Shop Keeping 4%
h) Not Invested 8%

3.3.1 Processing & manufacturing Includes:

Bamboo works Garments making Sugarcane crushing
Repairing works Furniture making Clock repairing
Radio repairing Paddy husking Sawing
Bread making Mat making
Most of the sub-sectors need more capital which can’t be provided by
BRAC loan. Moreover the return form the investment cannot get immediately
for meet the weekly installment. The field survey show that 6% of the loans
invested in this sector. Though this sector is profitable but loanees are not
interested due to lengthy return.

3.3.2 Agriculture & forestry Includes:

Plantation vegetables cultivation Water melon
Beetle cultivation Paddy cultivation Banana cultivation
Rabicrop cultivation Land preparation Pond irrigation
Guava garden Papaya cultivation Onion/Potato cultivation
Bangladesh is an agro-based country where agriculture is the main
source of our national income. Various agricultural products can provide a
great role for repay of loan and also extra income. Loanees take loan form
BRAC and use it for fertilizer, seeds, and plough, pump etc. purpose. Some
crops can sale into market with in short time and get money immediately.
Heavy machinery is not needed for agriculture and forestry. Without the

47
natural distress this is a profitable sector. But flood, storms etc. making our
progress delay. For increase income developed technology and strategy need
to apply in agriculture sector.

The field survey shows that 14 Members use their loan in agriculture i.e. 28%
and the returns are significant.

3.3.3 Livestock &fisheries:

Milkcow Cow fattening Goat
Poultry raising Fishing Boat for fishing
Duck purshing Pigeon raising Buffalo raising
Apiculture Dry fish Pisciculture

For day to day return livestock is the most significant sector of investment of
BRAC loan. Livestock & fisheries are more profitable and helpful for repay of
weekly installment. Milk, egg, meat, dry fish are the most favourable and
saleable
Ingredients of livestock and fisheries. This sector requires small capital at the
primary stage and the investors (loanees) get returns immediately.
From the view of field survey 18 Members out of 50 i.e. 36% invest their
loan in livestock and fisheries.
3.3.4 Services Includes:
Rickshaw Barbershop Renting of irrigation
Pump Newspaper distribution Pushcart
Bullockcart Laundry Babi-taxi
Decorators Van purchasing Power pump
Video camena

Services depend on human physical strength. Though it requires more

primary capital, it provides cash for day to day operation. This sub-sector are
limited and sometimes it requires more capital then the loanees get from
BRAC.This sector also required skillness, place, manpower etc.
The field survey express that only 8% loanees invest in this sector which is
poor than other sector.

3.3.5 Trading Includes:

Rice Pulse Salt
Pepper Vegetable Fire wood
Timber Chicken fish
Cattle Banana Onion
Tea Milk

47
 This sector is favorable who are able to taking risk and have a
estimation of future. Some times it creates loss which is harmful for loanees
and can push in to debt. Most of the loanees are not interested to invest trading
sector. Field survey show only 6% loanees invest in the sector.

3.3.6 Peddling Includes:

Bamboo bucket Dry fish Cloth
Bamboo Grocery goods Stationary goods
Saree Bangles Ice cream
Peanut Oil
Peddling is not famous in every remote area. Some times loanees are
not interested due to proper instrument. The field survey show only 4%
loanees use their loans in peddling.

3.3.7. Shop keeping Includes:

Grossary shop Stationary shop Medicine shop
Tea stall Ironshop Magazine stall
Cloth stall Fruits stall Electrical parts
Trankmaking shop. Shoe store

Shop keeping requires more capital beyond BRAC provide to its

members. Moreover, it needs place, skilled persons, and appropriate items etc.
which are unfavorable for the loanees. They are not intending to invest at shop
keeping.
The field survey express, only 4% loanees invested their loan in this sector.

3.3.8 Non-Investment:
Some family needs micro-grants not micro credit. They are need of
food, nutrition, house etc. So they take loan from BRAC and spend where
necessary. For weekly payment they involved with other NGOs (such as ASA,
BRDB etc.) and after taking loan they repay the weekly installment of others.
Day after day they pushed into debt which is harmful for the society.
Sometimes, loanees are not able to invest their total loan in any sector. Some
portion they invest and some are not. People of remote areas are not able to
meet their fundamental needs. So it is not possible to invest total loans in
various sector. From my field survey, 8% loanees do not use their loans.
However, 25% loans are used to meet personal or family needs and remaining
75% loans are used properly.

47
 CHAPTER-4
PROBLEMS OF BRAC FINANCE:
The study disclosed that, two main parts are involved with BRAC and
their problems. BRAC can be considered as the first party and the
beneficiaries are second the first party provides various type of assistance to
the rural destitute women under the various programs . Those who are
invoplved with BRAC in conducting its various programs are literate and
trained on programs. But the second parties take various types of opportunities
and benefits to change their traditional life style. They are destitute women
neglected mother and unemployed, vulnerable women and other
disadvantaged women of the society. It is obvious that, these types of
beneficiaries are most illiterate and enclosed by poverty. So, it is our society,
the social status and existence of two parties is of the two end of the axis of
the pole. To implement the programs, various types of problems are seen
owing to difference of social status, position and socio –economic condition of
two parties. That is here the past party is the benefit provider and program
conductor but literate. On the other hand, second party is the benefit receiver
but most illiterate. So in achieving the same mission rural development by
both parties, different types of drawbacks may arise. The study represents two
types of problems from the view point of party. First, problem faced by the
respondent in taking loan. Second, problem faced by the BRAC official’s
delivery and recovery of loan.

4.1 Problems faced by the Respondents:

Since, the respondents were most illiterate and the BRAC employs are
literate, so, they were to face some problems. Respondents were asked to
express their opinion about the major problems they had faced in regarding to
loan receivin
TABLE-4.1.1
Major problems faced by the respondents:
Problems No. of loanees Parcentage of loanees
1. To be a VO,s member 43 86%
2. Difficulty in communication 50
owing to difference of language 100%
3. By fortnightly repayment 39 78%
system 50 100%
4. Servicing charge is high 50 100%
5. Interest rate is high 27 54%

47
1. To be a member:
The rural development program (RDP) of BRAC strives to bring the
rural women in to the main stream of development by alleviating their poverty
and empowering them through its vital organ, i.e. village organization (VO).
Presently, a VO comprising of 35-55 members are formed with the females
from the same village. Each loanee have to join in VO, they can apply for loan
subject to attending 8 weekly VO’s meting. Moreover, to form a VO
numbering 35-55 is tough primarily. Table shows that, 86% to total
respondents were faced of this problem. They thought VO should be formed
with less numbering members than that of estimated present.

2. Difficulty in communication owing to difference of language:

The beneficiaries from BRAC are most illiterate. They are encompassed
with local culture and speak in local dialect. So difficulties come in sight in
communicating between loanees and field workers owing to difference of
language. Table shows that 100% of respondents suffer from this short
coming.

3. By fortnightly Repayment system:

Loan taken by the beneficiaries are to be paid by – fortnightly installment
basis with interest. Often, loanees fail to repay Taka of installment due to their
lack of earning, natural climate and any other reasonable variables. Table
shows that, 78% of total respondents were faced this problem. They through
that, the lag time of installment are necessary to be one month.

4. Rate of service Charge is high:

Every loanee is charged @5% service charge against per decimal land.
This charge cut on sources. But service charge cut by the BRAC on source is
treated as loan finance and have to repay again with interest on it. That is,
since, the amounts of servicing charge cut on source, so they can not utilize
this amount but have to repay with interest on it.

5. Existing Socio-cultural Problem;

A bad concept is prevailing in our society about NGOs activities. Still
now, most people contain this misconception . They think that NGOs are
involved in endeavor action. So, nobody should be involved in NGOs
programmme they think. Table shows that, 54% of total respondents suffer
from such type of problem.

47
4.2 Problems faced by the BRAC officials
The employees of BRAC work at grass- roots level. After providing
loan to theirs members, they collect the amount of installment going to their
member’s house. In addition to, they provide direct service about the loan
utilization. Since, loanees are most illiterate and encompassed with their local
culture, so, employees are to encounter of various types of problem. The major
problems faced by the employees are as follows.
1. Problem in regarding Communication:
The field workers are literate and hail from various districts. So, it is
usual not to familiar with other local culture as well as local dialect. Because
of illiteracy, rural destitute women being up their local culture and speak in
local dialect, which is cumbersome in communicating between field workers
and loanees. As a result, they does not discuss with beneficiaries frequently.
2. Inferior status in Society:
There is a miss- conception about NGOs activities in our society The
reason behind of this is the ignorance about NGOs activities. As a result, the
field workers, especially female are to face different types of question, some
of these are besides of the mark of BRAC programs. In case of female
workers, social impediment stands as the key note problem. People do not
look at good eyes to them.
3. Loans don’t use for own –self:
Some loanees provide the amount of loan to other which has taken in
the name of her own –self. In that case, the employees fall in chaotic situation
in the time of loan recovery. Since, the loanees are not user loan, so, she to
depend on that person whom he has given the amount of loan. As a result,
some times field workers fail to recover of loan money in due date.
4. Loan use in other sector:
Some loanee use the amount of loan in other sector not using for which
sector they have taken loan from BRAC.As a result, the employees are to fail
in intricate situation in the time of loan recovery.
5. Distressed Area:
Nature climate is the regular inmate of our social life. In addition to,
because of nature climate, brittle roads, low land area it is difficult to
communicate with loanees’ .Some times, they are to walk on foot a long range
path.
6. Direct Discussion with loanee:
Maximum members of BRAC, about more then 97% are women. But
the maximum field workers are male. Because of social culture and religious
barrier, the male employees can not discuss with female loanees directly in the
time of service providing. Similarly they face same kinds of problems during
the time of loan recovery.

47
.
CHAPTER-5
CONCLUSION AND RECMMENDATIONS
5.1 Summary of the study
The study has illustrated how rural poor women of Bangladesh faced
with acute poverty situation , abandoned some of the social norms often
against sever opposition from the village elite and participated in various
income generating activities to come out the vicious circle of poverty.
Especially here, it is exposed the impact of BRAC financing for Micro Credit
Programmes for Poverty Alleviation in Rural Women.
In rural Bangladesh the traditional role of women is to stay at home and
look after children and house work according to their social standing and
financial ability. But when misfortune strikes, they become utterly helpless,
especially when they have no rich relatives to look for help. They have to do
all kinds of odd jobs just to keep alive, the children become undernourished
and they are put to work at an early age to augment their major income. In
other words, they lead a hand- to mouth life, just short of begging.
BRAC has had more than 31 years of experience in running rural
development programs in Bangladesh. It has had some notable achievements
particularly in primary health care, non-formal primary education, income and
employment generation and credit assistance to the rural women. BRAC
activities have shown to yield positive impact for the beneficiaries. This
positive impact has been for both incomes had non-income indicators of
household welfare. BRAC activities help the rural women in changing their
previous traditional life style. Now group members of BRAC earn more
money for their families and income capacity make a dramatic change in their
life style. Credit program of BRAC provides group members with loan. They
established many income generating projects. Their living standard is
increasing day-by-day.
Although one of the stated objectives of the government is rural
development in the country, its effort is limited because of resources
constraints. Under these circumstances, several non-governmental
organizations (NGOs), of which BRAC is one, have come forward to
complement government’s endeavor in assisting especially the women who
are the most disadvantaged segment of the rural society. BRAC’s philosophy
is based on the conviction that women themselves, if provided with
appropriate tool, can bring about changes towards their poverty alleviation on
this premise, BRAC provides training to female in rural oriented income
generating activities and more importantly, it also grants non-collateral credit
to the women who have no access to formal credit due to their vulnerability.

47
Such credit program encourages the shift from wage employment to self
employment (Mahmud & Hamid ,1990).
It is evidenced from the study that one source of income alone is not often sufficient to
sustain the family and, therefore, the women have to be engaged in more than income
generating activities.
The study adequately reveals that credit and training that are takiing provided by
BRAC do have significant impact on the disadvantaged Women in the rural areas, but up to
a point.
After analyzing the impact of micro on women credit created by BRAC it
can obviously say that:
• Helped raising income of the family there by raising status of the women;
• Created self employment opportunities for women;
• Helped establishing women’s control on income and asset of the family;
• Helped women to enhance their own standard of living;
• Accorded power to and greater control over family decision making.
5.2 Recomandations:
In light of various types of problem mentioned in previous chapter , faced
by the loanees and BRAC officials and keeping in view the result of the
study , finding and observation the following recommendations: may be put
forward for favorable and positive consideration of the authority concerned,
1. A village organization can be comprised of 20 members. More than one
VO may be formed in the same village.
2. To remove the difficulty incommunication owing to difference of
language, a special program may be arrange on local dialect and culture
for the employs but not for the beneficiaries.
3. It may be considered whether the lag time of installment increased to a month.
4. Since, 100% respondents, of the sample raised an allegation about service charge may be
decreased and interest on it may be deleted.
5. Since, it is evident that, interest rate is higher than that of other banking institution, so the
rate of interest may be decreased to promote the loan disbursement trend.
6. To remove the existing socio- cultural problems, mass publicity is required demonstrating
NGO’s program in the field poverty alleviation.
7. For natural distress (such as flood, storm, other mishaps etc.) extra long term loan can
provide immediately.
8. A strategy can introduce where local leaders will participate with the “Development
Committee” implemented by BRAC.
9. Investigation about proper investment is needed.
10. Reward can provide for the active member and efficient BRAC officers.
In spite of various types of drawbacks BRAC’s rural development
programmmes has given the destitute rural women a vision of what is
achievable through individual and initial resources for investment to improve their lot and
above all, their self-esteem.

47
The Experience of (BS) in Some Selected Areas.
Role of BS in the Socio-economic development of Bangladesh. A Case
study on Jessore District. Questionnaire for the Respondents.
SET-A
1. Name of the Respondent :
2. Age :
3. Educational qualification ;
4. Have increased your education after joining BS? Yes, No,
If yes, How much?
5. Occupation : Before- After-
6. Marital status : Married / Unmarried / Widow / Divorcee
7. Father ‘s / Husband’s / Wife’s Occupation :
8. No. of Children: …………………..
9. Nature of the family : Joint Separate
10. Family members: ………

SET-B

1. Description of Assets
Particulars Before After
1. Land Decimal Decimal
2. Nature of dwelling
house
3. Nature of Latrine
4. Sources of drinking water Own tube well/ tube Own tube well/ tube
well of other / Govt. well of other / Govt.
tube well / pond / tube well / pond /
other other
5. Other assets Cow / Goat /Buffalo / Cow / Goat /Buffalo /
Sheep / Riksha / Van Sheep / Riksha / Van

2. Capital :
Before: Tk-
At present: Tk-
3. Who have inspired you for joining BS?
4. Uses of loan
5. Income earners: Before : After:
6. Income (monthly): Before: After:

47
7. Expenditure (monthly): Before After
8. Cost of taking loan :
9. Time spend for taking loan (days):
10. You face what are the problems for taking loan?
a)
b)
c)
d)
11. What are your suggestions to solve the above problems?
12. Would you pay the amount of loan regular /
Yes / No / Occasionally
If you fail to repay regularly then what is the cause?
13. What is the system for the payment of the loan?
14. Have you joined in any training program? If no, do you think that training
is required? Yes / No

15. Remarks:

47
 The Experience of (BS) in Some Selected Areas.
Role of BS in the Socio-economic development of Bangladesh. A Case
study on Jessore District. Questionnaire for the BS Officials:

SET-A
1. Name :
2. Designation :
3. Age :
4. Educational qualification :
5. Service experience :
6. Marital status : Married / Unmarried
7. Religion : Muslim / Hindus / Buddhist / Christian / Other
8. Causes for joining in present job :
9. Residence : a) BS quarter b ) Own quarter c) Rental quarter
10. Gross salary :
SET-B
1. Types of loan :
2. Who are eligible for loan?
a) b)
c) d)
3. Procedure for sanctioning loan :
4. Disbursement procedure of loan :
5 Particulars of loan from 2000-2004
Year Sanction Disbursement Recovery Outstanding
(Tk-) (Tk-) (Tk-) (Tk-)
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
6. No of members: 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004

7. No of loanee : 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004

8. Reasons for default :

a) b)
c) d)
9. System of recovery for overdue :
10. Problems of recovery of loans :
11. Remarks:

47
 BIBLIOGRAPHY
1. Towarfs financial self-relince : NGOs Community Groups and
Donars, PACT Bangladesh / RIP, 78 Satmasjid Road, Dhanmandi
R/A, Dhaka-1909.
2. R.W. Timm CSC “On Building a just society” CARITAS, 2 Outer
circular road, Shahinbag, Dhaka-1217, 1994.
3. Rahaman Tahmena “The Rural Homeless in Bangladesh” UNICEIF,
1993.
4. Rafi Mohammad “The Development organization and constrains to
Development: B.S. Experiences with religious Organization in
Relation to Human Rights and Legal Education Posters”. BS
Research and Evaluation Division, June 1999.
5. Afsana Ahmed Masud and et. All “Women Workload and the
Women Health and Development program: are Women
Overburden” BS Recharch and evaluation Division, 1999.
6. Banu Dilruba and ET all. “Rural Study Series” series no. 7-10, BS
research and evaluation Division, 1995.
7. Rafi , Ahmed and et all “Small Groups and Performance of Village
Organization in Rural Development Program of BRAC ” BRAC
Recharch and Evaluation Division , 1999.
8. Annual Report , BRAC Rechrch and evaluation Division , 2003.
9. BRAC annual Report, 2003.
10. Choudhuri, A.H.M. Nurul Islam amnd Shaha, B. (1992), “Rural
Development and NGOs in Bangladesh” Bank Parikharma, vol.
XVII, Special Issue-2, 1992 Pp 25-35.

47
11. Hasemi, S.M Schuler S.R. and, Riley, A.P. (1995), “Rural Credit
programmes and Women’s Empowerment in Bangladesh” World
Development, Vol. 24, No. 4: 635-653.
12. Browsing from www.brac.net

47