Engaging Local Communities In Rural Development: A Bangladesh Perspective – OpEd

A considerable number of people live in rural areas in Bangladesh, about 62% of the total population in Bangladesh. Globalization has made significant changes in both rural and city lives. While some parts are enjoying new opportunities for growth, others need help to maintain their unique cultural tradition and identities.

It is imperative for political and community leaders to understand these development dynamics to foster and realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in this country. To realize the SDGs and ensure rural development, “rural web” can be used as a useful tool for grasping rural growth complexities. The “rural web” concept highlights the correlation between local resources, community engagements, and economic activities, which helps the stakeholders to navigate the challenges of modern development. 

Changing Rural Landscape

Globalization has induced both beneficial and detrimental transformations within rural communities in Bangladesh. The planning for sustainable rural development has progressed to a point where these areas are not solely associated with agricultural production as their primary economic activity. Notable advancements have been made in rural infrastructure, livelihoods, agriculture, education, and health services. However, there are also adverse factors that exacerbate living conditions, such as poverty, climate change, and unemployment.

While some individuals capitalize on the opportunities presented by globalization, others risk the erosion of their cultural heritage. Despite the agriculture-based economy of rural Bangladesh, there has been a noticeable shift from traditional farming practices toward modern high-tech agricultural methods and improved market access. This transition reflects a dual progress: enhancing economic potential while striving to preserve cultural heritage.

In order to address this shift, globally there is increasing focus on the concept of the “rural web”. This concept helps us to identify the relationships between factors influencing rural development. We can create more effective strategies to improve the lives of rural people by understanding how the local community resources and engagements foster growth opportunities. 

Engaging Local Leaders

The world is increasingly involving the local people, especially the development programs, and it has become a metric for measuring the success of development initiatives. These projects engage community members and leaders in creating strategies that reflect their needs and aspirations. Community-level consultation before reaching at a credible decision has been the core aspect of the rural development approach as the outsider may not understand the local structure, culture, tradition and other things prevalent in the local area. However, traditionally, development decisions are made without considering grassroots thoughts. This top-down approach can lead to policies that fail to address real-world problems.

Rural web concepts can play a crucial role in shaping the future by empowering the local stakeholders if used as an analytical and mobilizing tool. Knowledge-sharing workshops, town hall meetings and community discussions can bring out valuable insights from citizens perspectives. In Bangladesh, it is crucial to create platforms for dialogue for the left behind and marginalized groups to raise their voices in the decision-making process. 

Importance of Participation

Meaningful and active participation of diverse stakeholders including local community, leaders, religious leaders, left behind communities, is imperative for realizing equitable development. When community members are involved from the beginning of a program, they better understand their problems in national and global contexts. They can work together to create strategies for future growth and prosperity. This involvement enhances a sense of ownership by encouraging individuals to take responsibility for their community’s development.

The rural web can ensure the self-assessment process by helping stakeholders visualize the strengths and weaknesses of their region. For instance, by mapping the local resources and challenges, communities can identify the scope for improvement. This collaborative effort fosters community bonds and ensures that development initiatives are relevant and pragmatic.

Agriculture and Livelihood Diversification

Bangladesh’s economy still heavily depends on agriculture, especially the rural economy. But relying only on farming can be risky. Climate change, market fluctuations, market syndicates, and other factors hinders agricultural productivity, poverty, unemployment, disease, etc. In addition, this sector is not sufficient to generate full-time employment opportunities for people in rural Bangladesh. Therefore, ensuring employment diversity is not just important, it’s urgent for building resilient rural community.

Expanding economic activities into non-agricultural areas—such as poultry farming, fisheries, and small-scale manufacturing—can provide alternative sources of income for families. This diversification helps buffer against agricultural shocks; if crop yields fall, families engaged in various activities can still sustain themselves financially. In addition, encouraging small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) among local citizens can also unlock new economic opportunities and create employment opportunities. The rural web method, with its emphasis on collaboration among diverse stakeholders, has a significant role to play in this diversification.  

Microfinance and Access to Credit

One of the major barriers to rural development is easy access to finance. Microfinance institutions (MFIs) have emerged as key players in empowering left-behind communities by providing small loans to start businesses or invest in agricultural activities; Bangladesh is the best example in this regard. These short-term quick loan facilities help individuals improve their financial condition.

Although Bangladesh has made significant progress in these areas, the expansion of microfinance and digital financial services has the potential for further integration of informal economies into the broader economic framework. We can encourage small entrepreneurship and stimulate local economic growth by ensuring more people can access capital. However, it is essential to ensure that borrowers understand how to manage their finances effectively to avoid falling into a debt trap.

Skill Development and Informal Labor Market

The informal labour market plays a key role in a developing economy like Bangladesh, where there is an abundance of unskilled and semi-skilled workers who may need help finding employment in formal sectors. Sectors like construction, transportation, and small-scale trading provide suitable job opportunities for these individuals. Predominantly females are more involved in informal activities (91.8 %) relative to 82.1 percent for males. In both rural and urban settings, youth and females aged 15-29 are more likely to be engaged in informal employment. However, many workers need better skills to work in low-paying jobs. 

Investing in skill development projects through vocational training programs can significantly improve productivity and earnings within the informal sector. We can enhance their employability and help them succeed in a competitive job market by equipping them with relevant skills. Moreover, in order to succeed, “rural web” method and collaboration between educational institutions, government agencies, non-government organizations and community organizations is crucial for creating effective training programs that meet local needs.

Technology and Digital Inclusion

Technological advancements are increasingly evident in rural areas, mirroring trends observed in urban environments. The proliferation of mobile technology and internet access is significantly transforming informal economic activities in rural Bangladesh. Farmers and workers in the informal sector are progressively utilizing mobile applications for essential services such as weather updates, market pricing information, and banking transactions. However, despite comprehensive national efforts aimed at digital integration, 54 percent of rural households lack adequate internet access. Ensuring digital inclusion across all sectors of society could unlock new opportunities for e-governance, enhance efficiency, and stimulate economic growth.

E-commerce is frequently heralded as a transformative phenomenon in the information age. In this digital era, characterized by the internet and technological innovations, both public and private sectors have initiated various programs to facilitate the convenient purchase of daily necessities from home. Nevertheless, rural communities in Bangladesh have yet to fully develop e-commerce initiatives tailored to their needs. Research indicates that 73% of individuals from rural regions travel to urban centers to acquire goods such as mobile phones, televisions, and motorcycles.

Digital platforms undoubtedly empower rural workers by connecting them to broader markets, enhancing their reach and profitability. For example, small-scale producers can market their products through social media and e-commerce platforms, thereby reducing dependence on intermediaries, circumventing market syndicates, and improving their profit margins. However, it is crucial to address the disparities in access to digital media to ensure that all community members can take advantage of these technological advancements.

Engaging local communities is vital for fostering sustainable development in rural Bangladesh. By implementing concepts such as the “rural web,” which encourages active participation and collaboration among diverse stakeholders, we can formulate inclusive strategies that effectively tackle the unique challenges faced by rural areas. By exploring diversification in agriculture, expanding access to microfinance, investing in skill development programs, and leveraging technology, we can empower individuals and community leaders to take charge of their economic futures.

To summarise, globalization is significantly reshaping the rural landscape of Bangladesh, highlighting the importance of prioritizing local engagement to foster sustainable rural development. This approach must respect and preserve the country’s rich cultural heritage while facilitating future prosperity for upcoming generations. By embracing these principles, we can cultivate resilient communities equipped to address future challenges and ensure that all individuals have equal opportunities to thrive.