Md. Kamruzzaman Kamru, Chairperson, PROVA
About:
Dr Md. Yusuf Ali, ED, PROVA
PROVA is a registered NGO of Bangladesh operating primarily in Rajshahi Division in north-western Bangladesh since 1998. PROVA implements client-participatory research and development activities aimed primarily at improving the livelihoods of the rural poor. PROVA’s prime focus has been on enhancing the profitability of rainfed farming systems for the benefit of the resource poor farmers and weaker sections of the rural community in the High Barind Tract (HBT) of Bangladesh. This has become an increasingly challenging task with the onset of climate change and the HBT being the region of Bangladesh most prone to the adverse effects increasingly variable rainfall and rising temperatures. In collaboration with other foreign and local organizations PROVA has pioneered various forms of on-farm experimentation, such as participatory plant breeding and agronomy, involving the direct involvement of resource-poor farmers across multiple farm sites.
Wheat Field visit
PROVA takes a holistic approach to rural development and integrates the various technological components of rural development, including cropping, livestock, fisheries, agroforestry and other income generating activities in its approach to projects. With its in-depth knowledge and experience among farming communities across the HBT, PROVA also facilitates baseline surveys and impact analyses across the region. A component of most of the projects undertaken is hands-on training of farmers in improved technologies, mostly in the form of showing how farmers can evaluate potential technologies in their own fields.
Farmer leader speaking in Field day meeting
The principles applied to rural development activities have also been applied to social development and health improvement projects that PROVA has undertaken, including HIV/AIDs prevention, drug addiction rehabilitation, women development, victims of human trafficking, unemployed youth, Harijans (untouchable community), and facilitation of self-help group activities for slum-dwelling children.
All of these projects are implemented collaboratively with international and national organizations, but with emphasis on the potential beneficiaries of the programs being intimately involved in collaborative activities such that they feel ownership of the endeavour.
PROVA Climate-Smart Village:
From 2024 PROVA has established a Climate-Smart Village at Dhatma, Godagari, Rajshahi. It is being participated by smallholder farmers including tribal people (Santal). The main objective is to: alert the farmers about detrimental effect of climate change on their livelihoods and agricultural production; improve their adaptive capacity, food and nutritional security and resilience against climate change particularly in agricultural sector. We look forward for funding from foreign and in-country donors for expansion of widespread activities including value-addition of farmer’s products.
Intiation of Climate Smart Village at Dhatma , Godagari, High Barind Tract, Rajshahi