Role of green micro-credit in creating livelihood options and women's empowerment in a Bangladesh wetland

Abstract

The research examines the role of green micro-credit in creating livelihood options and women’s empowerment in Hakaluki haor. The role of green micro-credit is found important in creating livelihood options. The more livelihood options that the borrowers have, the less they are vulnerable to crises. Results related to women’s empowerment were diverse and complex. Women’s empowerment can mean different things to different individuals. Woman’s restricted mobility, low skill-set, and domestic workload impeded them from investing and using green micro-credit. Borrowers were found to be innovative, and had the capacity to maximize economic benefit from the green enterprises. The impacts of green micro-credit on environmental sustainability are yet to be assessed. Green micro-credit has not been running long enough. For firmer conclusions, a longitudinal study of sustainability and empowerment under green micro-credit would be needed.