Alternative Livelihoods Transforming Lives in the Hills of Bangladesh

Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT), the south-eastern region of Bangladesh, is diverse with indigenous cultures amid hills and natural resources. However, rugged terrain, inadequate educational opportunities, and lack of open markets keep poverty entrenched and livelihood choices scarce.

For generations, the people of the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) have lived in harmony with nature. Agriculture and fishing were the most popular livelihood choices. But climate change has thrown nature's rhythms into disarray, bringing erratic rains, longer lean periods in agriculture, and degraded soil quality. 

Coupled with limited access to education, markets, and infrastructure, these changes have left many families struggling to survive. They are forced to rely on unstable, low-paying labour with few job opportunities, often leading to debt, poverty, and the erosion of traditional practices.

But change is on the horizon.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has introduced innovative, sustainable livelihood solutions tailored to the CHT's unique landscape to break this cycle. From beekeeping to vermicompost farming, communities are trained and equipped with eco-friendly tools and skills that generate income while protecting the environment.

By investing in local knowledge and sustainable practices, UNDP is helping communities in the CHT regain control of their futures—one hive, one harvest, one hope at a time.

Voices of Change

Thuisa Pru (aged approximately 52), a resident of the hills, was forced to quit school after class five to help his parents with traditional Jhum cultivation. This became increasingly unreliable due to changing weather patterns, and he chose to be a day labourer to support his family. 

Opportunity finally came buzzing in after his wife returned from a UNDP beekeeping workshop—excitedly spilling every tip and trick. Thuisa grew interested, enrolled in the next session, and launched his hive-to-honey adventure.

"Bee cultivation required little space and investment but came with big hope," Thuisa explains.

What began as a handful of hive boxes has multiplied into 35 thriving bee colonies. Hives take 21 days to mature and generate income, so every 21-day harvest brings in enough income to run the household. It also helps him plan to farm vegetables. 

Now, he has become a mentor who teaches others how to continue bee cultivation. "You don't have to leave the hills to succeed," he assures his disciples. 

His three children are now attending school — a dream he never had the opportunity to realise for himself. With quiet determination, he shares, "I want to expand into animal husbandry and specialize in queen bee cultivation to increase my income and secure their future."

Nikunti Tripura, approximately 40 years old, is another example of successfully adopting an alternative livelihood. 

She resides in a remote village named "Bhai bon Chori" in the Khagrachari hill district. Her integrated farming approach combines crop cultivation, fruit production, livestock rearing (pigs and chickens), and vermicomposting- skills she gained through UNDP training. 

This diversified model builds resilience against poverty and climate change by providing multiple income streams. 

She turned organic waste into nutrient-rich fertilizer, repaid loans, and expanded her farming practices. Nikunti now can better withstand seasonal shocks. If one livelihood source falters, others ensure recovery, making her farming system a powerful example of resilience and hope. 

Once submerged in debt and scared of the Bank, Nikunti has faced her fears. She not only repaid his debts from her income, but she also managed to save something for herself. 

"Now, I have savings. I have dignity," she says, reflecting her transformation from uncertainty to stability.

A Path Forward

These new livelihoods are more than just jobs—they are lifelines. They engage women and youth, strengthen communities against climate shocks, and restore pride and self-reliance to once-marginalized groups.

But thousands in the Chittagong Hill Tracts still lack training, resources, and market access. Scaling these gains will require sustainable investment, policy backing, and strong partnerships.

Still, the stories of Thuisa and Nikunti prove that when people are given the right tools and support, change is not only possible but already happening. In the quiet hills of Bangladesh, a new chapter of hope is being written.

These new livelihoods are more than just jobs. They are lifelines. They engage women and youth, strengthen communities against climate shocks, and restore pride and self-reliance to once marginalized groups