Objective of the ERA CREA project is to increase the income of the poor and extremely poor. In continuation of this, IGA activities play a supporting role. IGA Fund support has been provided to 21 women’s groups in Bishwambharpur Upazila under Sunamganj district through the CREA project. Activities are ongoing by providing IGA Fund to seven groups in each union (Badaghat Dakshin, Palash & Fatepur Union). One-time fund of 40,000/= (forty thousand) taka has been provided to each IGA fund from the project. Activities are ongoing through a joint account in the name of the concerned women’s group at SONALI Bank Bishwambharpur branch, which is managed by an elected committee. A total of 63 members, 3 members from each committee, have been provided half day orientation on IGA Fund management in their respective unions. In the initial phase, each member can take a loan of BDT 5,000/- for 6 months at a service fee of 2% to 4%. And this service charge has been set and approved through the group meeting. President and cashier of each group are keeping track of the loan money through a passbook and register. Each member writes a single account of their income and expenses in the ledger (Choti khata). If any member has a problem in paying the loan money, it is resolved through discussion in the group meeting. Members are using the loan money to carry out IGA’s keeping climate resilience in mind and increasing their family income. They consider this fund as a blessing. To get money from other financial institutions, have to fill out a lot of paperwork and collect money from the office by following the rules and regulations. But since IGA Fund is close at hand, it takes less time and can be obtained from own group on easy terms and service fee is also low. As a result, there is no loss in household work. Members are taking loans from IGA Fund and using for various IGA’s including goat & poultry rearing, vegetable cultivation, and small grocery shops.
Challenge: President and cashier are struggling to manage accounts of IGA Fund due to their lack of less education and experience.
Solution: Issues of managing their accounts are explained in group meetings and through personal communication by FFs.
Result: Due to proper guidance on account management through group meetings and personal communication, correct accounts are now being managed.
Conclusion: All IGA Fund members are very enthusiastic about running their activities and production, and are also able to educate their children. Their expectations and dreams are that IGA work will continue through money of the IGA Fund and happiness of the family will increase day by day.