In Koshaghata of Damurhuda Upazila, Chuadanga, many farming families faced declining soil fertility, rising production costs and limited livelihood opportunities due to their dependence on chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Women and youth, in particular, had few opportunities to engage in income-generating activities, while marginalized and minority households lacked access to technical knowledge, quality organic inputs and markets.
To address these challenges, WAVE Foundation established Agroecology Learning and Tourism Center (ALTC) under the Agroecology Project. The center introduced Trico Compost production, turning locally available agricultural waste into high-quality organic fertilizer while promoting safe food production and sustainable farming. Through practical training, hands-on demonstrations, technical support, entrepreneurship development, market linkages and mentoring, ALTC helped women, youth, smallholder farmers and marginalized communities develop the skills needed to start and manage sustainable enterprises.
The initiative gradually transformed the community. Women who once depended on their families for financial support became confident entrepreneurs producing and marketing Trico Compost. Young people established small organic fertilizer enterprises, creating employment opportunities within their communities while marginalized and minority households actively embraced environmentally friendly farming practices. Beneficiaries also strengthened their knowledge of organic fertilizer production, soil fertility management, climate-smart agriculture, safe food production, business management and customer relations. As demand for Trico Compost continued to grow, many integrated compost productions with vegetable cultivation, fruit production and nursery management, creating additional income while reducing dependence on chemical fertilizers.
For the beneficiaries, the initiative has opened a new path towards sustainable livelihoods. They shared, “Before joining the Agroecology Project, we had very limited knowledge about organic fertilizer production. Through ALTC, we learned how to produce high-quality Trico Compost using locally available materials. Today, we earn additional income, improve our soil health and contribute to safe food production. Women and youth in our community are now confident entrepreneurs and we are proud to be protecting both our environment and our future.”
Today, ALTC has become an inclusive learning and production center where women, youth and marginalized communities actively participate in eco-friendly agricultural enterprises. Last year alone, the center produced 132,050 kg of Trico Compost, generating an annual income of BDT 984,600. Looking ahead, the beneficiaries aim to expand production capacity, train more women and youth entrepreneurs, strengthen market linkages, establish community-based compost enterprises and promote organic agriculture across the region. Through the continued support of WAVE, ALTC is paving the way for greener livelihoods, resilient farming systems and sustainable rural development.
