Taungya places strong emphasis on socio-economic advancement as a pillar of its mission in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT). Its programmes focus on empowering disadvantaged communities through livelihood development, entrepreneurship, cooperative systems, and access to education and health services. By promoting self-reliance, equity, and gender sensitivity, Taungya works to reduce poverty and strengthen resilience among marginalized groups.

The organization integrates traditional governance and Indigenous cooperative practices with modern approaches, ensuring that economic progress remains culturally appropriate and sustainable. Through training, advocacy, and partnerships, Taungya’s socio-economic initiatives help communities build secure livelihoods, protect their rights, and achieve inclusive development.

Flagship Project: PRLC – Partnership for Resilient Livelihoods in the CHT Region

Supported by the Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF) with funding from the European Union, Taungya is implementing the PRLC Project in Dumdummya and Moidong unions of Jurosori Upazila, Rangamati Hill District.

• Coverage: 1,541 households in remote Moidong Union.
  • Among them, 261 families are extremely poor, while the rest are poor but striving to improve their livelihoods.
  • All families are agriculture-dependent, relying on jum cultivation, farming, and livestock rearing.

Key Interventions

• Farmer Field Schools: Provided practical agricultural knowledge and hands-on training through 54 CS IFM Farmer Field School.
• High-Yield Crop Training: Introduced cultivation of crops such as Malta, Orange, jujube, local varieties of chili etc.
• Beekeeping Training: Promoted honey production as a new income-generating activity.
• Nursery Development: Supported families to grow seedlings for fruit and timber trees.
• Mushroom Cultivation: Introduced alternative farming for nutrition and income.
• Vermicompost Training: Promoted organic fertilizer production to improve soil health and crop yield.
• Entrepreneurship Development: Built capacity for small business ventures and cooperative systems.
• Vocational Training: Engaged unemployed youth in skills training for trades such as plumbing, tailoring, and other income-generating activities.

Impact

• Improved food security through integrated farming models.
• Enhanced income generation by diversifying agricultural practices.
• Promoted nutrition and sanitation awareness alongside livelihood training.
• Strengthened resilience against poverty and climate change.
• Ensured gender mainstreaming, with women actively participating in farming, training, and decision-making.

Philosophy

Taungya’s socio-economic work reflects a holistic philosophy:

• Livelihood development is inseparable from community empowerment.
• Indigenous knowledge is combined with modern techniques for sustainable progress.
• Women and youth are empowered as drivers of socio-economic transformation.
• Equity, resilience, and cultural respect are embedded in every intervention.