Rethinking Development Approach: Evaluating Participatory C4d Strategies in The Swapno Anti-Poverty Initiative, Jamalpur, Bangladesh

Abstract

This research explores the application of Communication for Development (C4D) strategies within the Strengthening Women's Ability for Productive New Opportunities (SWAPNO) project, a collaborative effort between the Government of Bangladesh and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) aimed at alleviating extreme poverty among ultra-poor women in Bangladesh. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative interviews and a quantitative survey with 15 beneficiaries from Jamalpur District to assess the influence of C4D strategies on awareness, participation, and long-term empowerment of these women. The findings reveal that participatory communication methods such as miking, union worker outreach, and mosque-based announcements were critical in ensuring effective communication with beneficiaries and building community trust. SWAPNO’s C4D approach helped women acquire essential skills, which contributed to their increased income, self-reliance, and social empowerment. Additionally, the study highlights the critical role of local government actors in facilitating community acceptance and ensuring continued support for beneficiaries. The research suggests that the C4D-driven model used by SWAPNO provides a sustainable alternative to microfinance, which is often burdensome for ultra-poor women. Rather than relying on loans, SWAPNO emphasizes training, employment, and savings, offering debt-free paths out of poverty. Findings are drawn from a 15-participant sample in Jamalpur district and may not generalize to other districts which has a different geographical landscape. This paper recommends strengthening GO-NGO collaboration for future C4D-based initiatives and advocates for replicating SWAPNO’s communication model to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of similar poverty alleviation projects across Bangladesh.