LocationsFrom climate hardship to integrated farming, Khadija Aktar is building a stable livelihood and inspiring women in coastal Bangladesh.
Cultivating Resilience: How Khadija Aktar Adapted to a Changing Climate
June 11, 2026
Khadija hopes to expand her integrated farming enterprise and create more employment opportunities for women in her community.
©UNDP Bangladesh
Every morning, Khadija Aktar begins her day by tending to her vegetable garden, checking on her cattle, and feeding fish in her pond. The work keeps her busy now, but just a few years ago, supporting her family was a daily struggle.
Khadija lives in Bagerhat, a coastal district in southwestern Bangladesh where farming has become increasingly challenging. In coastal areas of Bangladesh, rising soil salinity, unpredictable rainfall, flooding, and extreme weather events regularly affect crops and livelihoods.
Married at the age of 14, Khadija faced even harder challenges. All her life, she fought against poverty. “Many days, we did not know how we would manage our next meal,” she recalls. “When crops failed, or work became unavailable, the situation became even harder.”
The SWAPNO Project gave Khadija more than employment—it opened the door to new skills, sustainable livelihoods, and a pathway toward climate resilience.
©UNDP Bangladesh
Like many women in climate-vulnerable communities, Khadija had limited access to income-generating opportunities. Things began to change when Khadija joined the SWAPNO Project through her local union. The project provided wage employment, training, and support to help women build sustainable livelihoods. For Khadija, it opened a door to new possibilities.
Through training and mentoring, she learned practical farming techniques that could help her adapt to changing environmental conditions. She received support in vegetable cultivation, livestock rearing, and fish farming, and learned how combining these activities could reduce risks and create a more stable source of income.
Khadija gradually developed an integrated farming system. If one activity is affected by weather or market fluctuations, the others help keep the household afloat. Her farm now generates around BDT 16,000 (USD 130) per month, providing a steady income for her family.
During busy farming periods, Khadija hires local labourers, creating income opportunities within her community. Her farm also contributes to local food availability by producing vegetables, fish, and milk. As her experience grew, neighbours began seeking her advice on farming practices, livestock care, and income-generating activities.
Looking ahead, Khadija hopes to expand her integrated farming enterprise and create more employment opportunities for women in her community.
©UNDP Bangladesh
Greater financial stability has given her more confidence and a stronger voice in household and community decisions. One of her biggest priorities is her daughter, Halima.“I used to believe I had no right to dream,” Khadija says. “Now I stand on my own feet. No matter what challenges come, I know I can support my family.” She is determined to ensure that her daughter completes her education and has opportunities that she herself never had.
Looking ahead, she hopes to expand her farming activities and create more opportunities for women in her community to earn an income and become financially independent.
Khadija’s story shows that in Bangladesh’s coastal regions, where climate impacts continue to shape everyday life, with the right support and opportunities, families can build a secure future.
From hardship to hope, Khadija’s integrated farm is helping her family build a more resilient future.
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