Poverty and livelihood analysis of Former Enclave (Chitmahal) people in a selected area of Bangladesh

Abstract

With the aim of creating development programs for the residents of the former enclave (Chitmahal), a survey of their poverty and livelihoods is essential. In this study, socioeconomic factors, poverty levels, changes in livelihood assets, and respondent satisfaction levels with social institutions in the study area were all assessed. A total of 100 respondents were randomly selected from Debiganj Upazila in the Panchagarh district of Bangladesh. A survey approach was employed to obtain the data. Respondents were able to respond quickly to questions and indicate their level of agreement with five points using a five-point Likert scale. The data were analyzed using the Direct Caloric Intake (DCI) approach and DFID's Sustainable Livelihoods Framework. The main finding of the study was that the average age of the head of family was within the working age range. The average size of a household was medium. The head of family has only completed nearly five years of school. Three-fifths of those surveyed had high household incomes. The majority of households had poverty. After becoming a citizen of Bangladesh, the five asset classes- human assets, social assets, natural assets, physical assets and financial assets were positively changed. Satisfaction with social institutions has been moderate. In order to reduce poverty and improve the standard of living of households in the research area, social institutions need to be more efficient.