ENRICHed HOME

From the ENRICH focus on the best utilization of the existing resources of each household, the concept of establishing ENRICHed homes has emerged. The idea is to utilize the homestead land to the best extent possible through proper planning, taking into account the amount of land available. An ENRICHed home contains house(s) for the members of the family to live in and also to use for relaxing and entertaining. There is a sanitary latrine and, usually, a tube-well for drinking water. Economic activities conducted at the homestead include livestock, poultry, and pigeon rearing; cultivation of vegetables, and lemon, sajna, fruit and other trees, and medicinal plants. Flowers are cultivated to create an aesthetic environment. There is also either a solar home-system or a biogas plant. An improved cooking stove for cooking without being affected by smoke is used. Environment-friendly fertilizer vermi-compost is produced by the household for own use and/or for sale. Of course, all ENRICHed households are covered by the ENRICH education, health, and all other components. Up to March 2018, a total of 3229 ENRICHed homes have been established in different ENRICH unions. Establishment of ENRICH homes is expanding fast, both as a result of pursuation and demonstration effect.

 An ENRICHed Home in Borotara union Khetlal, Joypurhat

PKSF Chairman and Hon’ble Deputy Speaker of Bangladesh National Parliament Fazle Rabbi Mia visiting an ENRICHed home in Saghata, Gaibandha

An ENRICHed household consumes, as required, the various items produced at the homestead, and sells the surpluses. An example may be cited. It has been found in Shimanto union of Chuadanga district that from a tiny homestead land of only three decimals, about BDT 10,000 (US$128) is being earned per month by a family. The income thus earned from the homestead land gives the family a solid base to improve their living conditions—towards poverty eradication and beyond, as the case may be.