Climate Resilient Livelihoods Programme
Empowering the most vulnerable to overcome extreme poverty in the face of climate change
The Climate Resilient Livelihoods Programme is a long-term initiative implemented by NETZ, together with local partner organisations in Bangladesh and India. It strengthens the self-reliance and resilience of people living in extreme poverty - especially women and marginalised groups - by enabling sustainable, climate-resilient livelihoods.
In regions increasingly affected by climate-induced shocks, the programme supports individuals and communities to build income, improve food security, assert their rights, and adapt to environmental risks. By combining targeted asset transfers with capacity development, rights awareness, disaster preparedness, and structural advocacy, the programme facilitates lasting pathways out of extreme poverty.
A special emphasis is placed on women's empowerment: women are not only disproportionately affected by poverty and climate vulnerability, but also serve as key agents of change within the programme’s approach.
Key facts
- Active since 2002 in the poorest and most climate-vulnerable regions of Bangladesh and India
- Reached over 330,000 individuals with sustainable livelihood support
- Focus on women-headed households, Indigenous Peoples, people with disabilities, and other excluded groups
- Implemented in partnership with grassroots organisations rooted in local contexts
- Currently co-funded by the BMZ, with previous support from the EU and other international donors
The programme contributes directly to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly to SDGs 1 (No Poverty), 2 (Zero Hunger), 5 (Gender Equality), and 13 (Climate Action).
