The CLP runs milk and meat markets’ initiatives focusing on making markets work better for those who live on the chars. In the remote char islands, accessing markets can be challenging, especially when dealing with perishable goods such as milk.

‘The logic behind a Livelihoods Programme supporting market projects is quite simple. For small-scale cattle owners and agriculturalists, access to markets helps them sell their produce and buy necessary inputs. This makes their livelihood more sustainable, secure and profitable,’ writes Team Leader Mat Pritchard in his latest blog.

With milk collection points in villages, a cattle cross-breeding project which results in cattle with higher milk yields, and input dealers with rising sales in seeds, ready feed, fertiliser and various livestock medicines, it can be said that these projects have been very successful. Entrepreneurialism is flourishing on the chars, and households are earning more stable incomes.

It wasn’t however a straightforward path and the CLP has learned much over the course of developing this project. Reflecting on the lessons learned, Mat identifies the existing challenges that lie ahead, as well as obstacles already overcome; ‘‘It’s not the end of the journey… but the way ahead looks increasingly clear: better incomes and a better chance of sustainable livelihoods for many, many people.’’ Read more here: bit.ly/MilkMeatMarkets