A research conducted by BRAC reveals that ultra-poor families living in the humanitarian context of Cox’s Bazar, following the Rohingya influx, have experienced remarkable economic progress through the Ultra-Poor Graduation Programme. The study highlights that participating families have achieved a socio-economic advancement rate of 96%. The one-year pilot initiative, implemented by Brac and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), involved 2,000 members from ultra-poor households.
The findings demonstrate significant improvements in earnings, savings, wealth, and food security during the program. The research presented by Narayan C Das, associate professor at Brac University, emphasizes the importance of evidence-based work in humanitarian contexts. The Ultra-Poor Graduation programme aimed to enhance bargaining opportunities for the ultra-poor in the market and facilitate the marketing of their produced commodities. Through group engagement, access to training programs, and market linkages, the project has effectively uplifted the lives and social status of the beneficiaries.