Bangladesh has been a global leader in financial inclusion. But are these gains reaching smallholder households? What are the constraints that hold farming families back? And where are the opportunities to better serve this diverse, important client group with the financial tools they need?
To answer these questions, CGAP conducted a nationally representative survey of smallholder households in 2016, working closely with the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics. The survey explored the agricultural and nonagricultural activities, financial practices and interests, and challenges and aspirations of smallholder families throughout Bangladesh.
The objectives of the national survey of smallholder households in Bangladesh were to:
- Generate a clear picture of the smallholder sector at the national level, including household demographics, agricultural profile, and poverty status and market relationships.
- Segment smallholder households in Bangladesh according to the most compelling variables that emerge.
- Characterize the demand for financial services in each segment, focusing on customer needs, attitudes, and perceptions related to both agricultural and financial services.
- Detail how the financial needs of each segment are currently met, with both informal and formal services, and where there may be promising opportunities to add value.
The research methodology, detailed in this user guide to the data sets, covers these key topics:
- Sample design. Sampling frame, sample allocation and selection, household listing and the listing documents, sampling weights and errors.
- Questionnaire. Background on how the instrument was designed and its three components, in both English and Bangla.
- Fieldwork. Training, deviations in the sample design, response rates, methods of data collection, and quality checks.
- Datasets. Accessing the raw data for your own research.
The data referenced in this report can be accessed through the World Bank Microdata Library.