Agrilife24.com:After last year’s success in Kurigram, the project 'Dreamwater: Empowering women in converting flood disaster into economic opportunity' funded by UNDP AFCIA and implemented by Footsteps Bangladesh, has expanded into Rangpur and Nilphamari.
After a rigorous market study and a quick roll out, Dreamwater is already showing that simple, locally run filtration services can protect health and put money in women’s pockets. A market study of 631 households found heavy reliance on shallow groundwater and clear demand for low cost, reliable filtration in the target areas.
From that evidence, 25 women were selected and trained as Dreamwater entrepreneurs in operation, maintenance, sales, customer service and basic bookkeeping. In August 2025 operators treated 1,509-5,176 litres monthly using Dreamwater Portable Filter; individual sales were 1,468-5,168 litres, generating BDT 2,027-8,397 per entrepreneur at BDT 1-3 per litre. Demand is growing fast. Another 70 women have said they’d like to become Dreamwater agents, and more than 189 households have expressed interest in signing up.
Looking ahead, Footsteps Bangladesh plans to strengthen mentorship, refine business models and microfinance options, and expand to the most vulnerable communities identified in its market study. If carried out, the Dreamwater model could serve as a powerful example of how research, local innovation, entrepreneurship, and targeted support can turn climate shocks into opportunities for communities.
