Agriculture has long played a pivotal role in shaping livelihoods across South Asia. In Bangladesh, the innovative Women-led Nursery Enterprise Model was about more than planting seeds—it was about creating opportunities for women to lead.
Through the Feed the Future Insect-Resistant Eggplant Partnership (IREP), the initiative partnered directly with women entrepreneurs, equipping them with the tools, training, and infrastructure needed to build thriving agricultural businesses. By strengthening technical and marketing capacity, the model empowered women, increased household incomes, and contributed to greater resilience in vulnerable communities. It also expanded access to Bt eggplant, helping farmers benefit from improved crop productivity and reduced pesticide use.