![Abdul Majid, second from left, is recognized for his commitment to educating his three daughters. Abdul Majid, second from left, is recognized for his commitment to educating his three daughters.](https://2012-2017.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/styles/square_150x150/public/success_story/BD_usaid%20event_mahmud%20and%20majid%20%281%29_0.jpg?itok=xMleQmF9)
Most poor families in Bangladesh who marry off their daughters before they turn 18—the legal age of marriage for girls—say that poverty forces them to make the choice. The result, for most girls who marry early, is more poverty, higher rates of maternal and infant mortality, and increased susceptibility to violence and disease.
![fish pond for fish farming Photo of husband and wife building fish pond for fish farming](https://2012-2017.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/styles/square_150x150/public/success_story/Bangladesh%20ACDI%20VOCA-aquaculture.jpg?itok=VjLUSSDA)
Several factors heighten food insecurity in Bangladesh, among them natural disasters, poor health and hygiene services, and chronic deprivation of the socially vulnerable. According to government figures, around 40 percent of the population is food insecure, meaning that 65 million people consume less than the minimum daily recommended amount o
![Beneficiary and her chicken coop Photo of beneficiary and her chicken coop started with funds saved](https://2012-2017.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/styles/square_150x150/public/success_story/Bangla%20SAVE%20-%20Shahidainfrontofhercoop.jpg?itok=1ZPfsKkd)
Shahida, who does not use a last name, has always been strong and optimistic, even when times have been tough; and times have often been tough.
![Photo: IPM CRSP/Miriam Rich Bangladeshi farmer Nazrul Islam Khan, with his grandson on his lap, made a profit on his crops after using a melon fly trap that](https://2012-2017.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/styles/square_150x150/public/success_story/ss_bgd_pheromones_h.jpg?itok=nPBNmMgA)
Like many farmers in Bangladesh, Nazrul Islam Khan, from the western district of Jessore, grows cucurbits, plants from the gourd family that include cucumbers and melons.
Comment
Make a general inquiry or suggest an improvement.