Mapping Rural Information Needs for Sustainable Livelihoods in Bangladesh: A Study

Access to the right information at the right time to the right person in the right way is vital for rural livelihoods. But unfortunately, in developing countries, information systems remain supply-driven, not need-based. This mixed-methods study explores livelihood-specific information needs in rural Bangladesh using data from 100 users across seven occupational groups in Ulania Union of Mehendiganj Upazila in Bangladesh. At the same time, the author and his research team have collected data from 20 NGO libraries and 20 Union Information Service Centres. The findings show that information needs vary significantly among farmers, traders, livestock workers, day labourers, students, and housewives, with a strong demand for agriculture, employment, education, health, financial, and climate-risk information. Access to appropriate information was found to influence income stability, health decisions, educational participation, and disaster preparedness. The study challenges one-size-fits-all information services. It highlights the need for livelihood-responsive knowledge systems. Community libraries and local information centres can act as key hubs for informed decision-making, adaptive capacity, and sustainable rural development within the vision of a smart village in Bangladesh.