Cultivating Progress
Our Journey with CSISA-MEA in Empowering Bangladesh's Agricultural Future.
Studio Wide Angle has always believed in the transformative power of storytelling. Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of documenting stories that reflect hope, innovation, and the resilience of communities. Our recent collaboration with the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) on the “Five (5) Video Documentaries on CSISA-MEA” project was no exception. This project took us deep into the heart of Bangladesh’s agricultural revolution, where we witnessed firsthand the remarkable advancements in mechanization and the empowerment of rural communities.
Our journey with CSISA-MEA has been a profound experience, not just as filmmakers but as observers of a dynamic shift in Bangladesh’s agricultural landscape. The light engineering sector has seen significant growth, thanks to the Cereal Systems Initiative for South Asia—Mechanization Extension Activity (CSISA-MEA). Since 2019, this USAID-funded initiative, under the Feed the Future program, has been instrumental in modernizing agricultural machinery, creating employment opportunities, and ensuring gender inclusivity in the workforce.
Traveling across regions like Bogura, Gopalgonj, Barishal, Faridpur, and Cox’s Bazar, we documented the stories of individuals whose lives were transformed by CSISA-MEA’s interventions. The project’s emphasis on engaging youth and women in the agricultural sector resonated deeply with us. One such story is that of a mother of two from Bogura, whose life took a remarkable turn after receiving training in sand molding. Before the training, she worked informally at a foundry, performing tasks that offered little financial security. Today, she confidently handles skilled tasks, such as creating sand molds, which have nearly doubled her weekly earnings.
This story is a testament to the broader impact of CSISA-MEA. It’s not just about mechanization; it’s about empowerment—giving women like her the tools and skills to build a better future for themselves and their families. As we filmed these stories, we were struck by the dedication and resilience of these women breaking barriers in traditionally male-dominated sectors. CSISA-MEA’s efforts to create a safe and inclusive working environment for women, such as providing separate washrooms and fostering gender-inclusive workplaces, have been pivotal in this transformation.
But our journey didn’t stop there. We also captured the broader implications of agricultural mechanization for rural communities. From advanced farming techniques to smart agriculture initiatives, the impact of CSISA-MEA was visible in every corner of the agricultural sector. We saw how young entrepreneurs are embracing agribusiness ventures, how farmer cooperatives are adopting climate-smart practices, and how these innovations are paving the way for sustainable agriculture in Bangladesh.
Our role in this project was not just to document but to amplify these voices of change. Through our visual storytelling, we aimed to highlight the importance of CSISA-MEA in promoting agricultural innovation and resilience. We wanted to show the world how these interventions improve livelihoods and contribute to the broader goal of rural empowerment in Bangladesh.
As we reflect on our experience, we are filled with hope for the future of agriculture in Bangladesh. The advancements in mechanization, the focus on sustainable practices, and the inclusion of marginalized groups are all signs of a brighter future. Studio Wide Angle remains committed to using the power of storytelling to support this journey. We will continue to document these remarkable stories of progress, ensuring that the voices of those driving change are heard far and wide.
In our work with CIMMYT and CSISA-MEA, we’ve learned that sustainable development is not just about technology—it’s about people. It’s about empowering individuals to take control of their futures, innovate, and thrive in a rapidly changing world. As we move forward, we carry with us the lessons learned from this project, and we remain dedicated to our mission of promoting positive change through the art of storytelling.