Bangladesh
In Bangladesh more than half of the population lives below the poverty line due to low economic growth, high population growth, environmental degradation and natural disaster. The people are confronted with innumerable problems such as illiteracy, poverty, disease, malnutrition and premature death. Moreover, frequent occurrence of floods and storms compound the problems, further reducing the capacity of the poor to cope with adverse circumstances. There is no access to credit facilities for disadvantaged families.

In Bangladesh Terre des Hommes Netherlands focuses its support on self-help groups for women, youth and men and income generating programmes for women.

India
Despite the economic growth India has enjoyed during the last decennium the country still has the largest number of poor people in the world. Although acute poverty has dropped from 46% in 1987 to 28% today, life is challenging for marginalized groups consisting of urban and rural poor, migrant workers, small and marginal farmers, tribal & dalits (in particular women and children). They are at the margins, both economically and socially speaking, struggling to make a living. They work without social security, proper access to schooling, little or no access to healthcare and credit.

In India Terre des Hommes Netherlands focuses its support on livelihood opportunities including micro finance services through self-help groups.

Sri Lanka
Life is challenging for poor people in Sri Lanka, both economically and socially. They do not have access to formal financial services, such as credit or insurance, because they do not have enough collateral.

In Sri Lanka Terre des Hommes Netherlands focuses its support on community development including access to saving and credit services.