Making Rooftop Transformation for Gardening & Farming a Norm in Bangladesh

The Social Innovation

Magnitude of the Problem, and its Root Causes

Dhaka suffers from an acute lack of green space- the city is so densely populated and built that there is very little free space for any green areas with less than 2% of the city classified as green. Hence the roof tops are pretty much the only space that can be used for this purpose, and so far, only 6–8% of its 500,000 rooftops have been converted to gardens.  

The result is environmental degradation including heightened air pollution and declining urban biodiversity, limited access to fresh produce and ultimately, a diminishing connection with nature.  

During their participation in the Dela Program, co-created by Ashoka and IKEA Social Entrepreneurship in 2021, the Green Savers team reflected on the key factors contributing to the problem:

• Unplanned urbanization and high population density
• Lack of technical expertise and qualified service providers to build productive gardens
• Social stigma around gardening as a profession
• Limited civic appreciation for shared green spaces

Based on their systems change analysis, the Green Savers’ team made it their mission to make it a norm in Bangladeshi cities to use rooftops for gardens and farming by building the rooftop gardening services market/field. 

Strategy to Catalyze a Network of Changemakers towards the Targeted Mission

The field building strategy includes strengthening demand for transforming rooftops for gardening and farming through policies and building supply by training rooftop gardeners.

Some of the tactics they deployed towards the mission as a part of the strategy include:

1) Collaborating with the Agriculture Extension Office to launch the first Urban Garden Academy to Involve Youth as Urban Gardeners

Green Savers launched the Urban Gardening Academy to generate the supply of workforce that is required, which provides six months of technical training followed by a six-month internship.  

The Academy collaborates with government agencies (such as the Agriculture Extension Office) to ensure high-quality, relevant training, and targets underprivileged youth for participation.  

Graduates are equipped to either join the workforce or start their own ventures, creating a ripple effect of new green leaders in the city.

Since 2021, they completed 20 cohorts, training 30-40 urban gardeners per cohort. The cohorts were run in collaboration with partners like IKEA Social Entrepreneurship, US Foresty Service and more.  

As of 2025, 800 urban gardeners have been trained and equipped to either join the workforce or start their own ventures, creating a ripple effect of new green leaders in the city.

If I can sum it up in one line, participating in the program fulfilled my dream—starting the Training Academy. If it hadn’t begun when it did, I believe it would have taken much longer to achieve the growth and success we’ve seen over the past four years. The program was truly the kick-off. After that, I received support from organizations like the US Forest Service and Concern Worldwide, but all of this was possible because I had groundwork and proof that the model worked. Without that foundation, no one would have come forward to fund or support us. It was groundbreaking. I can tell you, in one line, that was a kick-off.

2) Co-Creating Policies with City Authorities & Courts to Increase Demand for Transforming Rooftops for Gardens & Farming

Green Savers led advocacy efforts with city authorities, municipal development bodies, and the courts to include rooftops for gardens and farming as a part of the building code. Their persistent engagement resulted in a landmark policy: property owners who establish rooftop gardens now receive a 10% tax rebate.  

There yes yet to be proper data on it, but incentive catalyzed a surge in demand for rooftop gardening across Dhaka.

3) Collaborating with Stakeholders across sectors to Establish Institutions for Public Awareness and Engagement  

Green Savers has joined hands with the Dhaka North City Corporation to establish innovative institutions such as the Tree Hospital (mobile plant care) and the Tree Museum (preserving native species).  

The Tree Hospital is envisioned as a dedicated facility where sick or damaged trees can be diagnosed and treated by trained “Tree Doctors.” This initiative not only provides practical support for urban greenery but also serves as a powerful symbol, highlighting the importance of plant health and the need for professional care of urban nature. By inviting the public to witness and participate in the care of trees, the hospital demystifies plant health and encourages responsible stewardship. 

The Tree Museum is designed to preserve and showcase Dhaka’s native and exotic plant species, many of which are at risk of disappearing due to rapid and unplanned urbanization. The museum acts as a living archive and a learning hub, offering educational programs, guided tours, and interactive exhibits for students, researchers, and the general public. By celebrating the city’s botanical heritage and making it accessible, the museum fosters a sense of pride and connection to local biodiversity, inspiring citizens to value and protect their natural environment, and strengthening their connection to nature.

As of 2025, the city corporation has provided the Land for establishing Tree Hospital & Tree Museum at the centre of the capital city, and the Green Savers team is in the process of setting up partnerships to develop these innovations.