Northwestern Bangladesh is increasingly exposed to drought, climate variability and slowly increasing temperatures. Strategies enhancing the ability to withstand the negative impact of natural trends and hazards on agriculture are a means to strengthen the livelihoods of the two thirds of the population employed in this sector. One such strategy targets drought-affected soil quality, and consists in enhancing organic matter levels in soils for better soil structure, moisture retention, erosion stability and water infiltration by preparing compost through pile or borrow methods. Compost application improves soil quality and facilitates soil moisture retention, and thus the capability of reducing the impact of drought. This practice aims to increase soil moisture by improving the water holding capacity of soils through composting. An increased water retention capacity increases soil aeration and facilitates plants' use of soil nutrition. The following provides information on the implementation of the practice and details the pile and burrow methods. A list of ingredients for composting is also provided as well as guidelines on how to increase the rate of decomposition and how to know when the compost is ready for use.