The International Fund for Agricultural Development and the Bangladesh government have recently signed a $16 million grant financing agreement to boost a project aimed at promoting climate resilience and diversifying agriculture.
The four-year project will work in 14 districts in coastal, drought-prone and northern char regions, supporting communities to build resilience to environmental and economic shocks, said a press release issued by the IFAD.
The Diversified Resilient Agriculture for Improved Food and Nutrition Security or RAINS project, whose total size is $31 million, was proposed by the Ministry of Agriculture to the Global Agriculture and Food Security Programme in 2021.
The IFAD will supervise the project, which will be implemented by the agriculture ministry, with the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations and the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition providing technical assistance.
By specifically targeting households most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, RAINS will directly improve income and nutrition of 420,000 women and men.
‘Bangladesh has made remarkable progress in boosting food production for its growing population. Initiatives like RAINS, which promote diversified agriculture, may foster agricultural productivity and food availability and enhance overall nutrition status in the country,’ said Arnoud Hameleers, IFAD country director for Bangladesh.
The project will collaborate with the farmers to encourage on-farm diversification by mapping needs and disseminating integrated farming business models tailored to the specific needs of women and youths living in poverty and vulnerability.
It will also promote innovative climate-smart water management by providing solar irrigation pumps, drip irrigation systems and rainwater harvesting facilities, enhancing water availability for irrigation and drinking purposes, according to the release.