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Dear colleagues,
Below, the contribution is for "Preserving, strengthening and promoting Indigenous Peoples’ food and knowledge systems and traditional practices for sustainable food systems".Should you have any query, pls don't hesitate to contact me.
With best regards,
Nepal
The paper title: Sustainable Food Systems through the Preservation and Promotion of Traditional Food Knowledge and Practices of Ethnic Communities in Bangladesh
Authors: Nepal C. Dey1*, Ikhtiar Mohammad1 and Md. Tofazzal Islam2
1Resilient Food System Policy Research, Research and Entrepreneurship Development, Bangladesh2Institute of Biotechnology and Genetics Engineering, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University
1 Introduction
In an era of rapid globalization and environmental uncertainty, it is important to recognize the invaluable contributions of Bangladeshi ethnic groups towards sustainable food systems. The initiative to preserve, strengthen, and promote Bangladeshi ethnic groups’ (Beteille, 1998; Bowen, 2000; Shelly, 1992) food (FPMU, 2021, pp. 38-39) and knowledge systems and traditional practices for sustainable food systems involves the recognition and safeguarding of the unique agricultural (Alam, 2020), nutritional (Chakma et al., 2022), and cultural practices of ethnic communities in Bangladesh. These practices, which have evolved over centuries, are key to building resilient, sustainable, and equitable food systems, particularly in the face of climate change and modern agricultural challenges (Sakapaji, 2022; Mohammad and Dey, 2024).
2 Key Elements of the Initiative
2.1 Preservation of Ethnic Knowledge Systems
Ethnic communities in Bangladesh (World Bank Group, 2008), such as the Chakma, Marma, Santal, Garo, Tanchangya, and others, possess rich knowledge of local ecosystems, biodiversity, and food production methods that are intricately tied to their environment. These indigenous knowledge and practices includes traditional farming techniques, method of seed preservation, agroforestry (Akter et al., 2022), sustainable water management (Nasrin et al., 2023), and diversity in foods. The initiative aims to document, protect, and promote this traditional ecologically sustainable knowledge, ensuring it is preserved for future generations and integrated into broader agricultural policies.
2.2 Strengthening Food Systems
The traditional food systems of ethnic communities are often more sustainable, unique, diverse, and resilient than modern monoculture-based systems (Gonçalves et al., 2021). They rely on local crop varieties, mixed cropping, and organic farming techniques that promote soil health and biodiversity. Strengthening these systems involves supporting ethnic farmers in the ongoing use and refinement of their methods amidst pressures from industrial agriculture, market dynamics, and climate variability (Choudhury, 2021).
2.3 Promoting Sustainable Practices
Ethnic food and agricultural practices are often aligned with the principles of sustainability, making them critical for building climate-resilient food systems. Local indigenous practices (Amin et al., 2021), such as rotational farming, reliance on native species, and the sustainable use of natural resources, are inherently less environmentally destructive than many modern alternatives. Promoting these practices can contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, conserving biodiversity, and improving the sustainability of national food systems.
2.4 Cultural and Nutritional Value
Ethnic food systems also offer significant nutritional and cultural benefits (Alam & Naser, 2020). Traditional diets are often rich in diverse, nutrient-dense foods that support community health and well-being. At the same time, food is a core part of ethnic cultural identity, ceremonies, and social structures. This initiative recognizes that protecting food systems is also about preserving the cultural heritage and autonomy of ethnic peoples.
3 Challenges Faced by Ethnic Peoples
3.1 Land Rights and Access
Ethnic communities often face challenges in securing land rights (Ahammad et al., 2023; New Age, 2022; Zaman 2020), which are vital for maintaining traditional farming and food practices. Encroachment by commercial agriculture, land degradation, and deforestation threaten their access to the natural resources they depend on.
3.2 Climate Change Impacts and Water Scarcity
Ethnic communities are disproportionately affected by climate change (Jerez, 2021), with shifting rainfall patterns, increasing water scarcity (Dey et al., 2024), intensified droughts, increasing temperatures, and extreme weather events putting their food security at risk. Water scarcity caused by reduced water availability and quality poses a significant challenge to building resilient food systems through impacting traditional cropping cycles and leading to crop failure or reduced yields. The rugged terrain, combined with limited water storage options and unpredictable rainfall patterns, makes it difficult for communities to sustain agricultural activities and secure a stable food supply year-round. Farmers face severe limitations in accessing water for crops during the dry season. Analysis of national survey data reveals that overall, majority of respondents (72.9%) reported about difficulty in cultivation of paddy using surface water such as pond, river, canal across various regions of the country, the highest (97.8%) difficulty poses in hilly area (Dey et al., 2025). Due to water scarcity, farmers in hilly districts may limit their crops to those that require less water, often monocultures of low-water-demand crops, which can decrease crop diversity and ecosystem resilience. Water-stressed crops have lower productivity, leading to reduced yields and less food availability. This affects the local food supply, nutrition levels, and income generation for communities. A recent study by Dey and Rasul (2023) found that ethnic communities in the hilly area of Bandarban consume a less diverse range of foods—typically fewer than four groups—over the past 24 hours compared to other regions of Bangladesh. Additionally, the study revealed that the intake of protein-rich foods such as milk, fish, eggs, and meat is also lower among the predominantly ethnic population residing in these hill areas.
Case studies (Dey et al., 2022, 2024) discovered that over half of the participants have access to safe water sources, primarily deep tube-wells (53%), and shallow tube-wells (8%) in Bandarban, a hill district. Overall, 49% of households have access to improved or home-based sanitation facilities, but access in the Rowangchhari subdistrict of Bandarban is notably lower, at only 10%. The findings of the study are comparable with the previous studies (Rasul & Kishore, 2016; Rasul & Gurung, 2024), where it was illustrated that access to clean water and sanitation remains limited in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) in comparison to the rest of Bangladesh. Dey et al. (2024) also identified that most respondents (86.1%) reported a lack of irrigation for agricultural production, with Rowangchhari experiencing the most severe irrigation difficulties. Participants in the focus group discussions (FGDs) expressed that they face significant challenges with irrigation due to the absence of nearby surface water sources, such as streams or canals. One participant from Bandarban Sadar subdistrict stated, "The area is hilly; while we could supply water using a pump, it is too expensive for us."
3.3 Soil Degradation and Water Runoff
In the hills, soil erosion from heavy rains leads to nutrient loss, and water quickly runs off instead of infiltrating and replenishing groundwater. This leaves soils dry and less fertile, requiring more water for productive agriculture that is already scarce. Frequent erosion degrades soil health, which reduces its water-holding capacity, further exacerbating water shortages and affecting crop growth and resilience.
Banana and pineapple are essential cash crops for many ethnic communities across various regions of Bangladesh. However, soil degradation due to banana plant waste left in the fields post-harvest poses challenges for sustainable cultivation. The residual plant material, which can take several months to decompose, hinders subsequent crop growth and the healthy sprouting of new banana and pineapple plants. Furthermore, limited access to waste disposal sites, combined with the practice of leaving plant waste in fields, leads to significant waste accumulation and littering, adversely affecting soil quality and crop productivity. Dey and Saha (2024) examined the role of the Christian Commission for Development in Bangladesh's (CCDB) Green Innovation for Resilience Building (GIRB) project in Mymensingh and Tangail districts. They found that the project significantly improved waste management by producing vermicompost and fiber from pineapple and banana waste. Additionally, it created green jobs for unemployed youth and women, increased income to support a circular economy, promoted diverse organic vegetable consumption for food and nutrition security, and enhanced livelihoods. They also identified that establishing market linkages for the business expansion of banana and pineapple fiber is essential for making the project sustainable, as this aspect is still underdeveloped in the project area.
3.4 Lack of Storage Facilities and Sustainable Food System
A case study conducted by Dey et al. (2022) in hilly regions revealed that farmers' sustainable livelihoods and food systems primarily rely on the sale of highly perishable items, such as mangoes, vegetables, rice, pineapples, and bananas. Due to inadequate storage facilities and limited local market accessibility, many farmers are forced to sell their products at lower prices or risk having them spoil at home or in the market. The study found that farmers with storage facilities were able to sell their products at prices nearly double those of farmers without such amenities. Upgrading local market storage facilities is essential. Improving storage capacity with proper facilities for large-scale buyers from distant areas could help mitigate income losses for farmers and strengthen the local food system.
3.5 Socioeconomic Impacts on Food Security
Smallholder farmers, who make up the majority of the agricultural workforce, are heavily impacted by water scarcity. Lacking the financial resources to implement resilient farming practices or build adequate infrastructure, these farmers often find it difficult to adapt. As a result, many are compelled to migrate or seek alternative employment, which exacerbates labor shortages and reduces overall food production. Furthermore, the low productivity and limited crop diversity within ethnic farming communities lead to diminished food diversity, adversely affecting nutritional quality and access. This is crucial for establishing a resilient food system (Tithi et al., 2020).
4 Strategies for Enhancing Water Resilience in Hilly Food Systems
4.1 Water Harvesting and Storage Solutions
Implementing small-scale rainwater harvesting, constructing check dams with periodic excavation to remove accumulated silt and soil from runoff or landslides, and enhancing water storage capacity can promote sustainable water use. These systems, along with groundwater recharge initiatives, can significantly increase water availability during dry months.
4.2 Climate-smart Agricultural Practices
Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) represents a comprehensive strategy aimed at boosting productivity, improving resilience, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions (Mahashin & Roy, 2018). Encouraging the use of drought-resistant crops, agroforestry (Riyadh et al., 2021), and soil conservation practices can help enhance food security (Hasan et al., 2018) by optimizing water usage.
4.3 Integrated Watershed Management
Promoting watershed management to control soil erosion and increase water retention can improve soil health and groundwater recharge, supporting more resilient agriculture. Addressing water scarcity through sustainable water management and climate-adaptive practices is essential for building a resilient food system in Bangladesh’s hilly districts, ensuring food security and better livelihoods for these vulnerable communities (Haque, 2021).
4.4 Marginalization and Lack of Representation
Ethnic people in Bangladesh are often marginalized in policy-making processes (Indigenous Peoples Development Services, 2022). This initiative aims to elevate their voices and ensure their participation in shaping sustainable food systems at national and global levels.
4.5 Sustainability of effective projects/programs
The Comprehensive Poverty Reduction Program (CPRP) by the Christian Commission for Development in Bangladesh (CCDB) adopts a sustainable livelihood approach, integrating service delivery with rights-based development to address poverty comprehensively through community engagement. The program focuses on several thematic areas, including strengthening community-based organizations (CBOs) through initiatives in livelihood and food security, health, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), education and culture, societal peace, local-level advocacy, gender justice, and pro-poor market development (Dey et al., 2023).
Expanding the Green Innovation for Resilience Building (GIRB) Project, implemented by CCDB and Tearfund, to include market linkage interventions for banana and pineapple farming in hill regions is critical for advancing sustainable waste management and improving soil health. Such an expansion would facilitate the production of vermicompost and fibers from banana and pineapple waste, creating green job opportunities for unemployed youth and women, increasing household income to support a circular economy, and enhancing the consumption of diverse, organic vegetables for improved food and nutrition security. This initiative would also significantly contribute to improving livelihoods for local communities.
To further strengthen food and nutrition security, targeted efforts should promote increased dietary diversity by encouraging the consumption of more than four food groups within 24 hours (Dey et al. 2023). This should include protein-rich foods such as milk, fish, eggs, and meat to improve the nutritional intake of ethnic communities, thereby fostering better health outcomes and more resilient food systems. Engaging members of the indigenous community in development and policy formulation is essential for ensuring sustainability (Ostrom et al. 1999).
5 Global and Local Relevance
The food systems of Bangladesh's ethnic communities can significantly contribute to global efforts to achieve sustainable development goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 15 (Life on Land). By combining traditional knowledge with modern scientific practices (Talukder et al., 2023), this initiative aims to create more sustainable and resilient food systems, benefiting not only ethnic communities but the entire country. Preserving and promoting the genetic resources, biodiversity, and food knowledge of Bangladeshi ethnic peoples is essential for fostering a sustainable, inclusive, and climate-resilient future. This approach ensures food security while safeguarding cultural heritage and ecological balance.
6 Conclusion
The preservation, strengthening, and promotion of the food and knowledge systems of Bangladeshi ethnic communities are not merely a matter of cultural significance; they are vital for building resilient and sustainable food systems amidst contemporary challenges such as climate change and globalization. The unique agricultural practices and indigenous knowledge that have been honed over generations provide key insights into sustainable resource management, biodiversity conservation, and nutritional security. As demonstrated, these practices offer a viable alternative to the industrialized agricultural models that often neglect both the environment and the cultural heritage of farming communities. These communities possess invaluable traditional ecological knowledge and sustainable agricultural practices, which offer lessons for resilience, biodiversity conservation, and the creation of a circular economy.
Recognizing the significant role that these ethnic groups play in sustainable development is crucial. However, they face numerous challenges, from land rights issues and climate change impacts to socioeconomic marginalization and inadequate infrastructure. Addressing these challenges through targeted strategies—such as enhancing water resilience, implementing climate-smart agricultural practices, and ensuring the representation of ethnic communities in policy-making—is essential for fostering food security and improving livelihoods. Moreover, by integrating traditional ecological knowledge with contemporary agricultural practices, we can create a more holistic approach that benefits not only these communities but also contributes to broader goals such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This initiative ultimately advocates for a paradigm shift in how we approach food systems, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity, sustainability, and respect for indigenous practices.
As we move forward, fostering partnerships between local communities, policymakers, and researchers is paramount to ensure that the voices of ethnic communities are heard, and their practices are valued. By doing so, we not only safeguard their cultural heritage but also pave the way for a sustainable food system that honors the interconnectedness of ecology, culture, and health in Bangladesh and beyond. This represents a collective step towards a more sustainable and equitable future for all, where the wisdom of the past informs the solutions for the present and the future. By investing in these communities' heritage and livelihoods, Bangladesh takes a significant step toward ensuring food security, cultural preservation, and ecological sustainability for generations to come.
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Dear Svetlana,Please find our paper for your review and consideration.With best regards,
Nepal C Dey1* and Wais Kabir2
1Climate Change and DRM Cluster, The World Bank, Dhaka, Bangladesh
*Chief Investigator, Climate Actions, Research and Entrepreneurship Development Ltd, Dhaka 1216
2 Former Executive Chairman, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC), &
Consultant, CIMMYT, Dhaka Bangladesh
1.0 Introduction
Building resilient food systems in Bangladesh is crucial for ensuring food security, enhancing livelihoods, and mitigating the impacts of climate change for the increased population with decreased cultivating land accompanied by land degradation. Bangladesh is ranked seventh among the nation’s most at risk from climate change according to the 2021 World Climate Risk Index. Despite contributing minimally to global emissions, Bangladesh frequently faces climate-driven natural disasters due to its geographical location and low-lying topography. However, the country has made significant progress in achieving food security, with food grain production increasing significantly from 9.774 million tons in 1972 to 64.308 million tons in 2023 [1, 2, 3], Therefore, the aim of the study is to investigate the policies regime and practices that country has adopted for such a record of grain production to building resilient food systems. This paper is prepared based on systematic review of literatures including policy documents, journal articles, country’s outlooks from the homepages of development organizations to investigate the good practices, innovations in the production environment and gap in current strategies. It also encompasses potential policy recommendations for building climate resilient food systems in Bangladesh.
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Best Practices and Gaps
Bangladesh has developed a thorough National Food Policy that offers an operational framework for maintaining the country's population's nutrition and food security. The country has long been striving food security while recent policy shift is visible in safety and quality. The goal of the policy is to increase food production while also boosting agricultural practices, distribution and storage infrastructure, and nutrition-sensitive agricultural production. Besides, Social Safety Nets, School feeding initiatives, Women's Empowerment are effective programs that government has been implementing.
The recently formulated National Adaptation Plan (2023-2050) aims to continue these efforts [4], emphasis needs to be given to understand location and technology-specific adaptation capacities in different climatic hazard zones [5]. A systematic review of resilient food systems and innovations across various climatic zones, such as the saline prone coastal areas in the South-west and flash flood prone haor (depressed) areas in the North-east, and drought prone north west could provide valuable insights and recognition for real contributors [5]. By continuing to advance in building resilient food systems and recognizing the importance of localized and technology-specific solutions, Bangladesh can further strengthen its resilience against climate-related challenges. The National Food and Nutrition Security Policy (NFNSP) was approved by the Government of Bangladesh (GoB) in August 2020, and aims to ensure that the country achieves its food and nutrition security-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and fulfills relevant national and international commitments by 2030 [21].
1.1.1 Climate-resilient Agriculture: Bangladesh has been proactive and adept in climate change adaptation, mandated by the Constitution in its 15th amendment, Article 18A [6] on the protection and improvement of the environment and biodiversity. Over the decades, Bangladesh has advanced substantially in building adaptive capacity and resilience through formulation and subsequent implementation of relevant policies and regulatory frameworks for enabling climate resilient sustainable development.
Bangladesh's agricultural sector faces major difficulties because of the country's high sensitivity to climate change. In response, the nation has implemented climate-resilient agricultural techniques like encouraging organic farming, adopting drought-tolerant crop types, and installing climate-resilient irrigation systems. These techniques aid farmers in adjusting to shifting climatic conditions and guarantee the sustainability of food production. A review study of over 20 papers, reports and policy documents has identified major progress, challenges and policy recommendations related to resilient food systems [7]. A case study demonstrated that community-based early response with supply of food immediately after any extreme flooding and other extreme events reduces the risk of food and nutrition insecurity, mainly for children [7, 8], is a proven technique to build resilient food systems. A number of case studies in the drought-prone area demonstrated that in order to addressing water scarcity, conservation of surface and groundwater [9], its sustainability [10], timely its application for improving food production and security, environment and health [11] are some proven climate actions for building resilient food systems. The early warning and climate forecasting system helps to save life and livelihood.
1.1.1.1 Improved crop Varieties: In Bangladesh, improved rice varieties have been developed and widely used to increase agricultural output and resilience. Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) and Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture has developed 30 climate resistant rice varieties so far, including ten salt tolerant variants, three submergence variations, three drought tolerant varieties, four cold varieties, two tidal submergence varieties, one semi-deep-water variety, and one dual (Sal+Subm) variety [12]. To lessen the effects of frequent flooding, flood-tolerant rice varieties like Swarna-Sub1 and BRRI dhan 51 have been developed. Because of their ability to tolerate protracted submersion, these cultivars allow farmers to reestablish their rice crop even in the wake of major flooding [12]. Develop and distribute crop varieties that are resilient to extreme weather conditions, such as high temperature-resilient crop varieties for each climatic zone would be necessity for improving food security and building resilient food systems. Awareness raising on efficient water management practices, provide training to farmers on CSA management practices, more investment in irrigation infrastructure, rainwater harvesting to cope with water scarcity and irregular rainfall. Short duration crops by research institutes allow additional crops to grow in the cropping pattern and avert risk of flood.
Adoption of climate-resilient farming practices, such as raised bed farming and alternate wetting and drying (AWD) in rice cultivation, has been promoted in Bangladesh. Raised bed farming helps improve soil drainage and reduces waterlogging, while AWD technique reduces water use in rice fields. These practices contribute to water conservation, increase crop productivity, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. A case study in the North-west Bangladesh demonstrated that the adaption of AWD reduced irrigation costs by about 25% and average yields increased by 8.1% to 13.7% in rice cultivation [13]. Study also demonstrated that on average, only 10% excess water to Gross Irrigation Water Requirement was lifted when AWD method followed. However, modern water management technologies like AWD are likely to be less effective unless volumetric irrigation methods are used. More emphasis on practicing conservation of irrigation mainly in the dry-period, which is found relatively less in the drought prone area [14].
The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) and collaborators undertook a case study in Bangladesh to evaluate the effects of integrated farming practices and climate-smart agriculture (CSA) on agricultural productivity and climate resilience. The project includes implementing CSA practices such crop diversity, zero-tillage, and enhanced water management methods. Farmers that adopted these strategies saw improvements in agricultural production, water use, soil health, and resilience to the effects of climate change.
2.0 Potential Policy Recommendations
Focus on Food Utilization and Marginalized Populations: Emphasis needs to be given to the proper utilization of food by improving awareness of nutrition, food safety, and hygiene to achieve proper food security gains [15, 16]. Special attention should be focused on marginalized people living in low-income settings and flood-prone areas to build resilient food systems [7, 8].
Diversification of Crops and Livelihoods: Encourage farmers to grow a variety of crops to reduce dependency on a single crop. This can help mitigate risks associated with pests, diseases, and market fluctuations. Also growing high value crops ensures better income and nutritional security. Implement integrated farming systems that combine crops, livestock, aquaculture, and agroforestry to diversify income sources and enhance resilience.
Sustainable Agricultural Practices: Conservation agriculture through practicing no-till farming, improving soil organic matter through applying balanced fertilizer, crop rotation, and cover cropping to improve soil health and water retention. Implement agroecological practices that enhance biodiversity and ecosystem services, such as using organic fertilizers, biopesticides, and natural pest control methods. To ensure crop production and ecosystem services, particularly during the dry period and in drought-prone areas, water availability must be secured. This can be achieved through improved management and a joint monitoring system of water availability in canals and river systems, coordinated by the Department of Agricultural Extension and the Bangladesh Water Development Board.
The Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach is being adopted in Bangladesh to reduce pesticide use and promote sustainable farming practices. IPM combines biological control methods, cultural practices, and targeted pesticide use to manage pests effectively while minimizing environmental impacts. A case study in Bangladesh demonstrated that the adoption of IPM practices reduced pesticide use by 50-70% in rice cultivation, resulting in cost savings for farmers and improved ecosystem health.
Floating Gardening Systems: Bangladesh experiences periodic flooding, which complicates agricultural efforts. Farming is now possible during flood events because to the introduction of floating gardening devices, using water hyacinth layered with soil—an old practice which is now expanding in the Southern coastal plains as a climate risk management strategy [17]. Practical Action did a case study on the usage of floating gardens in Bangladesh's flood-prone regions. The study demonstrated that floating gardens enhanced food security, nutrition, and money creation for vulnerable people in addition to offering a way to grow vegetables during floods.
Gher (dyke) farming in the coastal area: Many climate actions such as climate smart technologies have been discovered and farmers themselves in which are being potential in identified here have been used by farmers in the southern coastal plains of Bangladesh for centuries, in response to increasing floods and cyclones [15]. Study also identified that shrimp farming, for example, traditional gher farming—an aquaculture pond in non-saline wetlands with raised dikes for vegetable production—has grown increasingly complex, allowing for the production of shrimp, fish, and prawns. Climbing vine type vegetables are also commonly grown on trellises over the pond. Kangkong (water spinach) cultivation was always done near ponds, and with improved varieties, production can be expanded [15].
Solar-Powered Irrigation: Solar-powered irrigation systems have been constructed to address the country's water shortage and lower the greenhouse gas emissions caused by diesel-powered pumps in Bangladesh. This equipment provides farmers an environmentally friendly and economically practical alternative by using solar energy to power water pumps. A case study from Bangladesh showed how the effective use of solar-powered irrigation systems led to lower fuel costs, greater access to water for irrigation, and higher crop yields [16]. The head of the state declared priority of converting diesel operated to solar irrigation.
Community-Based Nutrition Programs: Bangladesh has put in place community-based nutrition programs to combat malnutrition. These programs include encouraging the best nursing habits, strengthening complementary feeding for newborns and young children, and improving nutrition teaching and counseling. These initiatives, carried out by community health professionals, have helped to lower malnutrition rates, especially for young children under the age of five.
Public-private Partnerships: To improve nutrition and food security, Bangladesh has encouraged collaborations between the public and private sectors. Collaboration has been made to advance sustainable agricultural methods, provide farmer access to credit, upgrade food processing and storage facilities, and create value chains for agricultural goods. These collaborations have been crucial in fostering innovation, increasing agricultural output, and increasing food accessibility.
These instances highlight a few of the beneficial methods used in Bangladesh to advance the right to food. However, issues like population increase, deteriorating land, and the effects of climate change still exist. To further promote food security, enhance nutrition outcomes, and guarantee the right to food for all Bangladeshis, ongoing efforts and investments are needed. Institutional capacity influences how well these recommendations are implemented in daily life.
Skill-Based Training and Job Opportunities: Provide skill-based training to farmers and rural communities to enhance their adaptive capacity and resilience to any climate disaster. A case study demonstrated discovered that skilled-based occupations, such as service providers holders and businessmen relatively earn better and more resilient to protect livelihood because of stable income and sudden hike of food price might not affect them much as others and thus more food secured in extreme flooding [7, 8]. Create facilities for skill-based training for youth and job opportunities in relevant enterprises to protect the livelihoods of vulnerable people living in different climate hazard areas.
Village-level information hubs: The strengthening of village level information hubs under the Department of Agricultural Extension’s Agricultural Information Service at the Union Parishad complex is a potential starting point to facilitate higher adoption of CSA practices by farmers [17]. Study also identified that ICT sector has increased significantly over the last years and it has the potential to facilitate higher adoption of CSA practices by farmers, through mobile phones and apps.
Strengthening Supply Chains and Market Access: Improve rural infrastructure, such as market access through roads and storage facilities, to reduce post-harvest losses and ensure timely access to markets. Establish strong linkages between farmers and markets through cooperatives, contract farming, and digital platforms to ensure fair prices and reduce market risks.
Access to Finance and Insurance: Enhance access to credit and microfinance services for smallholder farmers, enabling them to invest in resilient farming practices and technologies. Additionally, develop insurance products that protect farmers against crop failures caused by natural disasters, pests, and diseases.
Research and Extension Services: Increased investment in research is needed to develop resilient crop varieties, sustainable farming techniques, and climate-smart innovations. Emphasis should be placed on producing peer-reviewed publications, which are currently insufficient in our countries and research institutes. Conducting village-level water balance studies is essential to understand needs and gaps for better water management, especially during dry periods. Additionally, agricultural extension linkage services to quick disseminate knowledge and best practices to farmers, particularly focusing on resilience-building techniques.
Policy Support and Governance: Effectively implement policies that support sustainable agriculture, protect natural resources, and provide incentives for resilience-building practices. Ensure the participation of smallholder farmers, women, and marginalized communities in decision-making processes related to agriculture and food systems.
Community-Based Approaches: Strengthen local institutions and community-based organizations (producer organizations) to foster collective action and efficient resource management. More engagement of communities in participatory planning and decision-making to ensure that resilience-building initiatives are context-specific and locally accepted.
Leveraging Technology and Innovation: Digital technologies have recently emerged as effective tools for enhancing agricultural extension services [18, 19]. Digitalization has enabled agri-tech entrepreneurs and startups to create innovative business models for smallholder farmers, reducing transaction and discovery costs [20]. Emerging digital agriculture technologies are expected to improve service delivery, decision-making, value addition, productivity, profitability, resilience, and sustainability across the food supply chain. Increased use of digital technologies, such as mobile apps, remote sensing, and data analytics, can provide real-time information on weather, pest outbreaks, and market prices.
Innovation Hubs: Effective use of innovation hubs and incubators to promote the development and adoption of new technologies and practices in agriculture.
By implementing these recommendations and beyond, Bangladesh can build resilient food systems that are capable of withstanding various shocks and stresses, ensuring food security, and promoting sustainable development. Building resilient food systems in Bangladesh is crucial for ensuring food security, enhancing livelihoods, and mitigating the impacts of climate change. By continuing to advance in climate resilience in food system, recognizing the importance of localized and technology-specific solutions, focusing on proper food utilization, supporting marginalized populations, and providing skill-based training and job opportunities, Bangladesh can further strengthen for building resilient food systems.
References
[1] FPMU (2021). Bangladesh food situation report (April-June, 2021). Food Planning and Monitoring Unit. Ministry of Food, Government of the Peoples Republic of Bangladesh.
http://fpmu.gov.bd/agridrupal/sites/default/files/FSR_125.pdf
[2] Bangladesh Country Briefs (https://www.fao.org/giews/countrybrief/country.jsp?code=BGD)
[3] FAO (2015). FAOSTAT. Rome: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). Rome. Available at: http://faostat3.fao.org.
[4] MoEF (2022). National Adaptation Plan of Bangladesh (2023-50). Ministry of Environment and Forest, Government of the Peoples Republic of Bangladesh.
[5] Dey N.C et al. (2023). Climate action: Progress, challenges, and policy recommendations. Fact Sheet. Research and Entrepreneurship Development Ltd. Dhaka. (www.redint.org).
[6] GOB (1972). The Constitution of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, Article 18A: The State shall endeavor to protect and improve the environment and to preserve and safeguard the natural resources, bio‐diversity, wetlands, forests and wild life for the present and future citizens. [accessible at: http://bdlaws.minlaw.gov.bd/act‐367/section‐41505.html
[7] Dey, N.C., Parvez, M., Islam, M.R. (2021). A study on the impact of 2017 early monsoon flash flood: potential measures to safeguard livelihoods from extreme climate events in the haor area of Bangladesh, Intl. J. Disaster Risk Reduction, 59, 102247.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijdrr.2021.102247
[8] Parvez, M., Islam, R. and Dey, N.C. (2021). Household food insecurity after the early monsoon flash flood of 2017 among wetland (Haor) communities of northeastern Bangladesh: a cross-sectional study, Food and Energy Security, 00, e326.https://doi.org/10.1002/fes3.326.
[9] Dey, N.C., Sujit, K. Bala, and Hayakawa, S. (2006). Assessing the economic benefits of improved irrigation management: a case study of Bangladesh. Water Policy J, 2006, 8(6), 573-84. doi:10.2166/wp.2006.058.
[10] Dey, N.C., Bala SK, Islam AKM, Saha, R., Parvez, M., Hossain, M. (2017). Sustainability of groundwater use for irrigation for dry-season crops in the northwest Bangladesh, Groundwater for Sustainable Development, 2017, 4, 66–77. https://doi.10.1016/j.gsd.2017.02.001.
[11] Dey, N.C., Alam SM, Sajjan, A.K., Ali, M.A., Ibaraki, Y., Ghose, L. (2011). Assessing environmental and health impact of drought in the northwest Bangladesh”, J Environ Science & Natural Resources, 2011, 4(2), 89-97. https://doi.org/10.3329/jesnr.v4i2.10141.
[12] BARC (2021). The 100 Agro Technologies Atlas. Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council. The Ministry of Agriculture, Government of the Peoples Republic of Bangladesh. Dhaka.https://moa.gov.bd/sites/default/files/files/moa.portal.gov.bd/publications/b9f36738_e95a_4c17_9d63_44b883167878/100AgroTechAtlas.pdf
[13] Dey, N.C. Parvez, M., Saha, R., Akter, T. Islam, R. (2017). Application of remote sensing information for assessing excess water on crop productivity and associated costs: A case study in northwest Bangladesh. Proc. Intl. Conf. Geoscience and Remote Sensing. Las Vegas. USA
[14]. Dey et al. (2024). End-term Evaluation of Agro-met Information Services Development Project (2017-‘24). Final Report. Kranti Associates Ltd, Department of Agricultural Extension, GoB and the World Bank, Dhaka.
[15] Rabbi SE and Dey NC (2013). Exploring the gap between hand washing knowledge and practices in Bangladesh: a cross-sectional comparative study. BMC Public Health, 13:89. https://doi:10.1186/1471-2458-13-89.
[16] Dey, N.C. Awal, M.A., Malay, et al. (2023a). “Survey on consumer awareness of nutrition, food safety and hygiene”, Technical Report, Meeting the Undernutrition Challenge (MUCH), FAO of the UN and Food Planning and Monitoring Unit, Ministry of Food, Government of the Peoples Republic of Bangladesh, pp.124.
[17] World Bank (2017). Climate-Smart Agriculture in Bangladesh. CSA Country Profiles for Asia Series. International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT); World Bank. Washington, D.C. 28 p.. https://climateknowledgeportal.worldbank.org/sites/default/files/2019-06/CSA-in-Bangladesh.pdf
[18] Deichmann, U., Goyal, A., & Mishra, D. (2016). Will digital technologies transform agriculture in developing countries? Agricultural Economics, 47(S1), 21–33. doi:10.1111/agec.12300.
[19] Ortiz-Crespo, B., Steinke, J., Quirós, C. F., van de Gevel, J., Daudi, H., Gaspar Mgimiloko, M., & van Etten, J. (2020). User-centred design of a digital advisory service: enhancing public agricultural extension for sustainable intensification in Tanzania. International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability, 1–17. doi:10.1080/14735903.2020.1720474
[20] FAO (2015). FAOSTAT. Rome: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). Rome. Available at: http://faostat3.fao.org.
[21] FPMU (2021). National Food and Nutrition Security Policy Plan of Action (2021-30). Food Planning and Monitoring Unit, Ministry of Food, Government of the People’s Re[ublic of Bangladesh.
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Dear Concern,
Thank you so much for inviting me to contribute to the creation of effective policies to support urban and peri-urban food systems in order to achieve food security and nutrition in the context of urbanization and rural transformation. The following suggestions are provided for your evaluation and consideration:
Achieving food security and improved nutrition status in an era of rapid urbanization requires considerably more understanding of the relationship between urban and food systems. In case of urban settings for low-income groups, awareness raising about the benefit of healthy food and its accessibility in the neighboring stores is needed. The adverse impact of trans fatty acids containing unhealthy food like singara, puri, samosa, burger, which are frequently consumed around tea time at 11:0am and at tea break, should be avoided from the food consumption list. The person responsible for making such unhealthy food should be discouraged, and given assistance to start a business for selling healthier food.
In the per-urban areas, water logging and improper fecal waste management are the major source of microbial contamination in water and soil (Dey et al. 2017), which increases the risk of child stunting and wasting. Improving the household environment through safely managed water and sanitation, and hygiene practices reduce the risk of childhood diarrhoeal disease (Dey et al. 2019), and child stunting and wasting caused by nutritional imbalances. Protection of soil and water contamination from industrial waste, tubewell’s waste water, and agro-chemicals are urgently needed to ensure safe production of high value crops, such as fruits and vegetables in the peri-urban areas. Conservation of surface water, its sustainability (Dey et al. 2017) in terms of availability and quality (Dey et al. 2018), timely its application, adoption of smart technology for remediation of degraded soil and water quality aiming to smart farming for enhancing food production and thus food security in the changing climate is urgently needed. It is very important to get insights on people’s knowledge on issues like this, which critically impact food safety and hygiene, but which have received little attention so far (Rabbi and Dey, 2013). Proper handwashing with soap and water before eating, after defecation, proper management of child faeces and periodic monitoring for adopting hygiene behavior including cleanliness of latrine can prevent under-five children diarrhoea in households (Dey et al., 2019).
Pesticides, for example, are often used even right before harvest, selling, and consumption, posing a serious risk to public health (Dey al. 2010; WHO 2022). In peri-urban environments where vegetables are produced, supply water or TW water is not always accessible, especially during the dry season. As a result, many farmers wash their produce using contaminated surface water, increasing the risk of microbiological contamination, food safety, and health. There is an urgent need for more education campaigns on the harmful effects of pesticides and tainted surface water on human health and food safety. Establishment of a community-based monitoring system to safeguard against the improper application of pesticides prior to harvest and sale. As a skilled employee earns more, development of skill in a specific area by each member of a family may enhance income generation as a whole to purchase healthy food. A strong understanding of cooking techniques can maintain an ideal level of nutrients in food for healthy life.
Thank you,
Dr. Nepal C Dey
Founding Managing Director, Research and Entrepreneurship Development Ltd.
References
Damalas, C.A. and Eleftherohorinos, I.G. (2011). Pesticide Exposure, Safety Issues, and Risk Assessment Indicators, Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2011 May; 8(5): 1402–1419. doi: 10.3390/ijerph8051402
Junaid, S.A., Umeh, C., Olabode, A.O., Banda, J.M. (2011). Incidence of rotavirus infection in children with gastroenteritis attending Jos university teaching hospital, Nigeria. Virol. J. 8, 233.
Dey, N.C., Parvez, M., Islam, M.R., Mistry, S.K., Levine, D. (2019). Effectiveness of a community-based water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) intervention in reduction of diarrhoea among under-five children: Evidence from a repeated cross-sectional study (2007–2015) in rural Bangladesh, Intl. J. Hygiene and Environmental Health, 222 (8): 1098-1108. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijheh.2019.08.006.
Dey, N.C., Parvez, M., Dey, D., Saha, R., Ghose, L., Barua, M., Islam, A, Chowdhury, M. (2017). Microbial contamination of drinking water from risky tubewells situated in different hydrological regions of Bangladesh, Intl. J. Hygiene and Environmental Health,2017, 220 (3), 621–636. https://doi. 10.1016/j.ijheh.2016.12.007.
Rabbi, S.E. and Dey, N.C. (2013). Exploring the gap between hand washing knowledge and practices in Bangladesh: a cross-sectional comparative study, BMC Public Health, 13, 89. [[https://doi:10.1186/1471-2458-13-89%5dhttps:/doi:10.1186/1471-2458-13-8….
WHO (2022). Pesticide residues in food. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/pesticide-residues-in-food (entered on 6 March 2022).
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Prof. Nepal Dey
Dear FSN Moderator,
Thank you for inviting me to participate in the call. Please find attached my contribution in the complete form attached.
I look forward to your feedback and further discussions.
Best regards,
Dr. Nepal C. Dey
Resilient Food System Research, Research and Entrepreneurship Development (RED), Dhaka, Bangladesh
1. Introduction
Community engagement is a powerful tool for fostering inclusive rural transformation and promoting gender inequality in Bangladesh. It involves actively involving local communities, including marginalized and vulnerable groups, in decision-making, planning, and implementing programs that impact their lives and livelihoods. This approach not only strengthens social cohesion but also builds resilience and empowers individuals, particularly women, to participate equally in rural development processes (Kibria, 2017). Here’s how community engagement supports these goals:
2. Promoting Gender Equality
2.1. Participatory Decision-Making
Community engagement often uses participatory approaches that give women a voice in decisions about resource allocation, agricultural practices, and community projects (Wei et al., 2021). This involvement enhances their status within households and communities, leading to greater equality.
2.2. Skill Development and Livelihood Opportunities
Engaging women in community activities often includes skill-building initiatives, which provide them with the knowledge and tools needed to pursue sustainable livelihoods. In Bangladesh, this can mean training women in sustainable agricultural techniques, handicrafts, or entrepreneurship (Emon and Nipa, 2024).
2.3. Leadership Development
Community engagement projects often establish women’s groups, cooperatives, and other forums that encourage female leadership. Such platforms build confidence and allow women to take on decision-making roles traditionally reserved for men (Islam, Wahab, and Benson, 2020).
3. Reducing Poverty and Enhancing Livelihoods
3.1. Inclusive Economic Opportunities
Rural transformation requires expanding economic opportunities for marginalized groups (Trivelli and Morel, 2021). Community engagement initiatives, such as village savings and loan associations, provide accessible financial support that enables poor households to invest in small businesses or agricultural activities.
3.2. Resource Management
Inclusive rural development engages communities in managing resources (Ryan et al., 2020) like water, forests, and grazing lands. Such programs encourage sustainable resource use, reduce conflicts, and ensure that benefits are shared equitably across the community, including with women and low-income families.
4. Building Resilience to Climate Change
4.1. Climate-Adaptive Agriculture
Bangladesh is highly vulnerable to climate change, especially in rural areas. Community engagement in climate-adaptive practices (Shapna et al., 2024), such as water-saving irrigation techniques, crop diversification, and climate-resilient crops, builds resilience among smallholder farmers, who are often the most affected by climate change.
4.2. Disaster Preparedness and Risk Reduction
Many community programs focus on preparing for and responding to natural disasters like floods and cyclones (Seddiky, Giggins, and Gajendran, 2020). Women and marginalized communities are actively involved in disaster risk reduction activities, which ensures that all members of the community benefit from preparedness efforts and are better equipped to recover.
5. Social Equity and Inclusion
5.1. Engaging Marginalized Communities
In Bangladesh, community engagement initiatives (Masud-All-Kamal and Nursey-Bray, 2021) often focus on reaching groups marginalized by social, economic, or geographic factors. By involving diverse groups in the planning and implementation phases of development projects, these initiatives can ensure that everyone benefits, leading to more equitable development outcomes.
5.2. Addressing Cultural and Social Norms
In many rural areas, cultural norms may limit women’s mobility or restrict their participation in community activities. Community engagement can address these barriers by fostering dialogues and awareness campaigns (Khatibi et al., 2021) that encourage shared values of inclusion and respect for all.
6. Supporting Local Governance and Policy Development
6.1. Strengthening Local Institutions
Community engagement often includes capacity-building for local institutions, such as village councils or community-based organizations, which become key advocates for gender equality and rural development. By strengthening local governance, communities can better advocate for policies that support equitable resource distribution, access to services, and sustainable economic growth (Uddin, 2019).
6.2. Policy Advocacy
Engaging communities can amplify their voices in advocating for policies that prioritize gender equality, poverty reduction, and rural transformation. Community organizations often partner with NGOs and government bodies to push for policy changes that address local needs and align with national development goals (Islam, 2024).
7. Key Examples in Bangladesh
Christian Commission for Development in Bangladesh (CCDB) developed a Comprehensive Poverty Reduction Program (CPRP) using a sustainable livelihood approach, which integrated service delivery and rights-based development approaches to address poverty comprehensively through community engagement. The key thematic areas of the program include strengthening community-based organizations (CBO) through livelihood and food security, health and water, sanitation and hygiene, education and culture, societal peace, local-level advocacy, gender justice, and pro-poor market development (Dey et al. 2023). Programs like the Village Development Program by the Government of Bangladesh and PKSF’s Gender Action Plan have shown success by integrating community engagement, emphasizing gender equality, and focusing on sustainable livelihood improvements (PKSF, 2023). The Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee also runs extensive development programs as well as social enterprises that help to address gender disparities, promote women’s empowerment, and foster community-led development across rural areas (BRAC 2023). Furthermore, the community-led Village WASH Committee (VWC), consisting of 11 members with a gender-balanced representation of six women and five men, has played a crucial role in facilitating rural transformation by shifting sanitation behaviors from unhygienic practices to hygienic ones at the household level, while also promoting gender equality in the implementation of WASH programs (Dey and Akhter, 2013). A study by Dey et al. (2019) demonstrated that community-based Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) programs effectively reduce the prevalence of diarrhea in children by improving the monitoring of hygiene behaviors and maintaining toilet cleanliness at the rural household level; periodic monitoring from the community as well as programme level to ensure proper sanitation and child waste management at the rural household is crucial for sustainability of services.
8. Conclusion
Community engagement serves as a cornerstone for achieving inclusive rural transformation and addressing gender inequality in Bangladesh. By actively involving marginalized groups, particularly women, in decision-making, skill development, and leadership initiatives, it empowers individuals to contribute meaningfully to their communities and fosters equitable development. The integration of sustainable livelihood strategies, climate resilience measures, and social equity initiatives ensures that these efforts are comprehensive and impactful.
Successful examples from organizations like CCDB, BRAC, PKSF, and government programs highlight the transformative potential of community engagement in addressing structural inequalities and building a more inclusive society. These initiatives not only enhance economic opportunities but also challenge cultural norms and strengthen local governance, paving the way for sustainable development. Moving forward, scaling up such programs and integrating their best practices into national policies can further accelerate progress toward gender equality and rural transformation in Bangladesh.
References
1. Kibria, G., Haroon, A. Y., & Nugegoda, D. (2017). An innovative model for engagement of rural citizens/community of Bangladesh with climate Change. Journal of Climate Change, 3(2), 73-80.
2. Emon, M. H., & Nipa, M. N. (2024). Exploring the Gender Dimension in Entrepreneurship Development: A Systematic Literature Review in the Context of Bangladesh. Westcliff International Journal of Applied Research, 8(1), 34-49.
3. Islam, E., Abd Wahab, H., & Benson, O. G. (2020). Structural and operational factors as determinant of meaningful community participation in sustainable disaster recovery programs: The case of Bangladesh. International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction, 50, 101710.
4. Wei, W., Sarker, T., Żukiewicz-Sobczak, W., Roy, R., Alam, G. M., Rabbany, M. G., ... & Aziz, N. (2021). The influence of women’s empowerment on poverty reduction in the rural areas of Bangladesh: Focus on health, education and living standard. International journal of environmental research and public health, 18(13), 6909.
5. Trivelli, C., & Morel, J. (2021). Rural youth inclusion, empowerment, and participation. The Journal of Development Studies, 57(4), 635-649.
6. Ryan, B., Johnston, K. A., Taylor, M., & McAndrew, R. (2020). Community engagement for disaster preparedness: A systematic literature review. International journal of disaster risk reduction, 49, 101655.
7. Shapna, K. J., Li, J., Kabir, M. H., Salam, M. A., Khandker, S., & Hossain, M. L. (2024). Strengthening adaptation in coastal Bangladesh: community-based approaches for sustainable agriculture and water management. Disaster Prevention and Resilience, 3(2), N-A.
8. Seddiky, M. A., Giggins, H., & Gajendran, T. (2020). International principles of disaster risk reduction informing NGOs strategies for community based DRR mainstreaming: The Bangladesh context. International journal of disaster risk reduction, 48, 101580.
9. Masud-All-Kamal, M., & Nursey-Bray, M. (2021). Socially just community-based climate change adaptation? Insights from Bangladesh. Local Environment, 26(9), 1092-1108.
10. Khatibi, F. S., Dedekorkut-Howes, A., Howes, M., & Torabi, E. (2021). Can public awareness, knowledge and engagement improve climate change adaptation policies?. Discover Sustainability, 2, 1-24.
11. Uddin, N. (2019). Empowerment through participation in local governance: the case of Union Parishad in Bangladesh. Public Administration and Policy, 22(1), 40-54.
12. Islam, S. (2024). Community-based strategies for localising SDG in Bangladesh.
13. Dey, N.C. Rasul, G. M. (2023). Evaluation of Comprehensive Poverty Reduction Program (CPRP) Phase-V, Final Report. Research and Entrepreneurship Development, Dhaka, Bangladesh, www.redint.org
14. BRAC (2023). BRAC SDG Contribution, Voluntary Review-2023. https://www.brac.net/downloads/BRAC-SDG-Contribution-Voluntary-Review-2023_spreads-1.pdf (Entered on 10 Dec 2024).
15. PKSF (2023). Gender -equality (https://pksf.org.bd/gender-equality/; (Entered on 10 December 2024).
16. Dey, N.C. and Akter, T., “Women in water-hygiene and sanitation management at household in rural Bangladesh: changes from baseline to endline survey”, In: Achievement of BRAC-WASH program towards Millennium Development Goal and beyond, 2013, pp. 69-83:BRAC Research Monograph 60.
17. Dey, N.C., Parvez, M., Islam, M.R., Mistry, S.K., Levine, D. (2019). Effectiveness of a community-based water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) intervention in reduction of diarrhoea among under-five children: Evidence from a repeated cross-sectional study (2007–2015) in rural Bangladesh, Intl. J. Hygiene and Environmental Health, 2019, ,222 (8): 1098-1108. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijheh.2019.08.006.