IFAD, GAIN launch initiative to strengthen nutrition-sensitive food systems in Bangladesh

Speakers at an event in Dhaka on Sunday discussed the need to improve access to healthy diets in Bangladesh through stronger integration of nutrition within agriculture, food systems, markets and rural development investments.

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) jointly launched the initiative titled “Mainstreaming Nutrition: Improving the Impact of IFAD Investments on the Nutritional Quality of Diets.”

The event also marked the launching of a two-day launching ceremony and co-creation workshop bringing together representatives from government ministries, development partners, UN agencies, academia, civil society, agri-entrepreneurs and the private sector to support the implementation of nutrition-sensitive food systems in Bangladesh.

The initiative will strengthen nutrition integration within the ongoing IFAD-financed investments through technical assistance, behaviour change initiatives, market linkages, multi-stakeholder coordination and evidence generation.

Stressing the importance of aligning nutrition-sensitive investments with Bangladesh’s food security priorities, SDG commitments and climate resilience efforts, Md Shahriar Kader Siddiky, Secretary of the Economic Relations Division (ERD), Ministry of Finance said, “Food security is one of the main pillars. The government is focusing on food security with very specific targets for transforming the country into a developed one. I am very happy to see this initiative also focusing on rural smallholders, while trying to integrate SMEs, schools and social partners alongside policy interventions.”

The US$2 million global IFAD grant, complemented by $400,000 in in-kind co-financing from GAIN, will be implemented across Bangladesh, Pakistan, Rwanda and Benin over a 30-month period. In Bangladesh, it will support IFAD-financed investments aimed at improving access to safe, diverse and nutritious diets for rural communities.

“Recognising that good nutrition is required for rural development, IFAD has continuously strengthened its approach to integrating nutrition in investments that span the food system, including production, off-farm processing, infrastructure and institutional development,” said Jennifer Crum, Senior Technical Specialist, Nutrition & Social Inclusion at IFAD.

The discussion also highlighted the importance of stronger coordination across government, private sector, development partners and communities, to advance nutrition-sensitive food systems in Bangladesh.

Dr Rudaba Khondker, Country Director of GAIN Bangladesh emphasized the importance of connecting agri-food systems interventions with health, education, social protection, climate and nutrition initiatives to improve dietary outcomes.

Dr Valantine Achancho, IFAD Country Director for Bangladesh, said nutrition is about whether a mother can provide a nutritious meal for her children throughout the year. Whether rural families can access safe and diverse foods despite climate shocks and rising costs,” he said.