Dhaka: Economic Relations Division (ERD) Secretary Md Shahriar Kader Siddiky has emphasized that food security is a central focus for the government, with specific targets aimed at transforming the nation into a developed country. ‘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,’ Siddiky noted during a function marking the launch of the initiative ‘Mainstreaming Nutrition: Improving the Impact of IFAD Investments on the Nutritional Quality of Diets.’
According to United News of Bangladesh, the ERD Secretary highlighted the need to align nutrition-sensitive investments with Bangladesh’s food security priorities, SDG commitments, and climate resilience efforts. The event featured discussions on improving access to healthy diets in Bangladesh through the 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, as announced by IFAD on Tuesday. The launch also included a two-day 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 aims to enhance nutrition integration within ongoing IFAD-financed investments through technical assistance, behavior change initiatives, market linkages, multi-stakeholder coordination, and evidence generation. A USD 2 million global IFAD grant, along with USD 400,000 in in-kind co-financing from GAIN, will be implemented over a 30-month period across Bangladesh, Pakistan, Rwanda, and Benin.
In Bangladesh, the focus will be on supporting IFAD-financed investments to improve access to safe, diverse, and nutritious diets for rural communities. Jennifer Crum, Senior Technical Specialist at IFAD, emphasized that good nutrition is essential for rural development and highlighted IFAD’s continuous efforts to integrate nutrition across the food system.
The discussion also underscored the importance of stronger coordination among the government, private sector, development partners, and communities to advance nutrition-sensitive food systems in Bangladesh. Dr. Rudaba Khondker, Country Director of GAIN Bangladesh, stressed the need to connect agri-food systems interventions with health, education, social protection, climate, and nutrition initiatives to enhance dietary outcomes.
Dr. Valantine Achancho, IFAD Country Director for Bangladesh, remarked on the significance of nutrition in ensuring that mothers can provide nutritious meals for their children year-round and that rural families can access safe and diverse foods despite climate shocks and rising costs.