Dhaka:Bangladesh has launched a $112 million initiative to enhance climate resilience and rural livelihoods with support from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the government of Denmark. The Climate Resilience and Livelihood Enhancement Project (CRALEP) will be managed by the Local Government Engineering Department in flood-prone Haor and drought-prone High Barind regions.
According to United News of Bangladesh, CRALEP aims to assist approximately 1.5 million people across 33 upazilas over a six-year period. The project focuses on addressing risks such as flash floods in Haor and water scarcity in High Barind by developing climate-resilient infrastructure, promoting diverse livelihoods, and providing climate information services.
Moslema Naznin of the Economic Relations Division highlighted the longstanding partnership between the Government of Bangladesh and IFAD, emphasizing the project€š¬…¡¬‚¬¦¡¬‚¬Å¡¬¦¡¬‚¬Å¡¬€¦¡¬¦¡¬€š¬…¡¬‚¬¦¡¬‚¬Å¡¬¦¡¬‚¬Å¡¬€¦¡¬¦¾¢s goals of reducing rural poverty and enhancing community resilience. CRALEP will improve infrastructure such as village roads, rural markets, and boat landing facilities, while also providing water and sanitation facilities, raised shelters, and erosion protection in Haor.
Md Belal Hossain, Chief Engineer of LGED, noted the interconnected nature of the project's components, including improved market access and skills development. The project will offer vocational and entrepreneurship training for young people and support employment for poor women through labor contracting societies.
Early warning systems for flash floods and drought forecasting will aid communities in preparation for climate challenges, with the project also aiming to build LGED's capacity for climate-resilient approaches. Anders B. Karlsen from the Embassy of Denmark and Dr. Valantine Achancho from IFAD underscored the critical nature of combining climate resilience with livelihood enhancement to reduce climatic impacts and boost community resilience.
The project's funding includes $70 million from IFAD, approximately $31.75 million from the Bangladesh government, and a $10 million grant from Denmark. CRALEP is expected to improve access to services and economic opportunities, reduce flood and erosion damage, and create new employment opportunities, ultimately helping rural families secure their livelihoods amidst growing climate risks.