IFAD Approves $70 Million Project to Enhance Rural Resilience in Bangladesh

Strategic Insights -

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) has approved a new $70 million project to support rural communities in flood-prone and drought-prone regions of Bangladesh in adapting to environmental shocks and improving their livelihoods. The project aims to reach 1.34 million people across 33 upazilas in the Haor and High Barind regions, areas frequently affected by floods, flash floods, and droughts. The project will focus on improving climate-resilient infrastructure, expanding income-generating opportunities, and strengthening institutional capacity to manage climate risks more effectively.

Key Takeaways:

  • The project, Climate Resilient Agriculture and Livelihood Enhancement Project (CRALEP), will provide critical support to rural communities in Bangladesh, with a target of reaching 1.34 million people across 33 upazilas.
  • CRALEP will improve climate-resilient infrastructure by constructing 334 kilometres of climate-resilient village roads, 58 rural markets, and installing key infrastructure such as walkways, tubewells, and sanitation facilities in 240 villages.
  • The project will develop 72 elevated platforms, known as killas, to provide shelter for livestock during floods and introduce nature-based protection systems in 280 villages to mitigate environmental risks.
  • CRALEP will strengthen early warning systems for flash floods and droughts through the Climate Resilient Local Infrastructure Centre (CReLIC) to support timely, community-based disaster response.
  • The project will provide vocational skills training to 34,000 young people and offer entrepreneurship support to another 10,000, helping them build sustainable livelihoods and contribute to the rural economy.
  • The project will focus on rural women, men, and youth in some of the country's most climate-vulnerable and underserved areas.
  • The project will strengthen the partnership between IFAD, the government of Bangladesh, and the local community through coordinated and sustained efforts.

Statistics:

  • $70 million: The total amount approved for the project
  • 1.34 million: The number of people the project aims to reach
  • 33 upazilas: The number of areas the project will cover
  • 334 kilometres: The length of climate-resilient village roads to be constructed
  • 58 rural markets: The number of rural markets to be built
  • 240 villages: The number of villages to receive improved living conditions and public health infrastructure
  • 72 elevated platforms: The number of killas to be developed for livestock shelter
  • 280 villages: The number of villages to benefit from nature-based protection systems
  • 34,000 young people: The number of youth to receive vocational skills training
  • 10,000 young people: The number of youth to receive entrepreneurship support

Sources:

  • IFAD (2023) - International Fund for Agricultural Development approves new $70 million project to support rural communities in Bangladesh
  • IFAD (2023) - Climate Resilient Agriculture and Livelihood Enhancement Project (CRALEP) aims to improve climate-resilient infrastructure and strengthen institutional capacity in Bangladesh
  • Government of Bangladesh (2023) - Letter from IFAD President Alvaro Lario to the adviser, Ministry of Finance and IFAD governor, commending Bangladesh's excellent performance in implementing development projects.