International Fund for Agricultural Development delegation visited Bangladesh this week and expressed their commitment to sustainable agriculture in the country, said a press release on Thursday.
Newly appointed managing director, Office of Technical Delivery, IFAD Pieternel Boogaard was on her first official visit to Bangladesh from January 25 to 28.
The IFAD delegation, including Nigel Brett, director, sustainable production, markets and institutions division and Valantine Achancho, IFAD country director for Bangladesh, visited Chattogram and observed IFAD-financed projects.
During the visit, the delegation visited interventions under the Rural Microenterprise Transformation Project and the Smallholder Agricultural Competitiveness Project, both supporting small-scale producers and entrepreneurs in building sustainable livelihoods.
Under RMTP, implemented by the Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation, the delegation observed biodiversity and environmental conservation efforts along the Halda River, black pepper cultivation in remote hilly areas developed by ethnic groups, and eco-tourism enterprises at Mahamaya Lake, all of which are strengthening local economies and promoting climate-resilient practices.
鈥楧espite challenges such as population growth, adverse climatic conditions, and limited arable land, smallholder farmers in Bangladesh continue to grow food and sustain their livelihoods. It is inspiring to witness how IFAD鈥檚 investments are delivering tangible results. Through access to financial and advisory services, technology, and training, farmers and entrepreneurs are expanding their businesses and improving production,鈥� said Boogaard.聽
Nigel Brett said that many of IFAD鈥檚 most impactful success stories had come from Bangladesh, where significant strides in agriculture, rural entrepreneurship, and the advancement of sustainable livelihoods were seen.
Boogaard also met with finance adviser Salehuddin Ahmed during the visit.
In a separate meeting with agriculture ministry secretary Mohammad Emdad Ullah Mian, the delegation expressed its commitment to crop diversification, water resource management, and efficient irrigation systems for strengthening the rural economy in Bangladesh.
The visit further reinforced IFAD鈥檚 commitment to supporting Bangladesh in achieving sustainable rural development, enhancing food and nutrition security, and empowering smallholder farmers through innovative and inclusive approaches, said Achancho.