By: Jiaoqun Shi, FAO Representative in Bangladesh
Since 1973, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has been a long-standing development partner of Bangladesh, supporting its journey from a newly independent nation recovering from war to a country striving for climate resilience, sustainable development, and food system transformation. Over the past five decades, FAO has played a crucial role in enhancing food and nutrition security, strengthening agricultural systems, and building institutional and community resilience in Bangladesh.
FAO implemented over 300 technical assistance projects in Bangladesh, with a total investment of around USD 420 million. These initiatives cover agriculture, fisheries, livestock, forestry, climate resilience, food safety, and public health. FAO contributed to significantlyboosting the country’s agricultural productivity through the promotion of climate-smart farming practices, sustainable irrigation systems, and pest management strategies. Introduction of Farmer Field Schools and improved seed technologies helped enhance yield and farm resilience, especially in vulnerable regions.
In the fisheries and livestock sectors, FAO strengthened national disease surveillance and control systems such as the Bangladesh Animal Health Intelligence System (BAHIS). It has also strengthened food export standards, ensuring compliance with international safety and residue regulations an essential step for Bangladesh’s integration into global value chains.
In recent years, food safety and urban food systems have emerged as key prioritiesto support the country with developing safe market systems, weekly farmers' markets, and nutrition-sensitive supply chains in urban areas, promoting both consumer health and rural income growth. In the realm of policy and institutional support, FAO has assisted the Government of Bangladesh in formulating and updating important policies such as the National Agriculture Policy, the Food Safety Policy, and the National Residue Control Plan. It has also introduced tools like MAFAP (Monitoring and Analysing Food and Agricultural Policies) to help optimize public spending in the agriculture sector.
Community empowerment has been a recurring theme in FAO’s work. Farmer-led organizations, such as the Sara Bangla Krishak Society (SBKS), have received both national and international recognition for their contributions to smallholder livelihoods.
FAO Bangladesh supports sustainable agriculture and natural resource management to combat climate change and enhance environmental resilience. In this area, a major milestone was the support provided in the removal of obsolete DDT(Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) stockpiles and the implementation of pesticide residue monitoring projects, making the environment better and reducing damage to ecosystems and wildlife.
Current Focus Areas (2022–2026)
FAO’s ongoing work in Bangladesh focuses on modernizing agriculture, enhancing climate resilience, and strengthening food systems governance. A major initiative is the Agricultural Sector Transformation Programme (AsTP), launched in 2025 with support from the Gates Foundation. This programme aims to bring evidence-based policymaking, digital tools, and inclusive investment planning to the forefront of agricultural development.
Climate adaptation remains a top priority, especially in vulnerable regions like coastal belts, drought-prone zones, and riverine islands. Projects such as Resilient Agriculture for Improved Food and Nutrition Security (RAINS) are helping communities adopt resilient crops and nutrition-sensitive farming systems. FAO is also supporting urban farming and local supply chains to enhance safe food access for growing city populations.
Animal health and zoonotic disease management have taken on greater urgency. FAO is working with national agencies to contain outbreaks such as Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and African Swine Fever (ASF), using a One Health approach that integrates human, animal, and environmental health.
In food safety and value chain development, FAO continues to assist the government in aligning regulations with international standards, particularly in the fish, poultry, and dry fish sectors. These reforms are vital for maintaining export competitiveness and protecting consumer health.
FAO promotes safe, sustainable farming in Bangladesh through climate-smart agriculture, reduced chemical use, and integrated pest management. These efforts boost productivity while protecting soil, water, and biodiversity. FAO also strengthens farmer capacity, supports eco-friendly value chains, and leads environmental resilience initiatives like reforestation and sustainable land management.
FAO continues to provide critical support in the Rohingya crisis by enhancing food security, restoring livelihoods, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. Their efforts helped restore livelihoods, reduce pressure on local ecosystems, and strengthen food security for one of the most vulnerable populations in the region.
Emergency Response Unit of FAO Bangladesh has always been at the forefront to respond swiftly to major crises including floods, cyclones, and coastal and rural displacement to ensure emergency agricultural support reaches the most vulnerable. Their work has been vital in bridging humanitarian response and long-term resilience.
Alignment with Bangladesh Government Priorities
FAO’s current initiatives are closely aligned with the Government of Bangladesh’s strategic vision. The 8th Five-Year Plan (2020–2025) emphasizes agricultural growth, rural employment generation, and poverty reduction all central to FAO’s programming. FAO’s focus on data-driven policy, climate-smart agriculture, and nature-based solutions is directly aligned with the Government’spriorities.
Supporting the SDGs
FAO supports multiple SDGs by promoting sustainable agriculture (SDG 2), climate-resilient practices (SDG 13), and responsible production (SDG 12). It also empowers rural women and marginalized groups (SDGs 5 & 10), while improving food systems and urban–rural linkages (SDGs 11 & 3).
Strategic Outlook and Way Forward
FAO’s future strategy in Bangladesh focuses on scaling climate-resilient farming, strengthening institutions, and attracting sustainable investments. Priorities include expanding proven models like Farmer Field Schools, enhancing food safety and climate policies, and leveraging digital tools for advisory and early warning systems. FAO aims to empower smallholders, women, and youth, improve urban food systems, and support Bangladesh’s agricultural modernization in line with national development goals.
By leveraging innovation, strategic investments, and inclusive policy frameworks, FAO and Bangladesh can accelerate the transformation of agrifood systems, ensuring better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life, for generations to come,leaving no one behind.
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