The Executive Board of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), at its 146th session held on December 9-10, approved US$51.4 million in financing as IFAD's contribution to a $211.7 million project in Bangladesh, a spokesman said on Saturday.
The new investment aims to enhance climate resilience, strengthen food security and promote rural entrepreneurship for around 1.1 million people living in some of the country's most climate-vulnerable regions.
The Growth for Climate-Resilient and Environmental Entrepreneurship and Nutrition (GREEN) project will be implemented over six years, from 2026 to 2031, across the haor wetlands, coastal belt, High Barind, and river char regions.
By supporting smallholder farmers, rural microenterprises and young entrepreneurs, the project seeks to build adaptive capacity to climate change, stimulate diversified and resilient livelihoods, and accelerate the development of sustainable rural enterprises.
The project will be executed by the Financial Institutions Division of the Ministry of Finance and implemented by Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF). Strategic oversight will be provided by a national steering committee comprising the Finance Division, the Economic Relations Division and PKSF, reinforcing strong governance and alignment with national priorities.
"The GREEN project builds on the long-standing partnership between IFAD and the government of Bangladesh, and our close collaboration with PKSF, to enhance rural livelihoods and expand income opportunities for small producers through inclusive, climate-aware financing and environmentally responsible growth," said Valantine Achancho, IFAD country director for Bangladesh.
He added, "This initiative represents a new generation of investment that connects climate adaptation, agroecological practices and market-responsive rural enterprises to create pathways for rural communities to prosper while safeguarding their ecosystems."
The project will scale up climate-smart practices across crops, livestock and fisheries, introducing renewable energy solutions, efficient water-use technologies, organic farming methods and small-scale processing to raise productivity, conserve natural resources and support healthier and more diverse diets.
Through PKSF's nationwide network, GREEN will expand access to affordable, climate-informed financial services for women, youth and microenterprises, helping small producers adopt sustainable technologies, strengthen value chains and create rural jobs.
GREEN will also strengthen institutional capacity and deepen policy engagement. Working closely with the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the project will support the integration of climate adaptation, nutrition and gender equality into rural finance and development planning.
By linking climate action with entrepreneurship and inclusive finance, GREEN will contribute directly to the government's Eighth Five-Year Plan, National Adaptation Plan, Nationally Determined Contributions and Delta Plan 2100, while advancing progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly No Poverty, Zero Hunger, Gender Equality, Reduced Inequalities and Climate Action.
The investment is part of IFAD's broader commitment to supporting countries across the Asia-Pacific region by building climate-resilient food systems and inclusive rural economies, ensuring vulnerable communities are better prepared to face future shocks and seize emerging opportunities.
mirmostafiz@yahoo.com
