FAO launches climate smart ACCESS project to support smallholder farmers

The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) together with the Ministry of Agriculture and Sara Bangla Krishak Society (SBKS) launched a project titled Accelerating Economic and Social Inclusion through Strong Producers' Organisations in Bangladesh (ACCESS) in Dhaka on Wednesday.

The project is aimed at strengthening rural livelihoods for over 25000 smallholder farmers in climate hotspots.

Members of the farming community, government organisations, private sector and development partners participated in the event.

The Agriculture Secretary Wahida Akter joined the launching ceremony as the chief guest. She said, "In order to reach the last mile for the community struggling with the effects of climate change, we must innovate an inclusive business model like the ACCESS project, which facilitates tangible collaboration among producer organisations, and the public and private sector".

Dia Sanou, FAO Representative in Bangladesh, said "FAO works with smallholder producer organisations as our partners to strengthen rural livelihoods as part of ACCESS project. Together we will focus on agribusiness clusters and support smallholders to transform their subsistence farms into successful businesses."

Participants from various organisations including Bangladesh Krishi Bank, PKSF, Bangladesh Bank, Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation, the Department of Agricultural Extension and the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council were also on the panel and discussed potential support that their organisations can provide.

Md. Nasiruzzaman, Chairman, Bangladesh Krishi Bank, said, "The Access project is a timely initiative for commercial farmers in climate-hotspot areas. Among other activities, it looks to make agricultural credit available to small farmers. However, in addition to providing loans, the Ministry of Agriculture should also focus on developing agricultural insurance policies. The recent damage caused by Cyclone Remal to coastal fisheries and livestock highlights the urgent need for such insurance. If agricultural insurance had been in place, affected farmers would not be left destitute".

Dr. Imanun Nabi Khan, FAO Coordinator for ACCESS, and Ms. Rita Bramma, President of SBKS, presented the keynote paper at the inauguration. They introduced an inclusive business model focused on partnership and empowering smallholder farmers through mobilising strong producers' organisations in climate hotspots in Bangladesh.