Since 2000, Bangladesh’s GDP has grown at an average rate of six percent. Rice production has tripled over the last 30 years, while the poverty rate has declined by 10 percent over the past decade. Despite these gains, Bangladesh is the most densely populated large country in the world, with 150 million people living in a land area roughly the size of Iowa. As a result, poverty, lack of access to agricultural land, and poor eating habits contribute to one of the highest undernutrition rates in the world. Forty percent of the population and 50 percent of the female population is undernourished. Forty percent of the population currently lives below the poverty line and the country has one
Over the next five years in Bangladesh, Feed the Future aims to help an estimated 879,000 vulnerable Bangladeshi women, children and family members—mostly smallholder farmers—escape hunger and poverty. More than 371,000 children will be reached with services to improve their nutrition and prevent stunting and child mortality. Significant numbers of additional rural populations will achieve improved income and nutritional status from strategic policy engagement and institutional investments.
To meet its objectives, Feed the Future Bangladesh is making core investments in four key areas:
1. On-Farm Productivity Increased
Resources from the USAID/Bangladesh Mission regarding Feed the Future and food security in Bangladesh. For more resources on Feed the Future strategy and implementation in Bangladesh, visit the Strategy tab.