Local service providers promote climate-resilient agricultural technologies in Bangladesh

In a presentation on technology transfer for agricultural adaptation to climate change in Bangladesh, Mr. Md. Shamim Hossain, Head of Food Security and Livelihoods Unit, Concern Universal told the Policy Dialogue about his organization’s innovative use of community-based service providers as agents of agricultural technology transfer to farmers.

The service providers association, which includes local service providers based in villages, is linking the Department of Agriculture, private sector, producer groups, microfinance and other services with farmers. Local service providers acquire agricultural knowledge and skills developed by the public and private sector and pass it on to rural producers. Local service providers are also used by the private sector as agents for transfering agricultural inputs and services to farmers. 

An example of climate-resilient agricultural technology is ‘Floating vegetable bed’ which makes it possible to cultivate vegetables during the recurring floods in Bangladesh. The technology has multiple benefits for rural households in the country, including nutritional gains from vegetable consumption during flooding, income from the sale of vegetables, production of organic fertilizer and control of aquatic weeds in water bodies.

Concern Universal has arranged a collection point where farmers bring their produce for sale and meet with agricultural business representatives for market negotiations. The collection point has significantly reduced transaction costs for private organizations and transport costs for producers.

                                                                       

Reporter: Ratri Virianita - Bogor Agricultural University (ratri_virianita@yahoo.com)