Bangladesh is the most densely populated country in the world with a population of over 165 million, projected to grow to over 200 million by 2050. This demographic burden places tremendous economic, social, and environmental strain on the country and dramatically affects its ability to provide for its citizens. Bangladesh has the largest Feed the Future portfolio in the world with an annual budget of over $45 million. The U.S. Government’s Feed the Future activities in Bangladesh – led by USAID – focus on research, trade and private sector competitiveness, nutrition, and modernizing and expanding agricultural policies, production and growth, and responding to communities impacted by the Rohingya refugee crisis.
The Feed the Future program operates in two distinct geographical regions: the Zone of Influence – 21 districts in southwestern Bangladesh; and the Zone of Resilience in the southeastern Bandarban and Cox’s Bazar districts among communities impacted by the influx of Rohingya refugees. Each year, Feed the Future programs help approximately one million people adopt new technologies and techniques to increase income and, on average, garner combined sales of more than $500 million each year.
Increasing Productivity in Targeted Crops and Goods
USAID trains farmers and commercial producers to adopt new techniques that improve productivity in aquaculture, livestock, horticulture, rice, maize, pulses, oilseeds, flowers, and natural fibers. Our programs connect farmers to buyer-linked value chain actors and farmer services, leading to increased sales opportunities and higher quality produce, leading to greater access to new domestic and international markets.