Friendship strengthens food security, nutrition and capacity of flood-affected communities in northern Bangladesh

Friendship, a social purpose organization (SPO) founded by renowned social entrepreneur Runa Khan, has been supporting remote and marginalized communities in Bangladesh for over two decades. The organization operates in accordance with core values ​​such as integrity, dignity, fairness, quality and hope.

In 2024, Friendship launched the Strengthening Food Security, Nutrition and Capacity of Flood-Affected Communities in Northern Bangladesh project from January to December. Funded by Friendship Luxembourg and Luxembourg Aid & Development, this project takes inspiration from Marc Elvinger, Chairman of Friendship Luxembourg and Co-Chairman of Friendship International. The inspiration comes from the Food Bank and Mut Mut initiative, which aims to address the critical food and nutritional needs of marginalized communities during the monsoon and post-flood periods.

Friendship has extensive experience collaborating with community stakeholders, local governments and non-governmental organizations to implement effective initiatives. The project’s approach builds on past successes, especially in areas such as Kurigram and Gaibandha. Lessons learned include the critical role of local governments in helping isolated areas such as the Char Islands, and the importance of integrated collaboration to effectively address food insecurity and disaster risks.

Friendship employee surveys show that 85% of the population experiences food insecurity during emergencies. Government data indicates that the rate of malnutrition among underweight children under 5 years of age in Kurigram and Gaibanda regions is 18-29%, with the figure potentially rising to 35% during floods. Recent severe flooding has severely affected these two areas, causing widespread hardship. Homes, farmland and infrastructure were submerged, leaving families without access to food, clean water and basic necessities.

This crisis has increased levels of malnutrition and is threatening public health. Friendship is committed to providing immediate relief through a food assistance program that effectively addresses the immediate nutritional needs of impacted communities.

In 2023, another project entitled “Strengthening Food Security and Nutrition in Flood Affected Communities of Northern Bangladesh” was implemented in 2 districts of northern Bangladesh – Kurigram and Gaibandha. 80 characters were selected for the project from 7 districts (Kurigram Sadar, Chilmari, Roomari, Rajibpur, Ulipur, Gaibandha Sadar, Phulchari) and 22 unions. Among the selected characters, a total of 15,000 households received assistance through food banks and direct assistance.

Friendship’s Inclusive Citizenship Sector, as part of this food security initiative, is distributing nutritious food parcels to flood-affected communities in Kurigram and Gaibandha. This distribution is transparent and well-organized to ensure that assistance reaches those who need it. Each package includes culturally appropriate staples such as rice, lentils, oil and salt to provide a balanced diet. In addition, the community does its part by sharing its vegetables such as pumpkin, papaya and more with those in need, continuing the Food Bank and Mooth Mooth initiatives.

This project recognizes the urgency of the situation and the particular vulnerability of various groups. Last year, there were eight criteria for selecting beneficiaries, including landless families, female-headed families (elderly women), families consisting of at least one disabled person who did not receive any social services, widows, freedom fighters, new settlers (6 months – 1 year), families vulnerable to flooding. Food support efforts will prioritize addressing the unique needs of these vulnerable groups to protect their health and well-being.

In 2024, Friendship will operate in Char 7 upazilas in Gaibandha and Kurigram districts, based on the same concept of last year’s project, with additional emphasis on supporting undernourished pregnant/breastfeeding women and children under 5 years of age and capacity building through appropriate backyard training . gardening. The main goal is to reduce food insecurity among vulnerable populations, with a focus on emergency relief and long-term food security. The project aims to improve access to food and nutrition for marginalized and malnourished communities during emergencies, build community capacity through home gardening training and seed support to address long-term food security, and strengthen partnerships with local and national governments to increase complementarity government. support. Specific goals include ensuring safe access to food for more than 64,000 people during emergencies and improving food security for 25,000 people through capacity development and government linkages.

Key activities include community-led food distribution through innovative initiatives such as Foodbank, emergency food support during disasters, and advocacy with government agencies to strengthen support and partnerships. They also include additional referral clinics, nutrition demonstration classes to educate the public, and distribution of supplements to combat malnutrition. In addition, the program offers home gardening education and support for climate-resilient seeds to promote sustainable food production and self-sufficiency.

This project takes a holistic approach to combating food insecurity, focusing on community participation, capacity development and government collaboration. By meeting immediate needs and enhancing long-term sustainability, Friendship aims to make a lasting impact on food security in northern Bangladesh. Friendship is fully committed to providing comprehensive food support to the flood affected eighty char people in Kurigram and Gaibandha. The top priority is to ensure that no one on the priority list suffers from hunger and malnutrition during this difficult period. We greatly appreciate the efforts of all local authorities, volunteers and individuals who came forward to assist in this important endeavor.