SDC Agro and Feed the Future Join Forces to Empower Bangladeshi Farmers
Revolutionizing Vegetable Production:
SDC Agro Ltd. (SDC Agro) has partnered with Feed the Future (FtF) Bangladesh Horticulture, Fruits and Non-food Crops Activity to launch a transformative initiative for its smallholder vegetable farmers in Bangladesh. This collaboration will provide farmers with the necessary support to cultivate high-value vegetables in response to market demand, ensuring premium prices for their high-quality produce.
DevMaker Consulting: Assessing the Landscape
DevMaker Consulting conducted a comprehensive baseline survey in June 2021 within Faridpur and Rajbari Districts to understand the current state of farmers and gauge their readiness for the project’s interventions. This survey aimed to:
- Evaluate current status: Assess the baseline performance of activity-defined indicators related to the project’s proposed outcomes.
- Monitor progress: Establish a baseline against which project impacts can be measured over time, facilitating effective monitoring and evaluation.
A Data-Driven Approach:
The baseline survey employed both qualitative and quantitative methods, involving:
- Survey questionnaire: Adapted from the Bangladesh Horticulture Activity instrument, gathering data on production, input access, extension services, and ancillary services utilized and required by farmers.
- Focus group discussions: Facilitating in-depth discussions with farmers to understand their challenges, needs, and expectations.
- Key informant interviews: Collecting insights from stakeholders involved in the agricultural value chain.
- On-field observations: Gaining firsthand experience of farming practices and conditions.
Unveiling Valuable Insights:
The baseline survey provided key insights into:
- Production practices: Current methods employed by farmers for cultivating vegetables.
- Input access: Availability, affordability, and utilization of essential agricultural inputs.
- Extension services: Existing support systems available to farmers for improving their practices.
- Ancillary services: Access to essential services such as market information, financing, and post-harvest handling facilities.
Building a Brighter Future:
The findings of the baseline survey will be instrumental in:
- Tailoring interventions: Designing targeted support programs and training initiatives based on the specific needs and challenges identified among farmers.
- Measuring success: Establishing quantifiable indicators to track project progress and assess its effectiveness in achieving desired outcomes.
- Informing future strategies: Providing valuable data to guide future efforts aimed at enhancing the sustainability and profitability of vegetable production in Bangladesh.
Through this collaborative effort, SDC Agro and Feed the Future are committed to empowering smallholder vegetable farmers in Bangladesh. By leveraging the data gleaned from the baseline survey, this project has the potential to make a significant impact on the lives of farmers and contribute to the overall growth and prosperity of the agricultural sector.