Food for the poorest

Food safety in Bangladesh through cultivation of fruits and vegetables

“Oh mother, why are you so angry with your children today?” the fishermen asked the river Meghna whenever it sends life-threatening flood waves. It happens often and prevents the fishermen from fishing. “Maa”, this is how they affectionately call their river, which is both a livelihood and a danger at the same time. More and more often the flood waves prevent the fishermen from obtaining their income. No good weather, no fishing. No fishing, no fish. No fish, no sale. No sale, no food. But it does not have to be like this. The country is fertile. With the right seeds the residents would be able to grow vegetables in Tazumuddin and become more independent. In addition to “Maa” (the river), “Baa” (the earth) could in the future support the residents.

Background

The project area is ecologically prone to the consequences of climate change and natural catastrophes. The impacts can, for example, be seen in erosions of earth and river. Moreover, the residents of the region are not able to participate in the country’s politics. Therefore they have limited access to financial means, which leads to the impoverishment of the population. Loans are only given with horrendous interest rates so that people in the concerned areas are almost not able to invest in agriculture, construction or even the opening of small enterprises or businesses and therefore support the local economy.

The good deed

Through domestic cultivation of fruits and vegetables in combination with the necessary training, the households of the communities have access to fresh and healthy nutrition throughout the whole year. The consumption of food could be improved in terms of quality and quantity. In addition it is ensured that at least once a week a nourishing meal can be cooked. Food safety can be guaranteed in the long-term. Moreover the families get another source of income by selling the harvested fruits and vegetables at the market. Through an increased income investments in the fields of hygiene and education can be made in order to improve the general living conditions immensely.

Challenge

In case of flooding, the implementation of the project would be impacted. The crop could be destroyed partly or even completely. The plants could also die of bugs. In order to prevent this the seeds will be planted on higher plateaus so they cannot be flushed away. In addition there will be training for the beneficiaries on cultivation and care of the plants.