Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Bangladesh government sealed a loan agreement on Sunday, securing $106 million to enhance water resources management and agricultural productivity in the South Asian nation. The signing also included a grant agreement of $17.80 million from the government of the Netherlands, which ADB will administer, focusing on financing innovative pilot projects and consulting services that emphasize innovation.
The initiative, titled the “Climate and Disaster Resilient Small-Scale Water Resources Management Project,” aims to swiftly address climate impacts and bolster food security. The project involves the elevation and fortification of flood embankments, deepening channels to augment water retention, implementing efficient electric pump-pipe irrigation, and offering training and capacity development. ADB’s Country Director for Bangladesh, Edimon Ginting, emphasized the project’s focus on climate-smart agriculture, agribusinesses, and fishery development.
Ginting highlighted that the project’s overarching goal is to increase crop production, improve agricultural marketing, and expand fisheries and aquaculture production. The endeavour is anticipated to benefit the livelihoods of approximately 380,000 households, with a particular emphasis on supporting women and vulnerable individuals.
The project is positioned to build upon the success and insights gained from three previous ADB-funded participatory small-scale water resources management projects in Bangladesh. ADB outlined its commitment to scaling up investments and intensifying support for climate and disaster resilience, as well as food security. This will be achieved through the implementation of new and improved water resources infrastructures and services, with a specific focus on flood and drought risk management, drainage improvement, and the modernization of irrigation systems.