Bangladesh Country Strategic Plan (2017–2021)

CSP approved at EB.1/2017.

Revision 01 approved by ED-DGFAO in October 2017.

Revision 03 approved by ED-DGFAO in June 2018.

Revision 05 approved by ED-DGFAO in February 2019.

Revision 06 approved by ED-DGFAO in October 2020.

Bangladesh graduated to lower-middle-income country status in 2015 and enters the era of the Sustainable Development Goals from a solid base, having made progress in reducing poverty, hunger and undernutrition in recent decades.

Numerous policy instruments provide a conducive environment, and emerging programmes supported by reforms, notably in social protection, have the potential to reduce the levels of food insecurity and malnutrition, which remain high, affecting a large proportion of the population.

WFP’s work in Bangladesh in 2017–2020 will support the country in ending hunger and reducing malnutrition by 2030 through four strategic outcomes: i) vulnerable groups in rural and urban settings are supported by work to improve nutrition indicators in line with national targets by 2020; ii) the food security and nutrition of the most vulnerable populations of Cox’s Bazar, the Chittagong Hill Tracts and areas affected by disaster are enhanced; iii) innovative approaches to enhancing the resilience of food-insecure households affected by climate-related stresses are validated by 2020; and iv) the response system for large-scale natural disasters can respond with reduced costs and lead times. 

Given the Government’s commitment to and increased institutional and financial support for development, this Country Strategic Plan reflects a shift in WFP’s focus in that the greatest value-added provided by WFP will be through its role as an enabler and supporter of national hunger solutions, thereby maximizing impact and value for money. The emphasis will be on technical assistance, policy engagement, advocacy and the accumulation of evidence, with a view to accelerating the implementation of policies and optimizing the governance, efficiency and effectiveness of national initiatives to enhance the food security and nutrition of the most vulnerable people. This approach is aligned with the new United Nations Development Assistance Framework and the work of other United Nations agencies.

Direct assistance will focus on interventions supporting particularly vulnerable populations such as refugees and ethnic minorities and on testing innovative assistance models. Emergency response will remain part of the portfolio. Joint programming with other United Nations agencies will be prioritized and strategic partnerships will be pursued, including with research institutions and the private sector.

Implementation of this Country Strategic Plan will require changes in WFP’s operating model and effective risk management. Its development was informed by the strategic review of food security and nutrition in Bangladesh commissioned by WFP, and consultations with the Government, WFP staff and partners.