The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is poised to allocate significant financial resources to assist rural communities in Bangladesh’s disaster-prone regions, which are frequently impacted by recurrent floods and prolonged droughts. Demonstrating its unwavering commitment to global agricultural development, IFAD sanctioned a substantial $70 million aid package during its 144th Executive Board session convened in Rome on May 14, 2025.
This comprehensive assistance will be channeled through the Climate Resilient Agriculture and Livelihood Enhancement Project (CRALEP). Valantine Achancho, the Country Director for IFAD Bangladesh, emphasized that the initiative builds upon the robust and enduring partnership between IFAD and the Government of Bangladesh. He highlighted the project’s alignment with IFAD’s mission to bolster rural economies and enhance the resilience of vulnerable communities.
The implementation of CRALEP will be overseen by the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) under the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives, with strategic guidance and supervision provided by the Economic Relations Division (ERD) of the Ministry of Finance.
CRALEP aims to fortify infrastructure capable of withstanding climate-induced adversities and focuses on augmenting livelihood opportunities for local populations. A pivotal objective is to enhance the capacity of local institutions to effectively address climate-related challenges. The project is projected to benefit approximately 1.34 million individuals across 33 upazilas in the Haor and high Barind regions, areas particularly susceptible to frequent flooding, sudden flash floods, and extended periods of drought.
The initiative plans to allocate resources toward the construction of 334 kilometers of climate-resilient rural roads and the establishment of 58 community markets, thereby significantly improving connectivity and access to essential services for remote communities. In 240 villages, CRALEP will also facilitate the development of critical infrastructure, including elevated walkways, tube wells for safe water access, and sanitation facilities, to enhance daily living conditions and promote public health.
To bolster the resilience of rural populations against climate-related shocks, CRALEP will construct 72 elevated platforms, known locally as killas, designed to provide shelter for livestock during flood events. Additionally, the project will introduce nature-based protection systems in 280 villages to mitigate environmental risks.
Further strengthening disaster preparedness, CRALEP will enhance early warning systems for flash floods and droughts through the Climate Resilient Local Infrastructure Centre (CReLIC), facilitating timely and community-based disaster response.
Recognizing youth empowerment as a central tenet of CRALEP’s approach, IFAD has announced plans to provide vocational skills training to 34,000 young individuals and offer entrepreneurship support to an additional 10,000, thereby fostering sustainable livelihoods and economic resilience.
