CIRDAP – Enabling Rural Communities

Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific (CIRDAP)

An Intergovernmental & Autonomous Organization; Established in 1979, Mandated for Promoting & Strengthening Integrated Rural Development Systems for 15 Asia-Pacific Countries; Namely Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Fiji, India, Indonesia, IR Iran, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand & Vietnam.

Author name: CIRDAP

Latest News

Webinar Announcement: Climate-Informed Seasonal Flood Forecasting for Strengthening Rural Livelihood Resilience (August 25, 2026)

You are cordially invited to join another exciting collaborative Webinar in the CIRDAP Knowledge series, 2026, titled: ‘Climate -Informed Seasonal Flood Forecasting for Strengthening Rural Livelihood Resilience in Bangladesh’.  Date: (Tuesday), August 25, 2026, at 11 am Bangladesh Time. Dr. Rashed Chowdhury, Applications Scientist, Independent Consultant || Water, Climate, & Society; Adjunct Faculty—Arizona State University || USA, will be graced as an esteemed speaker. Abstract of the talk Bangladesh’s rural communities are highly vulnerable to seasonal flooding, which threatens agriculture, food security, and livelihoods. Existing flood forecasting systems provide reliable short-term warnings but offer limited support for seasonal agricultural planning and rural development. The webinar will be focused on developing climate-informed seasonal forecasts by integrating large-scale climate drivers, including the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO), the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), and the Madden–Julian Oscillation (MJO), to predict monsoon rainfall and flood risk months in advance. The resulting seasonal outlooks will support informed decisions on crop planning, resource management, and disaster preparedness, strengthening rural resilience and reducing climate-related losses in Bangladesh. Webinar Link Topic: Webinar on ‘Climate-Informed Seasonal Flood Forecasting for Strengthening Rural Livelihood Resilience in Bangladesh’ Time: Aug 25, 2026 11:00 AM Dhaka Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/98216039450?pwd=vQ7kSj0SIiDgqF7xJwqz6rPBucsUnX.1 View meeting insights https://zoom.us/launch/edl?muid=f66efe2d-1eb5-471a-9dd3-d0ddd2261dc6 Meeting ID: 982 1603 9450 Passcode: 977412 — Join by SIP • 98216039450@zoomcrc.com Join instructions https://zoom.us/meetings/98216039450/invitations?signature=5LicuVNQQdYB7qAmeivY9ptzPuvzCiLhBxGe-oDbpOM

Latest News, Trending Today

Transforming Rural Landscapes: CIRDAP and PIDF Launch International Online Training Programme on AI for Rural Development

Artificial Intelligence is reshaping the world, and it is time to bring its power to our rural communities. The Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific (CIRDAP) and the Pacific Islands Development Forum (PIDF) invite you to a premier collaborative international online training programme. 🌟 Programme Highlights Artificial Intelligence is no longer just for tech hubs. This intensive three day programme focuses on practical, ethical, and sustainable AI deployment specifically tailored for rural ecosystems and low connectivity environments.• Dates: 18 to 20 August 2026• Mode: Online via Zoom• Schedule: 2 sessions per day (90 minutes each, total 3 hours per day)• Registration Deadline: 10 August 2026, Free (Registration required) 🔑 Key Themes Covered• Foundations of AI and global policy trends• Rural data readiness and predictive planning• AI in agriculture, climate, healthcare, and education• Deployment architectures for low connectivity environments• Responsible AI, ethical governance, and community engagement• Actionable capstone exercise for field level execution 👥 Who Should ParticipateThis programme is designed for policymakers and government officials engaged in rural development planning, development practitioners and non-governmental organizations working at grassroots level, academics and researchers focusing on rural innovation, and technology innovators and entrepreneurs developing solutions for underserved communities. Registration Link: https://forms.gle/dXyeLF5PZTKQxnoq8 View the Brochure: Click here For any queries contact Dr. Venkatamallu Thadaboina, Programme Officer Learning, CIRDAPEmail: po_learning@cirdap.org, WhatsApp: +91 9866681774

Experts, List-1

Dr. Mohammad Kamruzzaman

Dr. Mohammad Kamruzzaman Job Title: Name of Organization: Email: Senior Scientific Officer Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) milonbrri@gmail.com Areas of Expertise: Climatic impact-driver indices relevant to agriculture, water resources, and ecosystems. This work includes the assessment of drought, precipitation extremes, wet and dry spells, and other hydroclimatic indicators that connect physical climate changes with sectoral impacts, vulnerability, risk, and adaptation needs. Education: PhD in Engineering (2020), CGPA (4.13/4.5), Gyeongsang National University, Republic of Korea MSc in Mechanical Engineering (2011), CGPA (3.88/4.00), Islamic University of Technology (IUT), Gazipur, Bangladesh BSc in Agricultural Engineering (1998), Second Class, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh Awards and Recognition: Best Paper Award-2019 by the Korean Society of Agricultural Engineers Best Poster Award: 1st International Conference on Agricultural Machinery and Bioresource Engineering (ICAMBE) 2025 Full funded PhD Scholarship from Gyeongsang National University, South Korea Address: Farm Machinery and Postharvest Technology Division, Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI), Gazipur-1701 Country: Bangladesh Phone: +880 177 642 2808 Full Details (CV): Click Here

Experts, List-1

Dr Syed Ahmad Hussain

Dr. Syed Ahmad Hussain Job Title: Name of Organization: Email: Principal Scientist ( Agronomy ) Retired hussainsyed786@yahoo.com Areas of Expertise: 1) Assessment, planning, scheduling and execution of tailor made Capacity building-training programmes for various categories of stake holders-Farmers, rural youth, Farm women, Field extension functionaries of both private and pubic institutions involved in Farm extesnion 2) Practical Field/crop production 3) Farm Management 4) Development of social media modules for farm extension based on clientele needs. 5) Expertise in GLOBAL FARM certifications-GLOBAL GAP, ORGANIC FARMING & NATURAL FARMING -protocols – related capacity building programmes for farmers, FPO & export houses. Education: Doctorate in Agriculture (Agronomy )  –  2009 Post Graduation in   Agriculture (Agronomy)   –  1989 Graduation in Agriculture   – 1987   Publications / Research Field Research Articles (42 No*S) in International, National Agricultural research journals Popular articles (100 No*s) in vernacular languages. Book chapters in National Curriculums of MOOCS & others Handled research projects on bio waste management/bio-Remedial measures of pollution/ new plant protection/nutritional molecules. Address: 1-1-118/4 Budvel Rajendranagr Hyderabad India 5000530 Country: India Phone: 91 9849281608 Full Details (CV): Click Here

Experts, List-1

Shiva Sundar Shrestha

Shiva Sundar Shrestha Job Title: Name of Organization: Email: President Nepal Agriculture Federation (NAF) shivastha1951@gmail.com Areas of Expertise: Agriculture Development Education: M.Sc.Ag. (Agri. Extension) Haryana Agricultural University, India.Minor in Agri. Economics.Thesis: – Training Needs of District Agriculture Development Major publications: Training for Agricultural Development with Special Reference to Nepalese ContextDeepak Prakashan, Kathmandu (Book) 1991. Situation and medium to long term prospects of food grain production under rain-fedcondition in Nepal.(Prepared on request by FAO) Training and Visit System in Nepal: an analytical view. Paper presented at NationalSeminar, Kathmandu. Agricultural Program Implementation System in the district in Nepal. Role and Scope of extension with relation to existing agricultural condition in Nepal. Program Development and Effective Mobilization of field personnel. Group Formation and its Mobilization Working paper presented at Participatory Workshop/Seminar on Group Approach, AEP/APROSC, Kathmandu. Training and Training Skill. Paper presented for the Training, DAT, Kathmandu. Sustainability of Training and Visit System of Agri. Extension Approach in Nepal.Comment paper Submitted to APROSC. Strengthening the Linkages and Technology Transfer Activities in the Perspective ofDepartment of Agriculture, Proceedings of the 5th National Outreach ResearchWorkshop Many short research and development materials prepared on agriculture and ruraldevelopment Address: 75-Ekta Basti Marg, Sorhakhutte, Nayabazar, Kathmandu Country: Nepal Phone: 977-1-4-364175 (Res), 98510-07264 (Mobile) Full Details (CV): Click Here

Experts, List-1

Dr. Saiha Marjia

Dr. Saiha Marjia Job Title: Name of Organization: Email: Lead, Urban PHC & SR Management BRAC s.marjia@gmail.com Areas of Expertise: Rural & Urban Primary Health Care Systems Strengthening, Donor-Funded Health Programme & Grant Management, Health Economics & Resource Mobilization, Community Health, Nutrition & Social Protection, Monitoring, Evaluation & Evidence-Based Policy Dialogue Education: Executive Master’s in Health Economics (EMHE) — Institute of Health Economics, University of Dhaka, 2022–2024 Master of Public Health (MPH) — North South University, 2018–2020 Bachelor of Medicine & Surgery (MBBS) — Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, 2008–2013 Skills: Programme Development & Implementation: Expert — 13+ years across global health, humanitarian, and development sectors.Project & Grant Management: Expert — USD 8M (Global Fund) direct management; USD 123M oversight (PwC)Strategic Planning & Management: Expert — organizational strategy, annual work planning, results frameworks.Healthcare Programme Design: Expert — reproductive health, TB, mental health, nutrition, PHC restructuringLeadership & People Management: Expert — multi-partner teams, performance management, capacity building.Policy Advocacy & Government Dialogue: Experienced — Ministry of Health, Ministry of Home Affairs, national programmes.Global & Humanitarian Health: Experienced — ICRC, Global Fund, icddr,b, WHO-aligned frameworksResearch & Knowledge Management: Experienced — Yale University, Michigan State University collaborationsComputer Skills: MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint; data analysis tools; internet and communication platforms Address: Dhaka, Bangladesh Country: Bangladesh Phone: +8801711921092 Full Details (CV): Click Here

Experts, List-1

Dr. Hari Bahadur K. C.

Dr. Hari Bahadur K. C. Job Title: Name of Organization: Email: Joint Secretary Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, Nepal haribahadurkc2023@gmail.com Areas of Expertise: Agriculture development, Food security, Organic and ecological agriculture, Climate change adaptation, Crop protection and nature based solutions Education: PhD (Applied Biological Sciences), 2010 (2067 BS) – Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, GentUniversity, BelgiumM.Sc. (Nematology), 2005 (2062 BS), Great Distinction (82.8%), Post Graduate International Nematology Course, Gent University, BelgiumB. SC. Ag, 1992 (2050 BS), First (77.1 %), Tribhuvan University, Institute of Agriculture & Animal Science, Rampur, Chitawan, Nepal Academic awards & scholarships : 1. Tribhuvan University Intelligent Scholarship for all academic years of I. SC. Ag & B. SC. Ag.2. Fellowship from Netherlands Fellowship Program (NFP) to participate the InternationalTraining Program on Integrated Pest Management in The Netherlands.3. Fellowship from VLIR-UOS (Vlaamse Interuniversitaire Raad), Belgium for participatingMasters of Science in Nematology course.4. Fellowship from VLIR-UOS (Vlaamse Interuniversitaire Raad), Belgium for Doctorate onApplied Biological Sciences in Gent University, Belgium.5. ESN Student Bursary Awards 2010 from European Society of Nematologists (ESN) to participate the ESN Symposium in Vienna, Austria6. Nepal Viddha Bhusan ‘Ka’ (Nepal Academic Excellence Award, First) 2011 from the Government of Nepal.7. TWAS (The Academy of Sciences for the Developing World) Award 2011 in Biology fromthe Nepal Academy of Science and Technology. Address: Sundarbazar-5, Khahare, Lamjung, Nepal Country: Nepal Phone: 9851225755 Full Details (CV): Click Here

Latest News

Webinar Announcement: CIRDAP Knowledge Series – 61: Webinar on ‘Food Security – Green Bonds’ (August 6, 2026)

CIRDAP in association with Asia-Pacific Rural and Agricultural Credit Association (APRACA) is going to organize a Webinar on ‘‘Food Security – Green Bonds’.  Dr. Prasun Kumar Das Secretary General, APRACA, Bangkok, Thailand will be graced as esteemed speaker.  The webinar is scheduled on Thursday, August 6, 2026, at 11 am Bangladesh Time (12:00 PM Bangkok time) Meeting Link Topic: Webinar with APRACA on Food Security – Green Bonds Time: Aug 6, 2026 11:00 AM Dhaka Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/95994324748?pwd=eD1AOhXqhfQ3ae9Eg5SDQZLNq2VKE9.1 Meeting ID: 959 9432 4748 Passcode: 489025 — Join by SIP • 95994324748@zoomcrc.com Join instructions https://zoom.us/meetings/95994324748/invitations?signature=xiWOPQenN0dpoit0eSJHt09tTL3uOoN4Vmqg8VAVJ0U Abstract Global food systems are facing unprecedented challenges due to climate change, land degradation, biodiversity loss, and increasing food demand. According to the FAO, approximately 673 million people worldwide suffer from hunger, while more than 2.3 billion people experience moderate or severe food insecurity. At the same time, agriculture requires substantial investments to transition toward climate-resilient and sustainable production systems. Traditional public financing alone is insufficient to meet these investment needs. Innovative financial instruments, particularly Green Bonds, have emerged as an effective mechanism for mobilizing private capital to support environmentally sustainable and climate-smart agricultural investments. Food Security Green Bonds are thematic green bonds designed to finance projects that simultaneously enhance food security, climate resilience, and environmental sustainability. They channel investment into climate-smart agriculture, sustainable irrigation, renewable energy for agriculture, efficient water management, sustainable fisheries, agroforestry, soil restoration, and resilient rural infrastructure. These bonds provide governments, development banks, and financial institutions with an opportunity to attract institutional investors while contributing to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 15 (Life on Land). Under the Knowledge Series, a regional webinar on “Food Security – Green Bonds” would provide a platform to explore innovative financing mechanisms for resilient rural development and promote investment opportunities across CIRDAP Member Countries.

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