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.

Bangladesh

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Training for Librarians organised

CIRDAP in collaboration with BALID has organized two-days long training on “Institutional Repository Software DSpace” from 26th – 27th July 2019 at CIRDAP headquarters in Dhaka. The DSpace is an open source repository software package used for creating open access repositories for scholarly and/or published digital content.  It is free and easy to maintain since it can be customized to fit the requirements of any organizations. DSpace preserves and enables easy and open access to all types of digital content including text, images, moving images, mpegs and data sets. The objective of the program was to train the librarian and information professional in using modern application and software’s in libraries across Bangladesh. The librarians of different govt. institutions, students of Information Science & Library Management and IT personnel were trained through the programme. The training was amazing and I believe the learning from the programme will help us in managing digital libraries Dr. S. M. Mohammad Ali Librarian, Rural Development Academy, Bogra Bangladesh The course is uniquely designed by technical experts in collaboration with Bangladesh Association of Librarians, Information Scientists and Documentalists (BALID) to ensure the meaningful skill development which enables the Participants to gain insight on application of D-Space. The training was conducted in the state-of-the-art IT Laboratory of CIRDAP situated at CIRDAP headquarter. At the end of the training, the participants were awarded with certificates.  “The training was excellent and within a short time we gathered much more knowledge about DSpace and digital information management.” Ms. Sharmin Shahria, Assistant Director, Bangladesh Academy for Rural Development

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Planning Workshop for CIRDAP National Coordinators Held

The CIRDAP National Coordinators’ Planning Workshop 2019, the first of its kind, was held on 11th-13th March 2019 at the Bangladesh Academy for Rural Development (BARD), Cumilla, Bangladesh. The key objectives of the workshop were: (i) to provide better understanding of CIRDAP system and processes; (ii) to plan and propose CIRDAP biannual programme 2020-2021 for the Policy bodies (Governing Council, Executive Committee, Technical Committee) consideration; (iii) to strengthen the management of programme activities; and (iv) to strengthen Networking amongst the Secretariat, CIRDAP member countries, their rural development Link Institutes and other development partners. The workshop was attended by Coordinators or Coordinator’s Representative of all CIRDAP Member countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Iran, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam. Additionally, observers from the member countries and representatives from partner organisations also attended the workshop. The meeting started with an Inaugural Ceremony on 10th March 2019. Mr. Robert D. Simpson, the United Nation Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Representative for Bangladesh, was present as the Chief Guest of programme and inaugurated the ceremony. Noting the involvement of FAO is the establishment of CIRDAP, Mr. Simpson stressed that it is important for CIRDAP to reflect on its activities, progress, and challenges to identify the gaps for the future in order to align with the global changes and move forward together. He suggested that similarity and commonalities among the CMCs to be noted, however, it is to be noted that ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution is not an option. He reiterate that FAO will continue working with CIRDAP and other partners to achieve the common goals. Director General of CIRDAP Mr. Tevita G. Boseiwaqa Taginavulau gave the welcome remarks and stressed upon importance of organising the workshop. As per the Goal one of the CIRDAP’s Strategic Plan 2018-2022 that emphasis upon the need to strengthen coordination on between CIRDAP, the CMCs, CLIs and development partners. CIRDAP Member Countries’ National Coordinators were appointed to act as focal point of coordination between the Secretariat and other Members Countries especially on programme activities. In view of this, CIRDAP organised the Workshop to orient the National Coordinator on CIRDAP porgramme and activities.

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Int. Exposure visit on Micro Finance in Bangladesh for Indian Gov. Officials

CIRDAP has organised a 5-day-long exposure visit on Micro Finance in Bangladesh to be held from 27th to 31st January 2019 for a team of Officials from Government of India including from National Bank Staff College (NBSC) and National Bank for Agricultural and Rural Development (NABARD) and Bankers Institute of Rural Development (BIRD). The delegates have arrived CIRDAP today and the inaugural program of the exposure visit was held at CIRDAP Headquarter. Mr. Tevita G. Boseiwaqa Taginavulau, the Director General of CIRDAP welcomed the team and emphasized on importance of collaboration to address the growing inequality in the Asia-Pacific region. #CIRDAP #RuralDevelopment #MicroFinance #Bangladesh #IndiaNabard Online

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Climate Change is Challenging the Rural Livelihoods

Climate change is negatively affecting agriculture, food production and rural livelihoods in general. CIRDAP Rural Development Report titled Impacts of Climate Change on Rural Livelihoods suggests that climate change change is negatively affecting agriculture, food production and rural livelihoods in general. It may intensify the pressure on available resources and ecosystem and trigger a vicious cycle of poverty, resource degradation, environmental deterioration and social unrest. The report recommends creation of new employment opportunities particularly in non-farm sectors through promotion of agro-processing industries and rural entrepreneurship etc. as way to diversify livelihood.Watch this Video on YouTube: https://bit.ly/2BL0WBr Read the full report: www.cirdap.org/ccrl  

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CIRDAP Partners with BALID to Strengthen Rural Libraries

Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific (CIRDAP) has extended partnership with Bangladesh Association of Librarians, Information Scientists and Documentalist (BALID)to undertake collaborative programmes for strengthening of libraries and information management, knowledge dissemination initiatives. Recognizing the importance of collaborative endeavors in enhancing the well-being of rural people of Bangladesh and CIRDAP Member Countries (CMCs) through use of Information and communication technology (ICT), CIRDAP and BALID signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 25th November 2018 at CIRDAP Headquarter in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Mr. Tevita G. Boseiwaqa Taginavulau,Director General of CIRDAP and Dr. Mirza Md.Rezaul Islam,Chairman of BALID signed the MoU on behalf of the Organizations. Under this agreement, the two organizations will jointly undertake activities related to library and information management, and Knowledge dissemination to promote inclusive integrated rural development. DG CIRDAP, in his speech, mentioned that “This partnership will reinforce CIRDAP initiative to contribute to knowledge base societies and Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education and thus support CMCs in knowledge and Information dissemination required for equitable, holistic development and evidence-based policy making”. The Chairman of BALID hoped that this agreement will open new windows for more collaborative efforts to strengthen libraries and enhance capacity of Liberians, Information Scientists and Documentalists across Bangladesh particularly in rural areas. Dr.Usharani Boruah, Librarian, CIRDAP, Mr.Tomasi Raiyawa, Principal Executive officer, CIRDAP and Mr.Zakirul Haq, Administrative Officer, CIRDAP and six Governing Body members were present in the MoU signing ceremony.

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Regional Expert Consultation Meeting on “ICT for Development of Rural Agriculture in South Asia–Policy Concerns”

CIRDAP in collaboration with South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Agriculture Centre organized a regional Expert Consultation Meeting on “ICT for Development of Rural Agriculture in South Asia –Policy Concerns” on 29th-31 October in Bogra, Bangladesh. The main objective of this programme was to share the status of ICT applications in agriculture, review existing  relevant policies, identify capacity gap and opportunities through consultation. The participants also proposed policies and strategies to make best of ICT  to enhance productivity of agriculture. During the technical sessions, the participants presented their respective countries ICT practices in terms of Rural Agricultural Development. They also engaged with interactive group activities to come up with relevant policy with relevant programme  and strategies. The proposed key policy interventions which were proposed by the participants include: a. Availability of Sustainable and Reliable Agricultural Information; b. Capacity enhancement of women in agriculture in ICT; c. Mandated Committee for Agricultural content validation and program monitoring; d. Work on present policies (ex. Ag extension policy, ICT policy) and come up with “ICT in agriculture policy”. The meeting was attended by the following: Sl Name Designation Organization Country 1. Mr. Abdul Hasib Habib IT Director Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation & Livestock (MAIL) Afghanistan 2. Mr. Mohammad Zakir Hasnat Information Officer (Plant protection) Agriculture Information Service,Ministry of Agriculture Bangladesh 3. Mr. Dawa Zangpo ICT Officer Ministry of Agriculture & Forests Bhutan 4. Mr. Manoluck Bounsihalath Director National Agriculture and Forestry Research Institute Lao PDR 5. Dr. Raju Ghimire Senior Agriculture Extension Officer Agriculture Information & Training Centre Nepal 6. Ms. Ambreen Ashfaq Section Officer Ministry of National Food Security & Research Pakistan 7. Mr. S. Periyasamy Director (Comm. and Information) National Agriculture Information & Communication Centre Sri Lanka

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International Exposure visit on Rural Development and Micro-finance

CIRDAP in collaboration with The National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRD&PR) organized an international exposure visit on rural development and Microfinance in Bangladesh on 23-27 September 2018. The exposure visit was organized for capacity building of the faculties of NIRDPR, which is the CIRDAP Link Institution in India mandated to work for capacity development of rural development functionaries, elected representatives of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRI), bankers, NGOs and other stakeholders of rural development through inter-related activities of training, research and consultancy. The programme was attended by senior and mid-level officials of NIRDPR and State-State Institute of Rural Development (SIRDs). Social Development, Micro Finance and Rural Development has been chosen as focus of the exposure visit since success of microfinance and rural development in Bangladesh has generated immense interest in the world. The key objectives of the exposure visit were: To promote exchange of knowledge and expertise on social development, Microfinance and the banking systems for the poor in Bangladesh To promote exchange of expertise on rural development action research projects in Bangladesh To promote collaboration among rural development functionaries in Bangladesh and India DG CIRDAP welcomed the delegation of NIRDPR and SIRDs through a special dinner on 22nd September,2018. On the 1st day of exposure visit, they team visited BRAC focusing on social development programme namely targeting the ultra poor (TUP) and Skill Development Programme (SDP). On the 2nd day, they visited Grameen Bank focusing their activities of Bank of the Poor and followed by this, they attended a meeting with Dr. Mustafa K. Mujeri, Executive Director, Institute for Inclusive Finance and Development (InM) on the 3rd day of exposure regarding microfinance activities in Bangladesh. As a part of this exposure visit programme a field visit was arranged in RDA, Bogura one of the finest academy in Bangladesh for action research programme on rural development. The visit to RDA rural development action research project started from 25th September followed by other activities including idea exchange session with RDA Faculty members. During the two days’ visit in RDA the team exposed with the following projects: Indigenous Chicken Rearing Model at Ranabirbala; Water Saving Project (WSP) at Juanpur; Rural Housing Model at Jamalpur; Community Biogas Model at Bamunia; Maria Seed Technology Model at Maria; and Integrated Water Management (IWM) Model at Bograpara. Besides, the team also visit country’s one of the largest Non-Governmental Organization viz. Thengamara Mohila Sabuj Sangha (TMSS) and some of RDA Centers namely- Chars Development Research Center (CDRC); Cattle Research and Development Center (CRDC); and Community Development Center (CDC). After completion of RDA Project Exposure, a wrap up was held in presence of DG-RDA and CIRDAP Officials. During that session the team express their views, thoughts, suggestions and recommendations regarding the projects and programmes. It is expected that the renewed commitment for collaborations among rural development functionaries in Bangladesh and India through this programme will strengthen the rural development initiatives in the region.

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CIRDAP Celebrates International Open Access Week (OA)

CIRDAP Aziz-ul Haq Library has celebrated the International Open Access Week (OA) on 28th October 2018. The International Open Access Week is celebrated all over the world on 22-28 October every year. Open access refers to free, unrestricted online access to books, journals, publications and other resources. Open access refers to free, unrestricted online access to books, journals, publications and other resources. Research organizations, academic institutions, researchers and scientists, teachers, students, and members of the general public are supporting a move towards Open Access in increasing numbers every year. Open Access Week is an occasion for all members of the community to take action to keep this momentum moving forward. In the programme, Director General of CIRDAP Mr. Tevita G. Boseiwaqa Taginavulau discussed about the importance of Open Access for dissemination of knowledge among common people particularly the rural poor. Dr. Usharani Boruah, Librarian, CIRDAP moderated the event while Mr. George Chandra Babu, Programme Officer, Research and Mr. Zakaria, Programme Coordinator shared their thoughts on Open Access. #CIRDAP #OpenAccess

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The 39th Founding Anniversary of CIRDAP Celebrated

CIRDAP has celebrated its 39th Founding Anniversary on 18-19th July 2018 at the CIRDAP International Conference Centre (CICC), Dhaka with a theme of “Embracing the excellence in Rural Development”. In marking the occasion, a two-day long programme including four technical sessions themed (i) Rising Bangladesh (ii) Digital Bangladesh: ICT in Rural Development (iii) Food Waste to Wealth and ((iv) Sustainable/Smart Rural Village Model has been organised. H.E. Mr. Md. Mashiur Rahman Ranga, M.P. State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives of the Government of the Peoples of the Government of Bangladesh has attended the Inaugural ceremony as the Chief guest. Mr. S.M. Ghulam Farooque, Secretary, Rural Development and Co-operatives Division , Ministry of LGRD&C and Dr. Durga Prasad Paudyal, former Director General of CIRDAP were present as the special Guests. A keynote address on ‘Transformation of The Rural Sector In Bangladesh’ was presented by Former Governor of Bangladesh Bank and IRD Expert of CIRDAP Professor Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed. In his remarks, the chief guest H.E. Md. Mashiur Rahman Ranga reiterated the commitment of the Government of Bangladesh hoping that CIRDAP will continue serving the people the Asia Pacific Regional Countries as a Centre of Excellence in Rural Development. He mentioned that, ‘there is no denying the fact that all CIRDAP Member Countries (CMCs) should work together for ushering in an all-pervading change in our respective countries. Let us identify some of the future areas of international cooperation that will pave the way for such change. CIRDAP member countries can mutually and reciprocally benefit themselves in a number of ways, such as: addressing the impact of globalization on rural development, reducing rural poverty in the CMCs; Financial inclusion in poverty reduction; Harnessing the potentials of local Government in the CMCs; Encouraging innovations and creativity in Rural Development; and Undertaking comparative studies on the best practices in social safety nets in the CMC and etc’. Before that the inaugural ceremony started with the welcome remarks by Mr. Tevita G. Boseiwaqa Taginavulau, the Director General of CIRDAP. He mentioned that, ‘CIRDAP is currently developing the notion of taking a “Wisdom driven rural development approach” incorporating the ethical elements in our development approach”. In his keynote address, Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed said, ‘Integrated Rural Development (IRD) concept was introduced in various other countries with the initiative of the UN-FAO and to promote this approach CIRDAP was set up in 1979 as a follow-up to the World Conference on Agrarian Reform and Rural Development (WCARRD) held in Rome in 1979.’ Highlighting the transformation of Rural Development in Bangladesh, he stressed that, ‘the strategies for agriculture and rural transformation should consist of increasing agricultural productivity and product diversification and encouraging private initiatives for value addition in line with climate change adaptation approaches. The government should devote more resources for agricultural research and extension’. Mr. S.M. Ghulam Farooque, Secretary, Rural Development and Co-operatives Division , Ministry of LGRD&C, highlighted the different programmes of CIRDAP mentioning that, ‘CIRDAP has been implementing 21 programmes for Bangladesh this year which includes research programmes, Pilot projects, In-country and international training and exposure visits. These well-articulated programmes will benefit the Bangladesh Govt. Officials and more importantly, students, the future of Bangladesh. We are grateful to CIRDAP for arranging such exposure visits for the youth of the country by which they can experience the development intervention practically.’ The inaugural programme was attended by high level Diplomats from CIRDAP Member Countries, Government Officials of Bangladesh, Development Workers, Scholars from different organisations and institutions. Following the inaugural ceremony, two technical sessions were held. The first Technical Session titled ‘Rising Bangladesh’ was moderated by Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed, IRD Expert of CIRDAP and former Governor of Bangladesh Bank while the keynote paper on ‘Social and Economic Transition of Rural Bangladesh’ was presented by the Professor Dr. Mustafizur Rahman, Distinguished Fellow of CPD and Former Professor of University of Dhaka. Dr. Shaikh M. Moniruzzaman, DG, Bangabandhu Academy for Poverty Alleviation and Rural Development (BAPARD), Professor Dr. Md. Abu Eusuf, Former Chairman, Department of Development studies, University of Dhaka, Professor Dr. M. Shafiq-Ur Rahman; Department of Urban & Regional Planning, Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka, Ms. Farida Yeasmin, Deputy Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Government of the Peoples Republic of Bangladesh were present as the panellists of the session. The second session titled ‘Digital Bangladesh: ICT in Rural Development’ was moderated by Dr. Md. Abdur Rouf, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Government of the Peoples’ Republic of Bangladesh while the Keynote paper on ‘ICT in Rural Development in Bangladesh’ was presented by Mr. Mustafizur Rahman, Project Director, A2I Program of Prime Minister’s Office, Government of the Peoples Republic of Bangladesh. Dr. Mustafa K Mujeri, Executive Director, Institute for Inclusive Finance and Development (InM), and Mr. Shoeb Ahmed, Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services (BASIS), Kbd. Mir Nurul Alam, Director, Planning, Project implementation and ICT Wing, Department of Agricultural Extension, and Mr. Shahid Uddin Akber, Managing Director, Bangladesh Institute of ICT in Development (BIID) were present as the panellists of the session. Two technical sessions themed Food Waste to wealth and Smart Rural Village Model was held on the Second day. In the third session cantered on the theme of Food Waste, Md. Saleh Ahmed, Post -Harvest Food Waste Management Expert, shared how food waste can be turned into Wealth. The session was moderated by Dr. M.A. Matin, Director General, Rural Development Academy (RDA), Bogra, Bangladesh. Mr. A.H. Maqsood Sinha, Co-Founder & Executive Director, Waste Concern, Dr. Nur Mohammad Khondoker, Asst. Country Representative of FAO Bangladesh, Commodore Mohammad Abdur Razzak, NUP, ndc, psc, Mphil, Chief Waste Management Specialist, Dhaka North City Corporation, and Dr. Md Nazim Uddin, Senior Scientific Officer, HRC, Bangladesh Agriculture Research Institute were present as the panellists of the session. The last was on Smart/Sustainable Rural Village Model. In a keynote address titled ‘Smart Village Model’, internationally acclaimed social activist Mr. R. Elango, shared the story on how the ordinary Kuthambakam village in remote Tamil Nadu, India has been transformed into a model village. Elango, who graduated

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