Innovation packaging and scaling readiness workshop explores scaling pathways for climate-smart mapping in Bangladesh

To scale the Climate-Smart Mapping and Adaptation Planning (CS-MAP) tool across Bangladesh’s coastal districts, an Innovation Packaging and Scaling Readiness (IPSR) workshop was held on November 25, 2024, at the BARC Auditorium in Dhaka. The workshop brought together government and non-government partners to discuss scaling strategies for the CS-MAP tool. Md. Mozdar Hosen, Director of Field Service Wing of the Department of Agricultural Extension, was present in the workshop as the Chief Guest. A technical presentation on the CS-MAP approach was given by Md. Mostafizur Rahman from CEGIS and the workshop was facilitated by Dr Ahmad Salahuddin, Senior Associate Scientist, CGIAR Initiative on Asian Mega-Deltas (AMD), International Rice Research Institute (IRRI).

The CS-MAP approach integrates local knowledge and science-based research, offering decision-support tools for climate-resilient crop production. The workshop was a pivotal event under AMD, bringing together stakeholders from national agricultural research and extension systems and other important actors, directly and indirectly, working in the field of agriculture, water management, climate change research and development activities to strategize on scaling and utilization of the CS-MAP as a tool to enhance agricultural adaptation in the coastal region of Bangladesh.

Scaling ambition for CS-MAP

Participants outlined an ambitious scaling vision for CS-MAP. By 2027, IRRI and its partners aim to engage the Ministry of Agriculture, Water Management Organizations, and district-level offices of the Department of Agricultural Extension to scale CS-MAP across the Khulna and Barishal regions. The goal is to reach 10,000 farmers, reduce yield losses by 20%, and establish CS-MAP as a standard approach for adaptation planning.

Key issues raised and discussed

Workshop participants identified key challenges and enablers for implementing CS-MAP. These include the need for increased awareness and motivation among field-level extension officials, improved data accessibility through a user-friendly digital platform, and enhanced farmer training through climate-smart schools. Strong policy support for integrated water management, fair agricultural pricing, and improved coordination among local agencies were also emphasized.

While there is readiness for these enablers, their implementation is still in the early stages, highlighting the need for concerted efforts to integrate them into existing agricultural systems.

To improve CS-MAP’s scalability and utility, recommendations included utilizing high-resolution satellite imagery for better land use mapping, focusing on sub-district-level planning, and establishing a centralized database with a user-friendly interface.

Collaborative efforts and path forward

The workshop highlighted the importance of contributions from key partners, including IRRI, BRRI, CEGIS, DAE, BWDB, BARC, BADC, and others. There was a suggestion to leverage all available funding sources engaged in similar work in the country.

This workshop represents a critical step in scaling CS-MAP to empower farmers and extension officials with the necessary tools to address the challenges of a changing climate. The IPSR workshop underscored the potential of CS-MAP to transform agricultural resilience in the Deltas. By leveraging innovation packages and fostering multi-stakeholder collaboration, the initiative aims to strengthen climate adaptation strategies and ensure sustainable food production systems for vulnerable communities in coastal Bangladesh.