SHiFT formalizes collaboration with partners in Bangladesh

The CGIAR Research Initiative on Sustainable Healthy Diets through Food Systems Transformation (SHiFT) and two partners in Bangladesh recently formalized their commitment to strengthen the implementation of food systems transformation for sustainable and healthy diets in the country. The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), on behalf of SHiFT, signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) with the Bangladesh National Nutrition Council (BNNC) and with the Food Planning and Monitoring Unit (FPMU) of the Ministry of Food in early February 2024.

The BNNC is the central coordinating body working on nutrition policy with 20 relevant ministries and other stakeholders in Bangladesh. The MoU between SHiFT and the BNNC aims to establish and enhance cooperation for stakeholder engagement within food systems transformation in Bangladesh. Key objectives include coordinating with stakeholders, disseminating transformation results, aligning research with policy priorities, and conducting capacity strengthening activities to ensure sustainable and healthy diets. The MoU was signed by Dr. Inge Brouwer, SHiFT Lead and Dr. Zubaida Nasreen, Director General (In-Charge), BNNC.

FPMU serves as a crucial hub for overseeing food-related activities for the Ministry of Food in Bangladesh. Under this MoU, SHiFT and FPMU aim to support the development  and implementation of the national food systems transformation action plan and monitoring framework for sustainable healthy diets in Bangladesh, focusing on key areas such as stakeholder engagement, research alignment with policy priorities, communication efforts for disseminating results, and the development of shared research activities and fundraising opportunities. Additionally, the MoU seeks to enhance capacity through participation in research activities aligned with national strategies to ensure sustainable and healthy diets. The MoU was signed by Mr. Md. Ismiel Hossain, Secretary, Ministry of Food and Dr. Inge Brouwer.

These MoUs mark an important milestone in SHiFT’s partnership with stakeholders in Bangladesh, signifying a concerted effort to tackle challenges and leverage opportunities in food systems transformation.

The International Food Policy Research Institute and the Alliance of Bioversity and CIAT lead SHiFT in close collaboration with Wageningen University and Research and with contributions from the International Potato Center. SHiFT combines high-quality nutritional and social science research capacity with development partnerships to generate innovative, robust solutions that contribute to healthier, more sustainable dietary choices and consumption of sustainable healthy diets. It builds on CGIAR’s unparalleled track record of agricultural research for development, including ten years of work on food systems and nutrition under the CGIAR Research Program on Agriculture for Nutrition and Health (A4NH).

This news item was written by Aklima Parvin, Senior Project Manager, and Julie Ghostlaw, Country Program Manager, IFPRI-Dhaka office. 

Header image: Partners gather to recognize the signing of the MoU between the Bangladesh National Nutrition Council (BNNC) and the CGIAR Research Initiative on Sustainable Healthy Diets through Food Systems Transformation in Dhaka, Bangladesh. From left to right are Dr. Nusrat Jahan, Deputy Director, BNNC; Dr. Nusrat Jahan Mithen, Deputy Director, BNNC; Dr. Md. Taherul Islam Khan, Director, BNNC; Dr. Zubaida Nasreen, Director General (In-Charge), Bangladesh National Nutrition Council; Dr. Inge Brouwer, SHiFT lead, IFPRI; Dr. Marion Herens, Food and Nutrition Security Expert, Wageningen University and Research; and Ms. Aklima Parvin, Senior Project Manager, IFPRI. Photo by Mr. Ashik/BNNC.