Diagnostic assessment for strengthening climate-smart rice and water security in barind tract

Request for expression of interest (eoi) Diagnostic assessment for strengthening climate-smart rice and water security in barind tract
The economy of Bangladesh, dominated by agriculture, demands over 90% of the available fresh water. Sourced from groundwater at large, the availability of freshwater has become a matter of concern in recent years, especially in the Barind of Northern Bangladesh. Due to over-abstraction and pollution of surface water, groundwater is being used excessively and as a result depleting at a higher rate than it is being re-charged. Furthermore, it is expected that water demanded by agriculture will rise by 46% by 2030 given population growth and dietary changes. Given this context, improving water use efficiency and water productivity in agriculture is a critical issue that needs urgent attention for sustainable agriculture. Adoption of water conserving crop technology where feasible, and conjunctive use of groundwater and surface water (National Water Policy, 1999), enhancing irrigation efficiency (Integrated Minor Irrigation policy, 2011) and usage of Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) and other efficient irrigation systems (e.g., buried pipe, sub-surface irrigation, pukka nala etc.). (National Agriculture Extension Policy (draft, 2012) has been recommended to address the persisting challenges in Barind agricultural transformation.
The primary objective of this assignment is to strengthen institutional mainstreaming of scaling climate-resilient agriculture and water security across public and private sector. To achieve this, The firm will conduct diagnostics on institutionalization of Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) practices and advancing carbon market readiness. The firm will assess stakeholder capacity, quantify volumetric water savings, forge agribusiness partnerships to expand non-rice value chains through Farmers’ Hubs, and promote youth-led mechanization entrepreneurship which is envisioned to create more jobs. Ultimately, the assignment aims to strengthen institutional capabilities, facilitate policy integration, and mobilize private sector commitments through behavior change campaigns and agribusiness consortium coordination. Crucially, the generated evidence, baseline models, and institutional frameworks will provide the World Bank with actionable insights and strategic recommendations to design upcoming AgriConnect MPA in Bangladesh.