Amentum Implementing USAID Feed the Future Agricultural Infrastructure in Bangladesh

By Caroline Gaymard

The Feed the Future Bangladesh Agricultural Infrastructure Development Activity seeks to address the infrastructure needs of farmers and related value chain actors through investments in rural roads, market centers, collection centers, cold storage facilities, and drainage/irrigation systems. By investing in rural infrastructure, the activity will increase incomes, create jobs, reduce postharvest losses, improve agricultural productivity and production, and strengthen food security. 

The Activity completed its first cycle of site selection and is currently developing the designs for the Nowapara Market Center in Modhukhali Upazila, Faridpur District. Other markets and rural roads within market catchment areas are in the feasibility assessment stage in several Faridpur District Upazilas. Currently, the team is in discussions with USAID on testing a new innovative material for road construction, which would increase longevity and reduce maintenance costs, in rural areas.



In addition to construction, the Activity is committed to increasing women’s participation in the markets, leveraging the private sector to maximize USAID’s investment, and ensuring sustainable operation and maintenance of rehabilitated infrastructure. To this end, the Activity team is currently pursuing a partnership with a private sector female entrepreneur to improve sanitation conditions in the markets. Additionally, the team developed a Corporate Social Responsibility approach as the basis for exploring partnering with companies which could invest in WASH, waste management, or women’s corners in the markets.

https://www.amentum.com/project/agricultural-infrastructure-activity-increased-availability-of-quality-agricultural-produce/