HarvestPlus and the Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific (CIRDAP) have formalized a partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing rural development and nutrition security across Asia and the Pacific. The partnership aims to foster a cooperative and mutually beneficial relationship between HarvestPlus and CIRDAP to address food and nutrition security challenges.

The MoU was signed on November24, 2024, at the CIRDAP office in presence of Dr. P. Chandra Shekara, Director General of CIRDAP; Mr. F.A.M. Zakirul Huq, Head of Administration and HarvestPlus Bangladesh Country Coordinator Md. Wahidul Amin.

“This partnership between HarvestPlus and CIRDAP is a significant step toward addressing the pressing challenges of malnutrition and rural development in Asia and the Pacific. By combining our expertise and resources, we aim to create sustainable solutions that enhance food systems and improve the lives of vulnerable communities,” said Md. Wahidul Amin, Country Coordinator at HarvestPlus Bangladesh.

Dr. Shekara lauded HarvestPlus for its contribution to global nutrition security and emphasized the importance of enriched foods in combating malnutrition. “HarvestPlus has made remarkable contributions to global nutrition security, and this partnership marks an important milestone in our shared mission to combat malnutrition. To tackle this challenge effectively, we must go above and beyond in making our food systems more resilient and our diets more nutritious,” he stated.

Key focus areas include collaborative research and development, capacity building to enhance skills in rural development, policy advocacy, technology and knowledge exchange to strengthen food systems, and finally empowering local communities through entrepreneurship and sustainable agricultural practices.

Roles and Responsibilities

Under the MoU, HarvestPlus will focus on research collaboration, technology promotion, and policy advocacy to advance food and nutrition security. It will also leverage CIRDAP’s Integrated Rural Development models to implement projects in Bangladesh and other member countries.

CIRDAP will contribute by organizing capacity-building programs, engaging in community development initiatives, and advocating for supportive rural policies to improve nutrition and food security. Additionally, both parties will monitor and evaluate the impact of their initiatives.

Future Prospects

This partnership sets the stage for impactful collaborations that aim to improve the lives of rural populations. By combining HarvestPlus’ expertise in biofortification with CIRDAP’s integrated rural development framework, the two organizations hope to address pressing challenges in food security, climate change, and equitable development. The MoU marks a major step forward in advancing shared goals for a more resilient and nourished Asia-Pacific region.