RFPs: Strengthening Community Resilience, Livelihoods and Nutrition in CHT (Bangladesh)

Deadline: 29-Sep-2026

The World Food Programme is supporting integrated interventions in the Chittagong Hill Tracts of Bangladesh to reduce disaster risks, improve food security and nutrition, expand climate-resilient livelihoods, and strengthen access to social protection. The programme particularly supports vulnerable households, children attending Para Centres, pregnant women, lactating mothers, and mothers of young children.

About the Programme

The World Food Programme, commonly known as WFP, is implementing a multi-sectoral resilience initiative in the Chittagong Hill Tracts region of Bangladesh. The programme recognizes that disaster risks, food insecurity, poverty, malnutrition, limited livelihood opportunities, and inadequate access to public services are interconnected.

It therefore combines:

Geographic Focus The programme operates in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, commonly abbreviated as CHT. The region faces complex development challenges arising from: - Mountainous terrain. - Remote settlements. - Landslides. - Flooding. - Soil erosion. - Climate-related shocks. - Limited infrastructure. - Barriers to markets. - Food insecurity. - Unequal access to health and nutrition services. Activities are intended to reflect the distinct needs, livelihoods, cultures, and geographic conditions of CHT communities. Purpose of the Initiative The programme aims to build the resilience of vulnerable communities by addressing immediate needs while strengthening their ability to manage future shocks.

Its objectives include:

- Reducing disaster and climate risks. - Strengthening community preparedness. - Supporting climate-resilient infrastructure. - Improving food security. - Preventing maternal and child malnutrition. - Providing nutritious meals to children. - Expanding livelihood opportunities. - Building entrepreneurship and market-oriented skills. - Increasing access to social protection. - Connecting communities with health and nutrition services. - Promoting sustainable local economic activities. - Improving children’s attendance and learning. Integrated Programme Approach An integrated approach coordinates activities across sectors rather than addressing each problem separately.

For example:

- Disaster preparedness can protect livelihoods and food supplies. - Climate-resilient infrastructure can improve access to markets and services. - Social protection can help households manage economic shocks. - Better nutrition can improve health and learning. - Livelihood development can reduce long-term dependence on assistance. - School meals can improve attendance while addressing hunger. This coordinated model seeks to produce stronger and more sustainable results. Disaster Risk Reduction Disaster risk reduction involves identifying hazards, reducing vulnerability, and strengthening the capacity of communities to prepare for and respond to emergencies.

The programme may support:

- Community risk assessments. - Hazard mapping. - Preparedness planning. - Early-warning communication. - Community response systems. - Emergency simulations. - Awareness activities. - Local disaster-management committees. - Protection of essential services. - Recovery planning. Activities should be based on locally identified risks and community knowledge. Priority Climate and Disaster Risks The initiative focuses on hazards affecting the Chittagong Hill Tracts, including: - Landslides. - Floods. - Soil erosion. - Extreme rainfall. - Damage to roads and community infrastructure. - Agricultural losses. - Disruption of food supplies. - Barriers to health and education services. Women, children, people with disabilities, older people, and remote communities may face increased risks during emergencies. Community Disaster Preparedness Communities need practical systems for responding before, during, and after a disaster.

Preparedness activities may include:

- Identifying safe locations. - Establishing evacuation procedures. - Developing community communication systems. - Training local volunteers. - Preparing emergency supplies. - Identifying vulnerable households. - Coordinating with local authorities. - Protecting food, water, and livelihood assets. - Planning for continuity of health and nutrition services. Community participation is essential because local residents understand the area’s terrain, hazards, and access challenges. Climate-Resilient Infrastructure Climate-resilient infrastructure is designed to withstand or reduce the impact of environmental hazards.

Potential interventions may include:

- Erosion-control measures. - Slope stabilization. - Improved drainage. - Safer community pathways. - Protection of water sources. - Small-scale livelihood infrastructure. - Rehabilitation of hazard-affected assets. - Infrastructure improving access to markets or services. Infrastructure activities should be environmentally responsible, locally appropriate, and supported by maintenance plans. Food Security Food security exists when people have consistent physical and economic access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food. The programme seeks to improve food security through measures such as: - Food assistance. - Cash assistance. - School feeding. - Livelihood support. - Nutrition education. - Improved access to markets. - Support for climate-resilient food production. - Assistance during emergencies. Interventions should respond to both immediate food needs and the underlying causes of household vulnerability. Cash and Food Assistance Cash or food assistance can help households meet essential needs during periods of crisis, seasonal hardship, or economic instability. Cash assistance may allow families to purchase locally available food and essential goods, while food assistance can provide direct access to nutritious commodities where markets are limited or disrupted.

Programmes should consider:

- Market availability. - Food prices. - Household needs. - Nutrition requirements. - Safety and accessibility. - Appropriate transfe