Project Description

The project “Fresh Market Training on Food Safety, Food Loss and Waste Reduction, Food Handling, Waste Management, and Waste Segregation” was part of the broader Dhaka Food System (DFS) project, initiated by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) with support from Kingdom of Netherlands. The DFS aimed to establish an inclusive, resilient, and sustainable food system for Dhaka by addressing key challenges in food safety, waste management, and governance within the city's fresh markets. It also aimed at supporting the Government of Bangladesh to develop a Strategic Dhaka Food Agenda 2041 through an action research, evidence based and multi-stakeholder collaborative approach. The DFS project implemented a diverse set of activities such as mass awareness campaign, capacity building, facilitating multi-stakeholder engagement, policy advocacy and consultation under the following six clusters: Strengthening food system planning and governance (FSPG), Promoting nutrition and food security (NFS), Upgrading fresh markets (FM) Reducing food loss and waste (FLW), Improving food safety and consumer awareness (FSCA) and Strengthening food value chains (FVC). Hence, the DFS project conducted multiple assessments in fresh markets. Some were done based on indicators developed along with development partners, mainly the World Bank and GAIN. The results of these assessments identified the urgent need for capacity building of vendors and associations for ensuring food safety, efficient waste management, foo loss, waste reduction, and optimum use of available resources in the markets. DFS has already conducted pilot training in six markets in the four city corporations of Dhaka on COVID-19 awareness and safety measurement for the vendors, cleaners, and the market association. Fresh markets are critical to the food supply chain in Dhaka, serving approximately 85% of its population. However, inefficiencies in waste management, lack of food handling knowledge, and outdated governance practices hinder their potential to ensure food safety and hygiene. This project was strategically designed to enhance the capacity of fresh market vendors, associations, and other stakeholders across 130 markets in four city corporations (Dhaka North, Dhaka South, Narayanganj, and Gazipur). The ultimate objective was to improve food safety practices, reduce food loss and waste, and upgrade market management for better health and economic outcomes.

Specific objectives of the project included

• To develop the capacity of the fresh market actors in selected areas of food and market management to improve the food system.
• To influence fresh market policies through evidence-based advocacy.
• To produce a project showcase for national-level adoption advocacy. The assignment was originally awarded to the Joint Venture of Institute of Professional Training & Management (Lead Firm) and Disaster Management Watch (JV Partner). Subsequently, Communication and Development was engaged as a Sub-Consultant to provide specialized support in communication design and dissemination.

Services Provided by Communication and Development Limited

• Designed infographics, posters, and training aids to simplify technical content for vendors and associations.
• Produced slide decks and presentation materials for city-level and national dissemination events.
• Provided editorial and formatting support for training reports and project documents.
• Ensured adherence to FAO branding and knowledge product standards.
• Advised on strategic communication to highlight hygiene, waste management, and food safety narratives for diverse stakeholders.

Key Deliverables

• Four (4) baseline survey reports, including pilot survey reports for 2 markets.
• Five (5) training programs conducted in 130 markets (total 650 sessions including pilot locations).
• Distribution of tools and equipment (bins) in ten (10) markets.
• Ten (10) monthly progress reports.
• Four (4) endline survey reports, including pilot survey reports in 2 markets.
• One (1) strategic plan detailing the phase-wise progress and replication.
• One (1) project completion report.
• Four (4) city-level orientation workshops.
• Four (4) city-level seminars and seminar reports.
• One (1) national-level dissemination seminar.