SAVE_SUCHANA: Ending the Cycle of Under-nutrition in Bangladesh_Quarterly Progress Report_Jan to Mar 2017

Abstract

Learning phase • Refresher training on aquaculture for the IP staff from the learning phase (14 participants) • Refresher training for BHHs on fish and horticulture (97% of 4,768 BHHs) • Coaching sessions for BHHs on fish and horticulture (60% of 2,980 BHHs) • Linkages events on fish and horticulture for BHHs (318 participants in 6 batches) • Conducted rapid fish and horticultural assessment and presented the key findings through lesson learning workshop Phase 1 • Foundation training on aquaculture and horticulture for 88 participants (FF-69, UZC-4, UC-11, GCDO-4) from IPs in 3 batches • Hands-on training on aquaculture and horticulture for 513 participants (FF-156, SCM-312 and UC-25) from IPs in 47 batches • Basic training for the BHHs on vegetable production (88.5% of 53,757 BHHs) • Basic training for BHHs on aquaculture (718 BHHs) • Distribution of vegetable seeds for summer (6,630 BHHs) • Capacity building of other value chain actors o Fish nursery operators- 57 participants in 2 batches o Fingerling retailers (Patilwalas)- 131 participants in 5 batches • Refresher training for the frontline staff members (AFO & FA) of DoF (22 participants) • Orientation for the DoF officers from district and upazila levels (13 participants) Special Initiatives • Distribution of Latiraj kachu rich in vitamin A & iron (4,400 tubers to 110 BHHs) Challenges • Restricted movement of women are very strong at some communities, even some of them were not interested to talk with Suchana staff members; • Communication gaps are existing with the implementing partners related to the field activities and reporting system; • Locations of villages are very scattered. It was challenging to form the groups and sub-groups, and conduct the training as well; • To follow-up the field activities of huge geographical areas by one technical person from TPs; • Many FFs and SCMs were not oriented properly to form the sub-group following the agreed process, eventually they were not technically sound to fill-up the formats related to sub-groups; Some learning and recommendations from the field Training related issues • Hands-on training on improved aquaculture practices was very fruitful for Field Facilitator (FF) because many FFs were not capable to conduct beneficiary level trainings. Still, they have lacking in their technical knowledge and need to strengthen their self-confidence as well; • Hands on training should be followed by foundation training; • Festoon and flipchart need to ensure before conducting the training because it is essential for beneficiary level training; Fish fingerlings related issues • Establishment of fish nurseries for good quality fish fingerling production at union levels; • Need to ensure stocking of fish fingerling at the beginning of the season; Sub-group formation • Formats related to sub-groups should be filling up according to BHHs registered form and need to finalize through visiting individual households; • For collecting the accurate data during the registration process and forming the sub-groups, household information should be validated using the household heads; Some other issues • Combined plan can be enhanced at all level of IP staff members; • Field Facilitators have to stay at respective union level and they should use bicycles for better movement; • House to house visits should be more frequently by TP and IP staffs for better follow-up;