Scaling Aquatic Innovations for Impact: WorldFish Bangladesh Engagement under the CGIAR S4I Program

Abstract

In 2025, WorldFish Bangladesh implemented activities through the CGIAR Scaling for Impact (S4I) Program to accelerate the uptake of proven aquaculture innovations in Bangladesh. Working across Pathways to Scale, Enabling Environments, and Learning for Impact, the program addressed system-level bottlenecks in fish seed and feed systems, expanded decentralized extension, and advanced nutrition-sensitive and climate-smart aquaculture. A flagship intervention was the Seed-Compact Model, through which 20 private hatcheries and 309 Local Service Providers supplied improved carp and small indigenous species seed to around 26,000 farmers and delivered advisory services to over 31,000 farmers in climate-vulnerable coastal areas. Nutrition outcomes were strengthened through expanded SIS seed production and Community Health Worker–led nutrition messaging reaching 77,000 people. Climate resilience was enhanced via solar-powered hatcheries and on-farm evaluation of G5 rohu. Two national workshops, new datasets, and peer-reviewed publications strengthened evidence and coordination, laying a strong foundation for scalable, inclusive aquaculture from 2026 onward.