Bangladesh
Commercial rice value chains serving urban centers in Bangladesh have made strides in improving efficiency. However, rice value chains in more marginalized settings have not advanced to the same degree. Therefore, the efforts of this project will focus on the needs at the "bottom" of the chain - targeting constraints on farm households (including women) and smaller enterprise actors. Projects will address culturally acceptable and economically feasible household storage options, solar and mechanical drying methods and technologies, and engage local artisans, business people, and workers to create and develop locally-produced tools and technology to aid in the sustainability of implemented resources and practices. Addressing the knowledge gap of farmers and improving market literacy through training and development of business plans will create income-creating post-harvest enterprise activities.