TRANSFORMING AGRI-FOOD SYSTEMS: WORKSHOP ON SUSTAINABLE AND INCLUSIVE CANAL WATER MANAGEMENT IN COASTAL BANGLADESH ORGANIZED BY: CENTER FOR NATURAL RESOURCE STUDIES (CNRS) INTERNATIONA RICE RESEARCH INSITITUTE (IRRI) FUNDED BY: ASIAN MEGA DELTAS INITIATIVE CGIAR Initiative on Asian Mega-Deltas Workshop report 1l WORKSHOP ON SUSTAINABLE AND INCLUSIVE CANAL WATER MANAGEMENT Table of Contents Acknowledgement 2 Introduction 3 Workshop Objectives and Participation 4 Workshop Content 5 Speeches by Special Guests 7 Open Discussion Highlights 8 Remarks by Chief Guest 10 Remarks by Chair 12 Vote of thanks 12 Synthesis and Conclusion 12 Annex: List of participants 13 Abbreviations AMD: Asian Mega Deltas CEDIO: Coastal education and diversity improvement Organization CGIAR: Consortium of Agricultural Research Centers CNRS: Center for Natural Resources Studies IRRI: Bangladesh Rice Research Institute NGOs: Non-Government Organizations 2l WORKSHOP ON SUSTAINABLE AND INCLUSIVE CANAL WATER MANAGEMENT Acknowledgement The workshop “Inclusive Canal Water Management in Coastal Bangladesh: Challenges and Potential for Resilent Agri-Food Systems” was held on November 28th at the Upazila Auditorium, Shyamnagar, Satkhira. The event supported by CNRS and IRRI researchers working in the Asian Mega Deltas Initiative presented a case study findings of inclusive water governance. We wish to acknowledge all the organizations and individuals whose support was crucial to the success of the workshop. We are grateful to the local CNRS office, under the leadership of M Mokhlesure Rahman, to go above and beyond in arranging logistics. The support from the Coastal education and diversity improvement Organization (CEDIO), led by its Executive Director, Gazi Al Imran, is deeply appreciated. Abu Sayeed Mohammed Manjur Alam, Additional Divisional Commissioner of Khulna Division, graciously agreed to join the workshop as Chief Guest. His presence throughout the entire session, attentively listening to every argument, was both inspiring and greatly appreciated. Special gratitude is extended to the other special guest Nazmul Huda, Upazila Agricultural Extension officer to attend the workshop, demonstrating their commitment to and interest in the workshop's focus. Such dedication assures that inclusive water governance will soon become a reality. The contributions of the chairperson, Mst. Roni Khatun, Upazila Unirbahi Officer, were outstanding, providing dynamic and engaging discussions. Lastly, Heartfelt thanks to the community members, students from CEDIO, and officers from the upazila government offices for their unwavering support and active participation from the very beginning. In summary, the combined efforts and dedication of all these individuals and organizations were instrumental in the success of the workshop, and their contributions are deeply appreciated. 3l WORKSHOP ON SUSTAINABLE AND INCLUSIVE CANAL WATER MANAGEMENT Introduction The southern coastal deltas are the food basket of Bangladesh. Agri-food systems are dependent on multiple water sources - rain, ponds, rivers and canals. Among these, freshwater canals - the drainage peripheries of large rivers are the lifeline to water access and availability for crop, livestock, and fish production and processing. Freshwater canal water in salt-prone deltaic regions like Bangladesh are becoming increasingly unreliable due to climate change and other anthropogenic drivers, leading to declining agricultural productivity and heightened vulnerability among coastal communities. CGIAR’s Asian Mega Deltas initiative aims to support relevant stakeholders in Bangladesh, Cambodia, Vietnam, India and Myanmar in working towards resilient, inclusive, and productive deltas that are better adapted to climatic and other stressors while supporting livelihoods well-being and maintaining socio-ecological integrity. One of the focus areas of the AMD Initiative is to strengthen inclusive, gender-equitable governance of land, water, and other natural resources on which integrated food systems depend. Supported by the national NGO, CNRS, this workshop is aimed at discussing the above issues including the urgency for promoting inclusive water governance in Bangladesh’s agri-food systems. The aim is to bring together key stakeholders and initiate the co-development of an inclusive water governance framework focusing on the Southwestern deltaic part of Bangladesh. The workshop will allow identifying actionable pathways to sustainable water governance that prioritize food and livelihood security of the most marginalized in the face of persistent conflicts and inequalities surrounding freshwater canals. 4l WORKSHOP ON SUSTAINABLE AND INCLUSIVE CANAL WATER MANAGEMENT Workshop Objectives • Validate case study findings of “Power, Politics and Elite Capture of Fresh Water Canals-A Feminist Political Ecological Analysis" • Discuss pathways to achieve sustainable and inclusive management of canal water, addressing persistent conflicts and inequalities surrounding freshwater canals. Participation There were 53 participants, including 11 women. Workshop Participants in Attendance 5l WORKSHOP ON SUSTAINABLE AND INCLUSIVE CANAL WATER MANAGEMENT Workshop Content a. Welcome speech by Dr. M Mokhlesur Rahman. Dr. Rahman from CNRS extended a warm welcome to the participants, including the Chair, Chief Guest, special guests, and members of the general audience from public bodies and civil society organizations. b. Inauguration by Mst. Roni Khatun. c. Joint presentation by Dr. Mou Rani Sarker and Dr. M Mokhlesur Rahman The following points were made. Bangladesh is the 7th most climate vulnerable country, and the impacts of this are largely shaped by water-related challenges in this deltaic country. Given the tidal dynamics and salinity intrusion, seasonal flooding, communities in Bangladesh’s southwestern regions have been facing a major crisis related to access to freshwater. Freshwater canals, traditionally considered common-pool resources, play a vital role in supporting food production, domestic needs, and ecosystem services in Bangladesh. However, widespread mismanagement and lease abuse of these canals disproportionately affect marginalized smallholder farmers and women who depend heavily on agri-food systems for their livelihoods. Under the AMD Initiative, a team of CGIAR and local researchers investigated how agri- water-food systems policies and planning strategies address inclusive governance, as well as the power dynamics surrounding access, use, and control of canal water. They also examined how the canal leasing system impacts the food system. These findings were presented during the workshop. The presentation highlighted key critical challenges, including canal mismanagement in the community, the exclusion and inclusion of water for water-dependent livelihoods, the impact on the food system, the gender dimensions of the water crisis, siloed policies, and the marginalization of communities in policy processes. To tackle these challenges, five pathways for action were propose • Strong regulatory frameworks and enforcement mechanisms, along with comprehensive legal structures for managing common pool resources. • Building community resilience by enhancing local capacity to sustainably manage resources in the long term. 6l WORKSHOP ON SUSTAINABLE AND INCLUSIVE CANAL WATER MANAGEMENT • Improving coordination between policies, sectoral departments, and official and non-government actors. • Driving systemic change in social inclusion within key food systems institutions and stakeholders. • Regional gender budgeting and monitoring of budget implementation. Dr. Mou Rani Sarker and Dr. M Mokhlesur Rahman presenting research findings 7l WORKSHOP ON SUSTAINABLE AND INCLUSIVE CANAL WATER MANAGEMENT Special Guest: Md. Nazmul Huda, Upazila Agriculture Officer, Shamnagar Md. Nazmul Huda highlighted that Shyamnagar is experiencing a food deficit of 80 metric tons this year. He stressed the importance of project-based canal excavation and sustainable irrigation systems. Additionally, he recommended upazila-level coordination and planning, improved irrigation management, land zoning, and measures to prevent saline water intrusion into agricultural areas. Md. Nazmul Huda delivering his speech as special guest 8l WORKSHOP ON SUSTAINABLE AND INCLUSIVE CANAL WATER MANAGEMENT Open Discussion Highlights: • Youth representatives, Gazi Al Imran from CEDIO presented 7-point of canal water management. These include renaming rivers, canceling canal leases, engaging youth in Jalmahal committees, allocating upazila budgets for water excavation, removing illegal structures from canal, promoting agricultural practices along canal banks, and preventing saline water intrusion into freshwater canals. • Puspa Rani Mondal and Tumpa Rani Mondal, female farmers from Kultoli village, shared the physical and emotional challenges they face. They highlighted how an influential individual’s construction of a house on khal land has hindered the re- excavation of the Kultoli canal. They called for the leasing and re-excavation of the Kultoli-Dhankhali connected canal to facilitate winter crop cultivation and ensure effective drainage during the Aman season. • Goutom Kumar Mondal, a farmer, highlighted the rising salinity levels in the canal. In addition to advocating for the cancellation of leases, he emphasized the importance of tree plantation as a key aspect of sustainable land management. • Horidas Haldar, a Union Parishad member, emphasized the urgent need to lease and excavate more than ten canals in Munshiganj Union. He also suggested constructing mini ponds to support poor and extremely poor households in cultivating crops year-round and pledged his Union Parishad's full support for these initiatives. • Md. Samiul Azam Monir, Chairperson of the Upazila Press Club, stressed the need to remove illegal structures from canals and rivers and to re-excavate wetlands to enhance the lives and livelihoods of marginalized communities. 9l WORKSHOP ON SUSTAINABLE AND INCLUSIVE CANAL WATER MANAGEMENT Open discussion session 10l WORKSHOP ON SUSTAINABLE AND INCLUSIVE CANAL WATER MANAGEMENT Reflections by Chief Guest, Abu Sayeed Mohammed Manjur Alam, Additional Divisional Commissioner of Khulna Division Mr. Abu Sayed Mohammed Manjur Alam, the Additional Commissioner of Khulna, underscores the importance of canal water in Agri-Food system. Firstly, he clarified that the leasing of Jolmohol is not a government mandate and is intended only to support local livelihoods under specific conditions. He also acknowledged that issues such as leasing and sub-leasing of these water bodies had been discussed during revenue meetings, highlighting the need for transparency and accountability in these processes. Mr. Alam urged the UNO to expedite NOCs for wetland restoration, emphasizing quick action on excavation plans. He also called for the eviction of illegal structures from khas land to restore proper land use for water management. Another key point that Mr. Alam raised was the use of local knowledge and technology in managing water resources. He emphasized the importance of tapping into traditional knowledge about water management, especially in the dry season, when access to freshwater becomes limited. Furthermore, he stressed the importance of prioritizing public interest in all water management activities and ensuring public engagement at every stage. He believed that involving the community in decision-making processes would lead to more effective and sustainable solutions. Public participation would help to create a sense of ownership and responsibility, which is essential for the long-term success of any water management initiative. Recognizing the eco-tourism potential in the region, Mr. Alam also suggested that there is significant scope for promoting eco-tourism in the area. Mr. Alam encouraged starting land zoning on a small scale, such as in a single ward. This would provide a manageable starting point, from which the process could be gradually expanded to cover larger areas. Turning to agriculture, Mr. Alam urged the adoption of climate-resilient agricultural technologies that are tailored to the specific weather conditions in Shyamnagar. He emphasized the importance of diversifying agricultural practices to meet local needs and mitigate the impacts of climate change. By introducing more resilient crops and farming techniques, he believed farmers could better cope with the changing climate and ensure food security for the community. Finally, Mr. Alam strongly advocated for the engagement of youth in water management and restoration efforts. He believed that educating young people about the importance of water conservation and restoration would not only empower them to participate in the 11l WORKSHOP ON SUSTAINABLE AND INCLUSIVE CANAL WATER MANAGEMENT current efforts but also equip them to plan and manage water resources in the future. The involvement of youth, he said, is critical for ensuring that water management practices are sustainable and effective in the long run. Concluding his speech, Mr. Alam reaffirmed the government’s ongoing commitment to canal and river conservation and urged the local administration to closely monitor and oversee these activities. Abu Sayeed Mohammed Manjur Alam delivering his speeche as cheif guest 12l WORKSHOP ON SUSTAINABLE AND INCLUSIVE CANAL WATER MANAGEMENT Closing Remarks by Chair: Mst. Roni Khatun, Upazila Nirbahi Officer of Shyamnagar In her closing remarks, Mst. Roni Khatun noted that salinity, siltation, and encroachment are key challenges in the region. She emphasized the administration's ongoing efforts to cancel 16 jalmahal leases. She emphasized the importance of community engagement over strict law enforcement and stressed the need for better coordination between government and non-government organizations. In her closing remarks, Mst. Khatun assured us that her department would continue to provide the necessary support for inclusive water management whenever required. Vote of Thanks: M Mokhlesur Rahman At the conclusion of the workshop, Dr. Rahman extended his gratitude to all the participants, including the Chief Guest, Special Guests, the Chair, as well as community memebr –for their enthusiasm and participation. He emphasized that without their collective efforts, the workshop would not have been possible. Synthesis and Conclusion The workshop concluded successfully, marked by active participation from all attendees who discussed a range of challenges and proposed solutions for governing a socially inclusive agri-food system. The interactions between government officials, civil society activists, and researchers during the workshop led to a productive exchange of ideas and experiences, highlighting the collaborative spirit of the event. Contributions from the Chief Guest and Special Guest were particularly impactful, setting a forward-looking tone for future progress. 13l WORKSHOP ON SUSTAINABLE AND INCLUSIVE CANAL WATER MANAGEMENT List of participants 14l WORKSHOP ON SUSTAINABLE AND INCLUSIVE CANAL WATER MANAGEMENT 15l WORKSHOP ON SUSTAINABLE AND INCLUSIVE CANAL WATER MANAGEMENT 16l WORKSHOP ON SUSTAINABLE AND INCLUSIVE CANAL WATER MANAGEMENT Authors Mou Rani Sarker, International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), Dhaka, Bangladesh (mr.sarker@irri.org); M. Mokhlesur Rahman, Center for Natural Resource Studies (CNRS), Dhaka, Bangladesh (mokhles@cnrs.org.bd) Citation Sarker, M. R. and Rahman, M. M. 2024. Transforming Agri-Food Systems: Workshop on Sustainable and inclusive canal water management in coastal Bangladesh. CGIAR Initiative on Asian Mega-Deltas. 15p. Acknowledgments This workshop was undertaken as part of the CGIAR Research Initiative on the CGIAR Research Initiative on Securing the food systems of Asian Mega-Deltas for climate and livelihood resilience Asian Mega Deltas. Funding support for this study was provided through CGIAR Initiative on Asian Mega-Deltas. CGIAR is a global research partnership for a food-secure future. CGIAR science is dedicated to transforming food, land, and water systems in a climate crisis. Its research is carried out by 13 CGIAR Centers/Alliances in close collaboration with hundreds of partners, including national and regional research institutes, civil society organizations, academia, development organizations and the private sector. www.cgiar.org We would like to thank all funders who support this research through their contributions to the CGIAR Trust Fund: www.cgiar.org/funders. To learn more about this Initiative, please visit this webpage. To learn more about this and other Initiatives in the CGIAR Research Portfolio, please visit www.cgiar.org/cgiar-portfolio © 2024 CGIAR System Organization. Some rights reserved. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 4.0 International License (CC by 4.0). | | | mailto:mr.sarker@irri.org mailto:mokhles@cnrs.org.bd http://www.cgiar.org/funders https://www.cgiar.org/initiative/asian-mega-deltas/ http://www.cgiar.org/cgiar-portfolio https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/