Baseline Study of “Uddokta – Empowering Entrepreneurs” Project (Phase II)

Baseline Study of “Uddokta – Empowering Entrepreneurs” Project (Phase II)

International Development Enterprises (iDE) is a nonprofit organization, started working in Bangladesh since 1983, dedicated to ending poverty through market-based development (powering small-scale entrepreneurs and building robust market ecosystems) focusing on agriculture, sanitation, climate change resilience, and gender equality.

“Uddokta – Empowering Entrepreneurs" project is funded by Chevron and implemented by iDE, under the umbrella of Chevron’s Bangladesh Partnership Initiative (BPI). "Uddokta Phase II" has set an ambitious goal to improve the financial sustainability and enhance the capital reserve of 58 selected cooperatives in Sylhet Sadar, Nabiganj, and Jagannathpur Upazilas focusing on nurturing business intelligence, financial discipline, and active engagement of cooperative members. Nutrition Entrepreneurship (LDS – Stream), another component of the project, seeks to mitigate malnutrition among children, adolescents, and mothers with a prime focus on enhancing nutrition through supportive food systems, improved food security, and market system approaches.  

The baseline study is aimed at establishing the benchmark data against which project progress and impact will be measured.

Specific objectives of the baseline study of 'Uddokta Phase II':

1. Assess the financial stability and growth potential of 58 cooperatives, targeting a 15-20% increase in capital reserves.
2. Evaluate member engagement in business operations, aiming for active participation from at least 580 members.
3. Analyze cooperatives' business planning and execution skills for sustainable operations.
4. Investigate opportunities for revenue generation and co-investment in cooperative-led ventures.

Specific objectives of the baseline study of 'LDS Nutrition Entrepreneurship':

5. Measure the nutrition status of children under five, pregnant and lactating women, focusing on the first 2,000 days.
6. Evaluate food system efficacy in providing nutritious food to children and mothers.
7. Assess the influence of Nutrition Sales Agents on community nutrition practices.
8. Analyze community awareness and practices regarding dietary diversity and food safety.
9. Investigate market dynamics and private sector involvement in nutrition supply.
10. Document household practices related to food security and diet quality.
11. Assess women's decision-making influence on household health and nutrition.

Centre for Research and Development (CRD) has been awarded to conduct the baseline study. With a vibrant team, Dr. Md Mokhlesur Rahman will lead this assignment.