The Food Security Sector (FSS) in Cox’s Bazar serves as a coordination platform aimed at enhancing food security and resilience efforts through collaborative operations, information exchange, and technical guidance. On 19 May 2025, the FSS conducted a joint field visit with the following key objectives:

• Gain insights into the implementation of Food Security and Resilience programs.

• Engage with FSS partners to discuss program impacts and outcomes.

• Identify and share good practices and lessons learned for broader dissemination.

• Document cross-cutting issues for coordination with relevant sectors.

The visit aimed to strengthen program effectiveness through knowledge sharing and inter-sectoral collaboration.

Summary of Joint Field Visit – 19 May 2025 (FSS / WFP & FAO-led)

The Food Security Sector (FSS), in collaboration with WFP and FAO, organized a joint field visit to four sites across Rohingya refugee camps. The visit included 21 participants from 19 partner organizations: AAB, BRAC, CARE Bangladesh, Concern Worldwide (CWW), DRC, ESDO, EPR – ISCG, FIVDB, HI, HAPS, IRC, Mukti, PIB, RDRS, RF, Shushilan, UTTRAN, WVI, FAO, and WFP.

Objectives of the Visit

• Observe implementation of Food Security and Resilience programs

• Discuss program impacts with partners

• Identify and share best practices

• Document cross-cutting issues for sectoral follow-up

Field Visit Overview

A briefing session led by FSS Coordinator Mr. Naser Mohmand provided orientation, objectives, and an overview of the day’s schedule.

Sites Visited & Key Practices

1. Camp 12 (Shushilan / FAO)

Focus: Branding & Marketing of Processed Foods in Camp Markets
Good Practices:

• Trained Rohingya Master Trainers using Competency-Based Training (CBT)

• Skills development in homestead gardening, food processing, and machinery repair (2,500 HHs)

• Packaging and labeling training provided

• Established market linkages between Farmers Field Centres (FFC) and Aggregation Centers

• MoUs signed between Aggregation Centers and private sector partners

• Aggregation Centers registered with Department of Social Welfare

• Increased vegetable production among both camp and host communities

2. Camp 11 (AAB / WFP & WVB)

Focus: Upcycling, E-voucher, and FFC
Good Practices:

• 2-day capacity-building on waste management, safety, and use of protective gear (1,200 participants)

• Special provisions for Persons with Disabilities

• Regular life skills and foundational training (literacy, numeracy, financial literacy, nutrition)

• Weekly awareness sessions on clean environment, health, and protection

3. Camp 5 (DRC)

Focus: Vertical Gardening
Good Practices:

• Distribution of vegetable seeds, compost, bamboo, and biochar

• Training on biochar benefits: improved soil texture, structure, pH, and carbon sequestration

• Positive impact on vegetable production observed

4. Camp 4E (BRAC)

Focus: Community Gardening
Good Practices:

• Wastewater reuse through irrigation

• Year-round crop production via multi-storied and commercial gardening

• Establishment of a seed bank

• Active women’s participation promoting empowerment

The visit facilitated peer learning, encouraged replication of successful interventions, and underscored the importance of coordinated, community-driven food security initiatives.