CDCS Knowledge Institute, BARC, CARE, Bangabandhu Agricultural University, Organizer and researcher, BoP Markets & Development: Bridging the Knowledge Divide in Agriculture and Food Security, 2013
In 2013, the CDCS Knowledge Institute, in partnership with the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC), CARE Bangladesh, and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, organized a pioneering knowledge forum titled “BoP Markets & Development: Bridging the Knowledge Divide in Agriculture and Food Security.” Serving as both organizer and contributing researcher, CDCS spearheaded this initiative to spotlight the untapped potential of Base of the Pyramid (BoP) markets in driving inclusive agricultural growth and food security in Bangladesh. The event brought together researchers, development practitioners, agribusiness leaders, and policymakers to explore how knowledge asymmetries, market failures, and institutional gaps hinder the effective participation of BoP communities—particularly smallholder farmers and marginalized groups—in agri-food systems. The research presented at the forum emphasized the need for innovative knowledge transfer mechanisms, pro-poor value chain development, and inclusive business models that align commercial viability with social impact. Through rich dialogue and evidence-based insights, the event called for a paradigm shift in how agriculture and food systems are conceptualized—moving from top-down interventions to participatory, market-driven solutions. The initiative reaffirmed CDCS’s commitment to bridging the knowledge divide and fostering equitable development pathways in agriculture.
Author: Syeda Farzana Morshed
