On May 6, 2025, the ECHO Monitoring mission and the WFP Team visited YPSA’s Emergency Livelihood Support Programme, which is supported by WFP in Mangal Kandi Union, Sonagazi, and Gopal Union, Chhagalnaiya Upazila, Feni District. The aim of the visit was to assess the program’s impact on supporting flood-affected communities through livelihood recovery initiatives.
During the visit, the delegation was accompanied by YPSA’s Finance Director, Palash Chowdhury, and Assistant Director Md. Abdus Sabur, who provided insights into the program’s significant contributions. The delegation observed an Investment Component session for the Vulnerable Group Development Programme, focusing on food, nutrition, and market linkage activities. In this session, beneficiaries were actively engaged in business planning under the Emergency Livelihood Support Programme.
Firstly, a Refresher Training Observation was conducted in Mangalkandi Union, Sonagazi Upazila. The team visited a food, nutrition, and market linkage session with active participation from women beneficiaries. The training focused on nutrition, hygiene, and marketing strategies. Beneficiaries reported applying the lessons learned to improve household nutrition and IGA operations.
Beneficiary Feedback: Through informal discussions during the session, beneficiaries shared that the refresher training significantly reinforced their previous learning and helped them adapt their practices more efficiently. Examples included: improved household food diversity based on nutrition knowledge; better decision-making on raw material purchases and selling products at local markets; and increased awareness about pricing and seasonal demand, which improved income consistency.
Secondly, after the Refresher Training Observation, the delegation joined a Focused Group Discussion in Mangalkandi Union. Beneficiaries shared their experiences during the August 2024 flood and explained how WFP’s phased support – emergency aid, cash grants, and training – helped them recover through IGAs such as poultry farming, tailoring, and small trade.
Furthermore, to gain a deeper understanding of the program’s impact at the grassroots level through Household and IGA Visits (Mangal Kandi Union, Sonagazi Upazila), the team conducted visits to two distinct categories of beneficiaries within Mangal Kandi Union. These direct interactions provided valuable insights into the tangible improvements in their living conditions and the progress of their income-generating activities.
Finally, to explore diverse support mechanisms through a Focused Group Discussion (Gopal Union, Chhagalnaiya Upazila), the delegation moved to Gopal Union in Chhagalnaiya Upazila. There, they convened another significant Focused Group Discussion. This session specifically focused on the effectiveness and impact of Unconditional Cash Support and the Cash-for-Work initiative. Engaging directly with project beneficiaries and local community members, the team sought to understand how these interventions were contributing to their recovery and resilience. During the FGD, the ECHO representative actively inquired about the beneficiaries’ personal experiences and diligently sought to comprehend the tangible impact of the project on their lives.
The ECHO Monitoring mission and the WFP Team commended YPSA and WFP for their commitment to supporting vulnerable communities. They emphasized that the project not only provides immediate financial aid but also plays a crucial role in developing essential local infrastructure and enhancing community resilience. The delegation expressed their satisfaction with YPSA’s implementation of the program and praised the dedication of staff and stakeholders in delivering impactful interventions.