Inclusive Cities For Nutrition (IC4N) – Strengthening Urban Food Systems For Improved Nutrition In Cox’s Bazar
The Inclusive Cities for Nutrition (IC4N) project, implemented from November 2022 to December 2025 by PROTTYASHI in partnership with Helvetas and under the leadership of Cox’s Bazar Municipality (CBM), aims to improve the nutritional status of vulnerable urban populations in Cox’s Bazar city through strengthened food systems. Targeting 2,400 direct beneficiaries and nearly 30,000 indirect beneficiaries across 12 informal settlements in 8 municipal wards, the project promotes inclusive, climate-resilient, and nutrition-sensitive urban food systems.
The project focuses on four key outcomes: (1) Strengthened Nutrition Governance, by enhancing CBM’s role in food and nutrition platforms and training officials in data collection and policy implementation; (2) Improved Consumer Behavior, through awareness campaigns, school-based programs, and community mobilization on healthy diets and hygiene practices; (3) Enhanced Food Environment, by promoting safe food handling, climate-smart urban gardening, and linking small producers to markets; and (4) Knowledge Management, through documentation, IEC materials, and knowledge exchange with international partners.The project has achieved significant results, including increased policy awareness, improved household nutrition practices, strengthened community structures, and the promotion of sustainable urban agriculture using sack gardens, drip irrigation, and organic composting. These interventions have not only improved access to safe, nutritious food but also built resilient and inclusive food systems in one of Bangladesh’s most vulnerable urban regions.
Major Achievements
3
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) developed for food hygiene in handling, processing, and distribution.
65
informal settlements covered through technical awareness consultations.
5
multisectoral nutrition coordination meetings organized at the city level.1,879 courtyard sessions held promoting healthy and diverse diets.
50
national/international nutrition observance events conducted.
12
youth groups formed, engaging 180 youths through 312 awareness sessions.
2000
More than 2,000 students reached through school-based nutrition events and teacher-led sessions.
12
women’s groups formed, participating in 361 behavior change sessions.
47
monthly ward committee meetings organized to promote healthy eating.
2
food safety workshops held with the Bangladesh Food Safety Authority.
2400
beneficiaries (mostly women) trained in homestead gardening and poultry rearing, organized into 72 groups.
3
training batches completed for Local Service Providers (LSPs) in collaboration with government bodies.
12
demonstration plots established in project locations.
1
advocacy meeting conducted to empower women’s participation in nutrition governance
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) developed for food hygiene in handling, processing, and distribution.
Major Activities
Project Objective
To improve the nutrition situation of targeted vulnerable urban consumers in Cox’s Bazar city as a result of strengthened food systems under the lead of the Cox’s Bazar Municipality.
Geographical Coverage
12 informal settlements (slums) of 08 Wards under the Cox’s Bazar Municipality
Targeted Beneficiaries
2400 (2395 Female, 05 Male)
Our Impact in Action
A True Changemaker
Hasina’s journey was not just about gardening, it’s about transforming challenges into opportunities. She didn't just plant vegetables, she planted a future. Through homestead gardening under the Inclusive Cities for Nutrition (IC4N) project with PROTTYASHI, she can now afford a living for her family, builds her community, and inspires us all. 🌿 Watch how her green thumb shapes her life and livelihood!
Project Gallery
