Erusma

ERUSMA - Projects

1. Pilot project with JBIC – the Japanese Bank for International Cooperation, for the development of small-scale rural infrastructure (SSRI).

Bangladesh, February 2008

The objective of this study is to extract lessons learned from the small-scale rural infrastructure (SSRI) development participated in and coordinated by stakeholders and the agencies concerned in order to render recommendations for its future development and for implementing effective and efficient projects. The study analyses the institutional framework to understand the background of the SSRI development in Bangladesh and comprises detailed case studies on the infrastructure impact assessment in four selected areas. The analysis is mainly based on literature review and interviews at the central level.

2. JBIC ex-post monitoring survey of the rural development credit (Grameen Bank) project

Japan, June 2006

The Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) funded the rural development credit project which was then implemented in Bangladesh by the Grameen Bank (GB) between November 1995 and June 1998. The objectives of the project were to improve the livelihood of the landless rural poor through providing loans for wells and sanitation as well as for investing in productive assets; plus strengthening the financial structure of the Grameen Bank through additional resources. Then the JBIC launched a system of ex-post monitoring and evaluation survey in order to assess the effectiveness, impact and sustainability of the project, after its completion, to address some recommendations to the borrower/executing agency and ensure proper operation in the future.

3. JBIC ex-post monitoring survey of the Jamuna multipurpose bridge project

Japan, June 2006

The objective of the project, implemented by the Jamuna Multipurpose Bridge Authority (JMBA) between October 1994 and June 1998, was to address the east-west transportation bottleneck associated with the existing ferry service across the Jamuna river by constructing a multipurpose bridge. The longer term purpose is to contribute to the development of north western region of the country. Then a system of ex-post monitoring and evaluation survey initiated to assess the effectiveness, impact and sustainability of the project after its completion in order to address recommendations to the borrower/executing agency and ensure proper operation in the future.

4. Studies on mitigating the impact (or preventing) market collapse and the development of policy guidelines. Bio-security in Asian developing agriculture: some policy and institutional constraints

November 2007

Food safety has recently gained increased attention and significance due to the widespread incidence of zoonotic diseases, globalizing trade and market liberalization. It affects security, economy and political stability. Indeed the ability of Asian developing countries to integrate into the global economy and reap vast opportunities created by trade liberalization in agriculture depends on how well they can ensure production and distribution of safe and high quality food. To this purpose studies on mitigating or preventing the market collapse have been conduced and international food safety standards implemented. The policy and institutional framework and inclusive approach conceived should facilitate gradual transformation towards bio-secure agro-food chain; ensure that standards and regulations are incentive-compatible with a high level of harmonization and integration of various sectors; enhance the capacity of stakeholders to comply with the rules and make efforts to include small farmers and SMEs in the tasks of improving bio-security in agriculture in Asia. Moreover a testing and monitoring of implementation system should be installed. Nevertheless there is still a long way to go in ensuring bio-security in the Asian agriculture and food chain, although the scenario is changing quickly.