Pantho Rahaman
Reporting from Savar on 25 July, 2025:
The rapidly changing environment, erratic weather patterns, and sudden floods or droughts are inflicting severe damage on the agricultural sector. Crop production is declining, which is directly affecting farmers.
Once dismissed as “propaganda” by many, climate change is now an unavoidable reality—even for its skeptics. The entire world is struggling to ensure food security amid the current climate crisis.
To address these multifaceted climate challenges through simple and affordable innovations, the Frugal Innovation Forum (FIF) was established. Experts, entrepreneurs, and researchers from around the globe participate in this forum to find practical solutions.
The eighth edition of the Frugal Innovation Forum began on Friday, July 25, at BRAC CDM in Savar, bringing together over 200 experts, entrepreneurs, researchers, and development professionals from around the world. With the theme “Climate Adaptation in Agriculture, Food Security, and Livelihoods,” this year’s conference focused on practical, science-based, and locally rooted solutions to the escalating climate crisis.
The event was inaugurated in the morning by BRAC Executive Director Asif Saleh, who emphasized the forum’s goals and urged collective action in tackling the crisis.
This year’s theme, “Climate Adaptation in Agriculture, Food Security, and Livelihoods,” focuses on mitigating risk and finding ways to overcome climate challenges by leveraging local scientific practices.
In his keynote address, Mohamed Nasheed, former President of the Maldives and a renowned climate champion, stated:
“What we need now are simple, sustainable, and locally-informed science-based solutions.”
Though unable to attend in person due to Maldivian Independence Day, Nasheed joined virtually and stressed the importance of considering local perspectives.
“We must think like the local people and act for them, not through ideological lenses, but with scientific methods,” he said.
As Secretary-General of the Climate Vulnerable Forum, Nasheed argued that no climate solution is possible without involving the communities most affected.
“Climate change is no longer a distant issue—it’s impacting people now,” he added.
He also highlighted inequality in climate financing, pointing out that industrial nations, despite being major contributors to global warming, are failing—or are unwilling—to take responsibility.
On the first day of the forum, several sessions were held, including: “Transformational Adaptation in Agriculture” – moderated by Christina Chan, Senior Director, BRAC & BRAC International Climate Hub; “Navigating Uncertainty Through Climate Information Services” – moderated by Djefo Gatatcho, Senior Manager, BRAC International Kenya Climate Program; “Farming for the Future: Practical Innovations for Smallholder Farmers” – moderated by Kuldeep Bandhu Aryal, Senior Manager, BRAC; “Use Cases for Government and Industry” – moderated by Ashley Toombs, Head, BRAC International Climate Hub; and “Nature-Based Solutions” – moderated by Professor Anwarul Abedin, Bangladesh Agricultural University
Speakers emphasized that Bangladesh’s diverse climate challenges—from hills to coasts to drought-prone regions—require tailored, region-specific solutions through coordinated national and international efforts.
Source: BRAC
