[{"bbox": [83, 105, 1147, 187], "category": "Text", "text": "The action aligns with the EU's Multi-Annual Indicative Programme for Bangladesh 2021-2027 (under development), the EU's global policy framework for addressing undernutrition²⁴ and is relevant in the context the Bangladesh Sustainability Compact and the Decent Work Agenda."}, {"bbox": [86, 216, 327, 247], "category": "Section-header", "text": "## 2.2. Problem Analysis"}, {"bbox": [84, 273, 303, 301], "category": "Text", "text": "Short problem analysis:"}, {"bbox": [83, 312, 1147, 393], "category": "Text", "text": "Bangladesh experienced a steady decline in poverty rates over the past two decades, with pro-poor policies and public spending on social protection, health and education acting as factors for positive outcomes. But more progress could be made. Moreover the substantial gains in household incomes have been put at risk by the COVID-19 pandemic."}, {"bbox": [83, 403, 1147, 644], "category": "Text", "text": "An estimated 70 million Bangladeshis still live in poverty and/or in vulnerable situations and a large share of the population faces food and nutrition insecurity. There are particularly high rates of poverty and malnutrition among women and girls of disadvantaged and marginalized communities. Female-headed households are also most at risk of living in poverty. This figure is likely to be higher post-COVID with an estimated 30% of the population reaching the national upper poverty line. Exogenous shocks have a disproportionate impact on people in poverty as they have limited coping mechanisms. They revert to depletive coping strategies (selling assets, migrating, pulling children from school, foregoing health care, early marriage etc.) which puts in peril their human and productive capital, with long term impacts. To prevent irreversible losses for those affected, the social protection system needs to develop its ability to adjust dynamically and respond in a timely and inclusive manner."}, {"bbox": [83, 655, 1147, 842], "category": "Text", "text": "More than one in three children under five are stunted (36% or 5.5 million); the national prevalence of wasting is among the highest rates in the world at 14.3%; 3.1% of children under five are severely/acutely malnourished; and around three quarters of children between 6–23 months do not receive a minimally adequate diet. Early indicators suggest there is a risk these rates were affected by the pandemic. While tackling undernutrition requires a complex multi-sectoral approach, low income remains a key cause for a majority of poor households. Evidence suggests that the provision of a child benefit can significantly improve nutritional outcomes in young children in particular if coupled with Social Behavioural Change Communication (SBCC) to influence food choices/consumption."}, {"bbox": [83, 853, 1147, 1064], "category": "Text", "text": "Bangladesh labour market is dominated by informality. An estimated 81% of workers are in the informal sector and in daily paid work²⁵ with low wages. The Ready-Made Garment (RMG) sector accounts for 15% of jobs with a majority of female workers. Despite recent increases, real wages in the sector remain low compared to living costs²⁶. Labour market participation for women stands at 39% against 84%. In the absence of appropriate protection measures against risks, a large share of workers remains vulnerable to income losses. The deployment of shock-responsive social security mechanisms which can be rapidly implemented to protect workers in need (in the short-term) and the development of contributory social insurance²⁷ available to all workers are growing priorities – as acknowledged by the NSSS and 8FYP."}, {"bbox": [83, 1077, 1147, 1212], "category": "Text", "text": "Bangladesh is disaster-prone, exposed to a variety of natural hazards (cyclones, floods, earthquakes) as well as being highly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. It is therefore important to support the evolution of the national social security system so that is adapted to rapidly respond to shocks. Bangladesh is also experiencing rapid urbanisation: by 2020 the urban population ranged between 60–80 million, including an increasing share of people living in poverty (the “new poor”). It is therefore crucial to incorporate the urban agenda."}, {"bbox": [83, 1223, 1147, 1304], "category": "Text", "text": "Social protection plays a key role in GoB's pro-poor developmental objectives and overall resilience. The following areas are critical to bring about systemic changes for improved poverty outcomes, lower inequality, societal and economic resilience and greater social capital:"}, {"bbox": [83, 1318, 880, 1344], "category": "List-item", "text": "* Governance and management of the system (at institutions and programme levels);"}, {"bbox": [83, 1346, 832, 1373], "category": "List-item", "text": "* Budget planning, execution and monitoring (at sector and programme levels);"}, {"bbox": [83, 1375, 701, 1401], "category": "List-item", "text": "* M&E to inform evidence-based decision-making and planning;"}, {"bbox": [83, 1402, 1122, 1429], "category": "List-item", "text": "* Management Information System(s) (MIS) to underpin the management, delivery and monitoring of benefits;"}, {"bbox": [83, 1431, 928, 1457], "category": "List-item", "text": "* Levels of benefits (which remain inadequate) and coverage (which remain low/uneven);"}, {"bbox": [83, 1459, 862, 1486], "category": "List-item", "text": "* Targeting that ensures inclusiveness and curb selective/discretionary approaches;"}, {"bbox": [83, 1488, 728, 1513], "category": "List-item", "text": "* Social accountability and effective grievance redress mechanisms;"}, {"bbox": [72, 1543, 1158, 1592], "category": "Footnote", "text": "²⁴ Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council: Enhancing Maternal and Child Nutrition in External Assistance – An EU Policy Framework (COM 2013), which promotes a multi-sectoral approach at country level."}, {"bbox": [72, 1591, 749, 1616], "category": "Footnote", "text": "²⁵ Source: Social Protection Public Expenditure Review, World Bank, May 2021."}, {"bbox": [72, 1615, 1115, 1640], "category": "Footnote", "text": "²⁶ Gross minimum wage is BDT 8,000-18,000 (EUR 80-180). Living costs of garment workers almost doubled in 2013-2018."}, {"bbox": [72, 1638, 781, 1664], "category": "Footnote", "text": "²⁷ Bangladesh only has pensions in this category, linked to employment and earnings."}, {"bbox": [1051, 1663, 1159, 1687], "category": "Page-footer", "text": "Page 6 of 27"}]