http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/site/index/ en U.S. Department of State 2008-08-29T16:18:00-05:00 Ambassador Gaddi Vasquez serves as the 8th United States Representative to the United Nations Organizations in Rome. Previous Entry: Talking About Food II

Today our group visited programs that generate hope and income for people in southwestern Bangladesh. In Khulna, we observed an avian influenza outbreak management training workshop for local veterinarians and health workers. As you can tell by the picture, one Bangladeshi reporter and I tested a few chickens ourselves and found out that it is as hot as an oven in the protective gear.

The USAID-sponsored training program shows strong U.S. support for the commitment of the local veterinary and scientific communities to prevent outbreaks from devastating the birds of Bangladesh. This technical approach to teaching professionals how to test chickens and control the spread of the virus should continue in light of the significance of the poultry population to food and economic security in this country.

We took a drive through forests of bamboo, coconut, and banana trees and fish and shrimp ponds in Bagerhat to reach a site where we assisted FAO in distributing seeds, rice, and cattle feed to local farmers and livestock owners. It was a moving experience for me. The sheer volume of people waiting in line signified that the distribution was of vital importance to helping them restore their community economically and resume their farming activities after the cyclone. The assistance is generating opportunity as well as sustainability.

Perhaps the most inspiring of all conversations on this trip so far is the one we had with Rheka Rali Dhali. She is a star poultry producer among dozens of female participants in the UN’s International Fund for Agricultural Development’s livelihood project in Gopalganj. Rheka raises enough chickens to earn more than $500 a month. She started out with a small loan and now employs community members in her homegrown entrepreneurial enterprise. The strength and energy of the women involved in the development of poultry sales and mini hatcheries in her village are the secret behind what looks to be a way to generate long term income. Women are a powerful influence for poverty alleviation in this region.

We head back to Dhaka in the morning and then catch a flight home. I look forward to taking these impressions that I have shared with you back to Rome where our stewardship of U.S. aid to hungry continues during challenging times of rising food and fuel prices.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/talking_about_food3/ 2008-04-07T17:33:00-05:00 Ambassador Gaddi Vasquez serves as the 8th United States Representative to the United Nations Organizations in Rome. Previous Entry: Talking About Food

We loaded into four-wheel drive vehicles early this morning for a ride through Cyclone Sidr-affected rice fields and across many streams and rivers to the village of Morelganj. Today we witnessed the access to food and the access to education for a community struggling to get back on its feet. I talked with men waiting in line to receive food baskets from WFP, a group of elderly women still emotional when they spoke of Cyclone Sidr, and children who receive fortified biscuits to improve their school attendance.

My impression from these conversations is that people devastated by the reach of the cyclone are using every resource available to rebuild communities, restore their homes, and prepare for the future, yet significant need remains. Ultimate success in recovery lies with the people and the supporting organizations that currently provide assistance.

We capped the day back in Khulna with a song and dance presentation by the USAID-supported theatrical group Rupantar. Rupantar means "transformation" in the local language of Bangla. The songs and dances are a medium through which talented young actors, singers, and musicians convey social messages on issues like civic pride and natural disaster preparedness. They urge communities to be aware of their problems and culture, and work together towards sustainable development.

Time to rest up for a long drive tomorrow.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/talking_about_food2/ 2008-04-03T13:27:00-05:00 Ambassador Gaddi Vasquez serves as the 8th United States Representative to the United Nations Organizations in Rome. Next Entry: Talking About Food II

Rice made the headlines across Asia as I arrived in Bangladesh over the weekend. Not Secretary of State Rice that is, but the staple food. The rising price of rice is setting off alarms. Everyone is talking about food. Perfect timing for me to stop here for a few days and take a look at the work of the United Nations food and agriculture agencies. A group of journalists from Morocco, Italy, India, Iraq and Qatar is joining me for the visit.

Cyclone Sidr struck within a couple hours drive of where we arrived today -- an industrial town in southwestern Bangladesh called Khulna. We'll use this outpost as our base camp to venture even further from the capital city Dhaka in the coming days.

Staff of the World Food Program (WFP) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) painted a vivid picture for us yesterday of the challenges that remain for cyclone recovery. Since last November, these UN organizations have done a commendable job pooling talents to assist cyclone victims generate income and rebuild their livelihoods. Their technical know-how and years of experience helping the Bangladeshi people prepare for, respond, and recover from natural disasters continues to pay off. An early warning system alerted the population to last year's approaching storm and fewer people lost lives in the immediate aftermath than in previous cyclones. Lives were also saved through WFP's rapid response. Cyclone Sidr hit at 6:00AM and WFP delivered food into the hands of men, women and children by 1:30PM the same afternoon. $5 million in food aid from the American people helped meet the urgent need.

Four months after Sidr, emergency feeding programs continue to keep malnutrition at bay. Our group hopped a short flight this morning to Jessore and stopped at the Resco Factory that through a partnership with the World Food Program produces nutritional biscuits to feed local school children. I watched as the company's overwhelmingly female workforce made and packaged the biscuits. Their employers give them literacy training and access to an on-site daycare center and group medical insurance. There I am in the photo (see above) standing right next to factory managers and the biscuits cooling as they make their way out of the oven. Refreshing to learn that the biscuits give kids the energy they need to get a good education and empower their mothers as well.

Our last visit of the day reemphasized the power of community leadership in supporting development. We were privileged to spend part of the afternoon in a lively discussion at the Imam Training Academy in Khulna with sixteen imams, many of whom live in areas affected by Cyclone Sidr. The imams are alumni of a USAID-funded, Asia Foundation-implemented educational program on modern practices of development and democracy. It was encouraging to hear them talk with candor on empowering women, protecting children, fighting terrorism, and generating economic opportunity. Through our dialogue we found a great mutual interest in our priorities and values of tolerance, diversity and social harmony. These imams are leaders of influence whose words are valued and measured by the people. Their broader view of development and collaboration with civil society is a step in the right direction.

Signing off for the night. More on food tomorrow.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/talking_about_food/ 2008-04-01T16:09:00-05:00