An update of shrimp and prawn supply chain initiatives in Bangladesh : recommendations for inclusive shrimp supply chain development for the STDF project

The Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF) project implemented by FAO in cooperation with the Department of Fisheries and WorldFish is funded by WTO. It will target 1,000 shrimp and prawn farmers in Southwest Bangladesh and focuses on improving their livelihoods and securing their market access. This study focuses only on the supply chain component of the STDF project. The situation in the shrimp and prawn sector is already changing, as a result of the supply chain innovation initiatives in Bangladesh. A premium supply chain that will provide premium quality traceable products and a fair distribution of profits among stakeholders is slowly being established (see Figure 1). The improved quality and traceability of the shrimp and prawn products from Bangladesh will contribute to an improved image of these products in the international market and to improved livelihoods of small-scale farmers and other stakeholders in the sector. The premium supply chain will initially only cover a small part of supply. However, it is expected that it will gradually expand when its business case is proven.