This analysis covers 13 coastal districts of Bangladesh. These districts are similar in agro ecological, socioeconomic and disaster vulnerabilities. Of the 13 districts 8 districts in the south western coastal belt were also analyzed in the pilot phase of IPC (Dec 2012). From the current analysis, it has been found that 8 districts (Pirojpur, Satkhira, Khulna, Borguna, Barisal, Patuakhali, Cox’s Bazar, Noakhali) are classified as Phase 3 on the IPC Acute Food Security Scale.

Jhalokati, Bagerhat, Feni, Lakshmipur and Chittagong were found to be slightly less food insecure and were classified in Phase 2. Among the 13 districts, the nutritional status of both women and children were found to be worst in Pirojpur, Barisal, Noakhali and Chittagong.

However, the food consumption patterns of both women and household were found worst in Pirojpur, Satkhira, Patuakhali and Lakshmipur district. The analysis shows that in the majority of the coastal districts, the household food consumption and acute malnutrition rates are worse than the national average. The areas facing frequent natural disasters were found to have the highest levels of food insecurity due to the impact of the shocks on food availability, access and or utilization. Data for most of the key indicators are given in a table in annex 4 of the brief, which can be downloaded below. 

The main factors contributing to this are:

• cyclones
• tidal surges
• water logging
• river erosion
• salinity resulting
• poor food consumption
• high levels of malnutrition.

Following the successful piloting of the IPC acute analysis there is now a clear need for the following steps and actions to be taken:

• Continuation of IPC analysis at the national level utilizing the capacity of the TWG and IPC analysts, which is already expanding. Future analysis to be carried out in various zones or clusters across the whole country (64 Districts). The Food Planning and Monitoring Unit (FPMU), under the Ministry of Food has keen interest and demand for the continuation of the IPC project in Bangladesh
• Conduct a comprehensive chronic analysis covering all 64 Districts of Bangladesh. These results can then be analyzed along with the acute analytical results to provide a more nuanced study on the drivers of food insecurity. This will result in the formulation of more effective response plans and programming for both the Government and the development community. This will also complement the monitoring of the NFP PoA & Country Investment Plan (CIP) and ongoing Food Security Cluster activities in Bangladesh.
• Establish periodic cycles of acute and chronic analysis for Bangladesh. The frequency of analysis will be decided jointly by the TWG.
• It is important to build the analytical capacity and facilitation skills of the government and other food security related stakeholders. That is why other then aground 40 globally certified analysts and two master trainers; another Training of Trainers (ToT) session is being planned for another 6-10 IPC analysts.
• It is crucial that participating organizations continue to ensure that data as per the jointly agreed upon indicators (for the acute analysis), be collected during the course of the organization’s normal operations. In particular the VAM unit of WFP is encouraged to collect key data on food access and food consumption indicators.
• Ensure that the TWG meet regularly at least 3 times a year and take an active role in promoting, improving and establishing the IPC system across Bangladesh. The IPC Project will ensure that all new participants/organizations joining the TWG will receive comprehensive training on IPC.
• There is a plan to work closely with all the existing cluster of Bangladesh. As part of that findings of the current IPC acute analysis will be shared through a power point presentation within and /or between the key clusters.
• Ensure that IPC analysis is utilized in planning of resources by the development sector and by the GoB. In particular work together to see how IPC analysis & work can better inform policy formulation.
• Work closely with the existing cluster to avoid duplication of efforts and capitalize on members' field presence and expertise