Survey on Local Needs for Base of the Pyramid (BOP) Business in Bangladesh (Phase 2)

The assignment involved conducting the second phase of a survey to identify local needs and business opportunities for Base of the Pyramid (BOP) households in Bangladesh. The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) engaged Young Consultants (YC) to assess the socioeconomic conditions of BOP households, understand the local market environment, and examine the institutions and services accessed by these households. The study applied economic and statistical analysis alongside field-based interviews to identify the distinct characteristics and needs of BOP households across different regions. During Phase 2, the survey focused on primary data collection in Sylhet and Khulna divisions, supported by institutional consultations and systematic data processing.

Scope of Services Provided
1. Questionnaire Review and Field Team Orientation

Reviewed and utilized the questionnaire developed during Phase 1, providing the necessary orientation to the survey team to support consistent implementation of the established survey methodology and data collection procedures.

2. Inception Report Preparation and Submission

Prepared and submitted the inception report outlining the survey approach, implementation methodology, fieldwork arrangements, and procedures for collecting and managing the required data.

3. Primary Data Collection in Sylhet and Khulna

Conducted field-based primary data collection in Sylhet and Khulna divisions of Bangladesh. Collected 480 data records to assess the living conditions, socioeconomic circumstances, local needs, and market-related characteristics of BOP households. Supervisors and team members reviewed the collected data to support accuracy and completeness.

4. Data Quality Assurance and Spot Checking

Conducted spot checks and data quality reviews during the field survey to identify inconsistencies and help maintain the reliability of the collected information. Supervisors and team members checked the data as part of the quality control process.

5. Key Informant Interviews with Sectoral Institutions

Conducted key informant interviews (KIIs) with institutions operating in the health, education, financial services, and agriculture and livestock sectors. Gathered information on the characteristics of these institutions, the services they provide, and their relevance to the needs of BOP households.

6. Assessment of Household Needs and Institutional Services

Examined the economic and social living conditions of BOP households and the institutional services they accessed. Considered regional differences and local market characteristics to identify the specific needs of households in the surveyed divisions.

7. Data Entry and Statistical Data Management

Entered the collected survey data into SPSS to facilitate systematic data management and support subsequent statistical analysis of household conditions, institutional access, and local needs.

Key Deliverable
A Phase 2 survey dataset and supporting research outputs based on 480 records collected in Sylhet and Khulna divisions, supplemented by key informant interviews with institutions in the health, education, financial services, and agriculture and livestock sectors. The work supported the assessment of BOP household living conditions, institutional service access, regional characteristics, and local needs relevant to BOP business development in Bangladesh.

Assignment Details
Client: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
Project Location: Bangladesh
Survey Coverage: Sylhet and Khulna divisions
Client Address: JICA Bangladesh Office, 3rd Floor, Bay’s Galleria, 57 Gulshan Avenue (CWS-A19), Gulshan-1, Dhaka-1212, Bangladesh
Telephone: +880-2-9891897
Fax: +880-2-9891689
Email: bd_oso_rep@jica.go.jp
Approximate Contract Value: US$27,000
Assignment Duration: 3 months
Start Date: September 2016
Completion Date: November 2016
Total Staff-Months: 25
Professional Staff-Months Provided by Associated Offerors: N/A
Associated Offerors: Not applicable
Senior Professional Staff Involved
Name
Designation / Function
Dr. Md. Hassanullah
Team Leader
M. Zakir Hossain
Quality Control Adviser
Dr. Israt Rayhan
Senior Statistician
Moshiur Rahman
Field Coordinator
Abu Sayem
Data Compiling Officer