Survey on Local Needs for Base of the Pyramid (BOP) Business in Bangladesh (Phase 1)

The assignment involved conducting the first phase of a two-phase 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 examine the demographic trends, socioeconomic conditions, and local market circumstances of BOP households, as well as the institutions and services accessed by them. The study applied economic and statistical analysis alongside field-based interviews to understand household needs and identify opportunities for developing products and services suited to local demand. Phase 1 included survey design, pilot testing, primary data collection in Dhaka and Rangpur divisions, institutional consultations, and statistical data processing.

Scope of Services Provided
1. Identification of Target Households and Individuals

Identified target households and individuals in areas where BOP goods and services were available or accessed by households. Established the survey sample to gather information on demographic characteristics, socioeconomic conditions, and local needs.

2. Questionnaire Development and Survey Design

Developed questionnaires for both the pilot and main surveys in consultation with JICA. Prepared a comprehensive questionnaire covering approximately 450 variables to capture detailed information on household demographics, living conditions, access to institutional services, and consumption needs.

3. Inception Report Preparation and Submission

Prepared and submitted the inception report outlining the survey methodology, research approach, sampling arrangements, fieldwork procedures, and implementation plan.

4. Recruitment and Training of Field Interviewers

Recruited equal numbers of male and female field interviewers and data collection personnel. Provided training to ensure consistent application of the questionnaire, appropriate interview practices, and reliable collection of survey data.

5. Pilot Survey Implementation

Conducted a pilot survey involving 60 initial data records to test the questionnaire and field data collection procedures. Used the pilot exercise to support the preparation and implementation of the main survey.

6. Primary Data Collection in Dhaka and Rangpur

Conducted field-based primary data collection in Dhaka and Rangpur divisions of Bangladesh, collecting more than 480 data records during the main field survey. Gathered information on household demographics, socioeconomic conditions, local needs, and access to BOP-related goods and services.

7. Data Quality Assurance and Spot Checking

Conducted spot checks during fieldwork to identify inconsistencies and help ensure the accuracy, completeness, and reliability of the collected data.

8. Key Informant Interviews with Relevant Institutions

Conducted key informant interviews (KIIs) with institutions serving BOP households, including BRAC and Grameen-related organizations. Gathered insights into institutional characteristics, service delivery, and the relevance of existing services to household needs.

9. Data Entry and Statistical Data Management

Entered the collected survey data into SPSS to facilitate systematic data management and support statistical analysis of household demographics, socioeconomic circumstances, and access to institutional services.

10. Draft and Final Report Preparation

Prepared and submitted the draft and final reports, consolidating the survey methodology, pilot survey findings, field data, institutional consultations, and analysis of BOP household needs and local market conditions.

Key Deliverable
A comprehensive Phase 1 survey report and supporting dataset based on a pilot survey of 60 initial records and more than 480 records from the main field survey in Dhaka and Rangpur divisions. The outputs supported the assessment of BOP household demographics, socioeconomic conditions, access to institutional services, and local needs relevant to BOP business development in Bangladesh.

Assignment Details
Client: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
Project Location: Bangladesh
Survey Coverage: Dhaka and Rangpur 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$29,000
Assignment Duration: 3 months
Start Date: January 2016
Completion Date: March 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
Project Quality Adviser
Dr. Nazneen Ahmed
Economist
Dr. Israt Rayhan
Data Compiling Officer
Mr. Abdul Gaffar
Field Coordinator
Muhammad Momin
Field Coordinator