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Farming Practices and Livelihood of the Coastal People of Bangladesh

M. Taj Uddin
Professor
Department of Agricultural Economics, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh

M. Nasrin
Lecturer
Department of Agricultural Economics, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

The present study was designed to assess the farming patterns and farmers’ livelihood in coastal regions of Bangladesh. Three coastal districts namely, Khulna, Satkhira and Bagerhat located in the southwest of Bangladesh were selected to conduct the study. Fifty shrimp farmers from each district (a total of 150 farmers) were selected for necessary data collection on the basis of farm size category (i.e., small, medium and large) following stratified random sampling technique. Descriptive statistics like sum, average, percentages, etc. were derived and calculated for analyzing the data. It was found that the farming system of coastal region was mainly shrimp based. The amount of land devoted to agricultural crop cultivation was declined due to shrimp cultivation for all categories of farmers. Number of livestock except poultry and duck was decreasing due to shortage of feed. Native fish species in fresh and open water bodies were also disappearing gradually. Lower crop production was observed through surveyed region due to lower productivity of land caused by salinity. However, shrimp cultivation opened up new avenues for employment for the local people especially for women. Small farmers get higher proportion of income (75.0% of total farm income) from shrimp farming than medium (67.4%) and large farmers (73.6%). On an average, farmers’ income was increased which enhanced overall socioeconomic condition and livelihood status. In spite of various adverse impacts of shrimp farming, it can be recommended that proper planning, regulation and motivation of the farmers are needed to develop an environment friendly shrimp farming as well as to maintain sustainable agricultural production practices in the coastal regions of Bangladesh.

Keywords: Coastal, Salinity, Farming practices, Livelihood

Location: Three coastal districts namely, Dumuria Upazila under Khulna district, Shymnagar Upazila under Satkhira and Bagerhat Sadar Upazila under Bagerhat district

Start Date:

End Date:

Program Area: Socio-economic and Policy

Non-commodity: Social status

Objectives:

(i) To identify the current farming patterns and agricultural production

(ii) To assess the impact of on-going farming practices on employment creation, income generation and livelihood of the farmers

(iii) To suggest remedial measures and strategies for future sustainable agricultural production.

Methodology:

Study areas were selected purposively mainly from three coastal districts namely, Dumuria Upazila under Khulna district, Shymnagar Upazila under Satkhira and Bagerhat Sadar Upazila under Bagerhat district located in the southwest of Bangladesh. Fifty farmers from each district (a total of 150 farmers) were selected for necessary data collection on the basis of farm size category (i.e., small, medium and large) following stratified random sampling technique. Data were collected from respondents by using structured questionnaire and conducting FGD (Focus Group Discussion) for group information. In addition to field level primary data for this study, secondary information having relevance with this study were also discussed which were collected from different handouts, reports, published and unpublished documents of the Government of Bangladesh (GOB) and its different organizations and agencies such as Statistical Yearbook of Bangladesh, Bangladesh Economic Review, various journals, newspaper, notifications, etc. For analyzing the data, mainly descriptive statistics such as sum, average, ratio, percentages, etc. were derived and calculated to present the results.

Source of Information: Progress. Agric. 24(1 & 2): 251 – 262, 2013 ISSN 1017-8139

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

This study assessed the farming patterns and farmers’ livelihood in coastal regions of Bangladesh. The farming system of coastal region is generally shrimp based. The major field crop was rice (i.e., Aman). During kharif-I and rabi season, the salinity intensity becomes higher and farmers do not cultivate aus and boro rice in the coastal regions. Fruit trees like mango, jackfruit, black berry, bettle nut, date palm, etc. were disappearing gradually. Number of livestock was also decreasing due to shortage of feed and fresh water. However, the number of poultry and duck was increasing. Native fish species in fresh and open water bodies were also disappearing gradually. Lower crop production was observed through surveyed regions due to lower productivity of land caused by salinity. Vegetation, crops, fish and livestock were seriously damaged by the processes of shrimp cultivation. The labour hour spent by both men and women has increased for shrimp cultivation in coastal regions. Small farmers get higher proportion of income from shrimp farming than medium and large farmers as they were cultivating their land more efficiently and getting more production in many cases. Although increased income enhances overall socioeconomic condition and livelihood status of the farmers, their health condition was deteriorated to some extent due to disease outbreak, scarcity of safe drinking water, etc. In spite of various adverse impacts, shrimp farming has a great potential in a developing country like Bangladesh. Good management practice (GMP) can ensure a sustainable growth and return from agricultural production. Finally, it can be recommended that proper planning, regulation and motivation of the farmers are needed to develop environment friendly shrimp farming as well as to maintain sustainable agricultural production practices in the coastal belt of Bangladesh.

Knowledge Management: Journal