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Impact of Livestock Services on Socio-economic Status and Livelihoods of Farmers and Service Providers

A.B.M. Khaleduzzaman
BAU, Mymensingh

A. Reza
BAU, Mymensingh

M.Z. Abedin
BAU, Mymensingh

L. Nahar
BAU, Mymensingh

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

The study was designed to assess the effectiveness of Union Livestock Service Centre (ULSC) under the Food Security for Sustainable Household Livelihoods (FoSHoL) project implemented by ActionAid, Bangaladesh. The study was conducted at 8 unions of 4 districts. Forty four service providers (vaccinators) and 120 households were selected as samples of the present study. The data were collected by using interview schedule through direct interview and personal visits to the houses of respondents. Majority of service providers (73%) and farmers (75%) were female having an average age of 37.25 and 36.39 years respectively. Among service providers, 59% had below secondary level education and 37% and 25% of the farmers in the study areas had the primary and below secondary level education, respectively. The average family size (4.28) was slightly higher among farmers than service providers (4.13). The land ownership of service providers (homestead and cultivable) and farmers (borgha) significantly (P<0.05) changed after getting livestock services from the FoSHoL project. The number of poultry of service providers and farmers increased significantly but the cattle numbers remained same. The average annual income, expenditure and the share of livestock and products in total income of service providers and farmers increased significantly (P<0.01). The livestock services provided by FoSHoL increased (P<0.01) the hand savings, savings in society and bank deposits of service providers and farmers as well. With the total income increased, the expenditure increased mainly on food, education, recreation and festival after implementation of the project indicating the improvement of their livelihood.

Keywords: Livestock service, ULSC, Socio-economic status, Vaccinators.

Location: Aoazbaria and Dadpur, Bogdangha, Pandul, Dulihor, Sarulia, Naihati and Gutbog unions in Noakhali sadar, Kurigram sadar, Ulipur, Satkhira sadar, Tala and Rupsha Upazila

Start Date: 24-02-2009

End Date: 24-04-2009

Program Area: Socio-economic and Policy

Non-commodity: Social status

Objectives:

To analyze the livestock services and infrastructural facility provided by FoSHoL project.
To determine and describe the socio- economic characteristics of farmers and service providers.
To describe the changes of annual income and expenditure, household assets and savings of farmers and service providers before and after implementing FoSHoL project.

Methodology:

Preparation of Questionnaire: The study was conducted at Aoazbaria and Dadpur, Bogdangha, Pandul, Dulihor, Sarulia, Naihati and Gutbog unions in Noakhali sadar, Kurigram sadar, Ulipur, Satkhira sadar, Tala and Rupsha Upazila (sub-district) respectively for a period of 24 February 2009 to 24 April 2009. An interview schedule was carefully made in Bangla keeping the objectives in view. First, a preliminary survey was designed and after pre-testing, the structured schedule was changed, modified and rearranged based on the preliminary survey. The schedule contained both open and close form questions. The schedule contained the socio- economic characteristics, livestock population, livestock support services provided by FoSHoL and its impact on annual income and expenditure, and livelihood changes of both farmers and service providers. Collection of Data: The selection of 120 community farmers and/or beneficiaries was made randomly from the respective working areas and regularly working 44 service providers (vaccinators) were selected as samples of the present study. Data were collected through direct interview of service providers and farmers. Participants were asked to memorize the cattle and poultry numbers, homestead area, household assets as well as annual income and expenditure before starting the FoSHoL project and confirmed the numerical values from a pre-assessment survey at the time of starting FoSHoL project. Participants were also asked the same questions after ending the project which clearly indicated the differences of livestock population, household assets, annual income and expenditure before and after implementing the FoSHoL project. After the interview, group discussions were initiated. To ensure the quality of information, the interview schedule was checked and each of the items had been correctly recorded. If there were any items overlooked and misunderstood or found contradictory, these were corrected through re-interviewing on the spot. Statistical Analysis: The SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Science) computer package was used to perform the data analysis. Descriptive analysis such as mean, range, number and percentage, standard deviation, rank order were used wherever applicable. The significance of livestock numbers, household assets, annual income and expenditure before and after FoSHoL project was determined by pair t-test.

Source of Information: Bangladesh Journal of Extension Education, Volume 21, No. 1&2, 2009: 105-116 ISSN 1011-3916

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

Union Livestock Service Centre is a new approach and has already proved its success. Moreover, it is a self motivated, self sustaining, root level community-based service providing and income generating program. Mostly women are associated in the program which helps them to be empowered. Although there were some limitations in providing livestock services, the ULSC activities have created significant impact on socio-economic status, land ownership, livestock population and annual income to amplify the living standard of service providers and farmers. The share of livestock in total income of service providers and farmers has also improved. The ULSC activities should be diversified from primary health care to nutrition and feeding, artificial insemination, housing, beef fattening and other technology beneficial for the farmers and service providers. The ULSC should be extended to each and every Upazila and further nourished by the government for visible demonstration of the success of ULSC.

Knowledge Management: Journal