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Analysis of the Problems and Minimization Initiatives Addressed by Bangladeshi Farmers During the Covid-19 Pandemic

Md. Sekender Alia
Professor & Pro-Vice Chancellor
Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University (SAU), Dhaka, Bangladesh

Md. Saeed Siddikb
Institute of Information Technology, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh

Sk. Md. Nur-E-Alamc
Department of Agribusiness and Marketing, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Tayeba Khanamd
Institute of Information Technology, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh

Most Moriom Khatun
Dept of Agricultural Extension & Information System, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Bangladesh

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

The Covid-19 pandemic is heavily impacting not only the health sector but also every economical sector all over the world. Bangladesh is among the major agriculture production-based economies and is suffering greatly during this pandemic. This paper presents the current agricultural situation in Bangladesh based on a survey involving various pools of experts. It also visualizes the strategies used to assess the competency of initiatives aimed at minimizing the problems faced by farmers in Bangladesh arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were collected from 117 expert agricultural personnel in Bangladesh (75.27% male and 24.73% female). Twenty-eight problems were identified that are faced by the farmers of Bangladesh arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. Among these, twenty-two were severe while six were less so. It was found that problems relating to product wastage, low product-level pricing, the absence of traders, and transportation issues were identified as top ranking. Twenty-six initiatives were introduced and adopted by different organizations in Bangladesh to minimize agricultural problems arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. Among these, five were highly effective and the remainder moderately so. It was found that initiatives related to government directives and financial support were identified as the top-ranked. Based on analysis of data, this paper concludes with several suggestions aimed at minimizing the problems faced by farmers in Bangladesh arising from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Keywords: Agriculture, Agribusiness, Sustainable agriculture, Agricultural policy, Farmers, Agricultural personnel, Covid-19

Location: In Bangladesh

Start Date:

End Date:

Program Area: Risk Management in Agriculture

Commodity: Pandemic

Objectives:

The general objective of this research was to explore the usefulness of mobile telephones in obtaining agricultural information in the study area. However, the specific objectives were: 1. To identify the demographic characteristics of the respondents. 2. To assess the problems faced by farmers in Bangladesh. 3. To assess the competency of initiatives taken by different organizations to minimize the problems faced by farmers in Bangladesh. 4. To compile a roadmap forward to minimize the problems faced by farmers in Bangladesh.

Methodology:

Study Approach: This study adopted a quantitative method to reach its research objectives. As stated by Creswell (1994), quantitative research is a type of research that explains a phenomenon by collecting numerical data that are analyzed using mathematically based methods (in particular, statistics). The study was carried out on the agricultural expertise available in Bangladesh to analyze the problems and its mitigation initiatives. Population and Sampling: Initially a draft questionnaire was prepared to contain open-ended questions which were sent to various experts in Bangladesh and India for their comments. As per their comments, a draft questionnaire was prepared with the combination of closed- and open-form questions whenever necessary. These were again sent to the relevant experts for their corrections. Accordingly, after obtaining several corrections and modifications, the draft questionnaire was further modified, and the modified questionnaire was validated by the Executive Committee Members of BAEN. After consultation, necessary corrections, modifications, additions, and deletions were made to the questionnaire. The final version of the survey questionnaire was then prepared. Google Form was used to conduct this online survey. EAS providers, agricultural university teachers and students, and other professionals in Bangladesh were requested to respond to the questionnaire, between 8 May and 8 June 2020. Accordingly, 130 respondents participated in the online survey; due to improper answers, 13 responses were excluded and finally, 117 respondents’ data were selected for analysis. Based on their responses, the results of this survey were prepared.

Source of Information: Asian Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development, Volume 10, Issue 4 (2020): 773-781; ISSN(P): 2304-1455/ ISSN(E): 2224-4433

Article Link (Online Journal): DOI: 10.18488/journal.ajard.2020.104.773.781

Funding Source:

Budget:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

This paper presents a study on the agricultural sector of Bangladesh covering part of the period of the Covid-19 pandemic. It identified and prioritized the problems addressed by farmers in Bangladesh arising from the Covid-19 pandemic, using a weighted indexed value. It found 22 severe problems in the agricultural sector in Bangladesh during this pandemic that must be addressed immediately. This paper also analyzed and prioritized the initiatives taken to minimize the problems faced by farmers arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, and ordered six highly competent initiatives. Finally, it proposed pathways forward to minimize the agricultural problems arising from the pandemic. In future, this research can be expanded by sector-wise specific impact analysis of the Covid-19 pandemic and mitigation strategies for local agriculture in Bangladesh.

Knowledge Management: Journal