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Survey on Baseline Information Related to Rodent Ecology and Anthropology of Six Agricultural Villages in the Region of Comilla and Feni District.

Dr. N. Q. Kamal
CSO and Head
Entomology Division, BRRI, Gazipur-1701

Md. Mofazzel Hossain
Scientific Officer
Entomology Division, BRRI, Gazipur-1701

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

Baseline studies in the region of Comilla and Feni, Bangladesh evaluated rodent ecology and the damage caused by rodents in rural agricultural villages over three rice seasons (2003–2004). It was found from the base line survey that farmers have the knowledge that the rats may belong to different species. The farmers generally have the clear idea that mice are not baby rats, and they mentioned that mice are another species. The villagers’ common opinion is that rats like to live not only in burrows, dark and dirty places but also in trees, haystacks and bushes where they make nests. They are more active at dusk and early morning.

Keywords: Baseline survey, Rodent, Ecology, Anthropology

Location: Comilla and Feni

Start Date: 01-07-2003

End Date: 30-06-2004

Program Area: Pest Management

Non-commodity: Rice, Performance

Objectives:

To develop rodent pest management strategies of rice based farming systems and to understand agro-ecosystem analysis for rice rodent management

Methodology:

Baseline studies in the region of Comilla and Feni, Bangladesh evaluated rodent ecology and the damage caused by rodents in rural agricultural villages over three rice seasons (2003–2004). The project activities took place in Comilla District in the villages of Sowara, Jakunipara, Sahapur and Anandapur and in the Feni District in the villages of Nasirgram and Batania. Anthropological surveys were carried out both quantitative and qualitative research methods with an emphasis on qualitative methods to: • study farmers background information about rodents and the farming practice of the community • asses how rodents caused damage in different levels of farmers’ livelihoods • know about the present rodent management effort by the villagers • study about the farmers beliefs about the rodent borne diseases and existing hygiene practice. The sampling process for selecting the respondent was used both purposive and random sampling methods for selecting the key informants and conducting focus group discussions. Key informants were individuals such as elderly persons/ old farmers, village doctors, local leaders, and educated elderly persons whose are generally concerned with their community, and their behaviour, attitudes, and beliefs. They may be better informed about indigenous rodent control systems or ethno-ecological data as well as about when and why people apply rat management and their decision-making choices. Focus group discussions were used to collect information in a semi-structured process with separate groups of male and female participants.

Source of Information: Proceedings of the BRRI Annual Internal Review for 2003-2004

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

1. World Bank

Budget:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

Farmers have the knowledge that the rats may belong to different species. The farmers generally have the clear idea that mice are not baby rats, and they mentioned that mice are another species. The rat varieties according to farmers are: 1. The field rat- its colour is generally grey/black, and the size is both big and small. 2. The house mouse- locally named batti indoor, which is small and speedy. 3. The big house rat- that likes to make holes and destroys houses. 4. The tree rat- generally eats and damages fruits, which is bigger and a different colour. The villagers’ common opinion is that rats like to live not only in burrows, dark and dirty places but also in trees, haystacks and bushes where they make nests. They are more active at dusk and early morning. The people of the study areas generally use traps and poison. Some other indigenous methods were: Digging up rat burrows; Pouring water in burrows, sometimes with hot water; Put smoke in rat burrows; Put banana tree in the field crop. Farmers believe this is effective because the rats think it is a human and therefore keep their distance from this field. Dried gourds, metal or clay containers with single small holes that are used as live traps ; Live and kill traps bought from local markets. ; Rat poison mixed with food and placed near rat burrows ; Sticks and poles for beating and killing rats The study found that women are more involved in rat control and are responsible for trap set up, bait making, mixing poison with food and placing it in the rat-affected areas. Male participation in household rat control is lower. Not all villagers knew that rat poisons must be used carefully to avoid harm to children and livestock. However, some few cases of child poisoning were reported whereas trained farmers said that they came to know more about rats from the rodent team and were now more conscious about rats and rat-borne diseases, were less likely to eat rat-contaminated food.

Knowledge Management: Report/Proceedings