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Aims: The research was aimed to assess the economic involvement of female workers in pineapple production and their perception of household income and decision-making perspective in some selected areas of Moulvibazar district, Bangladesh. Study Design: This article is about determining the female workers contribution to household income and is placed on empirical analysis. It estimated the income and decision-making power of female pineapple workers at the household level. Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in the Sreemangal Upazila of Moulvibazar district of Bangladesh including three villages i.e. Mohajirabad, Doulochora, and Radhanagar as the female participation in pineapple work is comparatively high. The study period was the production period of pineapple from June to September 2020. Methodology: In this study, simple random sampling was used to choose 200 respondents. Face-to-face interviews with pineapple female workers generated primary data, which was obtained using structured questionnaires. The socio-economic profile of the sampled respondent was determined using descriptive methods. To estimate the female workers contribution to family income and their perception of household decision-making, the Income-Expenditure model and 5-point Likert Scale were applied. Results: The outcome of the research appeared that most of the respondents were belonging to middle age group which is considered an active working group and the average age of the sample respondents was approximately 40 years while the average family size was 6.37. The findings of the study showed that 82.50% were married and 56.50% had no formal education and almost 80.50% of sample respondents were only engaged in pineapple production. The sources of annual family income indicating that 35.76% of income came from female members of the households in which 26.64% where came from only the pineapple sector and the average annual contribution of female pineapple workers in household income was Tk. 23,373.00. Conclusion: It has been concluded that in the study area female workers had a significant role in the participation of household income and also the perception of female workers was largely accepted in the case of household expenditure, buying and selling of family wealth, education of children, saving money, and receiving medical treatment.

The research work was conducted to estimate comparative profitability, seasonal price variations, and factors affecting the farmers’ decision in the adoption of off-seasonal vegetables using tomato and bean vegetables in single research work. A total of 120 farmers (60 focals and 60 controls) were selected using the convenience sampling technique from two sub-districts of the Maulvibazar district of Bangladesh. The focal farmers received little input support and technical assistance from Sylhet Agricultural University, Bangladesh, while the control farmers were not received such assistance. Tabular, descriptive statistics and simple mathematical techniques were used for quantitative data analysis where the binary logit model was applied for qualitative data analysis. The study revealed that the focal tomato and the bean farmers’ respective share of BCR were 40.25% and 65.91% higher compared to the control tomato and bean farmers. The study also revealed that for both tomato and bean vegetables seasonal price indexes were found significantly high from August to October. Furthermore, the logit model revealed that farm size, gross return, access to extension, and access to credit had a significant effect on the farmers' decision in the adoption of off-seasonal vegetables. Motivation, regular extension contracts, credit accessibility, training, and input support are recommended to implement and nourish the farmers' knowledge about off-seasonal vegetables production practices. The findings of the study are expected to support the farmers, researchers, and policymakers to make informed production decisions, future research work formulation, and policy development regarding the vegetable sector of Bangladesh.

COVID‐19 conveyed threats to the development of social life and the economy. Social distancing has changed the way of living, with a profound impact on food and agriculture. With this concern, the study was conducted to assess the impact of COVID‐19 on agricultural production and distribution in South Asia. Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan were selected as the study countries since larger agricultural production countries with higher virus invasion numbers posed higher vulnerability than others. It is necessary to unfold the impacts and policy on the agricultural sector so that losses can reduce. The secondary data were taken from different sources. The study proved that limited transportation, shortages of agricultural labor, export, and import restriction hampered agricultural production and distribution in South Asia. Livestock, vegetable, fruit, and fishing sector were more affected than the crop sector. Small poultry farms were closed, milk was discarded, and rotted fruits and vegetables were a source of concern. Different policies were implemented by the governments to recover from production losses. Proper storage management and farm mechanization may reduce the loss of production. Decentralization efforts of government through local (political and co‐operative association) leaders may place the agricultural product to the market at least health hazards.

The research work was conducted to assess the comparative profitability, seasonal price variations and risk management strategies in seasonal and off-seasonal vegetables production by means of tomato and bean vegetables in Maulvibazar district. Both primary and secondary data were used. The study utilized tabular, mathematical and statistical techniques for data analysis. The study found that the BCR for the seasonal and the off-seasonal tomato production were 1.59 and 2.23, respectively, whereas the BCR for the seasonal and the off-seasonal bean production were 1.32 and 2.19, respectively. The study also found that, in season (November-March), the highest seasonal price index for both tomato and bean vegetables were found in November (i.e. 149.71 and 109.24, respectively). While in off-season (April-October), the highest seasonal price index for the tomato (i.e. 177.93) and the bean (i.e. 197.80) were found in September and August, respectively. In evaluating the risk management strategies, the study found that the frequency and the relative frequency of the application of manure and the use of insecticides were 100% for both season tomato and bean vegetables. On the basis of the findings and opinions of farmers during field visit, the researchers identified high cost of human labor, price fluctuation and deficiency of farmers awareness in term of different risk management strategies were the major problem. The researchers recommends that farmers should use friends contributory labor, planning appropriate harvesting period (i.e. early period for season and late period of off-season) and increasing farmers awareness by means of local and national level training. These findings will be helpful for farmers, researchers and policy makers to take informed production decision, formulation of future research work and policy development focusing vegetable sector of Bangladesh. [J Bangladesh Agril Univ 2021; 19(1.000): 99-108]

This research was conducted to analyze the status of tea workers of selected areas of Bangladesh. Primary data were collected through direct interview and secondary data were also collected from different sources. A total of 100 tea workers were randomly selected from Ootterbhag and Indanugger tea estate of Moulvibazar. Descriptive statistics and functional analyses were employed to achieve the objectives of the research. Risk facing index, food security index, food consumption score were calculated and binary logistic regression were carried out to identify the factors affecting food security status. The study revealed that the life of tea workers in selected areas are vulnerable. Wages are not adequate to meet basic needs and the wage raises are not keeping pace with the cost of living. Considering 4.51 average family member the respondent family household is far below the international poverty line (1.90 US$). It was observed from the analysis that 52% sample respondents were illiterate. However, the maximum respondents also agreed that they faced various psychological, mechanical and biological hazards. Household calorie availability or consumption behavior was revealed by food consumption score, which exemplified that 49% respondents are in borderline food consumption pattern while 5% and 46% are in poor and acceptable level respectively. The overall average daily per capita calorie intake by tea workers was observed to be 2076.3996 kilo calorie, which is lower than the national average of Bangladesh. Only 35% household were food secure based on calorie intake. Household was food insecure if number of dependent persons in family increases; food secure with increase in household monthly income; and household food security decreases with increase in household size.

The study was conducted to assess comparative advantages of the productivity and profitability for conservation agriculture practice in Chattogram. A total of 120 farmers (60 farmers adopting conservation agriculture (CA) and 60 farmers non-adopting CA) from two districts (Feni and Noakhali) of Chattogram division were selected. Descriptive statistics like sum, averages, percentages, and ratios were calculated to evaluate the nature and extent of use of advanced machinery and fertilizer data. Farmers were categorized on the basis of farm size (small, medium and large) and selected by multistage stratified sampling. Crop productivity was measured using the Enyedi’s crop productivity index. The profitability of crop production was measured in terms of gross return, gross margin, net margin and benefit-cost ratio (BCR). The crop productivity of rice, mustard and soybean were increased by 0.18, 26, and 0.19 percent, respectively in respect to non-practicing conservation agriculture. BCR increased by 42.43%, 40.78% and 36.61% for rice, mustard and soybean cultivation respectively with respect to the entire region for adopting conservation agriculture practice. Ultimately, the farmers who adopted conservation agriculture were gaining more profit than the farmer whose were not adopting the conservation agriculture practice. As Bangladesh is a labour intensive country and the availability of capital is short. The expense of purchasing the machines cannot be afforded by the farmers. In Feni and Noakhali are located in the coastal region. Climatic problem is another problem of the people of this area. The uses of advanced machineries are still limited. The quality of soil is decreasing day by day because of excessive use of synthetic fertilizers.

The present study aims to examine the contribution of fishing in total income and extent ofhaor livelihood diversification; and identify the factors affecting haorlivelihood diversification of the fishing community. This study was conducted in Dekhar Haor of Sunamganj district. The data were collected from primary sources by using Simple random sampling from 100 respondents. Tobit model was used to determine the factors affecting the livelihood diversification. Fishing contributed highest to the household income. The estimated Simpson Index showed that fishermen have diversified their livelihood activities at medium level. The results showed that age of the respondents, years of schooling, access to credit and savings had positive effect, while, mode of land ownership, distance from the nearest market and value of household’s assets had negative effects on livelihood diversification. Non-farm employment opportunities should be expanded to increasehaor livelihood diversification.

The study analyzed the food security and dietary diversity of tea workers in Lakkatura Tea Garden and Ootterbhag Tea garden in greater Sylhet district of Bangladesh. A total of 200 respondents (100 from each tea estate) were interviewed to evaluate the food security and dietary diversity. The study found that average daily per capita calorie intake by tea workers was 2095.96 kcal. In addition, around 85.30% of the total calorie intake was received from the rice consumption. Average per capita daily intake of rice was estimated at 538.51 gm which is higher than the national average. It was also observed that 71.7 and 65.0% households were food secure in Lakkatura and Ootterbhag Tea garden, respectively. In Lakkatura Tea Garden, 61.67% tea workers have medium dietary diversity and in Ootterbhag Tea Estate 49.47% tea workers have low dietary diversity. Using the logit model analysis, this study provides food consumption patterns of tea workers and determine the factors responsible for food security. Household size, farm income and daily calorie intake were found having significant influence on households’ food security. For improving socioeconomic conditions of tea workers, educational institution should be set up to improve their educational status and government should give loans for them at a low interest rate and create alternative job opportunity in off season.

Aims: The study was accomplished for assessing the impact of agar oil production on livelihood improvement of its producers. Study Design: This article is a socioeconomic study and placed on empirical analysis. It conducted the socioeconomic factors which had an impact on the livelihood improvement of agar oil producers. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at Barlekha Upazilla of Maulvibazar District of Bangladesh. The study period was mid-June to mid-September/2017. Methodology: The relevant data were collected from the agar oil producers of Maulvibazar District, Bangladesh. Household having at least one factory were included for the study. A total of 60 households among 180 household were selected as sample. Field survey data were collected through face to face interviewing of the respondents using a structured questionnaire through simple random sampling. After cleaning and correcting the data Microsoft Excel and Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) were used for analyzing the data. Results: The average family size was found 10.17 (small: 10%; medium: 45% and large: 45%) and majority (63.3%) belongs to the graduation level, meaning having 16.0 years of education. The results of the regression model revealed that amount of annual income, credit access of household, membership of an organization had the positive impact and an increasing the age of household head had a negative effect on livelihood improvement. Instead of having different constraints, the major problems faced by the producers in agar oil production were lack of industrial gas connection and lack of modern laboratory. Conclusion: In order to enrich the livelihood improvement of agar oil producer’s industrial gas connection, modern laboratory and better credit services should be well executed by different government and non-government organization.

The study was accomplished to examine the impact of agricultural modernization on sustainable livelihood among the tribal and non-tribal farmers in Bangladesh. Two districts had been selected purposively as study areas which were Sherpur and Mymensingh districts. A total of 160 households (i.e., 80 samples from each district and 40 from tribal and 40 from non-tribal community) were interviewed from different villages for field survey where the indigenous people were involved with different agricultural practices. The majority (43.7%) of the tribal farmers had no education whereas only 30% of the non-tribal farmers were illiterate. It is also showed that 22.5% tribal farmers were engaged in crop cultivation where it was 26.25% for non-tribal farmers. Most of the tribal and non-tribal farmers opined that training is essential for operating new technology. Majority of the farmers had low extent of using modern agricultural practices in the study areas. The Simpson livelihood diversification index was found higher for crop cultivation as well as small business group. The households in the study areas are likely to have a diversified livelihood when they have better education. The scope for livelihood diversification also gets boosted when there was better irrigation, educational and membership facilities. Five components altogether explained about (74.10%) of total variations and first three components account for about half of the variations of the model results. In spite of all problems and threats, there is a strong and great prospect for the upliftment of living standards of underprivileged people through agricultural innovations.

The research was conducted to evaluate the problems and prospects of adopting conservation agriculture in Jamalpur and Bogra districts of Bangladesh. A total of 120 farmers (20 from focal and 100 from control group) were surveyed for collecting necessary data and information. A combination of descriptive statistics and mathematical techniques was used to analyze the data. Focal farmers followed the basic principles of conservation agriculture but control farmers continued conventional crop farming practices. Focal farmers were more profitable compared to control farmers in terms of wheat and bean production. Less production due to minimum tillage, difficulties in maintenance, lack of extension service etc. was the major problems faced by the farmers. Knowledge on soil conservation and soil quality improvement, use of organic fertilizer, etc. was found as strengths; management of crop residue, scarcity of cowdung, etc. were found as weaknesses; labour opportunities, market demand, etc. were found as opportunities; and climate change and price fluctuation were found as threats of adopting conservation agriculture. Regular extension contact, arrangement of training programmes and input support are to be ensured by different government and non-government organizations to motivate farmers for adopting conservation agriculture practice.

The single most factors affecting the livelihood of haor people of Bangladesh is fishing. Data and information regarding this issue are lacking in Bangladesh, therefore, the study was conducted to assess the extent and determinants of livelihood step up of fishermen in haor area of Sunamganj district, Bangladesh. The present investigation showed that, the majority of the fishermen (60.0%) had small land ownership. Most of them were illiterate (56.3%) and belonged to (53.75%) middle income ($621.0-$915.0) and 6.25% had a small income ranging $305.0-$610. Among the fishermen, 45.0% were received credit from Mahajan and only 12.5% of fishermen had savings. Different livelihood assets were increased to a large extent due to small-scale fishing. Financial, human, social and physical capitals were increased from 32.0% to 76.67%, 45.0% to 75.33%, 42.0% to 62.5% and 30.0% to 73.37%, respectively due to engage in fishing. The logistic regression model revealed four significant variables i.e., family type, farm size, boat ownership and credit access were responsible for the livelihood improvement of haor fishermen. Furthermore, this study also found out constraints which were faced by the fishermen. Among all the constraints, the flash flood was reported to as a major problem by the fishermen.

The research was conducted to evaluate the problems and prospects of adopting conservation agriculture in Jamalpur and Bogra districts of Bangladesh. A total of 120 farmers (20 from focal and 100 from control group) were surveyed for collecting necessary data and information. A combination of descriptive statistics and mathematical techniques was used to analyze the data. Focal farmers followed the basic principles of conservation agriculture but control farmers continued conventional crop farming practices. Focal farmers were more profitable compared to control farmers in terms of wheat and bean production. Less production due to minimum tillage, difficulties in maintenance, lack of extension service etc. were the major problems faced by the farmers. Knowledge on soil conservation and soil quality improvement, use of organic fertilizer, etc. were found as strengths; management of crop residue, scarcity of cowdung, etc. were found as weaknesses; labor opportunities, market demand, etc. were found as opportunities; and climate change and price fluctuation were found as threats of adopting conservation agriculture. Regular extension contact, arrangement of training programmes and input support are to be ensured by different government and non-government organizations to motivate farmers for adopting conservation agriculture practice.

This study was conducted to evaluate the potential impacts of sustainable dairy farming in Char areas of Northern Bangladesh. A total of 600 poorest dairy farming households were selected out of 1323 households, taking 200 households from each Upazila of Sariakandi, Islampur and Belkuchi of Bogra, Jamalpur and Sirajganj districts, respectively using simple random sampling technique. A structured questionnaire was used to interview the respondents (600:200 respondents ×3 districts). Difference-in-Difference (DID) approach was applied for analysing the impact of dairy farming. To determine the factors affecting income on livelihood, logistic regression model was used. Finally the sustainable livelihood framework including the asset pentagon was used to assess the impact of dairy farming on livelihood pattern. The results of this study provide that after the intervention of the project, there is a significant fall in the percentage of the farmers engaging with farming and day labourer where there is an increase in the percentage of the farmers engaging with only farming. On an average, family male members spent about 5 hours a day on dairy cattle while the female members spent about 4 hours a day over the study areas. Percentages of farmers owning 20 decimal of land are increasing and percentages of farmers owning 10 decimal of land are decreasing in all the study areas. Inclination of animal ownership indicates that there was an increasing trend in the ownership of poultry birds, sheep and goats. Both milk yield and body weight gain were significantly (p

The study was conducted to document farmers’ livelihood aspects and agribusiness potentials in wetland areas of Bangladesh. A total of 120 farmers and 24 service providers were interviewed for data collection. Most of the farmers were small farmers having less than 1.0 ha of cultivable land. The differences in productivity of crop farming and poultry rearing between wetland area and main land were statistically significant. Favorable farm environment and proper utilization of agricultural resources were major strength and opportunity. The data may be helpful for formation of agribusiness clusters involving input suppliers, credit/financial organizations and different support service providers for more income, better nutrition and improved livelihood of the wetland people. Keywords: Wetland, Agribusiness, Potential, Bangladesh

Journal of Population and Social Studies, 25, 1

The present study assessed the changes in socio-economic conditions of small scale broiler farmers in rural areas of Bangladesh. The population comprised the small scale broiler farmers who reared at least 300 to less than 2000 birds in the rural areas of Sadar Upazila of Mymensingh district, among which a total of 50 samples were randomly selected for the study. The necessary data on different socio-economic parameters were collected from the respondents through personal interview with the pre-tested interview schedule. Findings showed that annual employment opportunities for unemployed family members of broiler farmers were 302.96 man-days. The overall income and expenditure of the farmers were increased by TK.6100 and TK.3064.66 after involving in broiler farming. Cash in hand and savings with bank raised by 142.71% and 201.63% respectively. Drinking water from own tube-well increased by 135.71% and katcha latrines decreased by 76.47%. Consumption of meat, egg, and fruits per month per household were increased by 94.32%, 34.53% and 56.14% respectively in post farming situation. The number of school going children, household assets and health status also improved. So, small scale broiler farming has positive and significant impact for the development of socio-economic status of the farmers as well as the improvement of rural livelihood. Keywords: Broiler farming; Rural livelihood; Socio-economic development DOI: 10.3329/jbau.v7i2.4752 J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 7(2): 395-402, 2009

The small scale cattle fattening enterprise is represents an important component of the agribusiness sector of the economy with great economic, income, poverty reduction and social implications. A large number of farmers involved in cattle fattening just before 3 or 4 months of Eid-ul-Azha (Muslim festival), when they sell the animals with profitable prices. Cattle fattening for beef production have become an important business of the small farmers in Bangladesh. This study examined the profitability as well as operational economics efficiency of cattle fattening enterprise of Rajbari District. Data used to achieve this objective was obtained from 120 nomadic farmers, which were randomly selected using a multi-stage sampling procedure. Data were generated using a survey schedule as well as direct observation (cost-route method). Descriptive statistics, economics analysis as well as operational efficiency index were used to analyze the data. Results showed that small scale cattle fattening enterprise were profitable and flexible. A net enterprise income of BDT 5559 per cattle was realized by an average enterprise in study area. It was also shown that operational efficiency was not generally high among the entrepreneur. Based on these results, the study advised less efficient entrepreneurs to adopt the practices of the efficient ones in order to make the enterprise more profitable. The study shows that small scale cattle fattening enterprise is profitable due to agribusiness context. Farmers used three years old cattle for beef fattening. Cattle fattening period is 4.5 months in rural study areas of Rajbari district in Bangladesh. Keywords: Economic efficiency; Cattle farming; Profitability DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbau.v9i1.8756 JBAU 2011; 9(1): 141-146

An understanding of past, from which we learn, and present, through which we observe, population dynamics is necessary for development planning for a country. This paper studies this present facts of and past trends in population dynamics paying particular attention to the major demographic variables of population, fertility, mortality, and migration profiles in the last two decades with an assessment of various demographic data sources in Bangladesh. In doing so various literatures were reviewed and secondary data were generated mostly from international sources, like database of the United Nations, Population Reference Bureau, US Census Bureau etc., and partly from national sources, like population census, Bangladesh demographic and health survey etc., which are the major sources of demographic data for Bangladesh. The study observes that the demographic indicators of Bangladesh have shown considerable development during the last two decades. Though the population increased in size but growth showed a declining trend. The total fertility rate declined from 3.96 children per woman during 1990- 1995 to 2.36 during 2005-2010, and infant mortality and under-five mortality rates almost halved during the same period. Life expectancy at birth recently reached to 69 years from 56 years in 1990. Moreover, international outmigration showed an increasing trend with a very low rate for female. Keywords: Demographic data; Population; Fertility; Mortality; Migration DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbau.v9i1.8754 JBAU 2011; 9(1): 121-130