Abstract:
In Asia, food security and poverty alleviation depe
nds on sustainable rice production.
The study examined factors determining irrigated an
d rainfed rice farming sustainability
in Bangladesh. Data for the study were collected th
rough a farm households survey,
covering 390 rice growers (sample size was determin
ed by using the Sloven’s formula),
and also
via
observation, key informant interview, and in-depth
informal discussion with
relevant stakeholders. Validity of the survey instr
ument was assessed by experts through
contents examination; yet, reliability was estimate
d by a post-hoc reliability analysis (the
Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of reliability was 0.8
6). Based on stepwise multivariate
regression analysis, the study found that (i) growe
r’s knowledge, skill, and competency
development are common influential factors affectin
g sustainable rice farming, (ii) the
application of resource conservation technology in
irrigated rice farming plays a leading
role in increasing productivity and preserving natu
ral resources, and (iii) raising land
productivity is a decisive determinant for the sust
ainability of rainfed rice farming. The
evidence-based policy implications deduced from the
study are outlined.
Keywords:
Agri-environment, Resource conservation technology
, Human capital, Land
productivity, Non-farm income.
