Determinants of Sustainable Irrigated and Rainfed R ice Farming in Bangladesh

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.