Analysing temporal changes and sustainability of rainfed 'Aus rice' production systems
by Ranjan Roy; Chee Hui Lai; Paul Ofei-Manu; Ngai Weng Chan
International Journal of Society Systems Science (IJSSS), Vol. 7, No. 1, 2015

Abstract: An evaluation is needed to monitor the progress of sustainable agricultural development. This study jointly evaluates the temporal changes and sustainability of Aus rice production systems in Bangladesh. First, based on the literature review and synthesis, this study found that: 1) although the cultivation area of high yielding varieties (HYVs) increased over the last four decades, the total production of Aus rice gradually decreased; 2) the major drivers responsible for such changes are low yield of Aus rice, lack of available and appropriate HYVs, higher productivity concern of growers and the negligence of government intervention. Second, a set of 12 indicators was developed, employing a participative multi-stakeholder involvement. Data for this study were gathered through a questionnaire survey, covering 280 farm households and key informant interview as well as informal discussion with stakeholders. By applying data screening tests, multivariate analyses and the three main steps (e.g., normalisation) of index development, a composite indicator was constructed. Results demonstrated that less than half of Aus growers were sustainable in terms of environmental integrity, economic resilience, social development and good governance. The path analysis of determinants of contributory indicator revealed that five significant indicators for promoting sustainable Aus rice production exist, namely increasing land productivity and marketing facility, social and human capital formation and availability of extension services. The major policy implications of the findings of the study are outlined.

Online publication date: Sat, 14-Mar-2015

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