Title: Determinants of on-farm diversification in Bangladesh

Authors: Sheikh Feroze Rehan; John Sumelius; Stefan Bäckman

Addresses: Department of Economics and Management, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 27, Latokartanonkaari 5, FI-00014, Finland ' Department of Economics and Management, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 27, Latokartanonkaari 5, FI-00014, Finland ' Department of Economics and Management, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 27, Latokartanonkaari 5, FI-00014, Finland

Abstract: On-farm diversification has the potential to reduce income variability, raise revenues, and increase food security in Bangladesh. This study identifies determinants of on-farm diversification using the Agricultural Household Model (AHM) as the theoretical framework. Survey data collected in Bangladesh over June-September 2014 were empirically examined. The Probit model was used to analyse the impact upon on-farm diversification of different household, farm and market characteristics. Data show that the age of the head of the household, farm size, access to credit, technical assistance, regional dummies and access to markets positively influenced the adoption of on-farm diversification. The active participation of women in farming activities was a noteworthy determinant that was found to increase diversification in Bangladesh. The key implication is that addressing these factors in the national agricultural policy of Bangladesh will encourage Bangladeshi farmers to diversify their farming activities. Recommendations for policy guidelines are proposed for consideration.

Keywords: on-farm diversification; agricultural household model; determinants; food security; diversity in food consumption; women participation; farm households; crop and non-crop agricultural production; risk reduction; policy guidelines; Bangladesh.

DOI: 10.1504/IJARGE.2017.087001

International Journal of Agricultural Resources, Governance and Ecology, 2017 Vol.13 No.3, pp.294 - 313

Received: 12 Oct 2016
Accepted: 04 Aug 2017
Published online: 03 Oct 2017 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article