Journal
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL SUSTAINABILITY
Volume 20, Issue 5, Pages 722-742Publisher
TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD
DOI: 10.1080/14735903.2021.1975436
Keywords
Temperature; rainfall; salinisation; farmer perceptions; aquaculture
Funding
- University of New England
Ask authors/readers for more resources
The cropping systems in south-west coastal Bangladesh are facing multiple challenges, with increases in temperature, salinization, and erratic rainfall patterns. Despite some intensification in cropping, there is still a need for targeted research and technological advancements to further enhance the cropping systems.
The cropping systems in south-west coastal Bangladesh face multiple challenges. A clearer understanding of the trajectories of cropping intensification can promote policy responses to current impacts, adaptations, and target support to farmers. This research aimed to assess (i) observed and perceived changes in temperature, rainfall and salinization, (ii) impacts of these changes on local cropping and aquaculture systems, and (iii) cropping system intensification. Primary data were collected in discussions with farmers (n = 63), extension service providers (n = 7) and researchers (n = 5) in the study area. Secondary data on climate, soil salinity, and farming systems were obtained from government sources. Respondents perceived increasing temperature, decreasing rainfall with anomalous patterns, increasing soil salinization, and increasing extreme events consistent with the observed meteorological data. The impacts were changes in farming operations, increased natural enemies, reduced irrigation water supplies, and yield losses. Cropping intensity in the study region increased from 135% in 1992-175% in 2018, though it is still below the national figure (194%). The intensification is driven by biophysical and socio-economics factors and supported by research, extension and infrastructure development. Further intensification opportunities require targeted research, smart farm management technologies, enhance extension services, improved value-chain, and continuing infrastructure development.
Authors
I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.
Reviews
Recommended
No Data Available