Adoption determinants of improved management practices and productivity in pond polyculture of carp in Bangladesh

Abstract

Adopting improved management practices for rearing carp can play a vital role in developing the aquaculture sector of Bangladesh. This study identifies the factors that facilitate the adoption of improved management practices and their relationship with productivity. Primary data was collected from 300 carp farmers through face-to-face interviews. Improved management practices were divided into three categories: simple, intermediate and complex. Findings indicated that high adopters (those who adopted at least one simple, one intermediate and one complex practice) were only around 10% of respondents. The adoption of improved management practices was influenced by spousal education level, training, extension contact, and off-farm income sources. Productivity of high adopters was 38% higher than that of non-adopters. Policy implications from this research included improving extension facilities from public agencies to facilitate adoption of improved practices and to increase and sustain productivity in carp farming. Modifying the current extension approach and diversifying income sources among farmers will facilitate widespread adoption of improved management practices.