Impacts of the training of mud crab farmers: An adaptation strategy to cope with salinity intrusion in Bangladesh

Abstract

Climate change has caused salinity intrusion threatening Bangladesh's crop production system and coastal livelihoods. Mud crab (Scylla serrata) fattening was introduced as an adaptation strategy in the coastal areas. The present study assessed the impacts of the training of mud crab farmers on productivity and income by employing few econometric models. A total of 300 mud crab farmers were interviewed to achieve the objectives. Training had a positive and significant impact on productivity of mud crab fattening. The impact of training on productivity and income was 31% and 19%, respectively. Based on the treatment effect model, trained farmers achieved 22% of higher productivity compared to non-trained farmers. The participation in the training was influenced by age, education, household wealth, and participation in field days. Policy implications included more investment in training facilities from public agencies to sustain and increase the productivity and income of crab farmers. Modifying the training approach could provide opportunity to young crab farmers to increase their know-how. Various government and non-government organizations working in the coastal areas need to promote the role of mud crab fattening in their anti-poverty programmes.