Participation in livestock-based interventions and its impact on food security in Bangladesh: A quasi-experimental method

Abstract

Livestock-based interventions play a critical role in enhancing food security in developing countries like Bangladesh, contributing to enhanced livestock productivity, improved household income, ensured food security, women's empowerment, livelihoods advancement, and positioning agriculture as a catalyst for economic growth. The study specifically examines the impact of the livestock and dairy development project (LDDP) intervention on food security in rural livestock farming households in Bangladesh. We gathered data, we are employing simple random sampling, and collecting 180 cross-sectional primary data from both LDDP participants and non-participants. Descriptive statistics, inferential statistics, and propensity score matching approaches were utilized to achieve our research objectives. Livestock farming households with LDDP participants exhibited higher food security, with beneficiaries surpassing non-participants by 52% and 40%, respectively. The mean per capita calorie intake for LDDP participant households was 1966.134 (Kcal), whereas non-participant households recorded 1762.130 (Kcal). The results demonstrate that LDDP intervention significantly and positively impacts food security, women's empowerment, household welfare, and income. These interventions have the potential to enhance nutrition and boost household income, thereby contributing to the stability of food security. Consequently, we recommended an expansion of LDDP intervention, encompassing less resourceful farmers with adequate logistical support. This study illustrates how employing propensity score matching method (PSM) and implementing the LDDP intervention can effectively improve food security in livestock farming households in Bangladesh.