Gaibandha District Research Articles

Coping with climate change: A livelihood vulnerability and adaptation analysis in Gaibandha, Rangpur, Bangladesh

AbstractThis study aimed to assess the impact of climate change using the Livelihood Vulnerability Index (LVI) and the adaptation strategies of communities, as measured by the Adaptation Strategy Index (ASI), among 120 households across six villages in Fulchari and Shaghata Upazilas of Gaibandha district in northern Bangladesh. The findings highlight changing climatic patterns and show that while respondents are generally aware of the impacts of climate change, there are notable knowledge gaps. Galna Adarshapara was identified as the most vulnerable village according to the LVI, indicating its high susceptibility in areas such as socio‐demographic profile, food security, health, natural hazards, and climate sensitivity. Factors contributing to this vulnerability include geographical isolation, limited education, underdeveloped infrastructure, inadequate health facilities, and a lack of alternative income sources during extreme events. However, coping mechanisms such as irrigation, crop diversification, and the use of double‐platform tube wells are commonly employed to address these climatic impacts. To enhance resilience, it is crucial to implement policy initiatives and institutional arrangements that support local communities in improving their living conditions and adapting to climate change challenges.

Profitability and marketing system of Binachinabadam-8 in some selected northern char areas of Bangladesh

The present study was undertaken to assess the profitability, marketing system, production and marketing problems of a groundnut variety, Binachinabadam-8 in the river bed areas of Rangpur, Gaibandha and Kurigram districts during 2022–23. The study analyzed the efficiency of different marketing chains by ranking performance indicators using a composite index formula. The average per hectare production cost of Binachinabadam-8 was Tk. 90,470 and the net return was Tk. 68,064. The benefit-cost ratio was estimated at 1.75 and 2.89 on a full cost and variable cost basis. The average estimated marketing cost was highest (Tk. 925/quintal) for Stockist and lowest (Tk. 87/quintal) for Arathdar. Net marketing margin was also highest (Tk. 1787/quintal) for Stockist and lowest (Tk. 115/quintal) for Arathdar. Farmer’s share in consumer prices of Binachinabadam-8 in different marketing chains was the highest in Chain-IV (65.46%) and the lowest was in Chain-I (63.98%). The performance indicators revealed that the Chain-IV was the most efficient of the chains. Farmers reported major problems including lack of irrigation facilities, high seed value, flood incidence, high fertilizer prices, lack of capital, lack of training and insect and pest. The farmers faced significant marketing challenges, including unstable prices, high transportation charges, lack of storage facilities and lack of cash capital. Therefore, the study will help to over undertake appropriate measures to overcome the production and marketing problems and thereby will increase the profitability and production of Binachinabadam-8 in the river bed areas of Bangladesh. Bangladesh J. Nuclear Agric, 37(2): 109-120, 2023

The Impact of SIPP on Improving the Livelihood and Poverty Reduction in Bangladesh: Some Case Study from Jamalpur and Gaibandha District

The Social Development Foundation (SDF), a government-led organization, is implementing an Institutional Development Fund (IDF)/World Bank-supported Social Investment Programs Project (SIPP) in various villages in Bangladesh to improve the livelihoods and poverty reduction of marginalized people. The purpose of this study is to understand how to improve the livelihoods of the poor and extremely poor using SIPP support. This study follows a qualitative methodology using thematic methods such as a case study. The study shows that the majority of beneficiaries improve their livelihoods by receiving SIPP support. This study can be useful for government policy makers, Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) and social workers.

Assessing implementation outcomes for launching balanced energy protein supplementation: A formative study in rural Bangladesh.

Balanced energy protein (BEP) supplementation is an efficacious intervention in pregnancy for improving birthweight and is recommended by World Health Organization (WHO) in countries with high maternal undernutrition. Few countries have implemented BEP programmes due in part to high cost, lack of data on acceptability and feasibility, and complexity of delivery. We sought to address implementation gaps in BEP interventions through a formative study designed to understand implementation outcomes. We conducted 52 in-depth interviews and 8 focus-group discussions with married women of reproductive age, family members, health care providersand pharmacists in three unions of the Gaibandha district in rural Bangladesh. Interviews were translated and transcribed in English and analysed using an analytic framework for implementation science in nutrition. BEP was viewed as an acceptable and appropriate intervention to combat undernutrition in this setting. There was a lack of clarity on who should or could be responsible for providing/distributing BEP in a way convenient to mothers. Many participants preferred door-to-door delivery and thought this approach could address social and gender inequities, but providers mentioned already being overworked and worried about adding new tasks. Participants were concerned about the affordability of BEP and opportunity costs associated with travel to proposed distribution sites such as ANC or pharmacies. Women in these communities do not always have the agency to travel without supervision or make purchasing decisions. BEP supplementation is a complex intervention; future trials seek to assess ways to overcome these implementation challenges and inform a long-term systems-owned BEP intervention.

Evaluating Flood Susceptibility in the Brahmaputra River Basin: An Insight into Asia's Eastern Himalayan Floodplains Using Machine Learning and Multi-Criteria Decision-Making

Floods represent a significant threat to human life, property, and agriculture, especially in low-lying floodplains. This study assesses flood susceptibility in the Brahmaputra River basin, which spans China, India, Bhutan, and Bangladesh—an area notorious for frequent flooding due to the saturation of river water intake capacity. We developed and evaluated several innovative models for predicting flood susceptibility by employing Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) and Machine Learning (ML) techniques. The models showed robust performance, evidenced by Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve (AUC-ROC) scores exceeding 70% and Mean Absolute Error (MAE), Mean Squared Error (MSE), and Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE) scores below 30%. Our findings indicate that approximately one-third of the studied region is categorized as moderately to highly flood-prone, while over 40% is classified as low to very low flood-risk areas. Specific regions with high to very high flood susceptibility include Dhemaji, Dibrugarh, Lakhimpur, Majuli, Darrang, Nalbari, Barpeta, Bongaigaon, and Dhubri districts in Assam; Coochbihar and Jalpaiguri districts in West Bengal; and Kurigram, Gaibandha, Bogra, Sirajganj, Pabna, Jamalpur, and Manikganj districts in Bangladesh. Owing to their strong performance and the suitability of the training datasets, we recommend the application of the developed MCDM techniques and ML algorithms in geographically similar areas. This study holds significant implications for policymakers, regional administrators, environmentalists, and engineers by informing flood management and prevention strategies, serving as a climate change adaptive response within the Brahmaputra River basin.

A Survey Study on Disease Rate and Tendency of Taking Treatment of Urban and Rural People in Gaibandha District, Bangladesh

Ever rising prevalence of communicable and non-communicable diseases a major challenge for the health sector in Bangladesh. Gaibandha district under Rangpur division aggregate population is 23, 79, 255 of which males are 11, 69,127 and females are 12, 10,128 [2]. Among population aged 7 years and over, the literacy rate of this district is 42.8% (Both male and female) in which male 46.3% and female 39.5% [8]. There is a general hospital and six government hospitals and 54 family welfare centers, six Upazila health complex, one maternity and childcare centered tuberculosis clinic in Gaibandha. A community based cross sectional study was conducted among 200 urban and rural people in Gaibandha district within seven Upazila to determine the disease rate and tendency of taking treatment. At offline data were collected face-to-face interview of the selected respondents and also collected by online creating Google form. Almost all respondents gave history of illness of his/her family members during the preceding last six months. Various ages give different level of diseases with significant positive attitude except exorcism and magic treatment. The day-labors remain in risk zone with multi- disciplinary occupational diseases. Asthma is the leading occupational disease. High treatment seeking behavior in businessman is about 6.50% with complementary and traditional treatment. Another leading disease is gastrointestinal disease 8.5%. Sanitation is a big issue about 61.1% where government should give more concentration to improve this worst condition [1]. However, in this study the result found was elaborated throughout the study.

Performances of cattle and goats in some selected areas of Gaibandha district in Bangladesh

The survey was conducted to represent the livestock production scenario and to know the performances of cattle and goats in few selected rural areas of Gaibandha district. The data on productive and reproductive performances of cattle and goats were collected from 102 household within four selected village under Gobindaganj Upazila of Gaibandha district with a pretested survey questionnaire. The collected data were compiled, tabulated and analyzed by student t test. In the study area, about 59% were indigenous cattle and 41% were crossbred cattle. A total of 113 goats were found in the study area of which 82% belongs to Black Bengal goat and the remaining 18% belongs Jamunapari goat. All the livestock (100%) were managed intensively during the spring and rainy seasons. Similarly, almost all livestock (100%) are confined in shed at night, and 45.9% and 54.09% of the livestock population are confined in shed and paddock at day time, respectively. Artificial insemination (AI) is the preferred breeding method for cattle, whereas goats primarily rely on natural mating. Milk yield and lactation period of cow, and mature body weight of both male and female were significantly (P<0.05) higher in crossbred than indigenous cattle. Similarly, age at first kidding, lactation period and kidding interval of does, and mature body weight of buck and does were significantly higher in Jamunapari goats than Black Bengal goats. However, the conception rate and number of kids per kidding were higher in Black Bengal goats than Jamunapari goats. In conclusion, from our results, crossbred cattle and Jamunapari goats are performing better in rural conditions, whereas Black Bengal goats are efficient in producing more offspring at a given time. Bangladesh Journal of Animal Science 52 (3): 78-84.

Assessing the internal out-migration on basis of influence area: a case study of Kurigram, Rangpur and Gaibandha districts, Bangladesh

Assessing the internal out-migration on basis of influence area: a case study of Kurigram, Rangpur and Gaibandha districts, Bangladesh

State of Instructional Educational Facilities of Primary Education at Upazila Level

Primary education is a basic education for all, which depends on different agencies and factors to ensure its quality. The study assessed the state of instructional facilities in primary education at the Upazila level in Bangladesh. An explanatory sequential design and mixed methods have been used in this study. The researcher has collected quantitative data by surveying primary school head teachers and selected schools from two upazilas: Charghat in Rajshahi and Sundargonj in Gaibandha District. The sample for the study was determined by stratified and simple random sampling. The total schools were 12 and 42 in both study areas. Through different interviews, questionnaire surveys, and document reviews, the researcher has explored the scenario of instructional educational facilities and provided suggestions to ensure quality primary education. The study finds that the Upazila Education Office should be at the vanguard of achieving quality primary education by ensuring the excellence of the school environment through instructional facilities with the help of the government, School Management Committee (SMC), Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), and communities. Overall, the government should prioritize investing in the improvement of instructional facilities in primary schools, as it directly impacts the quality of education and the ultimate academic performance of the students.

Anthropometric measures and arsenic methylation among pregnant women in rural northern Bangladesh

IntroductionArsenic methylation converts inorganic arsenic (iAs) to monomethyl (MMA) and dimethyl (DMA) arsenic compounds. Body mass index (BMI) has been positively associated with arsenic methylation efficiency (higher DMA%) in adults, but evidence in pregnancy is inconsistent. We estimated associations between anthropometric measures and arsenic methylation among pregnant women in rural northern Bangladesh. MethodsWe enrolled pregnant women (n = 784) (median [IQR] gestational week: 14 [13, 15]) in Gaibandha District, Bangladesh from 2018 to 2019. Anthropometric measures were BMI, subscapular and triceps skinfold thicknesses, and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), fat area (MUAFA), and muscle area (MUAMA). Arsenic methylation measures were urinary iAs, MMA, and DMA divided by their sum and multiplied by 100 (iAs%, MMA%, and DMA%), primary methylation index (MMA/iAs; PMI), and secondary methylation index (DMA/MMA; SMI). In complete cases (n = 765 [97.6%]), we fitted linear, beta, and Dirichlet regression models to estimate cross-sectional differences in iAs%, MMA%, DMA%, PMI, and SMI per IQR-unit difference in each anthropometric measure, adjusting for drinking water arsenic, age, gestational age, education, living standards index, and plasma folate, vitamin B12, and homocysteine. ResultsMedian (IQR) BMI, subscapular skinfold thickness, triceps skinfold thickness, MUAC, MUAFA, and MUAMA were 21.5 (19.4, 23.8) kg/m2, 17.9 (13.2, 24.2) mm, 14.2 (10.2, 18.7) mm, 25.9 (23.8, 28.0) cm, 15.3 (10.5, 20.3) cm2, and 29.9 (25.6, 34.2) cm2, respectively. Median (IQR) iAs%, MMA%, DMA%, PMI, and SMI were 12.0 (9.3, 15.2)%, 6.6 (5.3, 8.3)%, 81.0 (77.1, 84.6)%, 0.6 (0.4, 0.7), and 12.2 (9.3, 15.7), respectively. In both unadjusted and adjusted linear models, all anthropometric measures were negatively associated with iAs%, MMA%, and PMI and positively associated with DMA% and SMI. For example, fully adjusted mean differences (95% CI) in DMA% per IQR-unit difference in BMI, subscapular skinfolds thickness, triceps skinfold thickness, MUAC, MUAFA, and MUAMA were 1.72 (1.16, 2.28), 1.58 (0.95, 2.21), 1.74 (1.11, 2.37), 1.45 (0.85, 2.06), 1.70 (1.08, 2.31), and 0.70 (0.13, 1.27) pp, respectively. ConclusionsAnthropometric measures were positively associated with arsenic methylation efficiency among pregnant women in the early second trimester.

The Pregnancy, Arsenic, and Immune Response (PAIR) Study in rural northern Bangladesh.

Arsenic exposure and micronutrient deficiencies may alter immune reactivity to influenza vaccination in pregnant women, transplacental transfer of maternal antibodies to the foetus, and maternal and infant acute morbidity. The Pregnancy, Arsenic, and Immune Response (PAIR) Study was designed to assess whether arsenic exposure and micronutrient deficiencies alter maternal and newborn immunity and acute morbidity following maternal seasonal influenza vaccination during pregnancy. The PAIR Study recruited pregnant women across a large rural study area in Gaibandha District, northern Bangladesh, 2018-2019. Prospective, longitudinal pregnancy and birth cohort. We conducted home visits to enrol pregnant women in the late first or early second trimester (11-17 weeks of gestational age). Women received a quadrivalent seasonal inactivated influenza vaccine at enrolment. Follow-up included up to 13 visits between enrolment and 3 months postpartum. Arsenic was measured in drinking water and maternal urine. Micronutrient deficiencies were assessed using plasma biomarkers. Vaccine-specific antibody titres were measured in maternal and infant serum. Weekly telephone surveillance ascertained acute morbidity symptoms in women and infants. We enrolled 784 pregnant women between October 2018 and March 2019. Of 784 women who enrolled, 736 (93.9%) delivered live births and 551 (70.3%) completed follow-up visits to 3 months postpartum. Arsenic was detected (≥0.02 μg/L) in 99.7% of water specimens collected from participants at enrolment. The medians (interquartile ranges) of water and urinary arsenic at enrolment were 5.1 (0.5, 25.1)μg/L and 33.1 (19.6, 56.5)μg/L, respectively. Water and urinary arsenic were strongly correlated (Spearman's ⍴=0.72) among women with water arsenic ≥ median but weakly correlated (⍴=0.17) among women with water arsenic < median. The PAIR Study is well positioned to examine the effects of low-moderate arsenic exposure and micronutrient deficiencies on immune outcomes in women and infants. NCT03930017.

Knowledge About nCOVID-2019 Among the Population of Palashbari Upazilla in Gaibandha District

Background: Novel Corona virus-2019 (nCOVID-2019) is recognized as a major public health threat all over the world. This virus is spreading at a breakneck speed since its emergence from Wuhan, China in December 2019 and it is important to pull all the necessary resources to halt it. The outbreaks of Coronavirus infection among people are always of public health concern especially when they have little knowledge. Most infectious disease preventive campaigns assume that if rational knowledge is given, people's behavior will change and will favor control.&#x0D; Objective: The study was aimed to assess the public knowledge about nCOVID-2019.&#x0D; Methods: A descriptive type of cross-sectional study was carried out among the population of Palashbari Upazilla, Gaibandha district from 20 th January 2020 to 20 th February 2020. 1010 respondents were selected conveniently from 5 catchment areas. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews with a pre-tested structured questionnaire. Collected data were entered in the spreadsheet and analyzed in SPSS version 23.&#x0D; Results: The highest numbers of respondents were in the age group of 15 to 30 years (43.2%). Male and females of were almost equally distributed. 92.9% of the respondents heard the name of 2019-nCoV and 47.6% of them said that it was a respiratory tract infection. 57.5% respondents knew about the sign symptoms but only 26.6% among them could identify all sign symptoms satisfactorily. 40.8% were aware that it was transmitted through the air and only 31.2% knew humans as the source of infection, 19.8% of respondents had no knowledge and others told that wild animals, snakes, bats, cattle, and poultry could transmit the virus. A good percentage of respondents could tell about using masks (85.4%), hand washing (84.75%), avoid touching mouth nose and eyes with the unwashed hand (78.9%), avoid undercooked food (70.6% ), avoid touching poultry and animals (71.2%) and the necessity to quarantine the suspected cases (71.3%), as beneficial for the prevention of Coronavirus infection but they had a lack of knowledge about the treatment (24.52%), 63.5% respondents knew that there was no treatment against Coronavirus infection whereas 11.9% didn’t know about the treatment and only 22.6% had knowledge about the quarantine period.&#x0D; Conclusion: The study revealed that, though most of the respondents heard the name Coronavirus, people have limited knowledge about transmission, quarantine, and treatment against nCOVID-2019. Health care professionals have to work with enormous effort to control the outbreak of nCOVID-2019.&#x0D; J Rang Med Col. September 2022; Vol. 7, No. 2:58-62

Services Provided Through Community Clinic: Access and Utilization by Rural People

Background: Community clinics (CC) have been restarted in 2009 by the government of Bangladesh through a project called “Revitalization of Community Health Care Initiatives in Bangladesh” (RCHCIB) to accomplish the ambitious project of establishing 18,000 community clinics. Since then 10,723 Community clinics have been established and they provide free health and family planning services to rural people (for every 6000 population one CC).&#x0D; Objective: The study aimed to assess the prevalence of access and utilization of services provided through community clinics by rural people.&#x0D; Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in Palashbari, Gaibandha district from 15th March 2019 to 20th April 2019. 568 respondents were selected conveniently from the catchment area of 6 community clinics (CCs). Data were collected by face-to-face interviews with a pretested structured questionnaire.&#x0D; Results: Among 568 respondents, majority ware in the age group of 31-50 years (45.4%),female (83%) and housewives (76.8%).93.5% of the respondents visited community clinics. And 85.6% were benefited from the community clinic service. Maternal and child health service utilization was poor (pregnancy registration 27.6%, ANC and PNC 45.2%, family planning services 49.3%) and there is no normal delivery service in the community clinic. 66.2% of the respondents availed EPI Services, 45.8% received Health Education, 65.3% received Vitamin-A Supplementation, 59.9% availed Child Care Services, 71.7% received Treatment of Minor Illness and Diseases, 17.4% availed Referral Services.&#x0D; Conclusion: The CCs are well located in terms of access. According to the Respondents' services provided by the community, the clinic was average. Maternal and child health services, pregnancy, and birth registration were below the mark. There is no normal delivery service and according to the respondent’s opinion referral system was also poor.&#x0D; J Rang Med Col. September 2022; Vol. 7, No. 2:20-24

Investigation of aquatic vascular flora at Sadullapur Upazila of Gaibandha District, Bangladesh

The present article focused on aquatic vascular plants diversity and their conservation status in natural and manmade wetlands habitats of Sadullapur Gaibandha. The study was conducted in between May 2019 to June 2020. A total of 52 aquatic plant species was recorded from Sadullapur Gaibandha in the present study. These are assigned to 35 genera under 30 families. For each species scientific name, local name, family, division, habit, habitat, use and status are provided. Ecological habitats analysis of aquatics shows variations. Among them, 37% species prefers to grow near the edge of water, 13% submerged, 11% as emergent, 11% as free floating and 28% as rooted floating in the aquatic habitat. In case of submerged species, they produce flowers on surface of the water. After pollination fruits remain under water up to maturation. Among them, 49% species used as fodder, 22% as medicinal, 4% as aquarium purpose, 9% as vegetable, 6% as edible, 10% as fish food in the study area. The population number of different aquatic plant species in habitats is not uniform. Overall analysis showed that 46% aquatic plant species in the study area found to be rare, 44% species found common and 10% species found as abundant. This status of aquatic plant species is very preliminary. Based on field observations and discussion with local people we are able to identify a good number of rare aquatic plants and also pointed some conservation measures for them in future. The investigation recorded a number of rare aquatic plant species from the study area. These are Trapa bispinosa (Singara), Nelumbo nucifera (Paddo), Nymphaea pubescens (Sada shapla), Oenanthe javanica (Panidhone), Nymphaea rubra (Lal shapla), Ottelia alismoides (Panikola), Enhydra fluctuans (Titidata) and Centrostachys aquatica (Thuash). Populations of such species in the wild are very rare because of local demand for the use. These species need to be cared for conservation.

Investigation of aquatic vascular flora at Sadullapur Upazila of Gaibandha District, Bangladesh

Investigation of aquatic vascular flora at Sadullapur Upazila of Gaibandha District, Bangladesh

Epidemiology and economic impact of lumpy skin disease of cattle in Mymensingh and Gaibandha districts of Bangladesh.

Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is an emerging viral disease of cattle that negatively impacts livestock by reducing animals' production and increasing management costs. Like other countries, Bangladesh has also faced the ominous effects of LSD. Because of this pressing concern, the present study was undertaken to determine the attack rate and risk factors along with economic losses of the recent LSD outbreaks from October 2019 to June 2020 in Bangladesh's Mymensingh and Gaibandha districts. A total of 1187 cattle from 150 randomly selected cattle farms were surveyed. The diagnosis was made both clinically and molecularly. The overall attack rate, mortality and case fatality were 34%, 1.10% and 3.23%, respectively, but in calves up to 1 month of age, the attack rate, mortality and case-fatality were 41.6%, 12.5% and 30%, respectively. In risk factor analysis using multiple logistic regression, the following factors were significantly (p < .05) associated with LSD occurrence: no administration of goat pox vaccine, frequency of goat pox vaccination - single dose, introduction of new cattle, land type (low land and medium-high land), use of common syringe and needle, and use of common utensils. The average economic loss per case was 9384.41 BDT (110.40 US $). The higher economic loss per case was accounted in Mymensingh district (10248.91 BDT ≈ 120.58 US $) than Gaibandha district (8211.52 BDT ≈ 96.61 US $). The loss was higher in crossbred cattle (9709.58 BDT ≈ 114.23 US $) compared to indigenous cattle (7595.94 BDT ≈ 89.36 US $). The total estimated annual loss due to LSD in Mymensingh and Gaibandha districts was 7763.25 million BDT (91.33 million US $). In Gaibandha district, the estimated annual loss was 2666.20 million BDT (31.37 million US $) while in Mymensingh district it was 5097.05 million BDT (59.97 million US $). Findings of the study could provide useful epidemiological data with losses incurred due to LSD to the livestock owners, field veterinarians and government-level livestock regulators, which will help to formulate prevention and control strategies and minimize the negative impact of LSD's probable return or spread.

Site suitability analysis for the construction of water reservoirs in drought‐prone areas of Bangladesh using geospatial techniques

AbstractDrought is becoming a common phenomenon in the northwestern (NW) region of Bangladesh. To address this problem, the government has taken multiple initiatives such as the construction of deep tube wells, re‐activation of abandoned deep tube wells, re‐excavation of canals, construction of cross dams, and digging wells to hold water during monsoon. However, the construction of medium‐ to large‐sized water reservoirs is somewhat overlooked or missed, which can hold large quantities of surface water and, at the same time, can recharge groundwater. Finding suitable sites for water reservoirs is a challenge. The present study aims to fulfill these gaps. We have applied a spatial multi‐criteria technique called the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) to identify suitable sites for water reservoir construction in the drought‐prone NW region of Bangladesh. A total of 12 criteria such as settlement, land use, slope, soil, groundwater depth, road network, river network, vegetation cover, rainfall, geology, protected areas, and aquifer depth were selected. The study shows that 17 percent of the area is highly suitable for reservoir construction, followed by 24 percent moderately suitable and 25 percent marginally suitable. In contrast, approximately 30 percent of the area is unsuitable for reservoir construction. Among 16 districts of northwest region, areas of Rangpur district are mostly suitable (30 percent), followed by Gaibandha district (16 percent). Construction of water reservoir in the identified areas will lower irrigation water pumping costs and will raise groundwater levels in land adjacent to the reservoir in dry season.

Determinants Associated with Women Empowerment: The Perspectives and Views of Char Area of Bangladesh

Aim: The study analyzed the determinants associated with empowerment of char women in the northern region of Bangladesh.&#x0D; Study Deigns: Purposive random sampling procedure.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Data was collected from two villages namely Horipur and Kanchibari from Sundorganj upazilla of Gaibandha district and Chilmary and Raniganj from Chilmary upazilla of Kurigram district. The duration of data collection was from 15th October to 12th December 2020.&#x0D; Methodology: From 1440 population around 6percent of the representative sample was taken randomly as sample of the study. The sample size of the study were 200. Descriptive statistics and multiple regression model were used to data analysis.&#x0D; Results: Outcomes reveals that most of the respondents had medium empowerment 57 percent where 39 percent had low empowerment and only 4 percent had high empowerment. Training, women personal income, access to credit and extent of participation on income generating activities were the important variables that significant at .05percent and .01percent level influence women empowerment of the study area with an R2 value of 0.44. Contrary, access to resources and problem was important fact in char area which had negative trend with women empowerment.&#x0D; Conclusion: To minimize the existing char problem should be ensured the supplying of enough agricultural inputs (seeds, fertilizer, pesticides, vaccine) and nonagricultural inputs in time through regular governmental programs. Education has potential link with women empowerment and recommends for the promotion of education in char rural area to build women’s capacity.

Exploring Farmers’ Insight on Cropping Pattern for Sustainable Crop Production in Char Area of Bangladesh

Bangladesh is principally an agricultural country, where most people depend primarily upon their own farm production for endurance. In the char area, agriculture is multifaceted and labor-intensive, with a non-developed market, few technologies, and insufficient resources. Moreover, agroecological situations are multifarious for crop production. A study was performed in the chars of Rangpur, Gaibandha, Kurigram, and Lalmonirhat districts of Bangladesh to determine the existing situation of cropping patterns, farmers’ problems with crop cultivation, and probable solutions to minimize risk in crop production. Farmers, local leaders, and dealers, as well as both government and non-government personnel, were occupied in the study to congregate information on different aspects of crop production. The study indicated that the most dominant cropping pattern was T. Aman-Maize-Jute. Flood is the major climatic risk alleged by char dwellers. Additionally, char respondents are vulnerable, with more landless farmers, and dominated by crop cultivation compared to other professional work. In response to the accessible crop production risks, the char peoples are suggested to utilize some adjustment strategies in agriculture, such as implementing new or alternative cropping practices, rapid disease and pest management techniques, and cultivating short-duration varieties. The other outcomes of the study were designed to implement program planning and livelihood development of char people through attaining food security.

Assessing the Productivity, Quality and Profitability of Orange Fleshed Sweet Potatoes Grown in Riverbank of the Tista Floodplain Agro-Ecological Zone of Bangladesh

Orange fleshed sweet potatoes (OFSP) are desirable for high productivity and profitability and their distribution to improve the nutrition of river bank inhabitants of Gaibandha and Rangpur districts of Bangladesh. In this context, a field trial was conducted in two riverbank-based farmers’ fields such as Saghata, Gaibandha, and Pirganj, Rangpur, particularly in the Active Tista Floodplain Agro-ecological Zone of Bangladesh. Four OFSP varieties were evaluated, i.e., G1: BARI SP-8; G2: BARI SP-12; G3: BARI SP-14; G4: BARI SP-15, along with one local cultivar as a control (Red skin with white flesh). Significant variations among the sweet potato genotypes were noted for a number of tuberous roots plant−1, length of root diameter of roots, tuberous root weight plant−1, root yield (fresh), root yield (dry), beta-carotene yield, as well as energy output. Over the locations, BARI SP-12 produced about 73% higher root yield (32.00 t ha−1) and it was like the BARI SP-8 (31.07 t ha−1), which produced about 68% higher yield in comparison with local cultivar (18.51 t ha−1). Across the location, BARI SP-8 performed better in root yield (31.89 t ha−1) in Gaibandha, 69% superior to local cultivar, whereas BARI SP-12 performed better in Rangpur (33.66 t ha−1), which was 86% greater than the local sweet potato cultivar. Considering the root dry yield production, BARI SP-8 produced the highest in the Gaibandha location after that Rangpur location. Further, BARI SP-14 had wider adaptability and stability over the year and location depended on the AMMI model. The beta carotene yield (Vitamin-A precursor) ranged 336–2957 kg ha−1 among the OFSP varieties, whereas the highest (2957 kg ha−1) carotene was recorded in BARI SP-14, similar to BARI SP-15 (2952 kg ha−1) but was much lower in BARI SP-8 and BARI SP-12. Moreover, BARI SP-8 and BARI SP-12 were also economically profitable in terms of gross margin (3233 and 3364 US$ ha−1, respectively), net return (3039 and 3170 US$ ha−1, respectively) and BCR (3.21 and 3.31, respectively, vs. 1.91) due to higher returns with a similar production cost of the local cultivar. The results suggested that BARI SP-8 is economically profitable in the riverbank areas of Gaibandha, and BARI SP-12 is suitable for the riverbank areas of Rangpur.