Khulna District Research Articles

Performance evaluation of e-service delivery of union digital centers at the local level using composite indexing method: A study of Batiaghata upazilla in Khulna district

Bangladesh is a developing country such a huge population, most of whom reside in rural areas. All around the country, Union Digital Centers (UDCs) have been established to offer public and private e-services to all inhabitants. It seems appropriate to do study on assessing the performance of e-service delivery after a number of years have passed since the founding of the UDCs. The study area has been determined to be the Batiaghata union and Jalma union under the Batiaghata Upazilla. This study tried to evaluate the performance of e-service delivery of UDCs and compare the performance of e-services of Jalma union and Batiaghata union of Batiaghata Upazilla. Three major components such as service functionality, availability and, quality and efficiency have been considered in this study. To evaluate the performance of delivery of electronic services of these centers, the Composite Indexing Method was used. The results showed that e-services of both unions are virtually as effective and of moderate quality. There was a striking contrast between the two unions when the availability aspect of e-service delivery was taken into account (about 48.96% in Jalma UDC and 38.70% in Batiaghata UDC). On the other hand, both unions’ scores for service functionality were the lowest amount in practical. Overall, e-service functions of Jalma Union Digital Center were comparatively better than those of Batiaghata Union Digital Center which is 47.03% and 37.5% respectively. The study also suggested that the UDCs of two unions’ current e-service delivery scenario strongly need to future advancement in the provision of creative services based on the requirement for upgradeable technological knowledge in the most satisfactory manners.

Fishermen's Livelihood Adaptation in Response to Climate Change: An Empirical Study on South-Western Coastal Zone of Bangladesh

This study aimed to understand the livelihood status of the fishery-dependent communities in the South- Western coast of Bangladesh and their livelihood adaptation in response to climate change. The study was carried out in two villages of Dacope upazila in Khulna District. Data were collected from a purposively drawn sample of 60 fisher’s households through household interviews, key informants’ interviews, and transect walk as well as from secondary sources. The adverse climatic variability influences all the livelihood capitals and strategies of fishing communities. Most households have lower access to sanitation, market transportation, health facilities, GO, and NGO services during the adverse climatic situation. Increased levels of cyclones and floods result in greater damage to fishing equipment, livelihood assets, and lower level of fish catch. Income generation from fisheries-related activities is reducing gradually which affects the livelihoods of the fishers. The study has identified four different practices of adaptation to climate change by those fishing communities where about 71.67% adopted livelihood diversification. To cope with the changing climate and variability most of the fishing households (95%) have taken multiple adaptation strategies while the rest (5%) did not. The fishermen are exploited financially by the local credit facility provider. Diversification of livelihoods included agriculture (23.26%), fish trading (2.33%), fish farming (18.60%), and other different types of diversification found in the study area due to climate impacts but not always sufficiently fruitful. This situation may worsen over the next few decades and an improved level of responsiveness would be required.
 Vol. 9, No. 3, December 2022: 337-351

A Comparative Analysis of Motor Fitness Components among Bogura and Khulna District Women Cricket Players

A Comparative Analysis of Motor Fitness Components among Bogura and Khulna District Women Cricket Players

Mental health status of early married girls during the COVID-19 pandemic: A study in the southwestern region of Bangladesh.

Due to unemployment, the prolonged lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic caused panic and deepened poverty, especially among lower-class and marginal people. The related financial crises led to harmful practices such as the early marriage of adolescent girls, which deteriorated these girl's mental state. This study attempted to assess the prevalence of mental health problems among early married girls and determine the associated predictors of the growing mental health burden. This cross-sectional survey was conducted during the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Dumuria Upazila in the Khulna district of Bangladesh. Data were collected purposively from 304 girls who were married off during the COVID-19 pandemic, this was carried out between 22 July and 31 August 2022 by administering a semi-structured interview schedule, with mental health measured by the depression, anxiety, and stress scale 21 (DASS 21). The data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics (version 25), and multiple linear regression was executed in order to predict mental health problems among early married girls. The findings show that the overall prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress among early married girls during the COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh was 60.9% (95% CI: 0.554-0.663), 74.7% (95% CI: 0.698-0.796), and 23.7% (95% CI: 0.189-0.285). The prevalence was relatively higher among girls from the Sanatan (Hindu) religion and younger girls than among Muslim and older girls, respectively. The multiple linear regressions indicate that age, age at marriage, duration of the marriage, spousal occupation, intimate partner violence (IPV), and subjective happiness were the critical predictors of mental health problems among early married girls. Early marriage, along with various adverse outcomes, i.e., IPV, maladjustment, and poor subjective happiness, has resulted in heightened mental health problems for young girls. Policymakers should implement coercive measures to prevent early marriage, especially during social, economic, political, and health crises; in addition, more research is recommended in order to explore the mechanisms that make early married girls psychologically vulnerable and thus formulate protective and preventive programs for addressing such vulnerabilities.

Exploring the unnoticed holes: Implementation challenges of social safety-nets in coastal Bangladesh

Like other coastal countries, Bangladesh is also facing the numerous adversities raised from natural disasters and climate change hazards. The present study examines the implementation challenges in disaster affected areas and identifies the possible ways to make the social safety-nets (SSNs) more effective in coastal Bangladesh. Using a qualitative approach, data were collected from Raruli and Vobanipur villages at Paikgaccha Upazilla in Khulna district through Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), Key Informant Interviews (KII) and observation. This study found that Bangladesh provides these (SSNs; e.g. VGF, GR, TR, CoDRH, FFW/FW and EGPP) in the coastal areas during the religious festivals and normal and emergency period as well to alleviate poverty, decrease food crisis, reduce disaster risks and climate vulnerabilities. Additionally, the traditional 'top down' approach for selecting beneficiaries and the existing distribution process creates obstacles to find out the actual targeted people. Findings show there are some challenges (e.g. faulty beneficiary targeting process, complex selection criteria, excessive political interference, mal-functioning of local committee, location of the support distribution center etc.) especially during the implementation phases. This study argues that as a good initiative of the government, the local people do not get the utmost benefits from the SSNPs and there is discrimination in the community in selecting beneficiaries. The study suggests that, to achieve the ultimate goals of SSNPs, such as reducing corruption and political interference, the local beneficiary selection committee should function properly.

Socio-Economic Structure & Sustainable Development of Indigenous Society: A Study on the Munda Community

There are 50 indigenous or minority ethnic groups scattered across different regions of Bangladesh, of which the Mandas are a community. The Munda community has been living in the areas adjacent to the Sundarbans of Khulna and Satkhira districts for hundreds of years. Originally, their forefathers were the ones who cut down the forest and made the land suitable for cultivation without caring about the roar of the tiger and the snake. The ancestors of the Munda’s played a major role in cutting down the forests in the area surrounding the present Sundarbans and making them suitable for human settlement. The number of Munda’s scattered in the Sundarbans and its surrounding areas is decreasing day by day due to various types of adverse environment. On the other hand, the Munda’s own culture is also under threat due to the influence of Bengali culture. The main aim of this research is how to develop sustainable development of the Munda community from their current socioeconomic structure in view of the current condition of the Munda community. The study is mainly quantitative in nature. Koira and Dumuria upazila of Khulna district and Shyamnagar, Debhata and Tala upazila of Satkhira district were selected through convenient sampling technique for the purpose of collecting primary data, because a large part of Munda community lives in these areas. Structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 250 respondents from five preselected areas. The respondents were selected using simple random sampling technique. Data was analyzed in terms of statistical indicators of frequency and percentage. The results of the study show that social indicators, Economic indicators and Cultural factors are very weak among the Munda community. Among the social indicators, Munda women and men have very little interest in following hygiene rules (Sanitation, Birth Control). Economic indicators show Income Source, Jobs Opportunity Munda community is facing many challenges recently. Many educated boys and girls of the Munda community spend their days in agony due to lack of suitable jobs which has a negative impact on everyone in the community. Cultural factor shows that the Munda community, which is plagued by poverty, can celebrate its cultural events in a grand manner, so that other communities or ethnic groups do not get any idea about their culture. This research will be of great help to those who work with the indigenous communities of Bangladesh, especially the various ministries of the government, NGOs, policy makers, government and private research organizations will be benefited.

Challenges of Women in Post-Disaster Health Management: A Study in Khulna District

Challenges of Women in Post-Disaster Health Management: A Study in Khulna District

Poultry waste management practices in Bangladesh: Farmer's perceptions, and food and environmental hazards.

The poultry industry plays a key role in developing socio-economic and health sectors in Bangladesh. Poultry waste is a potential environmental threat as untreated poultry waste is used in vegetable gardens. The study aimed to investigate the current situation of small-scale poultry farms and their waste management practices in selected areas of Bangladesh and detect Escherichia coli and Salmonella in vegetables from farms using untreated poultry waste as fertilizer. A structured questionnaire-based survey was conducted in 86 small-scale poultry farms from different upazilas of Mymensingh and Khulna districts. 104 samples, including vegetables, poultry litter, water, and soil, were collected from vegetable gardens, ponds, fields, and wet markets in Mymensingh district to detect microbial contamination. Bacteria were identified based on their growth and colony morphology on selective media and motility tests. The presence of E. coli and Salmonella was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using a commercial PCR kit. The survey revealed that mostly middle-aged males were involved in poultry farming. Most of the farmers had primary education and engaged in farming for about 5 years without training. In the study area, 37% of farmers collected droppings daily in the morning and used them as organic fertilizer. About 58% of farmers did not know the hygienic handlings of droppings and faced health problems. In PCR, either E. coli or Salmonella or both were confirmed in vegetables, litter, soil, and pond water. Appropriate poultry waste management practices can reduce the possible contamination of microbial agents in the human food chain.

A Comparative Analysis of Motor Fitness Components among Bogura and Khulna District Women Cricket Players

A Comparative Analysis of Motor Fitness Components among Bogura and Khulna District Women Cricket Players

PROFILING OF ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANT BACTERIA ISOLATED FROM POULTRY LITTER OF COMMERCIAL FARMS IN KHULNA DISTRICT, BANGLADESH

Microbial resistance to antibiotics has become a global threat that interferes with the interaction among humans, the environment, and microbes. Our study sought to detect antibiotic-resistant bacteria in light of the growing interest in using antibiotics in the poultry sector. We collected 24 poultry liter samples from 04 different upazilas of Khulna district (Batiaghata, Dumuria, Paikgachha and Koyra). Initially, 09 bacterial isolates were selected and among them, 77.78% bacteria were found gram positive. Subsequently, to characterize these bacteria, a toal of 10 biochemical tests (methyl red test, MacConkey agar test, indole test, catalase test, triple sugar iron test, mannitol salt agar test, oxidase test, Voges-Proskauer test, citrate test and nitrate test) were carried out in this experiment. Moreover, our study also isolated and amplified bacterial DNA for Sanger sequencing and finally disclosed 09 different antibiotic resistant bacterial species, namely Priestia aryabhattai, Bacillus cereus, Priestia megaterium, Lysinibacillus macrolides, Rossellomorea aquimaris, Mammaliicoccus sciuri, Bacillus wiedmannii, Escherichia coli and Citrobacter freundii. Further, disk diffusion assays were performed following CLSI guidelines and it unveiled the susceptibility and resistant properties of isolates against commonly used 08 antibiotics (penicillin 10U, tetracycline 20µg, nitrofuran 300µg, clindamycin 2µg, azithromycin 15µg, quinolones 5µg, tetracycline 30µg and penicillin 30µg) in poultry farms. All of the bacterial isolates were found resistant to at least one of the antibiotics except C. freundii (isolate 9). Most of the isolates (66.67%) were resistant to nitrofuran, whereas all of them were susceptible to penicillin. Lastly, this study also made an effort to understand the evolutionary relationships of the identified species through a phylogenetic tree. Thus, the findings of this study will help farmers and common people to better understand the risk of developing antibiotic-resistant bacteria as a result of excessive antibiotic usage.

Assessing multi-climate-hazard threat in the coastal region of Bangladesh by combining influential environmental and anthropogenic factors

This study developed a geo-spatial framework for assessing multi-hazard threat on the Bangladesh coast, integrating environmental hazards (EH), geo-environmental attributes (GA), and anthropogenic modifications (AM) based on their potential contribution to overall threat. For this purpose, a fuzzy logic based analytical technique was integrated with geospatial mapping. Thematic layers were prepared for twenty-three theoretically important factors representing the three components of threat. The spatial variations of threat and its components were delineated through spatial overlaying of the respective layers in a GIS environment. The final threat map revealed 32% (5338 km2) and 4% (646 km2) of the area of the western deltaic coast, which encompassed >50–60% of the areas of Khulna, Bagerhat, and Satkhira districts, was under high and very high threat, respectively, owing primarily to frequent cyclones, salinity ingression, and subsidence, and secondarily to the low elevation of the coast, high astronomical tide, shallow bathymetry, excessive groundwater extraction, and polder construction. High and very high threat zones within the central estuarine coast corresponded to 27% (4518 km2) and 16% (2618 km2) of the area, including most of Bhola, Barguna, and Patuakhali districts, which was attributable to the effects of coastal erosion, sea-level rise, flooding and the ancillary effects of strong wave action, high river discharge, deforestation, and land transformation. Around 14% (948 km2) and 3% (164 km2) of the eastern cliff coast, comprising the southwestern part of the Coxsbazar district, was found to be under high and very high threat, respectively, due to the direct effects of sea-level rise, storm surge, erosion, and indirect effects of closeness to the shoreline, alluvial composition of the beach, tourism, and pollution from industries. The outcomes of this study could guide the coastal managers of Bangladesh in prioritizing actions aimed at disaster risk reduction and sustainable development of this region.

ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF RICE-PRAWN-FISH FARMING PRACTICES IN SOUTH-WEST COASTAL BANGLADESH

A field survey through questionnaire was conducted in rice-prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii)-fish culture ghers in six villages of Khulna, Satkhira and Bagerhat districts of south-west Bangladesh during March to December, 2008 to assess present culture practices. About 10-25% of the total area of land was converted for building canals and dikes and the remaining area were used for rice cultivation. Boro with prawn and fish appeared to have positive impact on the economic return as well as on the livelihood of the farmers. After harvesting rice, total area were used for prawn and fish culture. Cost benefit analysis revealed that the seed cost of prawn was the highest variable cost. Higher seed cost of prawn and fish can be reduced by ensuring the available supply of seed in proper time. The average Net Return (NR) was BDT 72,395±4,6943 ha-1yr-1 and the Rate of Return (RR) of the rice-prawn-fish farming was 14.64%. Compared with mono crop culture system, the rice-prawn-fish integrated farming in ghers appeared to be economically viable, socially acceptable and environmentally sustainable.

KNOWLEDGE OF FEMALE ADOLESCENTS ABOUT REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH IN SOUTH-WESTERN REGION OF BANGLADESH

This study assesses the level of knowledge on reproductive health (RH) of female adolescents and to identify the determinants of their know-how about RH in south-western Bangladesh. One hundred and sixteen female adolescents were selected randomly through household listing from two areas of Khulna and Bagerhat Districts, Boyra and Palerhat, respectively. A pre-tested semi-structured interview schedule, containing three modules on socio-demographic, economic and knowledge of reproductive health, was used. Findings indicate that the participants, with an average 16 years of age and 10 years of schooling, were mostly unmarried. Yet, they have shown extensive knowledge about reproductive health issues, including puberty, safe sex, contraceptives, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and gendered dimensions. However, their level of knowledge about reproductive health varies with their age, year of schooling, living arrangement as well as residence. Surprisingly, religion and marital status were found not associated with their knowledge. In contrast, having an elder sister with secondary or higher education was positively associated with participants’ knowledge about reproductive health. In addition, parental education and income also had a positive influence on participants’ knowledge. In general, RH knowledge among female adolescents from rural areas and from low income families were found low compared to the urbanites with relatively well-off families. Therefore, we strongly suggest to address as well as to integrate reproductive health education as well as demands of the adolescents, especially, female, into national policies.

Assessment of Household Rainwater Harvesting Systems in the Southwestern Coastal Region of Bangladesh: Existing Practices and Household Perception

This study aims to assess the post-installation rainwater management issues associated with household RWH systems in the southwestern coastal regions of Bangladesh. A face-to-face questionnaire survey (including free listing) was administered to over 300 households in the Khulna and Satkhira districts to understand the water consumption behavior of users, operation and maintenance of the RWH system components, governance and capacity-building needs, and overall perception. It was found that the current capacity of most household storage tanks is insufficient to meet the year-round water demands (cited by 151 users; Smith’s Salience Index (SSI) = 0.671), and around 53% of the users relied on another water source besides the RWH system. The users frequently cleaned various components of the RWH system, although they did not pay much attention to cleaning the roof catchment. Most users did not have sufficient knowledge of water treatment methods (cited by 10 users; SSI = 0.033) or water quality testing protocol (cited by 29 users; SSI = 0.084). Proximity to the house (cited 222 times by the users, SSI = 0.589) is considered the primary benefit of the RWH system. The absence of adequate functional components (cited by 56 users; SSI = 0.170) and having to share water with other households (cited by 23 users; SSI = 0.068) were highlighted as the two main problems associated with the use of the RWH system. The users also highlighted the lack of training on operation and maintenance (O&M) and the absence of monitoring support. This study provides clues to strengthening existing RWH system intervention programs in the water-challenged regions of Bangladesh.

Cyclone-Induced Disaster Loss Reduction by Social Media: A Case Study on Cyclone Amphan in Koyra Upazila, Khulna District, Bangladesh

This study aims to examine the role of social media use in reducing household cyclone-induced disaster loss by obtaining warning and preparedness information. Data were collected following the aftermath of cyclone Amphan in affected households of the Koyra sub-district, Khulna district of Bangladesh using random sampling. Data from 150 households using only traditional media and 150 from those using both social and traditional media were collected through semi-structured questionnaires. Using propensity score matching, it was found that households using both social media and traditional media were able to reduce loss by more than 47,494.31 Bangladeshi Taka compared to households using traditional media. Moreover, households using both media received more important timely information than households using only traditional media. This helped them to work more efficiently and timely, such as cutting ripe crops from fields and keeping them in a safe place, taking domestic animals and poultry to the nearest safe places, putting higher fences using necessary material around ponds to prevent fish being washed away, and so on, to reduce cyclone-induce disaster loss. For obtaining information, problems coastal people faced included less internet bandwidth, the absence of a unified Facebook page and a common YouTube channel, and rumors. Possible solutions for these problems, stated by the respondents, were government-managed free internet before cyclones, a single Facebook page and a single YouTube channel for this purpose. Thus, this research shows social media as a good tool for reducing cyclone-induced disaster loss in Bangladesh coastal areas.

Identification of the Discrepancy between Farmers’ Practices and Good Agricultural Practices in Crop Husbandry

Good agricultural practices (GAP) are important for producing safe food minimizing health risks. The study was conducted at Dumuria upazila of Khulna district in Bangladesh to identify the discrepancy between farmers’ practices and GAP. Data were collected from purposively selected 100 respondents. Majority (63%) of the farmers had medium knowledge of the practices under GAP and 82% of the farmers had a highly favorable attitude towards GAP. The practice index was calculated and obtained score of each practice was deducted from 100 for measuring the discrepancy. Farmers (93%) did occasional practice regarding planting materials and the 100% discrepancy was identified in ‘keeping a record of planting materials if obtained from another farm’, and 96.50% discrepancy in ‘keeping a record of seed quality’. Most (91%) of the farmers’ practices regarding fertilizers and soil additives were often, and 96.50% discrepancy was identified in ‘record keeping of the source, product name, date, the quantity obtained’. The farmers (80%) did the practices related to irrigation often and 96% discrepancy was identified in‘frequency of required water testing’. The respondents (92%) did the practices under ‘chemicals’ often and 99.50% discrepancy was identified in ‘keeping record of chemicals’, and in ‘keeping record of application for each crop’. In the case of harvesting and handling the produce 97% farmers did the practices often and 100% discrepancy was identified in ‘using shatter proof lights in packing house’, and 96% discrepancy in ‘training of workers in personal hygiene’. Farmers had severe problems regarding GAP (94%), and ‘not being able to understand the necessity of GAP’ ranked 1st. Farm size had a significant negative correlation with ‘fertilizers and soil additives’ related practices, ‘knowledge on GAP’ had a significant positive correlation with ‘chemicals’ and ‘harvesting and handling the produce’ related practices. GAP should be practiced for minimizing the discrepancies.

VARIABILITY OF WATER AND SOIL CHARACTERISTICS WITHIN A PRODUCTION CYCLE IN AN ALTERNATIVE SHRIMP-PADDY CULTIVATION PLOT IN KHULNA, COASTAL BANGLADESH

A six months study was carried out in an alternative shrimp paddy cultivation plot situated in Khulna District, Bangladesh. In soil, the mean values of sodium (Na) 13.33 mg l-1, calcium (Ca) 42.12 mg l-1, potassium (K) 472.50 mg l-1, iron (Fe) 1.01 mg l-1, phosphorus (P) 7.05 mg l-1, sulfur (S) 46.67 mg l-1, ammonium-nitrogen (NH4+-N) 247.68 mg l-1, nitrate-nitrogen (NO3--N) 114.78 mg l-1, pH 8.09, Electric conductivity (EC) 4.45 ms m-1, redox potential (Eh) -63.65 mv and organic carbon (OC) 2.56% were observed. Whereas in water, the mean values were found as Na (1051.25 mg l-1), Ca (400.00 mg l-1), K (135.50 mg l-1), Fe (0.75 mg l-1), P (1.626 mg l-1), S (283.75 mg l-1), NH4+-N (43.05 mg l-1), NO3--N (17.64 mg l-1), pH (8.29), EC (35.30 ms m-1), Eh (-73.08 mv). Except Ca and S, P, Na, K, Fe, NH4+-N, NO3--N, EC and Eh were increased over the culture period of shrimp. The value of pH was decreased gradually in water and increased in soil. Insignificant monthly variation in most of parameters measured except water Fe, soil Ca and soil NO3--N indicate that present alternative shrimp-paddy cultivation practice has no significant impact on the plot.

IDENTIFICATION AND USE OF INDIGENOUS TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE BY THE FARMERS IN CROP CULTIVATION

The main focus of the study was to identify the Indigenous Technical Knowledge (ITK) in crop cultivation and to examine the extent to which the farmers were using the identified ITK. The study also explored the relationships between farmers' selected characteristics and their extent of use of the identified ITK. Data were collected from 108 crop growers from three selected villages of Dumuria Upazila, Khulna District, Bangladesh, during December 2003. Only 1.85% of the farmers were high users, 13.89% moderate users, 47.22% low users and 37.04% are very low users of ITK. The family size and farm size were negatively related to their extent of use of ITK and the remaining characteristics did not have any significant relationship with the extent of use of ITK in crop cultivation.

CROP LIVESTOCK INTERACTION PATTERNS IN FOUR SELECTED UPAZILA OF KHULNA DISTRICT

Traditional crop-livestock interaction patterns were investigated in four different Upazila under Khulna District of Bangladesh during the period from March to April, 2002. Data on different parameters viz. number of livestock and poultry, medium of cultivation, use of fertilizer and pesticides for crop production, type of integrated farming system, rate of production, quantity and use of cowdung, etc. were collected from randomly selected 117 farm family heads and were analyzed using statistical package SPSS. Most of the farmers had integrated farming approaches of which crop-ruminant-poultry (39.3%) and crop-ruminant-poultry-fish (33.3%) were remarkable ones. The average number of cattle, goats, chicken and ducks per farm family were 5.66, 2.42, 18.34 and 6.47, respectively. The average rice yield was 5.37 t ha-1. Annual milk and egg production per farm family were 140.52 kg and 110.51 respectively. On average, 81.4% and 59.1% farmers used chemical fertilizer and pesticides respectively in crop production. Per cent of farmers practiced artificial insemination and vaccination for their livestock were 29.8% and 6.8% respectively. Forty six percent of families used cowdung as fuel and 1% as manure, whereas 53% used as both fuel and manure. The maximum crop and livestock productivity from available resources was achieved through integrating crops, animals and plants. Cowdung is recommended to apply more to crop fields instead of using as fuel. Proper utilization of crop residues and products as animal feed is also emphasized.

WATER QUALITY AND MANAGEMENT OF SHRIMP CULTURE IN SOUTHWEST COASTAL AREAS OF BANGLADESH

The shrimp industry of Bangladesh is facing severe problems and results less production. A study was conducted under a DFID-funded research project (TROPECA) to investigate the issue during 2004. The study was done in an aquatic system of Dumuria Upazila of Khulna district comprising a river (semi diurnal tidal system), a canal and 10 shrimp ponds. Shrimp culture practices within the study area were mostly extensive to improved extensive system. Shrimp were being produced without proper pond preparation, water management, fry nursing, and feed management due to a lack of technical knowledge. There were also concerns about the risks associated with the consequence of higher levels of financial investment. Consequently, production rates were low, averaging only 191 kg ha-1 in the system. Entrance of untreated river water in the pond having less depth (<0.5 m) was considered as a major cause of shrimp mortality. The studied water qualities were within an acceptable range for shrimp during grow-out period except NH3-N and total nitrogen, which were exceptionally high throughout the aquatic system. River water, used as input water of shrimp farm, itself contained high level of NH3-N and dominated the water quality of the system. Therefore, a sustainable use of river water with measures to control the NH3-N should be encouraged where farm should be prepared with adequate depth (2.5-3.5 ft) and provided with adequate fertilizer and feed in order to minimize the shrimp mortality in this region.