Mymensingh District Of Bangladesh Research Articles

The role of transportation to access maternal care services for women in rural Bangladesh and Burkina Faso: A mixed methods study

ObjectiveTo understand the role of transportation in accessing health care during pregnancy, delivery, and the postpartum period among women in rural Bangladesh and Burkina Faso. MethodsAn exploratory mixed methods study was conducted in Mymensingh district in Bangladesh and Kaya district in Burkina Faso. We recruited 300 women from Bangladesh and 340 from Burkina Faso with a delivery outcome within one year of interview. Key informant interviews were conducted with 19 participants and 12 focus group discussions took place with attendees in selected community clinics. ResultsOf the interviewees, 45.7% in Bangladesh and 73.2% in Burkina Faso reported having had health complications during their last pregnancy, delivery, or postpartum period. Of all women, 42.7% in Bangladesh and 67.4% in Burkina Faso sought facility care for their complications. Facility-based delivery was much higher in Burkina Faso (87.7%) than Bangladesh (38.2%). Literacy, transport availability, transportation costs, and travel time were associated with care seeking behavior. ConclusionLack of reliable transportation was reported as a significant barrier to accessing care during pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum by women in Bangladesh and Burkina Faso. Effort should be made to improve access to emergency obstetric care, and transport intervention should be strengthened.

Bovine and Caprine Brucellosis in Bangladesh: Bayesian evaluation of four serological tests, true prevalence, and associated risk factors in household animals.

A cross-sectional study was carried out to estimate the true prevalence of Brucella spp. and identify allied risk factors/indicators associated with brucellosis in the Dinajpur and Mymensingh districts of Bangladesh. A total 320 stratified random blood samples were collected and tested in parallel for Brucella antibodies using Rose Bengal (RBT), slow agglutination (SAT), and indirect and competitive ELISA. In addition, a structured questionnaire was administered to each household herd owner to gather information regarding potential risk factors. Both univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify potential risk factors or indicators at animal level. A Bayesian approach was used to estimate the true prevalence of brucellosis along with the test performances (Se and Sp). The estimated animal level true prevalence in cattle was 9.70% (95% CPI 5.0-16%) and in goat 6.3% (95% CPI 2.8-11.0%). The highest sensitivity was achieved by SAT ranges from 69.6 to 78.9%, and iELISA was found to be more specific (97.4 to 98.8%) in comparison with other tests. On the other hand, a significant level of (P < 0.05) Brucella seropositivity was found in cattle that breed naturally compared with those that undergo artificial insemination. In goats, exotic breeds were significantly associated (P < 0.05) with Brucella seroprevalence compared with indigenous breeds. Goats with a previous records of abortion and/or retained placenta were also found to have significant levels (P < 0.05). Cows with previous abortion records showed higher odds (18 times) of being seropositive. None of the evaluated tests can be recommended to apply alone for the diagnosis of bovine and caprine brucellosis.

Contribution of rural women to rice production activities in two different areas of Bangladesh

The study was undertaken to identify the core contribution of women in the rice production activities, identify the wage gap between male and female laborer and factors influencing women’s participation in rice farming at household level in Bangladesh. In doing so, the study utilized the data collected by the field survey from Nilphamari and Mymensingh districts of Bangladesh. A total number of 60 women respondents were selected using random sampling methods who were actively working in the rice fields during the production period in 2015. Data were analyzed using simple statistical techniques as well as OLS regression analysis. An analysis of the socioeconomic status of the women showed that in terms of contribution, nearly 43% and 42%of the total works were done by rural women in rice farming activities in Nilphamari and Mymensingh district, respectively. It was found that male workers spent 228.2 hours and female workers 174.5 hours per season in Nilphamari region compared to 270 hours and 197.3 hours per season in Mymensingh region, respectively. The average wage rate in Nilphamari district was BDT 241/day for male and BDT 175/day was female. Similarly, in Mymensingh district the average wage rate for male and female workers was BDT 281/day and BDT 162/day, respectively. The result of the OLS method suggests that the distance of the rice field from the home, the number of available technologies used and the number of adult male labour significantly affect the women's participation in farming activities. Despite the positive role of women in the production activities, their contribution was often neglected in terms of wage rate. Therefore, this study recommends the avoidance of wage discrimination between male and female workers which may strengthen their position within the family and increase their self-esteem and status in the society.Progressive Agriculture 27 (2): 180-188, 2016

Rice crop residue management and its impact on farmers livelihood - an empirical study

The study aimed to examine the present status of rice crop residue management and its impact on farmers’ livelihood covering two sub-districts in Mymensingh district of Bangladesh. A total of 100 farmers (50 for crop residue practicing farmers and 50 for the farmers involved in traditional farming) were selected randomly for data collection. A combination of descriptive, statistical and mathematical techniques were applied to achieve the objectives and to get the meaningful results. The results of descriptive statistics showed that retention was found higher in far distance plots from homestead. No retention of crop residues was found in case of Aus and Aman rice. The whole retention was found only in case of Boro rice. The shortage of labour in season and the wage rate were also important factors for the retention of crop residues. However, farmers’ perceptions about the use of crop residues were mostly adding organic matter to the crop field followed by mulching and feeding animal. The recycling of resources among crop retention and livestock has the great potential to return a considerable amount of plant nutrients to the soil in the rice based crop production systems. Due to crop residue practices, crop and livestock both were benefited through resource interdependences. The sampled farmers were benefited from retention of crop residues by improving soil quality, soil moisture, etc.; and farmers used less amounts of fertilizer, irrigation water, etc. for the succeeding crops. Consequently, succeeding crop productivity, profitability and annual income were increased significantly. The result of logit regression model shows that age of household head, farm size, agricultural income and non-farm income were found as significant variables in explaining the variation in crop residue adoption of farm households. To assess the livelihood pattern of sample farm households through asset pentagon approach, noteworthy improvement was found s on different capitals. The study identified some problems regarding crop residue management and finally, recommended that if the farmers get proper training for such management, it would be helpful to improve their livelihood.Progressive Agriculture 27 (2): 189-199, 2016

Present status, problem and prospect of duck farming in rural areas of Mymensingh district, Bangladesh

The study was conducted to know the present status, existing production system of duck and assess the potentiality of duck rearing in rural areas of Mymensingh district in Bangladesh. Data were collected randomly from 50 duck rearing farmers using a pre-tested interview schedule during March to May 2010 from several villages under sadar upazilla of Mymensingh. The results reveal that most of the farmers (60%) were middle aged. About 32% farmers were illiterate. Most of the farmers (52%) reared deshi duck and duck population per household was 11.1. About 80% wife of farmer’s household were responsible for duck rearing. All farmers reared duck in semi scavenging system. About 36% farmers used wood and tin for construction of duck house and 94% farmers used bedding materials for their duck house. All farmers used rice in the diet for duck and 62% farmers accumulated rice and rice polish to make diet for their ducks. About 40% farmers provided on an average of 121.91g supplemental diet to each duck/day and cost of the diet was Tk. 0.85/duck/day. Most of the farmers (72%) provided diet to their ducks twice a day. The age and weight of duck at maturity were 183.6 days and 1.69 kg, respectively. Egg production/duck/year and weight of each egg were 117.5 no’s and 63.8g, respectively. All farmers incubated duck egg under broody hen and they got 85.83% hatchability on set eggs. Most of the farmers (52%) mentioned that most prevalent disease of duck was cholera and their duck mortality was 15.2%. About 52% farmers controlled their duck disease with medication and only 14% farmers used vaccine to prevent duck disease. About 22% and 13.5% people did not consume duck meat and egg, respectively because of odour, asthama and allergy. Most of the farmers (50%) incubating duck eggs for ducklings. About 66% farmers purchased duckling by Tk. 24-25 and 58% farmers sell adult duck by Tk. 175-190. Most of the farmers (81.25%) stated that the duck farming is decreasing day by day. About farmers (51%) stated that reason of decreasing duck farming was lack of scavenging area. It was concluded that duck rearing knowledge of the farmers such as breeding, feeding, housing, prevention and control of diseases are not satisfactory of this areas. Introducing of improved duck breeds/varieties, training to duck farmers, ensuring vaccination to ducks, financial and technical support to the farmers could increase the duck rearing with increased household income and employment to youth, rural women and the small-holder marginal farmers.Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. June 2016, 2(2): 202-212

Response of T. Aman and Boro Rice to Residue Retention Under Strip Tillage

An on-farm research was conducted at Gouripur upazila under Mymensingh district of Bangladesh during aman and boro season in 2013-14 to evaluate the performance of unpuddled rice cultivation. The rice var. Hybrid Krishan2 in aman and BRRI dhan28 in boro season were transplanted by two tillage practices viz., conventional tillage (CT) and strip tillage (ST) and two levels of crop residue i.e, no residue (R0) and 50% residue (R50). The experiment was designed in a randomized complete block design with four replications. ST yielded higher grains in aman season (5.67 t ha-1) and also in boro season (4.70 t ha-1) which were 9 and 13% higher compared to CT. Higher grain yield in ST leading to 26% higher BCR in aman and 23% higher in boro compared to CT. Retention of 50% residue increased by 5% yield in aman and by 4% yield in boro compared to no residue which contributed to 9% higher BCR in both aman and boro. ST combine with 50% residue retention yielded the highest grain yield in both of aman (5.97 t ha-1) and boro season (4.81t ha-1) which attributed to obtain the highest BCR in aman (3.08) and boro (2.78).Bangladesh Agron. J. 2015, 18(2): 39-44

PREVALENCE AND CHARACTERIZATION OF SHIGATOXIGENIC ESCHERICHIA COLI IN BROILER BIRDS IN MYMENSINGH

Shigatoxigenic Escherichia coli (STEC) are major food-borne pathogens. They transmit to human through contaminated meat and meat products of animals and poultry, and frequently associated with various types of human illness including haemolytic uremic syndrome. This preliminary study showed the prevalence of STEC in 60 cloacal swab samples of live healthy broiler chickens collected randomly when sold at a wholesale market in Mymensingh district of Bangladesh. Isolation and identification of E. coli was carried out using Eosin Methylene Blue (EMB) agar media and 16S rRNA gene specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Among the 60 samples, 49 (81.67%) were found positive to E. coli. These E. coli isolates were screened for the detection of STEC by PCR using stx1 and stx2 gene specific primers. Among the 49 positive samples, 5 (10.20%) were found positive for stx1 gene, and 26 (53.06%) were positive for stx2 gene. In addition, 6 (12.24%) isolates were found positive to both stx1 and stx2 genes, and the remaining 12 (22.46%) were negative. The high prevalence ofSTEC in the broiler chicken alarms the public health impact as the people are always in close contact with these live broiler chickens in the open market as well as processing of meat at home before cooking. However, further studies are required to uncover the major source(s) for the transmission of STEC to human in ruralBangladesh.

Performances of commercial hybrid broiler in villages of Bangladesh

A total of 20 broiler farms were enumerated to evaluate the production performance of broiler birds and farm management status at rural villages of Mymensingh Sadar (district headquarters) Upazila under Mymensingh district in Bangladesh. Data were collected on day-old chick weight (DOCW), live broiler weight at market age (MW), feed conversion ratio (FCR), average daily body weight gain (ADG), mortality up to age of marketing (MTRT) during June and July, 2014 using a pre-tested questionnaire by door-to-door visit. Seventeen out of 20 farms had broiler houses with gable type roof of corrugated iron sheet (CIS), all farmers were using rice husk as litter materials and electric brooder for brooding birds for 7 days. To minimize heat stress, 65% farmers used electric fan and drinking water, and to minimize cold stress quantities of litter materials were increased and vitamin C was supplied with lukewarm drinking water. Newcastle Disease (ND) and Infectious Bursal Disease (IBD) vaccines were used by all farmers. Mean ADG, MW, DOCW and MTRT were 45.3 ± 1.2g/bird, 1581.6 ± 46.1g/bird, 54.7 ± 3.0g/bird and 5.2 ± 1.0%, respectively. Feed from two different companies had no significant effect on FCR and MTRT but feed company affected the ADG significantly. DOCW, farm size and farmer’s education did not affect ADG, FCR and MTRT significantly.Bangl. vet. 2014. Vol. 31, No. 2, 84-90

Physical, chemical and microbiological qualities of dahi collected from Bogra and Mymensingh district of Bangladesh

The research work was carried out to evaluate the physical, chemical and microbiological qualities of dahi collected from different sources. In another step, cocci and rod ratio were investigated and microbial activities were also investigated by reactions in litmus milk. For this reason, dahi samples were collected from Bogra (Maharam Ali dahi-A, Rofat dahi-B, Jamuna Dahi-C) and Mymensingh district (Dayamoy-D, Misti Kanan-E, Krishna Kebin-F, BAU Dairy Farm Dahi-G, KR Market-H, Shes Moor-I). Physical tests were performed by a panel of expert judges. Chemical and microbiological parameters were tested in the Dairy Microbiology, Dairy Chemistry and Dairy Technology Laboratory of the Department of Dairy Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh. In case of overall physical score, the highest value was (95.33±1.53) found in BAU Dairy Farm dahi. Considering chemical parameters, pH value and fat content of BAU Dairy Farm dahi were higher than that of other dahi samples. So, BAU Dairy Farm dahi was of the best quality on the basis of physical and chemical analysis. In microbiological analysis, (total viable count and coliform count) significant differences were found among all samples. All samples contained lower number of coliforms. No yeast and mold was found in any dahi sample may be followed the hygienic practices. Litmus milk characteristics of the isolated cultures showed desirable changes such as acid, smooth and firm coagulation obtained from Maharam Ali dahi and BAU Dairy Farm Dahi types of dahi sample which contained possible organisms of Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus bulgaricus. Considering all parameters, it can be concluded that BAU Dairy Farm dahi and Maharam Ali dahi were found as superior. In addition, this study gives information regarding the microbial status; e.g. cocci and rod ratio in the traditional fermented dahi of collected samples. Asian Australas. J. Biosci. Biotechnol. 2016, 1 (1), 134-140

Feed technology and production performance of Thai koi (Anabas testudeneus) in Bangladesh

ABSTRACTThai koi farming is relatively new in the aquaculture industry of Bangladesh. Costly industrial feed pellets is the main factor influencing the productivity of Thai koi (Anabas testudineus). Two types of feed, namely, floating and sinking, are commercially available in the country. The ingredients of both types of feed are more or less the same. Floating feed requires high technology, high pressure and temperature and hence is more expensive than sinking feed. Most of the Thai koi farmers use either floating or sinking feed, while some farmers use a mix of both types of feed. This article investigated the effects of these three feed types on Thai koi productivity using primary data collected from the Mymensingh district of Bangladesh. The performance of different feed types on productivity was investigated using the Cobb-Douglas production function and propensity score matching (PSM) methods. Floating feed led to the highest daily mean weight gain of fish, feed conversion ratios, and net returns. The regression and PSM results revealed that farmers using floating feed produced significantly higher quantity of fish per unit compared to those using the other feed types. The cost of feed per hectare was higher in the farms using the floating feed, but these farms earned extra return from the additional investment, compared with the farms that use the other feed types. Thai koi farmers are advised to use floating feed to reap higher production and returns on investment.

Planting Distance Effects on Mango-sweet Gourd Agroforestry System in the Mymensingh District of Bangladesh

Planting Distance Effects on Mango-sweet Gourd Agroforestry System in the Mymensingh District of Bangladesh

An Economic Analysis of Year Round Pangus Production and Social Impact in Some Selected Areas of Mymensingh District in Bangladesh

An Economic Analysis of Year Round Pangus Production and Social Impact in Some Selected Areas of Mymensingh District in Bangladesh

Can minor fruit cultivation change the livelihood of the marginal peasants? A case study from Bangladesh

Lemon (lebu) cultivation, a minor fruit production activity, is increasingly becoming popular among the marginal peasants. The present study aimed at exploring the potentials of lemon production and its impact on the changes in the livelihood pattern of the rural farmers as well as its impact on women empowerment. Based on qualitative and quantitative data collected from Mymensingh district in Bangladesh in 2015, this paper argues that life and livelihood of the citrus producer has significantly changed over the last decade. Income from the sale of lemon is the principal livelihood means and gender non-differentiated participation in the production process further enhanced the sustainability of the livelihoods. It also contributed to employment generation for those who are not directly involved in the lemon cultivation such as power tiller driver, irrigation pump driver, fertilizer & pesticide retailer, small lemon collector, lemon supplier in the study area. Moreover, increased participation of women in the citrus cultivation has changed not only their economic well-being but also social status, honor, planning and decision making power, and self-esteem. This study also shows that marginal and vulnerable poor women including landless women, female member of women headed household and widows significantly benefited from citrus cultivation. Yet, lack of cooperative society, financial support, credit facility, technical support, storage facility and marketing support are identified as the potential problems to achieve a sustainable growth of lemon production activity.

Revisiting Socio-economic Effects of Microcredit: A Case of Mymensingh District in Bangladesh

This paper explores the socio-economic impacts of microcredit in Mymensingh district of Bangladesh. Using a household survey in four sub-districts of Mymensingh, the paper finds that microcredit programs contribute to poverty reduction in this particular area by augmenting income and expenditure on consumption. The borrowers improve their dietary intakes, educational attainments, and health as well as housing conditions. Women can take part in family decision making and their authority in family increases. Borrowers’ assets and net worth increase after participating microcredit program as well. There are some problems identified such as insufficient credit amount and lax monitoring by program officials. Small micro lenders are also mushrooming in Bangladesh and they charge usurious rates of interest on credit. Strong government monitoring is required to control malpractices in the micro finance market.

Surveillance of Mosquitoes Larva at Selected Areas of Mymensingh District in Bangladesh

Mosquito borne diseases have a great impact on human and animal health throughout the world including Bangladesh. An entomological survey was conducted at the Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) campus and its surrounding areas from January to June, 2013 to identify the mosquito larvae and to investigate the different breeding site preferences of mosquitoes. Mosquito larvae were collected using dipper, ladle spoon, dropper and pipette from rice field, botanical garden, dairy farm, poultry farm, drains, lakes, ponds, staff quarters, residential halls and cattle sheds. A total of 1397 mosquito larvae were collected from the places. Ten species of mosquitoes under three genera were identified. The recorded genera were Anopheles (An.), Culex (Cx.) and Aedes (Ae.). The collected species were An. bengalensis, An. vagus, Cx. fuscocephala, Cx. quinquefasciatus, Cx. tritaeniorhynchus, Cx. gelidus, Cx. vishnui, Cx. whitmorei, Cx. sitiens and Ae. albopictus. Among the collected larvae, Culex was found most prevalent (64.3%), followed by Anopheles (26.7%) and Aedes were the least prevalent (9.0%). The results of this study provide evidence that drains were the most common aquatic habitat of Anopheles and Culex larvae in Boyra, Kewatkhali and Balashpur. In BAU campus, agronomy fields were found having the highest percentage (35.2%) of mosquito larvae than the other places of the campus. This study suggests that although drains and rice fields are the richest habitats, since Anopheles and Culex can breed in all available breeding habitats. This larval survey will help us to conduct future mosquito control activities and provide us useful information to schedule larvicide’s application to control the mosquito borne diseases in the study areas as well as throughout the country.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjvm.v13i1.23962Bangl. J. Vet. Med. (2015). 13 (1): 79-88

Assessment of microbial load in marketed broiler meat at Mymensingh district of Bangladesh and its public health implications

An investigation was conducted to assess the bacteriological quality of 30 samples of fresh broiler thigh meat samples sold in different retail markets in Mymensingh. Total viable count (TVC), total coliform count (TCC), total salmonella count (TSC) and total campylobacter count (TCpC) in meat samples of different broiler markets like K.R. at BAU campus, Boyra and Kewatkhali were determined. Mean of TVC, TCC, TSC and TCpC for the K.R. at BAU campus, Boyra and Kewatkhali markets were 5.69, 6.03, 6.17 log10 CFU/g, 4.52, 4.66, 4.69 log10 CFU/g, 3.35, 3.51, 3.61, log10 CFU/g and 2.31, 2.56, 2.66 log10 CFU/g, respectively. It was observed that the mean values of TVC, TCC, TSC and TCpC in case of Boyra and Kewatkhali market exceeded the ICMSF recommendations which may cause alarm to consumer’s health. The variation of TVC in meats of different broiler market was significant (P&lt;0.05) at 5% level of probability whereas TCC and TSC obtained from meat samples of different markets were not showed significant (P&gt;0.05).The mean values of TCpC in meats of three different market were highly significant with 1% level of probability (P&lt;0.01).There was no significant correlation found between TVC and TCC (P&gt;0.05), but a significant correlation found between TVC with TSC and TVC with TCpC in meats of three different markets respectively. Presence of Escherichia coli, Campylobacter and Salmonella spp. in meats must receive particular attention, as these organisms are responsible for causing harm to public health. Suggestion has been given to improve the present sanitary condition of meat processing to minimize bacterial load.Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.2(1): 87-95, April 2015

Molecular detection and genetic diversity of Babesia gibsoni in dogs in Bangladesh

Babesia gibsoni is a tick-borne hemoprotozoan parasite of dogs that often causes fever and hemolytic illness. Detection of B. gibsoni has been predominantly reported in Asian countries, including Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Bangladesh and India. The present study shows the first molecular characterization of B. gibsoni detected from dogs in Bangladesh. Blood samples were collected on FTA® Elute cards from 50 stray dogs in Mymensingh District in Bangladesh. DNA eluted from the cards was subjected to nested PCR for the 18S rRNA gene of Babesia species. Approximately 800bp PCR products were detected in 15 of 50 dogs (30%). Based on restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and direct sequencing of the PCR products, all parasite isolates were identified as B. gibsoni. Furthermore, the BgTRAP (B. gibsoni thrombospondin-related adhesive protein) gene fragments were detected in 13 of 15 18S rRNA gene PCR positive blood samples. Phylogenetic analysis of the BgTRAP gene revealed that B. gibsoni parasites in Bangladesh formed a cluster, which was genetically different from other Asian B. gibsoni isolates. In addition, tandem repeat analysis of the BgTRAP gene clearly showed considerable genetic variation among Bangladeshi isolates. These results suggested that B. gibsoni parasites in a different genetic clade are endemic in dogs in Bangladesh. Further studies are required to elucidate the origin, distribution, vector and pathogenesis of B. gibsoni parasites circulating in dogs in Bangladesh.

Effect of Arsenic (As) on the Spermatogenesis of Black Bengal Goat (Capra hircus) Reared at the Arsenic Prone Area of Mymensingh District in Bangladesh

Effect of Arsenic (As) on the Spermatogenesis of Black Bengal Goat (Capra hircus) Reared at the Arsenic Prone Area of Mymensingh District in Bangladesh

Factors associated with repeated outbreak of anthrax in Bangladesh: qualitative and quantitative study

Anthrax, caused by Bacillus anthracis is an acute, febrile disease of warm blooded animals including humans. Social norms and poverty in addition to climatic factors such as soil conditions, seasons of year, ambient temperature and rainfall influence the persistence of the B. anthracis and anthrax outbreaks. The present study was designed to reveal the factors influencing the repeated outbreak of anthrax in Bangladesh. Considering the previous outbreaks of anthrax, Sirajganj, Bogra, Kushtia, Tangail and Mymensingh districts of Bangladesh were selected for this study. To elucidate the factors, qualitative data relating to the animal management, knowledge and behavior of the people; and quantitative data relating to soil conditions, ambient temperature and rainfall were acquired, and analyzed critically. Based on the outbreak histories, a year was divided into two seasons, anthrax prone season (May-November) and anthrax dry season (December-April). Anthrax spores could be isolated from 11.67% (n=14/120) of the soil samples collected from the study areas. The present study revealed that poor knowledge, lack of awareness, improper carcass disposal, inadequate vaccination, high Ca content and moisture in the soil along with high ambient temperature and rainfall during the anthrax prone season were the possible influencing factors of repeated outbreaks of anthrax in the study areas. Intensive propaganda to create public awareness of anthrax together with proper vaccination may reduce anthrax outbreaks in Bangladesh.

Women’s Empowerment through Small-Scale Dairy Farming in Selected Areas of Bangladesh

In this study, we investigated the role of small-scale dairy farming and related factors in promoting empowerment among women in the Salakandi (V1) and Binpara (V2) villages in the Mymensingh district of Bangladesh. Data were collected from 50 rural women involved in dairy farming practices in each village through direct interviews using questionnaires. A combination of criteria was modeled using Multiple Linear Regression, revealing that, for all criteria, women from V1 exhibited greater empowerment than women from V2. Through small-scale dairy farming, rural women from V1 were able to increase their confidence and decision-making power with regard to their household and personal care and experienced increased self-esteem, expansion of their social circles, and ultimately enhanced empowerment through the breakdown of traditional socio-cultural norms. Thus, the expansion of small-scale dairy farming in other rural areas of Bangladesh is likely to contribute to the empowerment of more rural women.