Factors influencing livelihood conditions of farmers in Bangladesh: empirical study introducing structural equation modeling analysis

Abstract

This study aimed to clarify the impact of National Agricultural Technology Program (phase I) through the approach of common interest group (CIG) on livelihood conditions of resource-poor farmers who have limited income earning opportunities with high dependency on agriculture in Bangladesh. To achieve the purpose of our research, we incorporated structural equation modeling (SEM) based on data collected from questionnaire surveys targeting members of CIG in Trishal Upazila (sub-district) of Mymensingh District. The findings of our study clearly showed that educational qualifications, farm size, farming experiences, group affiliation, effective use of credit, and subsidies received were crucial for the livelihood of CIG farmers in the study area. However, impacts of other livelihood strategies, such as organizational participation, extension media contact, training received, and credit received on farmer livelihoods, could not be determined. The implications of our study suggest a need to pay more attention to the effectiveness of policies. To increase agricultural productivity and farm income, priorities should be set to assess the needs, conditions, and risks associated with the adoption of improved cultivation techniques for the resource-poor farmers.