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Publish Date: 01 Sep 2021

Sustaining groundwater irrigation for food security in the northwest region of Bangladesh: socioeconomics, livelihood and gender aspect

Dr. M. Wakilur Rahman

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Bangladesh is one of the most densely populated countries in the world. Land is scarce to produce crops. Farmers use irrigation to grow crops year-round to meet increasing food demand. In the Northwest Region (NWR) of Bangladesh, known as the food bowl of the country, farmers depend on groundwater for dry season irrigation since both rainfall and surface water are scarce, particularly in the Barind areas. Key questions have been raised on how much groundwater is used and where, how rainfall recharges groundwater after irrigation, what are the costs of groundwater irrigation, what are the prevailing livelihood assets to pay for the irrigation, when women influence farming decisions in the rural household, how and when farmers adapt to climate change and what are the most beneficial cropping patterns. A forward-looking research project titled ‘Sustaining Groundwater Irrigation for Food Security in the Northwest Region of Bangladesh: Socioeconomics, Livelihood and Gender Aspects’’ was initiated by CSIRO within its Sustainable Development Investment Portfolio research program to answer some of these questions crucial for sustaining groundwater use for growing crops and improving local livelihoods. As such it has six specific objectives to: • identify optimal cropping patterns under prevailing water availability • conduct cost-benefit analysis of dry season crops • assess gender involvement in decision-making process in farm practices • analyse livelihood conditions • determine the dynamic behaviours of the aquifers • enhance research capacity of the graduate students of Bangladesh Agricultural University. To fulfil these objectives, primary and secondary data were collected from five major agricultural crop producing northwest districts: Rajshahi, Chapainawabganj, Bogura, Dinajpur and Nilphamari. Primary data were collected by 20 post-graduate students of Bangladesh Agriculture University (BAU) through survey administration. A total of 643 samples were collected from the selected five districts. Furthermore, a total of 120 samples were collected from the spouses to identify those perceptions that may be gender-related. Secondary data were collected from various governmental sources (BBS, BMDA, WARPO etc.). Statistical and econometric methods were used to analyse the data. Among different econometric models, non-linear optimization, logit regression, profitability analysis, Cobb-Douglas production function were used. Results of the study show that the production of non-rice crops is less profitable than production of all variety of rice crops. This finding partially explains the slow diversification of crop production observed over time in the study region. The cropping choice optimization investigation illustrates that choice based on nutrition diversification could increase farm incomes and may help in poverty reduction. According to the study women’s growing involvement in farming is not adequately recognized by husbands. Men were uncomfortable to admit wives’ influence on on-farm decisions due to prevailing social norms. Another interesting finding is the impact of groundwater depletion on rural household’s livelihood capitals. Remarkable inequality was found in five forms of livelihood assets directly related to groundwater availability, access, and institutions. And finally, there is a significant difference in husbands' and spouses’ perceptions about the severity of climatic change in high water scarcity and low water scarcity areas. Findings generated through this comprehensive research can inform planners and policymakers to evaluate the different management options for crop choice and agricultural development in the region. They can help in preparing zone-specific customized rationing of more water consuming crops cultivation in the northwest region of Bangladesh. Study evidence might help with policy interventions to integrate gender into farming decision making in Bangladesh. To strengthen farmers’ ability and resilience, the government might provide more incentives in severe water scarcity regions to make a balance of their livelihood status with other regions. Sound financial policy and supports will help farmers to adapt better to the changing world, in particular climate change. CSIRO and BAU collaboration greatly helped post-graduate students to enhance their research capacity. Therefore, research collaboration is suggested for development of human capacity in Bangladesh.

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