International Journal of Applied Food Science and Nutrition
Adaptation to Climate Smart Agriculture in Flood-prone Central Bangladesh
Abstract
Mizanur Rahman, Barkat Ullah and Maksudur Rahman
The adaptation of climate-smart technology for agriculture in flood-prone area of Bangladesh, specifically in Arjuna Union, Bhuapur Upazila, Tangail district is selected for this study. The objectives were to assess the level of climate- smart adaptation among farmers, identify challenges they face in implementing climate-smart agriculture, and propose solutions to these challenges. Data was collected through questionnaire surveys, focus group discussions, and interviews with key informants from a sample of 90 farmers randomly selected from 900 households in the study area.
The study found that farmers had a good understanding of adaptation, mitigation, and climate-smart agriculture, with a medium level of adaptation being common. Various climate-smart techniques such as zero tillage, minimum tillage, direct seeding, crop residue burning, and agroforestry showed moderate to high levels of adaptation. Drip irrigation and mulching had higher levels of adaptation compared to other irrigation systems. Weather-smart agriculture practices such as agro-met advisory, weather forecasts, early warning systems, crop insurance, and early crops harvesting had low levels of adaptation.
There was also limited knowledge and training in crop advisory meetings and capacity-building for smart agriculture among farmers. There is a knowledge gap on climate-smart agriculture among farmers. The labour shortage is also a great challenge for farmers to adopt climate-smart agriculture practices. To address the challenges in climate-smart agriculture, a comprehensive approach is needed. Training programs and extension services can enhance technical capacity. Raising awareness of farmers about the benefits of climate-smart agriculture can help to overcome barriers and promote adoption.