Adoption of Climate Smart Agricultural Practices by Charland Farmers in Charfasson, Bangladesh

Abstract

The study was conducted in Charfasson upazila of Bangladesh to assess the farmers’ perception on climate change, adoption of climate smart agricultural (CSA) practices, and food security condition. The primary data were collected from 120 sample respondents through face to face interview using a pretested interview schedule. Findings revealed that the farmers of Charland exhibited extensive individual disparities in terms of their socioeconomic circumstances. Respondents identified cyclones, storm surges, sea level rise, salinity intrusion, erosion, and drought as the most significant climatic catastrophes threatening agricultural production. In order to cope with the climate change effects, respondent adopted different CSA practices such as saline tolerant rice variety, raised seedbed, planting large size amon rice seedlings, sorjan  system, agroforestry, bottle nut, low lift pump, pheromone traps, urea deep placement, mulching, seed storage, napier grass as fodder along roadside/ails, flood resistant crops, drought resistant crop varieties, organic fertilizer, pulses, sunflower, soybean, and watermelon production, respectively. Even though very few people in the study area can't afford to eat a regular meal, there is a severe lack of sufficient nutritious foods and dietary diversity. In the event of a sudden cyclone or storm surge, people are more concerned about the availability of food as they are required to evacuate to safety in shelter centers. Since rice and vegetable cultivations are major farming practices, good agricultural practices should be ensured to make these farming more climate smart and sustainable. In addition, the government's development planning can urgently include coastal embankment or dam construction and deep irrigation in coastal areas to make agricultural farming profitable and sustain food security.