How Does Adoption of Crop Variety Reduce the Impact of Drought in Agriculture and Mitigate Food Insecurity of Smallholder Farmers? A Case Study on BUdhan1 Rice Variety in Bangladesh

Abstract

Adaptation to climate change impacts in agriculture sector is a particular challenge in the coming decades. Erratic rainfall causes prolonged drought period in the north-western part of Bangladesh which hampers crop production and creates uncertainty of food security.  Adoption of drought-tolerant crop variety could be an effective strategy to overcome the challenges of food insecurity. This study examines the adoption quotient of BUdhan1 rice variety and its effect on food insecurity status of the beneficiary farmers in Gaibandha district through a questionnaire survey of 60 sampled respondents. The results reveal that respondent farmers are slowly adopting BUdhan1 rice variety although they provided positive feedback regarding its profitability and attributive characteristics. The farm holding size, knowledge, access to information sources and annual household income was positively related to changes in the adoption of BUdhan1 rice variety.  However, the productivity and economic returns from BUdhan1 influenced farmers' decision to continue or discontinue of the rice variety in the future.  Notably, the study found a very significant impact of BUdhan1 adoption in eradicating food insecurity from the study area. This study highlighted some other strengths and weaknesses of BUdhan1 rice variety that can be included in the further development, multiplication and dissemination process of this rice variety to make it more climate-smart innovation.