An Assessment of Socioeconomic Conditions, Technology Access, Institutional Support, and Livelihood Status among Rural Farmers in Jamalpur District, Bangladesh

Abstract

Bangladesh's rural livelihoods and food security are dependent on agriculture. This study assessed Jamalpur District rural farmers' socioeconomic conditions, technology access, institutional assistance, and livelihood issues. DAE Attachment and Village Study was part of the N-32nd Foundation Training Course of the National Agriculture Training Academy. Semi-structured questionnaires, face-to-face interviews, and focus group discussions were used to collect primary data from 100 farming households, while relevant reports and publications provided secondary data. Frequencies, percentages, tables, and graphs were used to analyse the data. Most responses were male (74%), and 73% were 26-50. 82% of farmers were married, and 61% lived in 4-6-person homes. Approximately 68% of recorded agricultural land was cultivated. All respondents had modern domestic technologies, but agriculture technologies were rarely used. Most farmers (42%) earned between BDT 10,000 and 15,000 per month. With 87% of farmers in agricultural organisations and 73% using agricultural loans, institutional support was common. Extension officers, input providers, and field visits provided agricultural information. Farmers still struggled with climate change, inadequate irrigation, fragmented land ownership, low machinery, unstable markets, and a lack of quality agricultural inputs. The study emphasises farmer-centered extension services, climate-smart agriculture, access to finance and modern machinery, market connections, and women and youth involvement in agriculture.