Socioeconomic Characteristics and Diversification of Livelihoods within Agricultural and Fish Farming Families in Mymensingh Sadar, Bangladesh

Abstract

Agriculture and aquaculture play a vital role in supporting rural livelihoods, food security, and economic development in Bangladesh, particularly in regions like Mymensingh Sadar where both activities are integrated. In recent years, fish farming has expanded rapidly, influencing how households allocate land, labor, and resources between farming systems. Understanding the socioeconomic characteristics of farmers and the role of livelihood diversification is therefore essential for improving income stability and promoting sustainable rural development. The present study was carried out in Mymensingh Sadar, a rural production zone of Bangladesh where cropping and aquaculture are integrated. The primary data was collected from 200 householders through structured surveys and Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) exercises were complemented by secondary data available in the Department of Fisheries and agricultural extension. Demographics, income patterns, land tenure, training exposure, technology adoption, and production strategies are analyzed. The results indicated a strong male dominance (95%) in the farming population; most of the respondents were between the ages of 31 and 50 years old and grew up in an average-sized household of members between 4 and 10, who could provide sufficient family labor for diverse activities. Aquaculture relies more on leased resources (36.51%) than owned (24.67%), whereas agriculture is relatively more based on owned land (23.36%) than leased land (15.46%). The training exposure is low, as 82% of respondents reported they never had sector-specific instruction that limits the ability to adopt newer prominent practices. This study shows that farmers involved in both agriculture and aquaculture have higher incomes than those who rely on a single source of income. Diversification of livelihoods usually stabilizes income, optimizes resource allocation and reduces production risk. The study also points out the various difficulties encountered by farmers which include climate variability, market instability, shortage of modern technology and poor infrastructure. Such limitations impact on efficiency of production and limit options for steady income production.