Exploring the Constraints and Factors in the Potential Adoption of Conservation Agriculture in Bangladesh

Abstract

Conservation agriculture (CA) is an alternative technique to conventional resource-intensive farming. It is advocated as a sustainable agricultural production approach for achieving improved land and labor productivity with minimal soil disturbance. Despite its proven benefits and widespread promotion from national and international agencies, the adoption rate of CA is substantially low among the farmers in many developing countries, including Bangladesh. This study explores perceived barriers for CA adoption in relation to farmers’ socioeconomic and demographic characteristics using data collected from 220 farmers who have not adopted CA in Bangladesh. Statistical data analysis reveals the lack of specialized machines required for CA farming as the most critical constraint perceived by the farmers. A lack of knowledge and information is also perceived as a crucial constraint. The results of multiple regression analysis show that formal education, training experience, timely availability of machines, and farm size are significant determinants of these constraints. Making critical machines, knowledge, input subsidies, and local-level extension services widely available for farmers can stimulate CA adoption.