Agricultural and Rural Development in Bangladesh

This report discusses the farmers' attitudes, performance in the farm and perceptions regarding their future. This study was carried out to provide valuable information necessary for effective planning of agricultural development of Bangladesh. In the course of analysis, two village studies were compared: progressive farms in Panchkitta and traditional farms in Austodona. Based on the study, differences in problem identification and investment preferences existed among villagers. Moreover, attitudes and perceptions differed between different classes of the villagers specifically in terms of size of landholding, structure (ownership, lease, landless, part-time, etc.) and other factors (sex, age, etc.). By taking our study experiences into account, some of suggestions could be made as follows: (1) Projects which cope with villagers' needs and preferences have to be at the first priority; (2) Small projects which might be easily managed by villagers as well as be adaptable to the environment are desirable; (3) Closed rural-urban linkage should be respected in the planning; (4) The receiving mechanism which is organized by villagers as a participatory body have to plan a vital role in improvement of their socio-economic conditions. At present this mechanism is not clear and not effective at the village level. It is therefore recommendable to have this kind of people's participatory organization.