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FARMERSAWARNESS ON ENVIRONMENT FOR
AGRICULTURAL FARMING PRACTICES IN SOME
SELECTED AREAS IN BOGRA DISTRICT
MS THESIS
NUSRAT TASNIM
Department of Environmental Science
Bangladesh Agricultural University
Mymensingh
December(2012)
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FARMERSAWARNESS ON ENVIRONMENT FOR
AGRICULTURAL FARMING PRACTICES IN SOME
SELECTED AREAS IN BOGRA DISTRICT
A THESIS
Submitted to
Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh
In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of
Master of Science
in
Environmental Science
By
NUSRAT TASNIM
Roll No.: 11 Ag. ENVS JD 31M
Registration No.: 38369, Session: 2011-12
Department of Environmental Science
Bangladesh Agricultural University
Mymensingh
December(2012)
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FARMERSAWARNESS ON ENVIRONMENT FOR
AGRICULTURAL FARMING PRACTICES IN SOME
SELECTED AREAS IN BOGRA DISTRICT
A THESIS
Submitted to
Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh
In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of
Master of Science
in
Environmental Science
By
NUSRAT TASNIM
Approved as to style and contents by
Dr. M. Jabed Ali MirzaSupervisor
Prof. Dr. Muhammad Aslam AliCo-Supervisor
.
Prof. Dr. M. A. SattarChairman
Examination Committeeand
Head, Department of Environmental ScienceBangladesh Agricultural University
Mymensingh
D b (2012)
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iv
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The author expresses her never ending gratefulness to Almighty Allah, the greatest,
the most gracious and the most merciful, who has created the universe and enabled
the author to carry out the research work and complete the study successfully.
The author expresses her heartiest respect, deepest sense of gratitude, sincere
appreciation and ever indebtedness to her reverend Supervisor rD. M. Jabed Ali
Mirza, Professor and Director, Graduate Training Institute, Bangladesh Agricultural
University (BAU), Mymensingh, for his valuable and scholastic guidance and
instruction extended throughout the study period and for the preparation of this thesis.
The author wishes to express her sincere appreciation and boundless gratitude to her
co-supervisor, Professor Dr.M
uhammad Aslam Ali, Department of EnvironmentalScience, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, for his immense help,
constant co-operation and invaluable suggestion for completion of this research work
and in the preparation of this thesis.
The author humbly desires to express her heartiest gratitude, profound respect and
high appreciation to Professor Dr. M. A.Sattar, Head, Department of Environmental
Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, for his important
suggestion, precious comments and encouragement throughout the study period.
The author wishes to express her deepest sense of respects to all off her teachers,
especially Professor Dr. M. A.Sattar, Professor Dr.Md.Abdul Baten, Department of
Environmental Science, Associate Professor Mr. AKMRafiqul Islam, GTI,
Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, for their valuable teaching,
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v
suggestion, sincere help and intellectual instructions during the study period.
Without the help and co-operation of the farmers of the study area, it could not be
possible to collect data for the study. The author expresses her sincere gratefulness
and heartfelt thanks to all of them.
The author is very glad to express her gratefulness and deepest appreciation to her
father Md.Nurul Islam, motherMst Marium Khatun, brothers and other relatives and
friends for their leasing, sacrifices, financial support and encouragement for this study
which can never be forgotten.
November, 2012 The Author
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vi
ABSTRACT
The study area encompasses five villages under kahaloo and shahazahanpur
upazila (sub-district) under Bogra district during August October, 2012 to
determine farmers awareness on environment for agricultural farming
practices in some selected areas in Bogra district . The selected characteristics
of the farmers namely age, education, occupation, family size, and farm size
constituted independent variables, while farmers awareness on environment
was the dependent variables of this study. A total of fiftyfarmers constituted
the sample for this study. The information was collected through personal
interview from the individual respondent at their home. About 66% of the
respondents fell in medium knowledge categories while 28% of the
respondents fell in the low knowledge categories and only 6% of the
respondents fell in the high knowledge categories. Only 8% farmers had high
awareness on soil organic matter depletion while 18% farmers had low
awareness, 10% farmers have medium awareness and most of the farmers
(64%)have noknowledge aboutsoil organic matter depletion.Environmental
awareness of the respondents were highly correlated with their age (r=0.73),
education (r=0.70) and farm size (r=0.84). The annual income of the surveyed
farmers was found to have moderate correlation (r=0.51) with the
environmental awareness. The relationships showed positive trend. These
findings imply that better education, more experience in term of attainment of
age, enhanced family income and farm size act as favorable factors to the
farmers to be more aware of the environmental issues.
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CONTENTS
CHAPTER TITLE PAGE
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS iv
ABSTRACT vi
LIST OF CONTENTS vii
LIST OF TABLES xi
LIST OF FIGURES xii
LIST OF APPENDICESxiii
CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION1-4
CHAPTER 2 REVIEW OF LITERATURE 5-122.1 Related Literature 5
2.1.1 Reviews on General Context 5
2.2 Review of Past Studies Concerning
Relationship of the Selected Characteristics of
the Farmers
7
2.2.1 Age and Environmental Awareness 7
2.2.2 Education and Environmental Awareness 7
2.2.3 FamilyS
ize andE
nvironmentalA
wareness8
2.2.4 Farm Size and Environmental Awareness 8
2.2.5 Annual Income and Environmental Awareness 9
2.2.6 Use of Modern Agricultural Technologies and
Environmental Awareness9
2.2.7 Organizational Participation and
Environmental Awareness 9
2.2.8
Communication Exposure andEnvironmentalAwareness
10
2.2.9 Farmers Awareness and Assessment of Soil
Organic Matter Depletion
10
2.2.10 Farmers Knowledge on Environment 11
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CONTENTS (Contd.)
CHAPTER TITLE PAGE
CHAPTER 3 METHODOLOGY 13-20
3.1 The Location of the Study13
3.1.1 Site Description13
3.1.2 Socio Economic Environment15
3.1.3 Biological Environment15
3.2 Sampling Design of the Farmer15
3.3 Means of Data Collection 16
3.4 Procedure of Data Collection16
3.5 Measurement of Variables 17
3.5.1 Measurement of Independent Variable17
3.5.1.1 Age 17
3.5.1.2 Education17
3.5.1.3 Family Size17
3.5.1.4 Annual Income18
3.5.1.5 Farm Size 18
3.5.1.6 Organizational Participation 18
3.5.1.7 Communication Exposure19
3.5.2 Measurement of Dependent Variables 19
3.5.2.1 Description of Cropping System in the
Study Area
19
3.5.2.2 Agricultural Farming Practices 19
3.5.2.3 Cultivation Method 19
3.5.2.4 Use of Crop Residues 20
3.5.2.5 Environmental Awareness of the Farmer 20
3.6 Compilation of Data 20
3.7 Statistical Analysis20
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CONTENTS (Contd.)
CHAPTER TITLE PAGE
CHAPTER 4 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 21-35
4.1 Selected Characteristics of the Farmers 21
4.1.1 Age 21
4.1.2 Academic Qualifications 22
4.1.3 Family Size of the Farmers 23
4.1.4 Annual Income 23
4.1.5 Farm Size 234.1.6 Cropping Pattern in the Study Area 24
4.1.7 Field Crops, Vegetables, Fruits Grown in Bogra
District24
4.1.8 Methods of Cultivation in the Study Srea 27
4.1.9 Use of Modern Agricultural Technologies28
4.1.10 Use of Organic Manure by the Farmers in their
Farm Land
28
4.1.11 Application of Chemical Fertilizer29
4.1.12 Use ofchemical fertilizer and organic manure 29
4.1.13 Use of Crop Residues After Harvest
30
4.1.14 Processing and Preservation of Organic Waste 31
4.1.15 Farmers Awareness and Assessment of SoilOrganic Matter Depletion
32
4.1.16 Knowledge and Awareness on Environment
32
4.2 Relationship Between the Selected Characteristics
of the Farmers and Awareness on Environment
34
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CONTENTS (Contd.)
CHAPTER TITLE PAGE
CHAPTER 5
SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS 36-38
5.1 Findings of Summary36
5.2 Conclusions 37
5.3 Recommendations for Further Study 38
REFERENCES 39-44
APPENDICES
45-56
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LIST OF TABLES
TABLE TITLE PAGE
4.1Distribution of the farmers selected characteristics
22
4.2 Distribution of Farm size of the farmer
24
4.3 Distribution of the respondents according to the cropping
pattern
24
4.4 Crops grown in Bogra District. 25
4.5 Methods of cultivation according to year 27
4.6 Use of Modern Agricultural Technologies 28
4.7 Distribution of the respondents according to their use of
organic manure
29
4.8 Amount of chemical fertilizer (kgha-1) application in
different crops in the study area
29
4.9 Distribution of the respondents according to their use of
chemical and organic manure30
4.10 Distribution of the respondents according to their
knowledge about soil organic matter depletion
32
4.11Distribution of the respondents according to their
knowledge and awareness on environment33
4.12 The meaning of correlations coefficient 'r' 34
4.13 Correlation co efficient of selected characteristics of the
respondents with their environmental awareness
35
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LIST OF FIGURES
FIGURES TITLE PAGE
3.1 A map of Bogra district showing the Kahaloo and
Shajahanpur Upazilla of the study area
14
4.1 Distribution of the respondents according to their use of
crop residues
31
4.2 Distribution of respondents according to processing and
preservation of organic waste in relation to year
32
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LIST OF APPENDICES
APPENDIX TITLE PAGE
1 English version of the interview schedule 45
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CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
1.1
General Background
In recent years increasing agricultural production is an important environmental issue in
Bangladesh. About 75 percent of the people living in rural areas who are directly or
indirectly involved in agriculture. The farmers of the country are the centre point of
agriculture.
Agriculture imposes external costs upon society through pesticides, nutrient runoff,
excessive water usage, and other assorted inputs. In 2010, theInternational Resource Panel
of theUnited Nations Environment Programpublished a report assessing the environmental
impacts of consumption and production of agricultural commodities. The study found that
agriculture and food consumption are two of the most important drivers of environmental
pressures, particularly habitat change, climate change, water use and toxic
emissions.Agriculture accounts for 70 percent of withdrawals of freshwater resources.The
improved agricultural practices have tremendous relevance toenvironmental pollution and
Bangladesh is not an exception to this (Sattar, 1994).
Irrigation water is one of the vital and costly inputs in agriculture. The present irrigated area
of Bangladesh is about 29% of the total cultivated area, 43% receive surface water
irrigation and 57% utilize ground water. In general Bangladesh faces a problem of excess
water during the wet season, while water is in short supply during the dry season. Over the
years, the dry season demanded for irrigation water has increased considerably. Such
increasing demands adversely affected inland fisheries (Shahabuddin et al., 1992).
On the other hand, scarcity of water during the dry season is a major contributor to the
desertification process. It is a serious environmental pollution problem in Bangladesh.
There are indications that in many areas of the country, increasing rate of incidence of water
born diseases like diarrhoea and dysentery is related to a lowered water table (Shabuddin et
al.,1992).
Chemical fertilizers and pesticides have been widely and extensively used in Bangladesh
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Externalitieshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Resource_Panelhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Nations_Environment_Programmehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Nations_Environment_Programmehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Resource_Panelhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Externalities7/25/2019 Thesis Environment
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soil productivity and a steady declining trend in crop productivity associated mainly with
loss of inherent soil fertility. Excessive uses of chemical fertilizers also reduce water
conservation capacity of soil. Annual depletion of nutrient (NPKS) under intensive
cultivation ranges between 180-250 kg/ha. The organic matter of more than 50% of
cultivated soils in Bangladesh is said to be below the critical level of 1.5% and still
declining at an alarming rate (Karim et al., 1997).
Large quantities of chemical fertilizers and pesticides are being used in this country and
their annual use is steadily increasing. Chemical fertilizers contribute to global warming by
emitting nitrous oxide, one of the green house gases, in the atmosphere. Global warming
potential of this gas is 180 to 300 times with nitrogen fertilizer application accounting for
one fifth of the volume.
The devastating ecological imbalance is also caused due to indiscriminate use of pesticides.
Pesticides pollute the environment and its exposure creates serious hazards to human being,
animals, fishes and other organisms of the ecosystem. The high level of pesticides leached
to the water sources have also been blamed for causing regular outbreaks of epidemic
diseases in fishes and it is said to have decimated the fish population in certain areas
(Ziauddin, 1991)
Bhuiyan and Harman (1991) reported that use of agricultural technology has made a
significant contribution to the increased food grain production in Bangladesh. But the
indiscriminate use of agricultural technology in certain areas like ground water, pesticides,
shrimp farming, etc. also caused tremendous environmental hazards particularly in the
reduction of fish production, accelerating animal health hazards, large scale killing of
beneficial insects and the allied biological organisms that make an imbalance in the natural
orders of both flora and fauna.
Therefore, it is clear that large scale use of fertilizers, pesticides and irrigation water by the
farmers for a long period as well as non judicious use have been damaging the natural
resources such as land, fishes, beneficial insects, soil microbe, etc. Agriculture and
environment has a close relationship and interacts with each other in such a way that the
health of agriculture depends on the proper functioning of environmental process and the
health of environment depends upon a respectful agriculture (Conway, 1990).
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Lack of environmental education and awareness programs training and motivation activities;
rural people used cowdung, homestead waste, crops and vegetables wastes as fuel instead of
managing the crop field which lead to vulnerable soil erosion, nutrient depletion, or other
natural hazards like air and water pollution. In this case the farmers need training and
motivation about production and judicious processing, preservation, and utilization of
organic waste from various sources for sustainable livelihood (Khatun, 2004).
So, it is
necessary to increase environmental awareness of the farmers about susstainable system.
Sustainable system is a management strategy which helps the producer to choose hybrids
and varieties, a soil fertility package, a pest management approach, a tillage systems, and a
crop rotation to reduce costs of purchased inputs, minimize the impact of the system on the
immediate and the off-farm environment, and provide a sustained level of production and
project from farming (Francis et al.,1987).
The extent of awareness may vary from one farmer to another farmer due to influence of
various factors. Because, behaviour of an individual is greatly influenced by the totality of
one's characteristics. It is therefore, very important to know the relative awareness of the
farmers about environmental degradation in agricultural farming practices.
In view of the foregoing discussion, the researcher undertook a study entitled Farmers
Awarenss on Environment for Agricultural Farming Practices in Some Selected Areas in
Bogra District
1.2 Specific Objectives of the Study
The following specific objectives were formulated.
1) To determine the awareness of the farmers on environmental degradation.
2)
To identify commonly used agriciltural farming practices and environmental
condition in the farming enterprisesin Bogra district.
3) To determine the exising socio-economic status of the farmer in Bogra district.
4) To explore the co-relation between the selected characteristics of the farmers on
agricultural farmingpractices.
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CHAPTER 2
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
This study mainly concerned with agricultural farming practices and awareness of farmerson environmental degradation.The subject of awareness of farmers on environmental
degradation has wide potentialities for scientific enquiry. The researcher made an elaborate
search of available literature for this purpose. The researcher attempted to study the
relationships of the five selected characteristics of farmers related with their environmental
awareness. The researcher attempted to study the relationship of the each of the selected
characteristics with environmental awareness related to environment degradation. However,
a review of literature on the relationship of each independent variable with environmental
awareness and related issues are presented in this section according to the objectives of the
study.
2.1 Related Literature
2.1.1 Reviews on General Context
Now-a-days environmental problem is a threatening concern throughout the world because
of global environment is changing rapidly. As environment involves the surroundings,where
we live and in which a range of development activities are performed for our private and
public life, these two can not be separated from one another.Thus, environmental issues are
directly related with the existing conditions of human life, their options in the use of
material resources and sharing the same with others. It is an interlinked and inter-locked
system mostly directed to ensure a balance between the different components. However,
some important observations and comments of some scholars are presented in this section
related with environmental issues.
Hamid (1997) made a survey to determine the awareness of farmers on environment. He
found that age of the farmers had negative relationship with the awareness on
environmental pollution.
Parveen (1995) in her study on awareness of farm women on environmental degradation
due to use of some selected modern agricultural technologies found that 65 percent of the
farm women had poor awareness, while 29 percent had medium and 6 percent had high
awareness on environmental degradation. An investigation by the United Nations Food and
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Agriculture Organization (FAO) on the Current status of land productivity in Bangladesh
revealed that there is a general trend towards declining or stagnating crop yields. These
adverse trends are considered to be the result of intensive cropping through indiscriminate
use of fertilizers, pesticides, continued use of irrigation water, total removal of biomass
from the agricultural fields and some other activities those have generated new set of
problems such as soil erosion, loss of soil fertility, deficiencies in sulphur and zinc etc
(Report of the Task Forces, 1991).
Roy (2004) conducted a survey on the environmental knowledge of the farmers on the use
of modern agricultural technologies. The findings of the study revealed that majority of the
farmers (68%) had medium environmental knowledge, while 12 percent had poor
environmental knowledge and only 20 percent had high environmental knowledge.
Miah and Rahman (1995) measured the awareness of farmers regarding their farming
environment
to identity the reasons responsible for its degradation. They found insignificant
relationship between age of the farmers and awareness regarding farm environment.
Sattar ( 1994) listed many problems, adverse effect or hazardous action of fertilizers in soils,
crops, human health, air, water and other environments and some of the major problems are
included here:
1)
Decrease the organic matter and iodine content in soils, make soils harder, more
acidic or alkaline,
2) Create some diseases to certain fish species,
3)
Decrease soil organisms, earth worms or other organisms in soils,
4) Pollute the surface as well as ground water, etc.
5)
Changes the test and quality of some fruits, vegetables and other crops.
2.2 Review of Past Studies Concerning Relationship of the Selected Characteristics of
the Farmers
2.2.1 Age and Awareness
Sutradhar (2002) revealed that the age of the respondents had no relationship with their
awareness on environmental degradation.
Hanif (2000) found a positive significant relationship between age of the respondents and
their awareness on environmental pollution in case of farmer field school farmers(FFS).
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Also found that there was a negative insignificant relationship between age of the farmers
and their awareness on environmental pollution.
Islam (2002) conducted a survey to determine the awareness of farmers on environmental
issues and noted a negative correlation with the awareness on environmental pollution.
Hamid (1997) made a survey to determine the awareness of farmers on environment. He
found that age of the farmers had negative relationship with the awareness on
environmental pollution.
2.2.2. Education and Awareness
Hanif (2000) noted a positive significant relationship between education of the respondents
and their awareness on environmental pollution.
Hossain (1999) found that education of the farmers had significant positive relationship
with the awareness on environmental degradation.
Miah and Rahman (1995) found that the level of education of the farmers had positive
significant relationship with the awareness on farming environment.
Khan (1983) found that the rural women's educational level had a positive relationship with
their participation in community activities and income generating project in Bangladesh.
2.2.3 Family Size and EnvironmentalAwareness
Hanif (2000)
in his study found that there was a positive insignificant relationship between
family size of the respondents and their awareness on environmental pollution.
Miah and Rahman (1995) found that family size of the farmers and awareness regarding
farming environment were not significant.
Akanda (1984) showed that family size of the rural women had a significant positive
relationship with the cultivation of fruit trees.
Rathore and Shaktawat (1990) found that the knowledge about improved agricultural
practices of Bajra cultivation by farm women was found to be significantly associated with
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Yasmin (1987) showed that family size of the poultry farmers had significant positive
relationship with their knowledge on poultry production.
Halim and Carthy (1983) stated that the different types of economic activities like post
harvest, vegetable gardening, livestock care, etc are performed by women labours and their
rate of involvement depends on family structure.
2.2.4 Farm Size and EnvironmentalAwareness
Sutradhar (2002) found that farm size of the respondents had a significant positive
relationship with their awareness on environmental degradation.
According to Aurangozeb (2002) farm size of the respondents has no relationship with their
adoption of integrated homestead farming technologies.
Sardar (2002) conducted a study on adoption of integrated pest management practices by
the farmers under PETRA Project of RDRS. He found that farm size of the farmers had a
positive significant relationship with their adoption of IPM practices.
Parveen (1995) reported that the homestead of the farm women had a positive significant
relationship with their knowledge on use of fertilizers, pesticides and irrigation water.
Miah and Rahman (1994) revealed that farm size of the farmers and awareness regarding
farming environment were not significant.
2.2.5 Annual Income and EnvironmentalAwareness
Hamid (1997) found the annual income of the farmer had significant relationship with the
awareness on environmental pollution in case of less progress village but it was significant
in case of progressive village.
2.2.6 Use of Modern Agricultural Technologies and EnvironmentalAwareness
Hanif (2000) found that there was significant positive relationship between
agricultural knowledge of the respondents with their awareness on environmental
pollution.
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Sarkar (2006) found that the knowledge on the use of agro-chemicals had a
significant positive relationship with their perception on environmental degradation.
Islam et al. (1998) found that agricultural knowledge had a significant relationship
with awareness which implies that a person having more agricultural knowledge is
more aware about the environment.
Jamal (1996) in his study found that the agricultural knowledge of the drop out rural
youth had significant positive relationship with their preference of agricultural and
non-agricultural activities.
2.2.7 Organizational Participation and EnvironmentalAwareness
Hanif (2000) found that there was a insignificant relationship between organizational
participation of the respondent and their awareness on environmental pollution in case of
FTS farmers.
Sarkar (1999) found that the organizational participation of the farmers had
significant positive relationship with their perception on environmental degradation.
Hamid (1997) observed a positive relationship between, awareness of the farmers
and their organizational participation in case of less progressive village, and found no
relation in case of progressive village.
Khan (1993) found that organizational participation of the farmers had positive
relationship with their adoption of insecticides.
2.2.8 Communication Exposure andEnvironmental Awareness
Farhad (2003) showed that contact with extension media of the respondents had
significant positive relationship with their knowledge in using IPM in vegetable
cultivation.
Pal (1995) found in his study that the extension contact of the farmers had a
significant positive relationship with their adoption of sugarcane cultivation practices.
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A survey was conducted at the farmer awareness and assessment of environmental
degradation by Enters (1998) and Scherr (1999) who concluded that farmers become
aware when degradation processes affecting their own livelihoods. When degradation
effects were not observable to farmers without modern technology, it causes soil
acidification, micro-nutrient depletion, spread of disease vector etc. Technical
change in agriculture and natural resource management was essential if rural
livelihoods were improvedto protectresources.
Enters (1998) showed that, farmersadopted resourceconserving practices because
they contribute to increased productivity or output stability. He also stated that,
farmers unwillingness introduced to conservation practices due to technical
ineffectiveness andfarmers conditions of poor economic returns as evaluated from
the farmer perspective (Scherr, 1999).
2.2.10 Farmers Knowledge on Environment
Islam and Amin (2009) were made an attempt to explore the relationships of ten (10)
independent variables with the farmers' knowledge on environment. The findings
revealed that majority (52 %) of the farmers had medium knowledge on environment
compared to 19 percent having high knowledge on environment and only 29 percent
having low knowledge on environment on the use of modern agricultural
technologies. Rank order of use of modem agricultural technologies by the farmers
revealed that use of organic fertilizers; chemical fertilizers and modem variety of
field crops remain 1st, 2nd and 3rd respectively.
Rokonuzzaman and Hague (2006) conducted an experiment on farmers' perception of
sustainable agriculture in terms of two dimensions, namely, farm profitability and
environmental stewardship. The study was conducted in six unions of Matlab
Upazila in Chandpur district, Bangladesh. Out of twelve selected characteristics of
the farmers, age was negatively correlated with their perception of sustainable
agriculture, while level of education, farm size, annual family income, training
exposure, knowledge of environment-friendly farming, farming experience,
experience on environment-friendly farming practice, extension media exposure,
cosmopoliteness, and organizational participation were positively correlated with
their perception of sustainable agriculture. Only one variable, i.e. family size had no
significant relationship with perception of sustainable agriculture. Islam (2002) noted
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farmers and their perception of the harmful effects of agrochemicals.An investigation
by FAO (Report of the Task Force, 1991) indicated that crop yields in Bangladesh is
declining or stagnating owing to environmental degradation. These adverse trends are
considered to be the result of intensive cropping through indiscriminate use of
fertilizers, pesticides, and continued use of irrigation water. Total removal of biomass
from the agricultural fields and some other activities those have generated new set of
problems such as, soil erosion, loss of soil fertility, deficiencies in sulphur and zinc
etc.
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CHAPTER 3
METHODOLOGY
In any scientific research, methodology plays an important role. It deserves a very careful
consideration for conducting theresearch. The basic materials for conducting the research are
the unbiased information and facts. The reliability of a scientific research depends on the
proper and appropriate methodology for such research. Job of a researcher is to collect
relevant information and facts, analyze them properly and draw conclusion objectively or on
the basis of unbiased analysis. Keeping this point in view, the researcher took utmost care forusing proper methods in all aspects of this piece of research work. The methods and
procedures followed in conducting this study have been described in this chapter.
3.1 The Location of the Study
3.1.1 Site Description
Two upazila were selected randomely from twelve upazila of Bogra district based on random
selection. These area was selected purposively for the study keeping the point in mind the
awareness of the farmer. Study area selected at Shahjahanpur and Kahaloo upazila in Bogra
district. The study area encompasses five villages under kahaloo and shahazahanpur upazila
(sub-district) under Bogra district. The names of the villages are Rustam Chapor, Indukhur,
Eruil, Mathail Chapor and Sabrul.
The upazila of Shahjahanpur is located in the southern part of Bogra district. The upazila is
bounded on the north by Bogra Sadar upazila, on the south by Sherpur upazila, on the east by
Gabtali and Dhunat upazila and on the west by Nandigram upazila. Kahaloo upazila (bogra
district) with an area of 238.79 sq km, is bounded byShibganj andBogra sadar upazilas on
the north, Nandigram on the south, Bogra sadar on the east, Adamdighi and Dupchanchia
upazilas on the west.
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Fig 2:A map of Bogra district showing the Kahaloo and Shajahanpur upazila of the study
area.
3.1.2 Socio-economic Environment
Kahaloo Upazila under Bogra district with an area of 238.79 sq km. Main river is Nagar;
marshy land 1556.17 hectares. Kahaloo has a population of 183230; male 50.31%, female
Kahaloo
Sha ahan ur
http://www.banglapedia.org/HT/B_0569.htmhttp://www.banglapedia.org/HT/N_0014.HTMhttp://www.banglapedia.org/HT/N_0014.HTMhttp://www.banglapedia.org/HT/B_0569.htm7/25/2019 Thesis Environment
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49.29%. Kahaloo has an average literacy rate of 27.3% which is below the national average
of 32.4% literacy.
Shajahanpur is a locality ofBogra District inBangladesh. It is situated on the bank of the
Karotoya river. The upazila of Shahjahanpur is located in the southern part of Bogra district.
Chopinagar is the name of one important village in Shajahanpur. Total area is 221.58 square
kilometer. Total population stands at 2,47,819; male population50.83% : female
population49.17% and density of population1118 persons / km.
3.1.3 Biological Environment
Main crops in the study areas are predominately paddy, jute, potato, chilli. Minor crops are
wheat,Tobacco,Cotton and some vegetables like potato, tomato,bottlegourd etc. The most
common tree species found in this upazila are jackfruits Mango, black berry, date, palm,
banana. Pest and weed infestation sometimes hamper the crop of the villages. The farmers of
the villages raise cattle, goat, ram and poultry.
3.2 Sampling Design
The rural farmer (usually head of the farm) constituted the population for this study. The data
for this study was collected from 50 randomly selected respondents who were directly
involved in farming system from three villages under kahaloo and Shajahanpurupazila . The
respondents were the bonafide dwellers of Rustam Chapor, Indukhur, Eruil, Mathail Chapor
and Sabrul.Out of each village 10 farmers were selected. Thus, a total of 50 farmers
constituted the sample for this study. A reserve list of 9 respondents in the village was also
made,so that,the respondents of this list could be used if any respondents from the original
sample would not be available at the time of interview.
3.3 Means of Data Collection
In order to collect relevant information from the respondents, an interview schedule was
used. The schedule was carefully designed keeping the objectives of the study in view.
The schedule contained both open, closed and multiple choice questions. Most easy,
simple, direct questions and different scales were used to obtain the information. Direct
questions were used to obtain information, like age, education, family size, farm size and
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bogra_Districthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bangladeshhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karotoahttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Chopinagar&action=edit&redlink=1http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Chopinagar&action=edit&redlink=1http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karotoahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bangladeshhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bogra_District7/25/2019 Thesis Environment
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annual income, agricultural farming practices. The interview schedule was prepared in
Bengali for easy understanding and for the collection of data but given in the thesis in English
(Appendix 1). This helped the respondents to understand the interview schedule easily and
furnish the required information easily and systematically. The draft interview schedule was
pre-tested with five farmers before finally using for data collection. The pre-test facilitated
the researcher to examine the suitability of various questions in the interview schedule. The
interview schedule was finalized after necessary correction, alterations and additions. The
interview schedule was then printed in its final form and multiplied for collection of data.
3.4 Procedure of Data Collection
The researcher collected information through personal interview from the individual
respondent at their home. An introductory visit was made to the study area to become
familiar with the respondent and their environment. During visit the objectives of the study
were explained clearly to most of the respondents. This helped the researcher to have a
friendly orientation with the farmers. The researcher also established desired rapport with
respondents. Questions were asked systematically and explanations were made whenever it
was felt necessary. The information supplied by the respondents was recorded directly on the
interview schedule. The information was checked carefully before leaving the study area in
order to minimize errors. Data were collected in local unit. These were subsequently
converted into appropriate standard units.
The respondents were interviewed at their own house in leisure time so that they could give
accurate information in a sound mind. No serious problem was faced by the respondents
during data collection. Excellent cooperation was received from all respondents during
collection of data. The data were collected from 50 respondents from August 25 to October
25, 2012.
3.5 Measurement of Variables
A variable is any characteristics which can assume varying or different values in successive
individual cases (Ezekiel and Fox, 1959). An organized piece of research usually contains at
least two important elements viz. an independent and a dependent variable. An independent
variable is that factor which is manipulated by the researcher in his attempt to ascertain its
relationship to an observed phenomenon. A dependent variable is that factor which appears,
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disappears or varies as the researcher introduces, removes or varies the dependent variables
(Townsend, 1953).
3.5.1 Measurement of Independent Variables
In this study selected individual characteristics of the farmers were considered as independent
variables, which are as follows:
3.5.1.1 Age
Age of a farmer referred to the period of time from his birth to the time of interview. It was
measured in complete year on the basis of his response to item number 1 of the interview
schedule (Appendix 1).
3.5.1.2 Education
Educational level of a respondent was measured by the completed formal education from
educational institutions. The level of education score of a respondent was determined from
his response to item number 3 of the interview schedule.
3.5.1.3 Family Size
Family size was measured by the number of family members of the respondent farmer
including himself, his wife, children and other dependents (fully or partially) on respondent's
income.
3.5.1.4 Annual Income
The annual family income of a farmer is an important indicator of how much he can invest in
his farming business. Usually, the person who has more income can invest more in farming
and he/she needs more information. Annual family income of a respondent was measured (in
Taka) on the basis of total yearly earnings from the farm and other sources in which the
respondent as well as his family members were involved. Data obtained in response to item
No. 5 of the interview schedule were used to determine the income of the respondent.
3.5.1.5 Farm Size
Farm land is the most important capital of a farmer and the farm size has influence on many
personal characteristics of a farmer. Farm size of the farmer was measured by the land area
possessed by him. Data obtained in response to questions under item No. 6 of the interview
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schedule formed the basis for determining the farm size of the respondent. Here, farm size
was computed using the following formula:
Farm size = A1 +A2+A3+ (A4+A5) l/2+A6+A7
A1 = Homestead Area
A2 = Own land under own cultivation
A3 = Taken lease from others
A,4 = Taken borga from others
A5 = Given to others as borga
A6 =Pond
A7 = Fellow land
The respondent has given information for their farm size in local measurement. Finally, it
was converted to hectare and was considered as the farm size score of a respondent.
3.5.1.6 Organizational Participation
Organizational participation is defined as the respondents taking part in the listed
organizations in sharing ideas, views, and experiences to make decision with other members
as a member or president/secretary. Organizational participation of a respondent was
measured on the basis of nature and extent of involvement in an organization which shown in
item number. 11 of the interview schedule.
3.5.1.7 Communication Exposure
Communication exposure is referred to the exposure or contact of the farmers with some
selected information sources and personalities. The communication exposure of a respondent
was measured on the basis of extent of contact with the selected information sources within a
given duration for getting required information. There are three levels of communication
exposure personal contact, group contactand mass media. Communication exposure score =
individual media contact score + group media contact score + Mass media contact score
3.5.2 Measurement of DependentVariable
Agicultural farming practices and environmental awarness of farmers were considered as
dependent variables. The measurement procedures of dependent variables are described
below:
3.5.2.1 Description of Cropping System in the Study Area
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The cropping system of a respondent was measured by the number of crop cultivated in a
year. For example if a farmer cultivates one crop in a year, he followed single cropping and if
a farmer cultivates more than two crops in a year, he followed multiple cropping. Questions
of this purpose were shown in the item number 7 of the interview schedule.
3.5.2.2 Agricultural Farming Practices
Agricultul practices is measured by five different categories such as field crops,fish and
domestic animal,variety of fruits,vegetables etc are measured in total production kg/decimal.
3.5.2.3 Cultivation Method
It referred to the preparation of land by the farmer. Questions of this purpose were shown in
the item number10 of the interview schedule.
3.5.2.4 Use of Crop Residues
Left over parts of various crops after harvest are called crop residues. Use of crop residues of
farmers in the study area were measured by their used of top residues as a source of organic
matter, as fuel and also as fodder. Question of this purpose were shown in the item number
15 of the interview schedule.
3.5.2.5 Environmental Awarness
It was measured by using sixteen questions in closed form, which could be answered only by
checking multiple-choice question. Any respondent answering a question correctly could
obtain a full score of 1 and for each wrong answer he could obtain a score of zero. Thus the
awareness score of a respondent could range from 0 to 15.
3.6 Compilation of Data
After completion of field survey all the interview schedules were compiled. Local units
were converted into standard unit. Appropriate scoring technique was followed to
convert the qualitative data into quantitative forms. The responses of the individual
respondent contained in the interview schedules were transferred to a master sheet for
entering the data in the computer. As soon as the data entered into the computer, it was
then analyzed in accordance with the objectives of the study.
3.7 Statistical Analysis
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Statistical measures such as number, percentage, minimum-maximum, rank order, mean and
standard deviation were used in describing the independent and dependent variables of the
study, For clarity of understanding, the tables were also used for presenting the data. For
exploring the relationships between the selected characteristics of the respondents and their
environmental knowledge, Pearson's Product Moment Correlation Co-efficient (r) was
computed. Five percent (0.05) level of significance was used to accept or reject any null
hypothesis.
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CHAPTER 4
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
In this chapter, the findings of the study and their logical interpretations have been
presented according to the objectives of the study. This section deals with the selected
characteristics of the farmers, methods of cultivation, cropping pattern, sources of organic
manure, use of chemical fertilizer,
farmer's awareness on environmental issues i.e.,
environmental awareness.
4.1 Selected Characteristics of the Farmers
There are many interrelated and constituent attributes that characterize an individual and
form an integral part on the development of one's behavior and personality. It was, therefore,
assumed that awareness on environmental degradation will be influenced by their various
characteristics. Five characteristics of the farmers were selected to find out their relationship
with knowledge and awareness on environment. The selected characteristics included age,
education, farm size, family size, type of cultivated land. These characteristics of the
respondents have been described in this section.
4.1.1 Age
Age of the respondent was found to range from 18 to 70 years. On the basis of the age, the
respondents were classified into three categories: young age (18-30 years), middle age (31-
50 years) and old age (50-65 years) are shown in table 4.1.The average age was 37.2 years
with the standard deviation of 6.1. Based on their age the farmers were classified into three
categories as shown in Table 4.1. Data furnished in table 4.1 indicate that the higher
proportion (58%) of the respondent fell into the middle age, while 32% belonged to young
and 10% in old age categories, respectively. This indicates that decision making relating to
farm affairs in the study area would have considerable influence by the young to middle
aged farmers. The, farming practices and awarness need to give emphasis on this category
of the farmers. By creating proper consciousness about the effect of organic manure and
chemical fertilizer among the middle aged group followed by younger and old aged group,
it may help to use organic manure and chemical fertilizer judiciously, that will contribute to
maintain ecological balance and pollution free environment.
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Table 4.1: Distribution of the farmers according to their selected characteristics
Characteristics of the farmer No on respodents(N=50)
Number Percentage (%)
Dstribution
of Farmers
Age (years)
Young(18-30) 16 32
Middle age(31-50) 29 58
Old(51-65) 5 10
Total 50 100
Educational
Background
Illiterate(0) 0 0
Can sign only(1) 2 4
Below S.S.C(5) 30 60
After S.S.C (10) 13 26
Higher educated(12) 5 10
Total 50 100
Family Size
of the
Farmer
Small(2-4) 9 18
Medium(5-6) 23 46
Large(6-14) 18 36
Total 50 100
Annual
Income
Vrey low (40,000-60,000) 6 12
Low (60,001-80,000) 8 16
Medium (80,001-1,00,000) 12 24
High (1,00,001-1,50,000) 10 20
Very high (1,50,001-2,00,000) 4 8
Total 50 100
4.1.2 Academic Qualifications
The academic qualification scores of the respondents were found to range from 0-12. On
the basis of observed data the respondents were classified into four categories. The
categories and distribution of the respondents are shown in table 4.1. Data presented in
table 4.1 indicated that most of the farmers (60%) fall in the primary level category, 4
percent of them can sign only and about 10% of the farmers had higher secondary
qualification.
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4.1.3 Family Size
The family size of the respondents ranged from 2 to 14. Based on the family size score, the
respondents were classified into three categories. The categories and distribution of the
respondents are furnished in table 4.1.Data computed in table 4.1 show that most (46%) of
the farmers had medium family compared to 36% belonged to large family and only 18%
of the farmers had small family.
4.1.4 Annual Income
The categories and distribution of farmers according to annual income are shown in table
4.1, Annual income of the respondents ranged from Taka 40,000 to Taka 2,00,000. Data
presented in table 4.1 indicate that 12% of the farmers had very low income, 16% of the
farmers had low income, 24% had medium income, only 20% of them belonged to high-
income category and 8% of them are very high income category. From the data discussed
earlier, it was evident that the large majority of the rural families are having small to
medium farm, have more family members and at the same time have low income. These
situations may lead themselves to keep away from new information regarding their farm
practices. High income farmers are generally respected individuals in their society. They
are the men who usually informed first any message relating to their daily working life.
4.1.5 Farm Size
The farm size of the respondents varied from 10 decimal to above 500 decimal. The
respondents were classified into three categories on the basis of their farm holdings. The
categories and distribution of farmers are shown in table 4.2. Data presented in table 4.2
show that 14% of the farmers in the study area had small farm 18% of the farmers in the
study area had small farm holding, 28% had medium farm size and 40% of them had large
farm size.
Table 4.2:Distribution of respondents according to farm sizes in the study areas
Farm size Farmers (N=60) Mean Standard
DeviationNumber Percent
Very small (10-50 decimal) 7 14
1.29 0.70
Small (51-250 decimal) 9 18
Medium (251-500 decimal) 14 28
Large (above 500 decimal) 20 40
Total 50 100
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4.1.6 Cropping Pattern in the Study Area
Cropping pattern is an important component to increase agricultural production.
Distribution of the farmers according to the cropping pattern is presented in table 4.3.
Table 4.3 Distribution of the respondents according to the cropping pattern
Cropping
pattern
2011 2010 2009
No. of
farmer
Percentage
(%)
No. of
farmer
Percentage
(%)
No. of
farmer
Percentage
(%)
Single
crop 5 10 7 14 13 26
Double
crop 21 42 23 46 18 36
Multiple
crop 24 48 20 40 19 38
Data presented in the table 4.3 shows that most of the farmers (46%) fell in the double
cropping system while 40% fell in the double cropping pattern and 14% fell in the single
cropping patterns in recent years. From the year of 2009 to 2011 multiple cropping and
double cropping was increased while single cropping was decreased.
4.1.7 Fieldcrops, Vegetables, Fruits Grown in the Study Areas
The field crops and vegetables grown in of Kahaloo and Shajahanpur upazila at different
locations (homestead and fields). The crops and vegetables were found to be grown mainly
for own consumption of the farmers. Twenty four species belonging to 11 families of crops
and vegetables were grown by the respondents. In this area rice cultivation was the main
activity but vegetables were also grown in abundant. Potato appeared as an important
vegetable crop in the study area. Besides these, jute, potato, and chilli are also grown.
Main fruits are represented by mango, black berry, date, palm, and banana. Other than
crops,aqua-farming particularly fish hatechery and nursery, poultry hatchery, dairy, broiler
rising are income generating activities of the respondents. Most common cultivated crops
are listed in table 4.4.
Table 4.4: (a)Crops grown in the study areas
Name of the field crops Common name Scientific name
Cereal crops Rice Dhan Oryza sativa
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Wheat Gam Triticum aestivum
Maize Vutta Zea mays
Fopxail millet Cawn Setaia italica
Pulse crops Lentil Masur Lens esculentaGram Sola Cicer arietinum
Mung bean Mug Vinga radiata
Black gram Mascolai Vinga mungo
Grass pea Khesari Lathirus sativus
Fibre crops Jute Pat Corchorus
capsularis
Cotton Tula Gosspium hisrutum
Sugercane Akh Saccharum officinarum
Spices crops
Chilli Morich Capsicum frutescence
Onion Piaj Allied ceps
Garlic Rosun Allied sativum
Termaric Holud Tamarindus indica
Zinger Ada Zingiber officinale
Oil crops Musterd Sorisa Brassica napus
Sesame Til Sesamum indicum
Linseed Teshi Linum usitatissimum
(b) Vegetables
Name of the vegetables Common name Scientific name
Summer
Vegetables
Bottle gourd Lau Langenaria siceraria
Snake gourd Chichinga Trichosanthes anguina
Winter
vegetables
Potato Alu Solanum
tuberosum
Cauliflower Fulcopi Brassica oleracea var. Botrytis
Cabbage Badhacopi Brassica oleracea var. Capitala
Tomato Tomato Lycopersicon
esculentum
Year-
roundVeget
ables
Brinjal Begun Solanum
melongena
Papaya Papaya Carica papaya
Potato Alu Solanumtuberosum
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tamarindus_indicahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tamarindus_indicahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carica_papayahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carica_papayahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carica_papayahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tamarindus_indica7/25/2019 Thesis Environment
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(c) Variety of Fruits
Name of the Fruits Common name Scientific name
Mango Aim Mangifera indica
Banana Kola Musa pradisiaca
litchi Lichu Litchi chinensis
Jackfruit Kathal Artocarpus heterophyllus
Cocoanut Naricel Cocos nucifera
Pineapple Anaros Anan ascomosus
Custard-apple Ata Annon areticulata
d) Fish Farming
Name of the Fish Common name Scientific name
Rui Rui Labeo rohita
Katla Catla Catla catla
Mrigel Mrigel Cirhina mrigala
Pangus Thai Pangus Pangasius hypothelamus
Sarputi Thai sorputi Puntias goninotus
4.1.8 Methods of cultivation in the study area
Cultivation method is an important component in agricultural production. In the study area
the respondents followed traditional (by cow, buffallo) and modern (by tractor, power tiller)
method of cultivation. Distribution of the respondents according to their methods of
cultivation shown in table 4.5with their number and percent.
Table 4.5: Methods of cultivation according to year
Methods of
Cultivation
2011 2010 2009
No. of
farmer
Percentage
(%)
No. of
farmer
Percentage
(%)
No. of
farmer
Percentage
(%)
Traditional
method (cow
/buffallo)
15 30 20 40 25 50
Modem method
(tractor
powertiller)
14 28 13 26 9 18
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mangifera_indicahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mangifera_indicahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Musa_paradisiacahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Musa_paradisiacahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Litchi_chinensishttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Litchi_chinensishttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artocarpus_heterophyllushttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artocarpus_heterophyllushttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cocoanuthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cocos_nuciferahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cocos_nuciferahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pineapplehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ananas_comosushttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ananas_comosushttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Custard-applehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Annona_reticulatahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Annona_reticulatahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Annona_reticulatahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Custard-applehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ananas_comosushttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pineapplehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cocos_nuciferahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cocoanuthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artocarpus_heterophyllushttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Litchi_chinensishttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Musa_paradisiacahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mangifera_indica7/25/2019 Thesis Environment
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Both 21 42 17 34 16 32
Data presented in the table 4.5 indicates that method of cultivation was changed according
to year. In 2011 most of the farmers (42%) followed traditional and modern method
combinedly. While in 2009 and 2010, 50% and 50% farmers followed only traditional
method. Modern method has also increased in 2010 and 2011 significantly exhibiting a
figure of 26% and 28%, respectively. Traditional method has also decreased from the
previous years. Ploughing is a pre-requisite to mineralize and facilitate decomposition of
crop residues, green manure and other organic manures and help release of nutrients. It was
necessary to remove stiff roots, stubbles, root stocks and stamps. More over deep
ploughing facilitates easy uptake of water as well as nutrient by roots from the deeper soil
depths efficiently and consequently increased the root growth.
4.1.9 Use of Modern Agricultural Practices
Use of modern agricultural practices in farming is pertinent to increase farm out put. It is
considers as useful means in field crops production. However, the adoption of modern
practices and their management in field crop production is difficult. Distribution of farmers
according to their use of chemical fertilizer, organic manure, pesticides, and irrigation is
presented in table 4.6.
Table 4.6: Use of modern technologies in the study areas
Name of Practices Low Medium High Not used
Organic Manure 12(24%) 6(12%) 32(64%) 0(0%)
Chemical Fertilizer 10
(20%) 14
(28%) 26
(52%) 0
(0%)
Modern variety of field
crops
5
(10%) 10
(20%) 35
(70%) 0
(0%)
Modern Variety of
Vegetables
7(14%) 15(30%) 28(56%) 0(0%)
Modern variety of fruits 6
(12%) 14
(28%) 30
(60%) 0
(0%)
Modern variety of 42
(48%) 15
(30%) 27
(54%) 0
(0%)
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Modern variety of fish
culture
4
(8%) 12
(24%) 34
(68%) 0
(0%)
Pesticides 1(2%) 10(20%) 39(78%) 0(0%)
Irrigation 0
(0%) 16
(32%) 42
(84%) 0
(0%)
4.1.10 Use of Organic Manure by the Farmers in their Farm Land
Distribution of the farmers according to their use of organic manure is shown in the
table 4.7.
Table 4.7: Distribution of the respondents according to their use of organic
manure.
Use of organic manure Farmers (N=50)
Number Percent
Not use 7 14
Slightly use (up to 1.5t/ha) 18 36
Moderately use(1.6 to 4 t/ha) 20 40
High/ intensive use
(above 4 t/ha)5 10
Form the table 4.7 it is evident that only 10% of the respondents used organic matter at a
much higher level (4 tons/ha), while an overwhelming majority (40%) of the respondent
used organic matter moderately(1.6 to 4.0 t/ha). About 14%of the respondent never used
organic matter in their farms.
4.1.11 Application of Chemical Fertilizer
The amounts of chemical fertilizer currently being used in the study areas are shown in
table 4.8. According to the opinion of the respondents, the fertility of soil was decreasing
due to excessive use of chemical fertilizers in the study areas.
Table 4.8: Amount of chemical fertilizer (kg/decimal) application in different crops in
the study area
Crops and
vegetables
Urea
(kg/decimal)
TSP
(kg/ decimal)
MP
(kg/ decimal)
Boro rice 1 0.44 0.28
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Potato 0.88 0.54 0.14
Wheat 0.92 0.6 0.2
Tomato 1.8 1.6 0.88
Brinjal 1.04 0.6 0.80
Cauliflower 1.2 0.7 0.80
Cabbage 1.12 0.48 0.080
4.1.12 Use of Chemical Fertilizer and Organic Manure by the Farmer
In principle balanced fertilization is indispensable to avoid crop yield decline on cultivated
land and to supplement nutrient loss from the soil ecosystem. Balanced fertilization ensures
high productivity in accordance with nutrient demand by individual crops and for individualnutrient elements without causing harm to the environment. Distribution of farmers
according to their use of chemical fertilizer and organic manure are presented in table 4.9.
Table 4.9: Distribution of the respondents according to their use of chemical and
organic manure.
Fertilizer Uses
Farmers
Number (N=50) Percent
Only chemical fertilizer 24 48
Only organic manure 9 18
Both chemical fertilizer
and organic manure
17 34
Data presented in the table 4.9 shows that in the study area majority of the farmers (48%)
used only chemical fertilizer while 18% used only organic manure and 34% used both
chemical fertilizer and organic manure for their land cultivation.
4.1.13 Use of Crop Residues afterHarvest
Continued cultivation without the return of adequate crop residues lead to a decline in the
humus content of soils. In the study area the farmers used their crop residues in various
purposes vitz, as fuel for cooking, and as fodder for livestock. Preservation of crop residues
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(rice straw) after harvest by the farmers and use of crop residues (rice straw) are shown in
fig 4.1.
Figure 4.1: Distribution of the respondents according to their use of crop residues
Data presented in the figure 4.1 shows that most of the farmers (68%) used their crop
residues as fuel, while 22% used as fodder and 10% used as a source of organic matter. In
the study area substantial quantities of crop residues are produced every year but most of
the cases crop residues are used as fuel which causes huge loss of this potential resource.After the harvest of some vegetables crops the farmers used it as fodder and fuel. Crop
residues of all kinds including roots, straw and vegetables top are valuable as a source of
organic matter and plant nutrients(Rashid, 2006).
4.1.14 Processing and Preservation of OrganicWaste
In the study area most of the farmers dug very shallow pit to keep waste materials forcomposting. The pits were not covered with shed or any materials.Various gases such as,
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due to faulty processing, preservation and management, thus polluting farm environment
(Botkin and Keller 1998). Distributions of farmers according to their processing and
preservation of organic waste are described in fig 4.2.
Fig 4.2: Distribution of respondents according to processing and preservation of
organic waste in relation to year
Data presented in the figure 4.2 showed that most of the farmers (36%) preserved organic
waste by making pit in the field, while 20% used organic waste for animal bedding, 18%
for making pit beside the waste and rest 26% farmers kept organic waste without any kind
of preservation.
4.1.15 Farmers Awareness on Soil OrganicMatter Depletion
Awareness of the farmers about soil organic matter depletion is important for the study. To
assess the awareness of the farmers some questions were asked to the farmers and some
answers were found. The percentage distribution of the awareness of the farmers about soil
organic matter depletion is shown in table 4.7.
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Table 4.10 Distribution of the respondents according to their knowledge about soil
organic matter depletion
Knowledge on organic
matter depletion
Farmers (N=50)
Number Percent
Low knowledge(1-3) 9 18
Medium(4-8) 5 10
High(8-10) 4 8
No knowledge 32 64
Total 50 100
Data presented in the table 4.7 indicates that only 8% farmers have high knowledge on the
awareness of soil organic matter depletion, while 18% farmers have low knowledge and
10% farmers have medium knowledge and most of the farmers (64%) farmers have no
knowledge on soil organic matter depletion. This indicates that the farmers in the study
areas needs to the properly educated about the necessity and importance of addition of
organic matter in the soil.
4.1.16 Knowledge and Awareness on Environment
Knowledge and awareness scores of the respondents on farm environment ranged from 1 to
15 with the mean of 6.76 and standard deviation of 2.45. To assess the awareness of the
farmers 15 questions were asked and each correct answer a score of one was given against
each farmer. The distribution of the respondents on the basis their knowledge scores are
presented in table 4.11
Table 4.11: Distribution of the respondents according to their knowledge and
awareness on environment.
Knowledge of
farmers
Farmers(N=50) Mean Standard
deviationNumber Percent
Low
(0-5) 14 28
6.76 2.45Medium
(6-10) 33 66
High(11-15) 3 6
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Data presented in the table 4.8 indicates that highest proportion (66%) of the respondents
fell in medium knowledge categories, while 28% of the respondents fell in the low
knowledge categories and only 6% of the respondents fell in the high knowledge categories.
4.2 Relationship between the Selected Characteristics of the Farmers and Awareness
on Environment
This sections deals with the relationship of selected characteristics of the farmers (the
independent variables) with their environmental knowledge (dependent variable). The
characteristics included age, education, family size, farm size, annual income.To explore
the relationships between the selected characteristics of the respondents and their
environmental knowledge, Pearson's product-moment correlation co-efficient 'Y' had been
usedin table 4.12 is placed below the descriptive interpretation of the meaning of "r"
(Cohen and Holliday, 1982).
Table 4.12: The meaning of correlations coefficient 'r'
r-valueMeaning
0.00- 0.19 Very low correlation
0.20- 0.39 Low correlation0.40-0.69 Moderate correlation
0.70- 0.89 High correlation
0.90- 1.00 Very high correlation
Significant relationships as determined by co-efficient of correlation test "r" have been
examined. A null hypothesis was rejected when the observed 'Y' value was greater than the
table value of "r" at 0.05 level of probability.
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Table 4.13 Correlation co efficient of selected characteristics of the respondents with
their environmental awareness
Dependent variable Independent
variable
Computed value of `r'
Knowledge and awareness on
environment
Age 0.73**
Education 0.70**
Annual income 0.51**
Farm size 0.84**
**=Correlation is significant at the 0.05 level of probability (2 tailed)
The extent of relationship between the selected characteristics of the farmers with their
environmental awareness is presented in Table 4.10. It is clearly evident that environmental
awareness of the respondents were highly correlated with their age (r=0.73), education
(r=0.70) and farm size (r=0.84). The annual income of the surveyed farmers was found to
have moderate correlation (r=0.51) with the environmental awareness. The relationships
showed positive trend. These findings imply that better education, more experience in term
of attainment of age, enhanced family income and farm size act as favourable factors to the
farmers to be more aware of the environmental issues.
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CHAPTER 5
SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS
5.1 Findings ofS
ummaryThe study was conducted in the villages of Rustuam Chapor, Indukhur, Eruil, Mathail
Chpapor, and Sabrul Shahjahanpur and Kahaloo upazila under Bogra district during the
period from August to 25 to October 25, 2012.The objectives of the study were (1)To
determine and describe the exising socio-economic status of the farmer in Bogra district ,(2)
To identify the commonly use agriciltural farming practices and environmental condition
in the farming enterprises in Bogra district,(3) To determine the awareness of the farmers
on environmental degradation caused by the use of modem agricultural technologiesand
(4) To explore the co-relation between the selected characteristics of the farmerand their
awareness on environment.
The sample of 50 farmers was selected for the study. Data were collected from
respondents using a pre-tested interview schedule. The major findings of the study are
summarized below. The age of the farmers ranged from 18 to 70 years.While 40 percent
belonged to young and 10% old age categories respectively. About 50 percent of the
farmers in the study area were young to middle aged category. The academic qualification
scores of the respondents were found to range from 1-12. Most of the farmers (60%) fall in
below S.S.C level category, four percent of them can sign only and only 10 percent of the
farmers had higher secondary qualification.Most (66%) of the farmers had medium family
compared to 36 percent belonging to large family and only 18 percent of the farmers had
small family.Only 12 percent of the farmers had very low income, 16 percent of the
farmers had low income, 24 percent had medium income, only 20 percent of them
belonged to high-income category. Fourteen percent of the farmers in the study area had
small farm 18 percent of the farmers in the study area had small farm holding, 28 percent
had medium farm size and 40 percent of them had large farm size.
In principle, balanced fertilization is indispensable to avoid crop yield decline on
cultivated land and to supplement nutrient loss from the soil ecosystem. Majority of the
farmers in the study area used chemical fertilizer while 34% used both chemical fertilizer,
organic manure and 18% used organic manure for their land cultivation. Fertilizer plays a
crucial role in yield increase and is responsible for about 50 percent of the total production.
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In the study area most of the farmers (68%) used their crop residues as fuel while 22%
used as fodder and 10% used as a source of organic matter. Most of the farmers (68%)
used their crop residues as fuel while 22% used as fodder and 10% used as a source of
organic matter. In the study area substantial quantities of crop residues are produced every
year but most of the cases crop residues are used as fuel which causes huge loss of this
potential resource. Most of the farmers (36%) preserved organic waste by making pit in
the field, while 20% used organic waste for animal bedding, 18% for making pit beside the
waste and rest 26% farmers kept organic waste without any kind of preservation.
Knowledge scores of the respondents on environmental awareness ranged from 1 to 15
with the mean of 6.76 and standard deviation of 2.45. Only 8% farmers have high
knowledge on the awareness of soil organic matter depletion while 18% farmers have low
knowledge and 10% farmers have medium knowledge and most of the farmers (64%)have
no knowledge on soil organic matter depletion.
5.2 Conclusions
From the study, it was found that most of the respondents were lacking of proper
awareness on environmental issues. On the basis of this fact, majority of the respondents
are still in darkness about environmental awareness. There was no significant relation
between family size of farmers with their environmental awareness. This may be due to
reason that the family members do not have greater interaction with other people in the
survey area and rate of sharing of information among the family members is low.
Education, farm size and knowledge of the farmers had a positive and significant
relationship with their environmental awareness. These findings concluded that higher
literacy level of farmers would be helpful in raising their knowledge and awareness on
environmental issues. Therefore, to increase farmers environmental knowledge, proper
steps are to be taken for more and more informal environment orientation and adult
education programmers should be launched in the villages by the concerned agencies.
Large farm size influences its owner to have more knowledge and aware about
environment. Steps should be taken to pay more attention towards the poor respondents to
raise their income so that they become aware of environmentally safe cultivation
techniques along with high income respondents. Knowledge on agricultural technologies is
very important for environmentally safe cultivation. This fact indicates that Govt. should
take effective measure to help the farmers in upgrading their agricultural knowledge as
well as environmental knowledge.
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5.3 Recommendations for Further Study
This study investigated the relationship of five characteristics of the farmers with their
environmental knowledge. Therefore, it is recommended that further study should be
conducted with other independent and dependent variables. On the basis of scope and
limitations of the present study and observation made by the researcher, the following
recommendations are made for further study.
1) Further study is necessary to find out effective ways and means of providing
education including environmental issues in agriculture to the farmers.
2)
In the present study family size had no significant relationship with environmental
knowledge on the use of modern agricultural technologies. In this connection,
further verification is necessary.
3)
Studies need to be undertaken to ascertain the principles and procedures for
establishment and maintenance of serving organization in the rural areas of
Bangladesh.
4)
Further research is necessary to find out the effective ways and means of providing
education including environmental issues to the farmers.
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39
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