No abstract

Livelihood diversification is considered as a constructive way to improve the livelihood of poor people in rural Bangladesh. This study examines the level of livelihood diversification and the determinants of livelihood diversification of rural households in Sylhet division by using both primary and secondary data. The primary data were collected from two districts of Sylhet division by adopting simple random sampling procedures. A face to face interview was employed to collect cross section data of total 210 respondents in which semi-structured and pre-tested questionnaire was used. Descriptive statistics, Simpson diversification indexing and Logit model analysis were employed for analyzing the data in accordance with the objectives of the study. The socioeconomic attributes of different respondents indicate that characteristics of sampled respondents differ from each other in respect of their age, gender, literacy rate, family composition, land holdings, credit access etc. However, in rural Bangladesh, a considerable number of households have diversified their livelihoods at different levels through several income generating activities. Though medium and highly diversified households are majority in rural areas; which accounts for 37% and 26% of total households, respectively. Logit model was estimated to analyze the determinants and find that several factors either positively or negatively affect the extent of livelihood diversification. Gender, education level, land holdings and credit access had positive and significant effects on livelihood diversification. On the other hand, dependency ratio and savings had a negative but significant effect on diversification of livelihood in rural areas. Considering the findings, the study suggested some policy implication like encouraging entrepreneurship, expanding credit facilities, development of rural infrastructure along with market facilities; introducing effective pro-poor policies that may assist all poor people to generate more income and higher-return activities. Hence policies that widen the extent of income earning sources and livelihood diversification should be given proper attention.

The study identified the factors affecting tribal farmers' decision adopting agricultural technologies in Bangladesh. A total of 600 respondents were surveyed using multi-stage sampling technique from Sylhet (Garo, Khasia and Manipuri gropus) and Chittagong (Chakma, Marma and Tanchang groups) divisions. The study revealed that the mostly practiced farming systems were C-L-P, C-P-H and C-L-H. In the study areas, over 80 percent of total cropped area were under crop production. On an average, poultry rearing was the highest profitable business in Sylhet division (with BCR 2.08) and livestock rearing was the highest profitable business in Chittagong division (with BCR 2.06). Overall, 39.2, 26.6 and 34.2 and 38.8, 26.5 and 34.7% farmers in Sylhet and Chittagong divisions assured about increased, decreased and constant state of production practices using agricultural technologies, respectively like betel leaf and betel nut production, Cuchia production, Jhum cultivation, medicinal plants cultivation, etc. Educational level of household head, farm size, farm income, extension contact and farming experience had significant influence on farmers' adoption of agricultural technologies. Government and non-government organizations should arrange and implement training and motivational programs and properly provide extension services for raising the awareness about modern agricultural technologies among the tribal groups.

Bangladesh has detected a newly mutated Delta variant that is getting more hazardous for the entire world. Since this variant is far more hazardous than the previous one, the purpose of this study is to determine people's reactions to this variant, how to prevent the spread of the Delta variant, and what factors can lead to government failures to control it in Bangladesh. Data were obtained from 417 participants using convenient sampling technique. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression were the methods of analysis employed. The results showed that in Bangladesh, persons aged 30 to 49 were more likely than others to be aware of the COVID-19 Delta variant. Since social media and newspapers are important sources of information, it was discovered that those who did not use social media or read newspapers had low perception of the new COVID-19 Delta variant. Furthermore, individuals who had a COVID-19 infection history together with their friends and family members had a greater perception of the COVID-19 Delta variant than those who did not. The results also showed that rural people in Bangladesh had low perception of the new COVID-19 Delta variant than the urban people. The study recommends that government should force everyone to wear masks and provide alternative income-generating activities for marginalized individuals in order to limit the spread of the highly contagious Delta variant. Moreover, government should create more awareness and intensify health education in order to restrict the spread of the new COVID-19 variant.

Aims: In today's competitive world, the participation of women in the earning sectors is very common and crucial. But there are several reasons that positively or negatively influence female participation in household income and decision-making. This present study aimed to highlight the determinants which are responsible for the economic contribution and decision-making of female pineapple workers at the household level in some selected areas of the Moulvibazar district, Bangladesh. Study Design: This article is about examining the factors which affect female workers contribution to household income and decision-making. It is based on empirical analysis and estimates the components that influence the income and decision-making of female pineapple workers at the household level. Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in the Sreemangal Upazila of Moulvibazar district of Bangladesh, including four villages, as the female participation in pineapple cultivation is relatively higher than in other districts of Bangladesh. The research was taking place from June to September 2020 which is the production period of pineapple. Methodology: The relevant data were collected from 180 respondents through face-to-face interviews using structured questionnaires. The simple random sampling technique was used to choose the sampled respondents. The demographic profile of the female pineapple workers was estimated by using descriptive analysis. To assess the factors influencing female workers contribution to family income and household decision-making, the logistic regression (Logit) model was used. In case to determine the severity that a pineapple female worker faced in their working place, the Constraints Facing Index (CFI) was applied. Results: From descriptive analysis, the study revealed that 73.0% of the respondents belong to an active working group and the average family size was 6.25. The study's outcome also showed that 54.5% had no formal education, and almost 56.0% of sample respondents incorporated 6 to 10 family members. 52.3% of respondents have 11-30 years of working experience in the pineapple field. From the Logit model, it is shown that the key determinants of contribution to family income and decision-making in the study area were age, education, occupational experience, indebtedness, and savings of the respondents which had a positive value of 1.041, 1.043, 1.095, 1.000 and 0.499, respectively. Instead of having several problems, low wage rate, physical injury, long working hours, lack of working facilities, and lack of training facilities were major among all the respondents. Conclusion: Lastly, from the respondents viewpoint, it has been summarized that increasing the wage rate, reducing working hours, supply of safety equipment, provide medical and training facilities improve not only their economic position but also ensure a healthy life and fair contribution in household income and decision making purpose.