What are the key challenges facing sustainable agriculture in Bangladesh?
Sustainable agriculture in Bangladesh faces several key challenges due to its geographical, social, and economic conditions. These challenges include:
1. Land Degradation
Excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides leads to soil fertility loss.
Salinity intrusion, particularly in coastal regions, affects arable land.
Erosion in hilly areas reduces land available for farming.
2. Climate Change
Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and extreme weather events (like floods, cyclones, and droughts) disrupt farming patterns.
Sea level rise threatens coastal agricultural zones.
3. Population Pressure
High population density increases demand for food, putting pressure on limited agricultural land.
Urbanization and infrastructure development reduce the area available for farming.
4. Water Management Issues
Over-reliance on groundwater for irrigation depletes aquifers.
Seasonal water scarcity and flooding hinder year-round agricultural productivity.
5. Loss of Biodiversity
Monocropping and high-yielding varieties replace traditional crops, reducing genetic diversity.
Unsustainable fishing and farming practices affect ecosystem balance.
6. Poverty and Resource Constraints
Smallholder farmers lack access to credit, modern technology, and quality inputs.
Limited extension services and training hinder adoption of sustainable practices.
7. Market and Policy Gaps
Fluctuating market prices discourage farmers from adopting sustainable methods.
Inadequate policies and subsidies for sustainable agriculture hinder progress.
8. Pests and Diseases
Increased pest resistance due to indiscriminate pesticide use.
Climate change exacerbates the spread of new pests and diseases.
9. Lack of Awareness and Education
Many farmers are unaware of sustainable practices like crop rotation, organic farming, and integrated pest management.
10. Energy Dependence
Dependency on fossil fuels for irrigation and mechanization increases production costs and carbon emissions.
1. Land Degradation
Excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides leads to soil fertility loss.
Salinity intrusion, particularly in coastal regions, affects arable land.
Erosion in hilly areas reduces land available for farming.
2. Climate Change
Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and extreme weather events (like floods, cyclones, and droughts) disrupt farming patterns.
Sea level rise threatens coastal agricultural zones.
3. Population Pressure
High population density increases demand for food, putting pressure on limited agricultural land.
Urbanization and infrastructure development reduce the area available for farming.
4. Water Management Issues
Over-reliance on groundwater for irrigation depletes aquifers.
Seasonal water scarcity and flooding hinder year-round agricultural productivity.
5. Loss of Biodiversity
Monocropping and high-yielding varieties replace traditional crops, reducing genetic diversity.
Unsustainable fishing and farming practices affect ecosystem balance.
6. Poverty and Resource Constraints
Smallholder farmers lack access to credit, modern technology, and quality inputs.
Limited extension services and training hinder adoption of sustainable practices.
7. Market and Policy Gaps
Fluctuating market prices discourage farmers from adopting sustainable methods.
Inadequate policies and subsidies for sustainable agriculture hinder progress.
8. Pests and Diseases
Increased pest resistance due to indiscriminate pesticide use.
Climate change exacerbates the spread of new pests and diseases.
9. Lack of Awareness and Education
Many farmers are unaware of sustainable practices like crop rotation, organic farming, and integrated pest management.
10. Energy Dependence
Dependency on fossil fuels for irrigation and mechanization increases production costs and carbon emissions.
The key challenges facing sustainable agriculture in Bangladesh include:
Climate Change Vulnerability: Frequent floods, cyclones, and erratic rainfall disrupt agricultural activities and damage crops. Rising temperatures also impact yields and increase pest outbreaks
WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM
FORESIGHT4FOOD
.
Land Degradation: Soil erosion, salinity, and reduced fertility hinder productivity. Limited arable land due to population pressure exacerbates this issue
FORESIGHT4FOOD
.
Water Scarcity and Management: Although dependent on monsoon rains, inefficient water management and seasonal droughts challenge irrigation and crop production
CLIMATE KNOWLEDGE PORTAL
.
Lack of Access to Technology and Inputs: Farmers often struggle with limited access to modern agricultural tools, quality seeds, fertilizers, and financial services, limiting productivity growth
WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM
CLIMATE KNOWLEDGE PORTAL
.
Market Access and Infrastructure: Poor rural infrastructure and market linkages prevent farmers from getting fair prices and accessing wider markets
FORESIGHT4FOOD
.
Addressing these issues requires policy reforms, climate-resilient practices, and investment in rural infrastructure and technology.
Climate Change Vulnerability: Frequent floods, cyclones, and erratic rainfall disrupt agricultural activities and damage crops. Rising temperatures also impact yields and increase pest outbreaks
WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM
FORESIGHT4FOOD
.
Land Degradation: Soil erosion, salinity, and reduced fertility hinder productivity. Limited arable land due to population pressure exacerbates this issue
FORESIGHT4FOOD
.
Water Scarcity and Management: Although dependent on monsoon rains, inefficient water management and seasonal droughts challenge irrigation and crop production
CLIMATE KNOWLEDGE PORTAL
.
Lack of Access to Technology and Inputs: Farmers often struggle with limited access to modern agricultural tools, quality seeds, fertilizers, and financial services, limiting productivity growth
WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM
CLIMATE KNOWLEDGE PORTAL
.
Market Access and Infrastructure: Poor rural infrastructure and market linkages prevent farmers from getting fair prices and accessing wider markets
FORESIGHT4FOOD
.
Addressing these issues requires policy reforms, climate-resilient practices, and investment in rural infrastructure and technology.