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Vegetable production in flood prone and river erosion areas in Bangladesh: Impact on income and food security of people

K. M. M. Rahman, Detlef Virchow and Badiuzzaman

Abstract

Bangladesh is a land of rivers that is affected by flood every year. Due to the inherent nature of wetland and flood prone areas (haor), it is possible to produce vegetables to reduce the risk of crop failure, and also to increase the income and nutrition of farm households. This study found that production of vegetables was profitable. The shares of vegetables income to crop, agriculture and total income were 17%, 13% and 9% respectively. The average technical efficiency of vegetables production was 88% and there were significant technical inefficiency effects in the production process. Twelve percent (12%) vegetable production could be increased with the existing resources and available technology. Daily per capita calorie intake was 2164 kcal of which 144 kcal received from vegetables. Total per capita protein intake was 67 g of which 13 g received from vegetables. Per capita food consumption was influenced by family size, calorie received from vegetables and region. Food consumption per capita was significantly lower in households with higher family sizes and food consumption increased with the increased amount of calorie intake from vegetables. A package of policy options were suggested, such as efficient production of high value and nutritious vegetables, creation of income generation activities, setting up of small industries, strengthening of government and NGOs activities in haor areas.