Examining Rice Farming Practices and Livelihood Strategies among Farmers in Pabna District, Bangladesh

This study investigates the livelihood strategies of farming households in Pabna district, Bangladesh, focusing on rice cultivation in areas prone to high temperatures and low rainfall. Primary data were gathered through structured questionnaires, categorizing economic activities into five groups. A binary logit model identified key factors influencing the adoption of sustainable livelihood strategies. Results revealed that combining rice cultivation with livestock rearing was the most productive strategy. Household demographics (age, gender, education), family characteristics (size, income), farming parameters (land ownership, labor), and socio-economic factors (market proximity, credit access) significantly influenced livelihood diversification. Younger, educated farmers with higher incomes were more likely to diversify, while distance to markets hindered some strategies. The study emphasizes the challenges of relying solely on rice farming and highlights the need for diversified income sources. To enhance resilience and profitability, policies should focus on improving access to modern agricultural technologies, financial support, and capacity-building initiatives to ensure sustainable rural livelihoods in climate-affected regions. Keywords: Rice Production; Rice Farming Practices; Diversified Livelihood Strategies; Drought Prone Areas; Income Disparity; Random Sampling.