食品の窒素とリンのフットプリントに対する宗教的な食文化の影響分析：インド大陸における事例研究

Tohoku University松八重一代課

Business prospects and challenges in Haor areas of Bangladesh

Bangladesh has experienced promising improvements in its overall economic, social and health conditions, but the progress is not up to the mark in Haor areas. Improvements in this sector can lead to increase in production, employment and poverty reduction. Aside from increased productivity, farmers need a supporting business environment where availability and access to agricultural inputs are ensured, fair returns to investment are secured. Keeping these issues in mind, the study was conducted to measure productivity, profitability, and price variation of inputs and outputs; and to identify business challenges and suggest policy options for overcoming constraints and exploring intervention strategies in Haor regions. Primary data were collected from Mohongonj upazila of Netrakona district and Mithamoin upazila of Kishoregonj district. A total of 120 farmers and 24 service providers were interviewed for data collection. Face-to-face interview, focus group discussions (FGD) and key informant interviews (KII) were conducted to collect primary data. For analyzing the data, descriptive statistics and accounting method were used to achieve the objectives. The study revealed that average farm size of the respondents was 0.73 hectare. Most of the farmers (39.2%) followed the farming system of crop-livestock-fish catching (C-L-F). Fish catching was the most profitable enterprise with BCR 2.12. The differences in productivity of crop farming and poultry rearing between Haor areas and main land were found statistically significant. Remarkable differences in quantity and price of inputs and outputs were seen in Haor areas and main land. Favorable farm environment and proper utilization of agricultural resources were identified as major strength and opportunity in the study areas. Formation of agribusiness clusters involving input suppliers, credit/financial organizations and different support service providers will result in more income, better nutrition and improved livelihood of the Haor people. The study concludes that the business environment in the Haor areas has a high potential to be exposed with the integration of available local agricultural resources. Government price support and improved market management are recommended for accessibility and appropriate use of agricultural inputs, and for managing local productive resources in use of business prospects in the study areas

A COLLEGE LEVEL GEOLOGY FIELD TRIP IN WESTERN CONNECTICUT AND VICINITY

There are a number of excellent locations for field exposure for college students in, and around Western Connecticut. These are accessible for a one day field trip within striking distance of New York City, Bridgeport and New Haven, CT and other nearby locations. They are also suitable for an expanded weekend field trip. The field locations include; Kent Falls State Park, Kent, CT, Dinosaur State Park, Rocky Hill, CT, the Hubbard Mining Museum, Kent, CT, Bash Bish Falls in Mt. Washington, Massachusetts, Macedonia Brook State Park in Kent, CT and various outcrops exposed along U. S. Route 7 north of Danbury, CT. Attractions include dinosaur footprints, good exposures of Paleozoic metamorphic rocks, Precambrian outcrops, illustrations of the relationship between lithology and geomorphology, (particularly at Kent falls and Bash Bish Falls), fluvial potholes at Kent Falls, rock, mineral and mining exhibits at the Hubbard Mining Museum, and an outcrop showing an intrusive contact along Route 7. On this field trip, the students will have the opportunity to cross two major unconformities and see the evidence for them. In addition to the opportunity to collect rock and mineral samples, students will be able to make plaster casts of dinosaur footprints at Dinosaur Park. Students will also have the opportunity to visit Tory Cave, a marble cave in the Stockbridge formation, off route 7, just south of Gaylordsville, CT. Field experience is essential to a good geological education and this area provides students with excellent opportunities for such field exposure

Prevalence of Arsenic Exposure from Drinking Water and Awareness of Its Health Risks in a Bangladeshi Population: Results from a Large Population-Based Study

We conducted a population-based prevalence survey in Araihazar, Bangladesh, to describe the distribution of arsenic exposure in a rural Bangladeshi population and to assess the population’s awareness to this problem as well as to possible remediation options. Water samples from 5,967 contiguous tube wells in a defined geographic area were tested using laboratory-based methods. Additionally, for each well, the owner/caretaker (or a close relative) was interviewed regarding his or her awareness of the health consequences of As exposure. Arsenic exposure data and demographic characteristics for the 65,876 users of these wells were also collected from the 5,967 respondents. Among the 65,876 residents, more than half (54%) regularly consumed well water with an As concentration ≥ 50 μg/L—above the acceptable government standard in Bangladesh. Respondents were 15–92 years of age, with an average age of 42 years, and 43% were male. Presence of awareness was significantly related to male sex, nonlabor head of household occupation, better housing, and having had the well tested for As concentration. Most respondents (92%) expressed a willingness to take steps to reduce their exposure, with switching to a safe well the most favored option (46.2%). Willingness to reduce exposure was positively related to awareness of the health risks of As. However, the association between awareness and switching to a safe well [odds ratio (OR) = 1.25; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.01–1.54] was no stronger than the associations between awareness and using surface water (with or without treatments) (OR = 1.54; 95% CI, 1.22–1.95) or using an existing well after treatment or increasing the depth (OR = 1.34; 95% CI, 1.08–1.67). These findings suggest that health education programs may need to target individuals with lower socioeconomic status and that well switching should be encouraged with more appropriate health education. Increasing knowledge of the health consequences of As may be an important element in facilitating remediation

Government input support on Aus rice production in Bangladesh: impact on farmers’ food security and poverty situation

Abstract Background Aus rice began to lose its importance as farmers slowly started shifting to cultivation of irrigated Boro rice encouraged by its higher yields. The government of Bangladesh has launched an incentive programme for small and marginal farmers with an attempt to rejuvenate Aus rice cultivation. The aim of this study is to assess the impact of government input support on Aus rice production in Bangladesh and its impact on food security and farmers’ poverty situation. A total of 120 (i.e., 60 supported and 60 non-supported) farmers from two upazilas of Mymensingh district were selected. Data were analysed with a combination of descriptive statistics, mathematical and statistical techniques. Results The results show that rice cultivation occupied the major portion of farmers’ total cropped area. The government of Bangladesh had provided with input (both cash and kind) support in order to boost Aus rice (UFSHI and NERICA variety) production. Cropping intensity of supported farmers’ was increased by 39.7%, whereas it was increased by only 1.4% for non-supported farmers. Productivity of Aus rice was 138.0 and 100.0% in stare of supported and non-supported farmers, respectively. Average per capita daily calorie intake of the households was still below the national average level of 2122 kcal. Poverty in terms of deprivation of health education, employment, housing, mobility and income was decreased, and overall livelihood circumstances were improved through government input support on Aus rice production. Conclusions The study concludes that the motivation provided with by the government through input support on Aus rice production was highly appreciated by the farmers. Though per capita daily calorie intake by the farmers was still under the national average level, supported farmers were more food secure than non-supported farmers. Several dimensions of poverty were decreased, and overall socioeconomic status was improved. The study recommended that scientific and technical training programmes should be arranged to raise farmers’ awareness about Aus rice production for enhancing their livelihood

Green grass production for improving farmers’ socioeconomic status in major milk pocket areas of Bangladesh

The study was conducted to assess the impact of cultivating green grass on farmers’ livelihood in major milk pocket areas of Bangladesh. A total of 180 farmers were interviewed following stratified random sampling technique from Sirajganj, Pabna and Rangpur districts. A combination of descriptive, mathematical and statistical techniques was used to analyze the data. Green grass is one of the major ruminant foods and its nutritive value is very high. Profitability analysis showed that benefit cost ratio of green grass production was 1.84 and it was comparatively profitable than the competing crop Boro rice. Age of household head, annual income from grass production, households’ training and experience in green grass production were the significant factors influencing farmers’ decision to adopt green grass production. The study found that more than 50% of the farmers’ socioeconomic status and livelihood assets increased after adopting green grass production. SWOT analysis indicated nutritive value of green grass as major strength and its high demand for as major opportunity. The study recommended that input support, training programmes and extension services by government and non-government organizations should be organized, and contract-based cooperative groups should be established to raise farmers’ awareness on producing green grass

Dataset on the Impact of GO-NGO Support on Crop Intensification and Food Security in Bangladesh

The data used in this article elucidated crop intensification and farmers’ food security status through GO-NGO support in Bangladesh. A total of 200 farmers (100 from non-supported and 100 from GO-NGO supported) were selected for data collection using purposive sampling technique. The collected data showed that GO-NGO support has a significant impact on changes in agricultural enterprises. Majority (63.3%) of the households belong to the low intensity category for non-supported farmers. In case of GO-NGO supported farmers, majority (73.3%) of the households belong to the high intensity category. The food security indices values showed that the food security index for non-supported farm households was 0.97 and for GO-NGO supported farm households, it was 1.07. Keywords: Crop intensification, GO-NGO support, Food security, Banglades

Advancing Safe Broiler Farming in Bangladesh: An Investigation of Management Practices, Financial Profitability, and Consumer Perceptions

This study examined the rearing and management methods, financial profitability, and consumer perceptions towards safe broiler production in Bangladesh. Employing stratified random sampling, 60 participants (30 farmers and 30 consumers) from two sub-districts in Mymensingh district were interviewed. A mix of descriptive, mathematical, and statistical approaches was used for data analysis and representation. This study identified key components of safe broiler management, including brooding, housing, feed and water management, lighting, litter maintenance, medication and vaccination, and biosecurity and hygiene control. A benefit–cost of 1.40 obtained from profitability analysis indicated the profitability of safe broiler farming. Consumer awareness of safe broiler meat was assessed using the Likert scale, highlighting the significance of nutrition, packaging, freshness, taste, and natural ingredients in purchasing decisions. The Logit model revealed that factors such as meat size, freshness, taste, and family income significantly impacted consumer purchasing choices. The main challenges faced by safe broiler producers included high prices and limited availability of feed, day-old chicks, medicine and vaccines, and lack of knowledge. To ensure efficient safe broiler production in Bangladesh, this study recommends the implementation of stable input supplies, accessible credit, skill development, and infrastructure enhancement