FACTORS AFFECTING PARTICIPATION IN RDA DEVELOPED IRRIGATION AND WATER DEVELOPMENT PROJECT: CASE OF RICE GROWERS IN NORTHERN BANGLADESH

Abstract

Northern regions of Bangladesh are particularly exposed to droughts. Rural Development Academy (RDA) situated in that part is engaged to deliver sustainable rural development through innovation and practices. This study identified the factors driving the participation of farmers in RDA developed irrigation project by employing descriptive statistics and logistic regression model. Primary data were collected from 100 respondents from Bamunia, Rohimabad, Katabaria, Shotibari and Chockpahari villages of Shajahanpur and Sherpur Upazilla under Bogura district through face-to-face interview. Approximately, 77% of the respondents were under water development project. The findings indicated that education of the respondent and farm sizes were crucial for project participation. To increase the project participation, this study also draws some recommendations such the relevant authority could invest on improving the knowledge of the farmers by educating them through training, ensuring the availability of such project in different locations can also help farmers to deal with water crisis during drought season.