Food security and agricultural issues are vital in Bangladesh, where a considerable part of the population depends on agriculture for their income. It has been identified that climate change has a profound effect on agricultural productivity and food security. Increasing temperatures and shifting precipitation patterns disrupt crop yields, especially affecting rice. For example, while a rise in minimum temperatures can boost food availability, severe weather events such as floods and droughts diminish it (Rahman, 2017) (Mamun et al., 2024) (Basak & Alam, 2013). Coastal areas are particularly vulnerable, as farmers face prolonged dry spells and shortages of irrigation water (Mamun et al., 2024). Embracing drought- and heat-tolerant crop varieties and implementing techniques like rainwater harvesting can help alleviate climate-related impacts. However, farmers require support through training and access to inputs (Mamun et al., 2024).
Sustainable agricultural practices, such as integrated rice-fish farming, enhances resource use and productivity. Nevertheless, the uptake is impeded by a lack of information and an aversion to risk (Ahmed et al., 2011). Innovations such as genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and climate-resilient crops provide potential solutions but encounter resistance due to smallholder farmers’ risk-averse tendencies (Ji et al., 2023) (Weisenfeld & Wetterberg, 2015).
The farm features like, family size, income, and land ownership substantially impact food security. Large family with lower income levels are often associated with heightened food insecurity (Alam, 2014) (Salman et al., 2023). Gender also plays a crucial role, with women frequently facing the most significant effects of food shortages, highlighting the necessity for gender-inclusive policies (Alston & Akhter, 2016). Strong policies and institutions are essential for addressing these issues. Bangladesh has made progress through initiatives like the National Food Policy, but there remain gaps in execution and inclusiveness. There is a pressing need for improved access to resources and financing for small and marginal farmers (Ahmed, 2015) (Khan, 2021).
The loss of arable land and water shortages are significant concerns. Annually, 80,000 hectares of farmland is lost, and water scarcity for irrigation disrupts production (Mondal, 2010) (Khan, 2021). Additionally, environmental degradation due to climate change worsens these issues. Economic inequalities is a contraint of the adoption of technology. Wealthier farmers can invest in modern technologies, while poorer farmers struggle, resulting in unequal agricultural outcomes (Khan, 2021). Social inequalities, particularly those related to gender, impact access to resources and decision-making authority (Alston & Akhter, 2016). Although food production has risen, many households remain food insecure due to inefficient distribution and high costs. This situation is apparent in rural communities where food availability and affordability fluctuate (Alam, 2014). Practices such as agroecology and integrated farming systems, like rice-fish farming, present sustainable solutions. These approaches improve biodiversity and resource efficiency, yielding both economic and environmental advantages (Misra, 2018).
Therefore, policies should aim for inclusive growth, ensuring that small farmers have access to land, water, and credit. Developing regulatory frameworks for input quality and supporting climate-resilient technologies is crucial (Ahmed, 2015). To enhance productivity, it is vital to tackle barriers to technology adoption through focused interventions and capacity-building programs. Policies must strive for equitable access to technology (Weisenfeld & Wetterberg, 2015; Khan, 2021).