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ABSTRACT Floating agriculture transforms marshy lands into productive resources, enhancing food security and rural incomes in climate‐vulnerable areas. While prior research highlights its potential as a climate‐resilient practice, gaps remain in understanding the determinants of adoption and long‐term livelihood impacts. Our study addresses these gaps by examining farming procedures, profitability, impacts, and the key drivers and challenges influencing floating agriculture adoption in southern Bangladesh. Data was collected from 158 farmers using a pre‐tested questionnaire between October 2018 and April 2019. Profit function and logit regression models were applied to analyze profitability and socio‐economic determinants, complemented by qualitative methods and causal loop diagrams to assess impacts. Findings reveal that farmers employ both intercropping and monocropping, with a preference for seedling raising (156.37 USD/100 m2) over vegetable cultivation (121.56 USD/100 m2) due to higher profitability. Despite its labor‐intensive nature (73% labor costs for seedling rising vs. 85% for vegetable cultivation), floating agriculture boosts household income, meets local vegetable demand, and reduces reliance on external markets during shocks. Additionally, it provides ecological benefits such as waterweed management and reduced environmental pollution. Floating agriculture also alleviates poverty by enhancing agricultural production and generating a positive feedback loop of increased income, food availability, and improved nutrition and health. Adoption is influenced by age, experience, family size, income diversity, credit access, extension services, and market proximity. However, high capital costs, limited credit, market volatility, and biotic/abiotic stresses pose challenges. To scale up floating agriculture, policy measures should focus on financial support, technical training, cost‐effective innovations, and fostering cooperative farming. Institutional backing is crucial for promoting this sustainable cleaner production practice in flood‐prone regions of Bangladesh and similar global contexts.

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.

The haor region of Bangladesh is exposed to a variety of natural hazards such as flash floods, seasonal floods, droughts, riverbank erosion, embankment breach due to climate change, which impacts the haor people's lives and livelihoods. Haor households are attempting to diversify their livelihood activities to protect themselves from such extreme climate events. The study’s aim to evaluate the various livelihood strategies adopted by haor households, and multinomial logistic regression is employed to identify the factors influencing their decision to pursue more eco-friendly and sustainable livelihood strategies. A multi-stage stratified random sampling technique was used to collect primary data from 300 haor households in Kishoreganj, Netrokona, and Sunamganj districts, with 100 from each district. We provide inimitable insight into the analysis to understand how livelihood resources, livelihood strategies, and livelihood outcomes are closely tied in the framework for sustainable rural livelihoods. The study classified a household’s economic activities into five distinct categories, together with crop farming. Among the livelihood options, crop plus livestock rearing is the most productive livelihood strategy for haor households. The findings revealed that the household’s head age and education, dependency ratio, land holdings, household assets value, access to credit, annual income, membership of any organization, home to road, market, and haor distances, communication during the dry season, duration of waterlogged, and agro-ecology of the haor ecosystem all have a significant impact on the choice of higher returning livelihood diversification strategies. Policies should attempt to promote the significant determinants of livelihood strategies choice, as well as should ensure livelihood assets, a strong infrastructure, and minimize natural hazards, in order to transform the local context and enable poor households to build more profitable livelihood strategies.

The study was conducted to evaluate the economic and environmental impacts of water-saving technologies (WST) on Boro rice (Oryza sativa; var. BRRIdhan 29) farming in Bangladesh. A total of 480 farmers (80 focal and 400 control) were selected as sample from Mymensingh, Comilla, Bogra and Gaibandha districts. Focal farmers were selected purposively and a limited amount of financial support was provided to them to implement WST. On the other hand, control farmers were selected randomly. They did not receive any financial support and continued practicing conventional irrigation methods. For analyzing the data, a combination of descriptive, mathematical and statistical techniques was used. The study revealed that 62.5 and 37.5% of focal farmers adopted alternate wetting and drying (AWD) and system of rice intensification (SRI) methods, respectively, where the majority of them were within the late majority group in terms of adoption. The profitability and productivity of Boro rice, as well as water productivity, were comparatively higher for focal farmers compared to control farmers. Furthermore, focal farmers’ irrigation amount for producing Boro rice was significantly lower than control farmers. The study also revealed that focal farmers’ income from rice production was 24.6% higher than control farmers. Input support, motivation, training programs and extension services are recommended to implement to raise the awareness and enrich the knowledge of the farmers on water-saving technologies.

This study assessed consumer preferences and consumption patterns for prawns in Bangladesh, underscoring the economic and nutritional significance of prawns in the local diet. A total of 120 respondents were interviewed following a random sampling technique from four districts. The data analysis employed descriptive statistics alongside mathematical and statistical methods. The findings indicate a strong preference for fresh and large-sized prawns among the consumers. Income level substantially influenced the prawn purchases, with the high-income consumers more likely to buy premium prawn products, while the low-income consumers showed sensitivity to price changes. The primary concerns that significantly influenced the consumers’ purchasing decisions were found to be size, freshness, taste, price, market availability, and income. Additionally, the consumers’ perceived value and willingness-to-pay for prawns were significantly driven by size, freshness, environmental sustainability, and income levels. Policy recommendations include promoting sustainable prawn farming and improving accessibility for low-income consumers to enhance both nutritional intake and economic resilience. This research offers valuable insights for stakeholders in the prawn industry, facilitating the development of targeted marketing strategies and informed policymaking for sustainable industry growth.

Despite economic growth and poverty reduction, child undernutrition is still widespread in Bangladesh. This study aimed to evaluate both the burden and correlates of undernutrition among children under five in Bangladesh using the Composite Index of Anthropometric Failure (CIAF). Data were obtained from the 2019 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS), comprising a weighted sample of 21,885 children collected through a nationally representative cross‐sectional survey between January and June 2019. The study applied a two‐stage stratified cluster sampling technique. To determine the factors influencing CIAF, a generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) was employed, accounting for clustering effects. The adjusted odds ratio (AOR) was derived, accompanied by its corresponding 95% CI, and a significance threshold of p < 0.05 was used to identify significant predictors of CIAF. The study revealed an overall CIAF prevalence of 37.2% (95% CI: 36.6%–37.9%). The prevalence of combined stunting and underweight was 11.9%, wasting and underweight 4.2%, and concurrent stunting, wasting and underweight 3.3%. Children aged 24–59 months, multiple births, birth size smaller than average, children of mothers with below primary education (AOR: 2.02; 95% CI: 1.59–2.57), received no ANC visits (AOR: 1.23; 95% CI: 1.04–1.46), children delivered at home, and children from lower socio‐economic families had significantly higher odds of undernutrition compared with other counterparts (AOR: 1.70; 95% CI: 1.37–2.11). In Bangladesh, more than one‐third of under‐five children suffer from undernutrition, hindering the potential of millions. Urgent policy action is needed to address undernutrition, particularly among socio‐economically disadvantaged children and those in the Sylhet division. Strengthening nutritional programs, maternal education, financial stability and healthcare access is crucial. The study recommends adopting CIAF as a national indicator to measure child undernutrition and guide comprehensive strategies to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Nearly 40% of under‐five children in Bangladesh face the risk of undernutrition, highlighting a major public health concern. Undernutrition affects both boys and girls equally, showing no significant gender disparity. Significant geographical disparities in undernutrition exist between urban and rural regions across all administrative divisions. Undernutrition is more prevalent among older‐age children, those from the poorest socio‐economic families, delivered at home, children whose mothers received no ANC visits, and those born with smaller birth sizes.

Bangladesh is one of the countries where the prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension is rising due to rising living standards, sedentary lifestyles, and epidemiological transition. Among the NCDs, hypertension is a major risk factor for CVD, accounting for half of all coronary heart disease worldwide. However, detailed research in this area has been limited in Bangladesh. The objective of the study was to estimate changes in the prevalence and risk factors of hypertension among Bangladeshi adult population. The study also sought to identify socioeconomic status-related inequality of hypertension prevalence in Bangladesh. Cross-sectional analysis was conducted using nationally representative two waves of the Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS) in 2011 and 2017-18. Survey participants were adults 18 years or older- which included detailed biomarker and anthropometric measurements of 23539 participants. The change in prevalence of hypertension was estimated, and adjusted odds ratios were obtained using multivariable survey logistic regression models. Further, Wagstaff decomposition method was also used to analyze the relative contributions of factors to hypertension. From 2011 to 2018, the hypertension prevalence among adults aged ≥35 years increased from 25.84% to 39.40% (p<0.001), with the largest relative increase (97%) among obese individuals. The prevalence among women remained higher than men whereas the relative increase among men and women were 75% and 39%, respectively. Regression analysis identified age and BMI as the independent risk factors of hypertension. Other risk factors of hypertension were sex, marital status, education, geographic region, wealth index, and diabetes status in both survey years. Female adults had significantly higher hypertension risk in both survey years in the overall analysis in, however, in the subgroup analysis, the gender difference in hypertension risk was not significant in rural 2011 and urban 2018 samples. Decomposition analysis revealed that the contributions of socio-economic status related inequality of hypertension in 2011 were46.58% and 20.85% for wealth index and BMI, respectively. However, the contributions of wealth index and BMI have shifted to 12.60% and 55.29%, respectively in 2018. The prevalence of hypertension among Bangladeshi adults has increased significantly, and there is no subgroup where it is decreasing. Population-level approaches directed at high-risk groups (overweight, obese) should be implemented thoroughly. We underscore prevention strategies by following strong collaboration with stakeholders in the health system of the country to adopt healthy lifestyle choices.

Bangladesh is one of the countries where the prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension is rising due to rising living standards, sedentary lifestyles, and epidemiological transition. Among the NCDs, hypertension is a major risk factor for CVD, accounting for half of all coronary heart disease worldwide. However, detailed research in this area has been limited in Bangladesh. The objective of the study was to estimate changes in the prevalence and risk factors of hypertension among Bangladeshi adult population. The study also sought to identify socioeconomic status-related inequality of hypertension prevalence in Bangladesh. Cross-sectional analysis was conducted using nationally representative two waves of the Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS) in 2011 and 2017-18. Survey participants were adults 18 years or older- which included detailed biomarker and anthropometric measurements of 23539 participants. The change in prevalence of hypertension was estimated, and adjusted odds ratios were obtained using multivariable survey logistic regression models. Further, Wagstaff decomposition method was also used to analyze the relative contributions of factors to hypertension. From 2011 to 2018, the hypertension prevalence among adults aged [greater than or equal to]35 years increased from 25.84% to 39.40% (p<0.001), with the largest relative increase (97%) among obese individuals. The prevalence among women remained higher than men whereas the relative increase among men and women were 75% and 39%, respectively. Regression analysis identified age and BMI as the independent risk factors of hypertension. Other risk factors of hypertension were sex, marital status, education, geographic region, wealth index, and diabetes status in both survey years. Female adults had significantly higher hypertension risk in both survey years in the overall analysis in, however, in the subgroup analysis, the gender difference in hypertension risk was not significant in rural 2011 and urban 2018 samples. Decomposition analysis revealed that the contributions of socio-economic status related inequality of hypertension in 2011 were46.58% and 20.85% for wealth index and BMI, respectively. However, the contributions of wealth index and BMI have shifted to 12.60% and 55.29%, respectively in 2018. The prevalence of hypertension among Bangladeshi adults has increased significantly, and there is no subgroup where it is decreasing. Population-level approaches directed at high-risk groups (overweight, obese) should be implemented thoroughly. We underscore prevention strategies by following strong collaboration with stakeholders in the health system of the country to adopt healthy lifestyle choices.

Bangladesh is one of the countries where the prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension is rising due to rising living standards, sedentary lifestyles, and epidemiological transition. Among the NCDs, hypertension is a major risk factor for CVD, accounting for half of all coronary heart disease worldwide. However, detailed research in this area has been limited in Bangladesh. The objective of the study was to estimate changes in the prevalence and risk factors of hypertension among Bangladeshi adult population. The study also sought to identify socioeconomic status-related inequality of hypertension prevalence in Bangladesh. Cross-sectional analysis was conducted using nationally representative two waves of the Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS) in 2011 and 2017-18. Survey participants were adults 18 years or older- which included detailed biomarker and anthropometric measurements of 23539 participants. The change in prevalence of hypertension was estimated, and adjusted odds ratios were obtained using multivariable survey logistic regression models. Further, Wagstaff decomposition method was also used to analyze the relative contributions of factors to hypertension. From 2011 to 2018, the hypertension prevalence among adults aged [greater than or equal to]35 years increased from 25.84% to 39.40% (p<0.001), with the largest relative increase (97%) among obese individuals. The prevalence among women remained higher than men whereas the relative increase among men and women were 75% and 39%, respectively. Regression analysis identified age and BMI as the independent risk factors of hypertension. Other risk factors of hypertension were sex, marital status, education, geographic region, wealth index, and diabetes status in both survey years. Female adults had significantly higher hypertension risk in both survey years in the overall analysis in, however, in the subgroup analysis, the gender difference in hypertension risk was not significant in rural 2011 and urban 2018 samples. Decomposition analysis revealed that the contributions of socio-economic status related inequality of hypertension in 2011 were46.58% and 20.85% for wealth index and BMI, respectively. However, the contributions of wealth index and BMI have shifted to 12.60% and 55.29%, respectively in 2018. The prevalence of hypertension among Bangladeshi adults has increased significantly, and there is no subgroup where it is decreasing. Population-level approaches directed at high-risk groups (overweight, obese) should be implemented thoroughly. We underscore prevention strategies by following strong collaboration with stakeholders in the health system of the country to adopt healthy lifestyle choices.