Exploring Role of Local NGOs in Agriculture: a GIS Based study along the Jamuna River, Bangladesh

Abstract

Agriculture is the primary source of income for Bangladesh's rural population. Non-government organizations (NGOs) are actively  engaged in the improvement of Bangladesh's agriculture sector alongside government organizations (GOs). This study will provide an  insight into the agricultural services provided by NGOs at the district level along the Jamuna River. Data was obtained from 533  individuals affiliated to 30 NGOs in 126 Unions using the home survey (HHS) technique and 50 Focused Group Discussions (FGD). Using GIS technology, the study also determined the optimum suited site for agricultural crops in the study region. The research's  findings show that local NGOs in the study region assist farmers by providing agricultural supplies (seed, fertilizer, pesticide),  agricultural tools, financial loans, agricultural training, irrigation facilities, and help for women in kitchen gardening, among other  things. People in remote rural regions largely participated in farming, whilst those near Bangladesh's capital (Dhaka) or other  developed areas primarily worked in industry or the service sector. According to correlation research, the number of farmers trained,  access to agricultural inputs, presence of domestic animals in the family, and access to agricultural loans all enhance the income of  farmers in the study region. The findings also reveal that not all of the study area's land is suited for farming. Identifying the best  suited areas for agriculture might help increase agricultural production. According to the study, both the government and non- governmental organizations (NGOs) should create awareness among farmers and assist them in identifying the best suited  production locations for crops in order to increase land productivity.