Farmers’ Attitude Towards Ponds and Creeks Use in Some Selected Hilly Areas of Bangladesh

Abstract

This study explores the status and potential of creek and pond as well as the attitude of the farmers towards pond and creek use. Following random sampling technique, a total of 60 fish farmers were sampled from Panchari Upazila, Khagrachari district of Bangladesh who were involved with pond and/or creek culture and they were interviewed through a predesigned questionnaire. The findings of the study indicated that most of the respondents belonged to above 50 years of age while 95% of them had small to medium (2-7 members) family size and about 72% of whom were literate either from primary to more than SSC level. Out of all the farmers, 85% of them had their own pond/creek and only 25% of them maintained communication with the fisheries related personnel (SUFO/UFO/others) to receive fish extension related information although, 36.7% of them didn’t receive any training on agriculture and aquaculture related issues. By producing different types of fishes, they earned an average BDT 35915.25 from aquaculture which helped them maintaining positive attitude towards ponds and creeks use. The respondents of the study area perceived that ponds/creeks fish culture helped to increase their family income in the hilly areas and also uplifted their self-employment. Out of all the farmers, 65% had moderately to highly favorable attitude towards ponds and creeks use. Linear regression analysis indicated that age, level of education, income from aquaculture, agricultural training received, and aquaculture training received of the farmers had significant contribution on their attitude. The respondents of the study area perceived that ponds/creeks fish culture helped to increase family income in the hilly areas and also uplifted their self-employment.