Impact of Chui Jhal Based Agroforestry System On Farmers Livelihood: Case of Selected District of Khulna

Abstract

This study investigates the socio-economic and agricultural dimensions of chui jhal (Piper chaba) cultivation in the Rangimari village of Dumuria Upazila and Gutudi village of Batiaghata Upazila, Khulna district, Bangladesh. Based on data collected from 46 respondents, the socio-economic profile reveals a predominantly young farming community (52.17% aged up to 35 years) with diverse family sizes (34.78% with up to 4 members) and education levels ranging from illiterate (26.09%) to graduate (2.17%). Motivations for tree planting, integral to Piper chaba cultivation, include timber (65.48%), food (46.51%), fruit (42.78%), fodder (30.91%), fuel (26.12%), and medicinal use (15.17%). The analysis of tree species ownership highlights Eucalyptus (83.2%), Betel nut (80.3%) and Jackfruit (73.6%) as dominant. Preferred trees for Piper chaba cultivation include betel nut (86.96%), coconut (84.78%) and mango (76.09%). The Livelihood Improvement Index (LII) assesses interventions across capitals, indicating positive impacts in Human and Physical Capital with increased scores in awareness programs (18.52%), agroforestry management skills (12.54%), educational facilities (32.45%), health facilities (16.35%), transportation infrastructure (29.27%), basic amenities (33.44%) and adoption of agricultural technology (33.44%). Social Capital initiatives such as community participation (19.44%) and agricultural office effectiveness (31.87%) show success. Financial Capital interventions including employment generation (29.48%), income augmentation (41.64%), savings encouragement (19.72%) and enhanced credit availability (4.47%), demonstrate positive economic impacts. Natural Capital interventions focusing on tree coverage (50.24%), soil conservation (41.64%), increased land productivity (35.16%) and expanded availability of wood products (17.65%), emphasize environmental sustainability. Despite these positive trends, challenges persist with plant theft (70.45%), plant rot (60.48%), insufficient agricultural office assistance (79.35%) and lack of market information (21.73%) ranking prominently. The study provides crucial data insights for policymakers, researchers, and development practitioners, offering a nuanced understanding of Piper chaba cultivation dynamics and associated socio-economic factors in Khulna district of Bangladesh.