No abstract

The major aims of this study were mainly to determine and describe the extent of farmers’ crop productivity and also explore the relationship between the 12 selected characteristics of the farmers with their crop productivity level. The study was designed with a mixed-method approach where both qualitative and quantitative analyses are blended in a rational way to have a deeper understanding of research problems. The study was conducted in Dumki Upazilla under Patuakhali district, Bangladesh. Simple random sampling technique was used to select 110 farmers except landless engaged in crop production. Data were collected by face to face interview using a pre-tested interview schedule during the period from March 10 to April 15, 2016. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistical measures and computer software like SPSS. Pearson's Product Moment coefficient of correlation results showed that out of 12 independent variables, the correlation coefficients of 7 variables had a positive and significant relationship with their level of crop productivity. The stepwise multiple regression analyses stated that only 4 variables such as communication exposure, innovativeness, risk orientation and training experience had a significant contribution to the farmers' crop productivity level and also accounted for 52.8 per cent of the total variation in productivity index. This study also showed some problems which were faced by the farmers during crop production. If these problems can be solved, the farmers’ crop productivity level will be increased.

With the aim of evaluating the effect of Government Youth Development Training on the KSA of the incumbents, this research used structured interview schedule and accomplished face-to-face interview of 142 randomly selected trainees from four purposefully selected Youth Training Centers. A strong positive significant change of KSA occurred due to the training and major change happened in knowledge followed by skill and attitude. The regression analysis shows that the traits of the trainers, location of the training center, and regularity in class attendance had significant relationship with knowledge change of the incumbents, while the traits of the trainers, experience of other trainings, and location of the training centers were significant determinants of skill change. Continuous improvement of trainer's traits as well as inclusion of more practical field works in training sessions, and frequent evaluation of each training program based on KSA( Knowledge Skill & Attitude) is crucial to improve the effect of government youth development training in the study area.

The study aimed to investigate farmers' awareness level of pesticide use in the study area and to pursue the relationship between the selected characteristics of the respondents and their awareness level of pesticide use. A mixed-method approach was used in which qualitative and quantitative analyses were blended rationally to have in-depth Knowledge and understanding of research problems. The area of Dumki Upazila under Patuakhali district in Bangladesh was selected for conducting this study successfully. The simple random sampling technique was used to select 110 farmers engaged in various types of crop production using multiple pesticides. Data was collected through face-to-face interviews using a pretested interview schedule from April 15 to June 30, 2020. Descriptive statistical measurement and the software SPSS were used to analyze collected data. The results of the Pearson's Product Moment correlation coefficient identified that, among the independent variables, only six variables such as training received, percentages of land ownership, communication exposure, yearly household income, risk orientation, and Knowledge of pesticide use had a positive and significant relationship on farmers' level of awareness of pesticide use. At the same time, the stepwise multiple regression analysis demonstrated that four variables, such as Knowledge of pesticide use, communication exposure, risk orientation, and training received, had a positive and significant contribution to the farmers' awareness of pesticide use. These four variables also explained 54.55% of the farmers' total variation in awareness level.