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Research Article

Factors Influencing Agricultural Diversification: The Case of Northern Bangladesh

, , ,
Md Mamunur Rashid — Ph.D. Fellow,Department of Agricultural Extension, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur, Bangladesh
Md Abu Sayed Mondol — Professor, Department of Agricultural Extension, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur, Bangladesh
Md Sadekur Rahman — Professor and Chairman, Department of Agricultural Extension, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur, Bangladesh
Tamara Jackson — Rupantar Project Leader & Senior Research Fellow, School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, Adelaide University, Australia
Published 18 Mar 2026 Vol. 62 No. 2 (2026), pp. 79-85 ● Open access
❝ How to cite 🔗 https://doi.org/10.48165/IJEE.2026.62213
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Abstract

Agricultural diversification has significant positive impacts, including generating more rural employment and higher incomes, creating new market opportunities, improving nutritional standards, and empowering women. However, due to socio-economic, psychological, communicational, technological, infrastructural, and climate aspects, farmers’ agricultural diversification decisions are poorly understood. The study aimed to measure the extent of agricultural diversification and the influence of selected factors on it in northern Bangladesh in 2024. A multi-stage sampling method was utilized to pick 348 participants from the northern districts of Kurigram, Thakurgaon, and Dinajpur in Bangladesh. Simpson’s Index of Diversity results indicate that 85.1% of farmers had low to medium agricultural diversification, with the overall diversification level in northern Bangladesh ranging from 0.534 to 0.665. Multiple Linear Regression model reveals that decision-making ability, risk orientation, credit-seeking behavior, extension media contact, and market accessibility had a positive effect on agricultural diversification, whereas farm size was found to negatively influence the adoption of agricultural diversification. Based on these findings, it is recommended that extension agencies and policymakers consider these factors when designing and implementing agricultural diversification programs in northern Bangladesh. Further research is suggested to explore smallholder farmers’ preferences for agricultural diversification in the region.
KeywordsSimpson’s index of diversity, Multiple linear regression, Smallholder farmers, Extension media contact, Market accessibility.

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