POVERTY SITUATION OF THE FARMERS IN THE SOUTHERN RURAL AREAS OF BANGLADESH: A CASE STUDY ON BARUIPARA, BAGERHAT

Abstract

The present study aims at assessing the poverty situation of the rural farmers and its extent in a particular area of a southern district of Bagerhat, Bangladesh. The poverty situation had been analyzed by using the facts of income and living standard considering the conditions of clothing, housing, education, occupation, availability of food, and medical facilities. Relevant data were collected from 50 households (from the total of 300) involved in crop and non- crop cultivation. The households, estimated monthly income of Tk. 2754 (referred to as "1$ a day") was considered as extremely poor and Tk. 5508 (referred to as"2 $ a day") as moderately poor. In the study area 24 percent households were found to be extremely poor and 40 percent were moderately poor. The pattern of income and expenditure of the households concerned revealed the facts that about 34 percent were poor in clothing, about 28 percent were illiterate, whereas 48 percent were in want of food. Regarding housing, 26 per cent houses were match box type house, and about 62 percent could afford to avid of the indigenous medical facilities, 46 percent could go to public clinic during illness. The extent of poverty had been tried to be studied by drawing a poverty line using the cost of basic needs. Therefore, the poverty situation requires a comprehensive strategy in order to maintain sustainable resources as a means to reduce the existing condition of poverty.