Current Status of Livestock and Poultry Farmers and Discrepancies in Livestock Supply Chains in Southwest Region of Bangladesh

Assessing the current status of smallholder farmers and discrepancies in livestock supply chains in the southwest region of Bangladesh is crucial for identifying and addressing systemic challenges to improve the overall efficiency and sustainability of the agricultural sector in the region. This study aimed to assess the current status of smallholder farmers and the livestock supply chains in the Southwest region of Bangladesh. The study used a mixed-method approach, including both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. The study area were Fakirhat, Debhata and Dumuria upazila, which belong to southwest region of Bangladesh. Data were collected from purposively selected 90 respondents using an interview schedule during 4 July to 5 October, 2023 The data were collected through face-to-face interviews with farmers and also retailers of Khulna city, as well as through case studies. The selected characteristics of the farmers were age, educational qualification, family size, main occupation, farming experience, farm size, farming system and annual family income. In the study it was found that about more than half (58.1%) of the respondent were middle aged, and 32.3 % could only sing up only. About half (50%) of the farmers had small sized family, small sized farm and had low farming experience 45.6 %. The study identified the price of various livestock products (beef, eggs, milk, poultry meat) at the selling prices of the respondents in the research area as well as at various grocery stores and retailers in Khulna. And contrasted the prices of the livestock products as well. According to the study, smallholder farmers deal with a number of difficulties, such as poor market infrastructure, limited credit availability, and a lack of technical knowledge. The study additionally found that the nation's economy greatly benefits from the livestock sector. It was found that smallholder farmers did not benefit from the majority of the profit generated, which was absorbed by end-market intermediaries. The results of this study help create a better understanding of the localized natural resource-based worth chains' creation process, power structure, and profit sharing Implement focused interventions to empower smallholder farmers and strengthen the livestock sector's crucial economic contribution to the country. These interventions could include expanding credit availability, enhancing market infrastructure, and offering technical training.

• Supervision