Environmental Impacts of Technological Change in Bangladesh Agriculture: Farmers' Perceptions and Empirical Evidence

Abstract

Concern about the environmental impacts of technological change in agriculture, and studies exploring farmers' perceptions of this issue are nascent. This paper provides an insight into the environmental impacts of modern agricultural technology, as perceived by Bangladeshi farmers. This is supported by material evidence such as soil fertility, and analyses of fertilizer and pesticide use, foodgrain production and fish catches. Farmers are well aware of the adverse environmental impacts of modern agricultural technology, although their awareness remains confined within the daily experience of their local environment, and is limited to matters such as soil fertility, fish catches and health effects. Farmers' perceptions of impacts such as toxicity in water and soils, are weak. Raising farmers' awareness of these tangible and intangible environmental impacts of modern agricultural technology is urgently needed for the development of sustainable agriculture.