Done 11-04577 K - 11

ADOPTION OF INTERCROPPING WITH MANGO BY THE
FARMERS OF BAGHA UPAZILA UNDER

RAJSHAHI DISTRICT
MD. SAKINUR ISLAM
DEPARTMENT OF
AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION AND INFORMATION SYSTEM
SHER-E-BANGLA AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY
SHER-E-BANGLA NAGAR, DHAKA-1207
JUNE, 2017
i
RAJSHAHI DISTRICT
By
MD. SAKINUR ISLAM

Registration No.: 11-04577
A Thesis
Submitted to the Faculty of Agriculture,
Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka,
in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of
MASTER OF SCIENCE (MS)

IN
AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION
Semester: January - June, 2017
Approved by
…….….………………..….…. ……………..……..……
(Prof. M. Zahidul Haque) (Md. Mahbubul Alam, Ph.D)
Supervisor Co-Supervisor and
Dept. of Agril. Ext. and Info. System Associate Professor
Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University Dept. of Agril. Ext. and Info. System
Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University
…………………………………
(Md. Mahbubul Alam, Ph.D)
Associate Professor and Chairman
Department of Agricultural Extension and Information System
2
Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka
Department of Agricultural Extension and
Information System
Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka-1207, Bangladesh.
CERTIFICATE
This is to certify that the thesis entitled, “ADOPTION OF INTERCROPPING WITH

MANGO BY THE FARMERS OF BAGHA UPAZILA UNDER RAJSHAHI
DISTRICT” submitted to the faculty of Agriculture, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural
University, Dhaka, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master
of Science (MS) in Agricultural Extension, embodies the result of a piece of bona
fide research work carried out by Md. Sakinur Islam, Registration No. 11-04577,
under my supervision and guidance. No part of this thesis has been submitted for any
other degree or diploma.
I further certify that any help or sources of information, as has been availed of
during the course of investigation have been duly acknowledged.
………..……………………….…
(Prof. M. Zahidul Haque)
Supervisor
Dept. of Agril. Ext. and Info. System
iii
DEDICATION
DEDICATED TO MY
BELOVED PARENTS
iv
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
All praises, thanks and gratitude are due to the Supreme Ruler of the Universe, the
Almighty Allah for his grace bestowed upon the author for accomplishing this
research study. With boundless love and appreciation, the researcher would like to
extend his heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to all who helped him bring this study
into reality.
In particular, the researcher takes the opportunity to express thanks to his respectable
supervisor Prof. M. Zahidul Haque, Department of Agricultural Extension and
Information System, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, for his noble guidance,
constructive criticism, constant stimulation and encouragement thorough supervision
during the course of preparation of this thesis, without which this work would not
have been possible. For his unwavering support, I am truly grateful. His insight and
practical skill have left a distinct mark on this work.
The author deems it a proud privilege to express his deep sense of gratitude, sincere
appreciation and immense thanks to his co-supervisor Md. Mahbubul Alam, PhD,
Associate Professor and Chairman, Department of Agricultural Extension and
Information System, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka, for his
continuous guidance, cooperation, constructive criticism and helpful suggestions in
carrying out the research work and preparation of this thesis, without his intense co-
operation this work would not have been possible.
The author extends his sincere thanks to all academic and support staffs of the
Department of Agricultural Extension and Information System, Sher-e-Bangla
Agricultural University for their valuable suggestions and help during the whole
period of study.
Heartfelt thanks and appreciations are also expressed to the Upazila Agriculture
Officer and SAAO of Bagha upazila for their benevolent help and cooperation in data
collection period. The researcher is especially grateful to all the respondents in the
study area for their cooperation and help in accomplishing the objectives of this
research work.
The Researcher
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LIST OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER TITLE PAGE

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS v
LIST OF CONTENTS vi-viii
LIST OF TABLES ix
LIST OF FIGURES x
LIST OF APPENDIX x
ABBREVIATIONS AND GLOSSARY xi
ABSTRACT xii
CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION 1-8

1.1 General Background 1
1.2 Statement of the Problem 2
1.3 Specific Objectives of the Study 4
1.4 Limitations of the Study 4
1.5 Justification of the Study 5
1.6 Assumptions of the Study 5
1.7 Definition of Important Terms 6
CHAPTER II REVIEW OF LITERATURE 9-18

2.1 Review of Literature on General Context of 9
Adoption
2.2 Relationship of the selected characteristics of the 10
farmers with their extent of adoption of
intercropping
2.3 Conceptual Framework of the Study 17
CHAPTER III METHODOLOGY 19-30

3.1 Locale of the Study 19
3.2 Population and Sample of the Study 19
3.2.1 Population 19
3.2.2 Determination of sample size 19
3.2.3 Distribution of the population and sample 20
3.3 Research Instrument 22
3.4 Collection of Data 23
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CHAPTER TITLE PAGE
3.5 Variables 23
3.5.1 Independent variables 23
3.5.2 Measurement of independent variables 23
3.5.3 Dependent Variable 27
3.5.3.1 Measurement of dependent variable 27
3.6 Statement of Hypothesis 29
3.7 Data Processing and Analysis 29
3.8 Statistical Treatments 30
CHAPTER IV RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 31-42
4.1 Adoption of intercrop 31
4.2 Characteristics of the Farmers 31
4.2.1 Age 32
4.2.2 Education 33
4.2.3 Family size 34
4.2.4 Income from mango and intercrop 34
4.2.5 Training Received 35
4.2.6 Cosmopoliteness 35
4.2.7 Organizational Participation 36
4.2.8 Innovativeness 36
4.2.9 Credit received 37
4.2.10 Extent of advice seeking 37
4.2.11 Crop diversification 38
4.3 The Contribution of the Selected Characteristics of the
Respondents to their adoption of intercrop 39
CHAPTER V SUMMARY OF FNDINGS, CONCLUSIONS AND 43-47

RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 Major Findings 43

5.1.1 Adoption of intercrop 43
5.1.2 Selected characteristics of the farmers 43
5.1.3 Factors related to the adoption of intercropping with 44
mango farmers
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CHAPTER TITLE PAGE
5.2 Conclusions 45
5.3 Recommendations 46
5.3.1 Recommendations for policy implications 46
5.3.2 Recommendations for further study 47
REFERENCES 48-55
APPENDIX-I 56-61
APPENDIX-II 62
viii
LIST OF TABLES
TABLE TITLE PAGE

3.1 Distribution of the population, sample and reserve list 20
4.1 Distribution of the farmers according to their adoption of 31
intercrop
4.2 Selected Characteristics of the farmers 32
4.3 Distribution of the farmers according to their age 33
4.4 Distribution of the farmers according to their education 33
4.5 Distribution of the farmers according to their farm size 34
4.6 Distribution of the farmers according to their income from 34
mango and intercropping
Distribution of the farmers according to their training 35
4.7
received
4.8 Distribution of the farmers according to their cosmopoliteness 36
4.9 Distribution of the farmers according to their organizational 36
participation
4.10 Distribution of the farmers according to their innovativeness 37
4.11 Distribution of the farmers according to their credit received 37
4.12 Distribution of the farmers according to their extent of advice 38
seeking
4.13 Distribution of the farmers according to their crop 38
diversification
Multiple regression coefficients of contributing factors related
4.14 39
to the adoption of intercrop
ix
LIST OF FIGURES
FIGURE TITLE PAGE

2.1 The conceptual framework of the study 18
3.1 Map of Rajshahi district 21
3.2 Map of Rajshahi district showing Bagha upazila 21
3.3 Map of Bagha upazila showing the study area 22
LIST OF APPENDIX
APPENDIX
TITLE PAGE
NO.
APPENDIX-I English Version of the Interview Schedule 56-61
APPENDIX-II Pictures of data collection 62
xi
x
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
Aabbreviation Full word

Ag. Ext. Ed. Agricultural Extension Education
Ag. Ext. and Info. Sys. Agricultural Extension and Information System
AIS Agriculture Information Service
AEO Agricultural Extension Officer
AAEO Assistant Agricultural Extension Officer
β Beta co-efficient
BBS Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics
BEC Bangladesh Economic Census
BINA Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture
BRRI Bangladesh Rice Research Institute
DAE Department of Agricultural Extension
FAO Food and Agriculture Organization
HYV High Yielding Variety
NGO Non-Government Organization
SPSS Statistical Package for Social Sciences
xii
xi
RAJSHAHI DISTRICT
ABSTRACT
The specific purpose of the study was to determine the extent of adoption of
intercropping with mango. Attempts were also made to determine and describe the
selected demographic and socio-economic characteristics of mango growers, and to
explore their contribution to the extent of adoption of intercropping with mango.
Bagha upazila of Rajshahi district was purposively selected from which four unions
namely; Pakuria, Bajubagha, Bausa and Arani were randomly selected as the locale
of the study. Data were obtained from 105 proportionate randomly selected farmers
from total of 223 mango growers of selected villages from four unions. An
interview schedule was used for collecting data during the period of 2nd July to 21st
July, 2017. The findings of the study indicate that majority (52.3 percent) of the
growers had medium adoption while 24.8 percent had high adoption and 22.9
percent had low adoption of intercropping with mango. Multiple regression analysis
shows that training received, innovativeness, extent of advice seeking and crop
diversification had significant contribution to the extent of adoption of
intercropping with mango. On the other hand, age, education, farm size, income
from mango and intercrop, cosmopoliteness, organizational participation and credit
received showed no significant contribution to the extent of adoption of
intercropping with mango.
xiii
xii
CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
1.1 General Background
Modern and traditional, both farming practices have been common in Bangladesh
agriculture. In practices, farmers of Bangladesh neither practice absolutely modern
agriculture nor absolutely indigenous agriculture. They practice indigenous
technology with exogenous technology. Based on regional topography they practice a
number of cropping systems and cropping patterns. They grow field crops such as
cereal crops, fiber crops, pulse crops, oilseeds, sugarcane, tobacco etc. and
horticultural crops such as vegetables, fruits and flowers. Despite integrated farming
is the recent trend of agriculture, cereal crops occupy more than three-fourths of the
cultivable land.
Importance of fruits in human diet is well recognized. Man cannot only live on
cereals. Fruit and vegetables are essential for balance diet and good health. Fruits is
good source of vitamins and minerals without which human body cannot maintain
proper health and develop resistance to disease. It also contain pectin, cellulose that
stimulate intestinal activities and energy giving substances like oils, fats, and proteins.
Many fruits have medical purpose as well. Mango (Mangifera indica L.) is one of the
most important fruits in the tropics and subtropics which is rich in vitamin A and C,
contains moderate qualities of minerals and high qualities of protein, calcium,
thiamin, riboflavin and carotene. The mango trees provide suitable ecology for the
under layer crops and also produce other basic requirements of the growers such as
food, fuel, wood and timber.
Due to scarcity of land and rice being the staple food, farmers of Bangladesh hardly
give serious attention to cultivate vegetables, fruits, spices and other crops to uplift
their family income. With a hope to maximize the soil resources and increase
cropping intensity, intercropping is a popular technique adopted by farmers for higher
profitability. Intercropping is a type of multiple cropping involves judicious
utilization of time and space to increase total crop output per unit area. The process of
growing and harvesting a short duration crop before canopy development and growth
phase of main crop is very much helpful for farmers to avert risk of crop failure. That
1
is why, intercropping has essentially been considered and used by the farmers as a
risk aversion technique. Intercropping is also a common and known practice in many
parts of Bangladesh. Traditionally, by matching with principle crops farmers cultivate
aus with broadcast aman, tomato/potato with sugarcane, leafy vegetables with potato,
aus with banana, etc. Often, farmers of high land grow spice crops and fruits
associated with mango or mango orchard. Nevertheless, the level of raising intercrops
scientifically is far from satisfaction.
Bangladesh is one of the most densely populated countries of the world. There exists
a little scope of horizontal expansion of land for increasing agricultural productivity.
To increase farm income intensive use of land through scientific farming and multiple
cropping would be one of the promising alternatives. Moreover, it is a method to
fulfill farmers‟ diversified need for higher return with a balance use of nutritional
requirements (Singh et al., 1986).
In spite of having preferable climatic condition, farming experience and commercial

potentiality, farmers are gradually losing their interests in mango cultivation due to
problems like lower return from per unit area, land scarcity and high labor price. To
make this business profitable, a number of crops can be cultivated in the same land at
the same time which will lead to high net income return, will thus reduce land scarcity
and many of the problems listed above. Intercropping not only maximizes the income
generation but also ensures the maximum utilization of our land. It has also brought a
great result such as intercropping mango with zinger, turmeric, banana, pineapple
improves the micro-climate in the plantation. Therefore, farmers are leading to
intercropping system more particularly, mango-pineapple, mango-zinger, mango-
turmeric, mango-banana or mango-pineapple-zinger-turmeric-banana system. Given
the importance and prospect of mango intercrop, necessary steps should be taken to
improve the production and management practices of intercropping. Before giving
any policy options on the development of intercropping system, relevant and adequate
information on various aspects of the system at farm level is required, yet such
information is very limited due to lack of adequate research in this field.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
The demand for food with the increase of population is gradually increasing across
the countries including Bangladesh. However, a little scope exists for horizontal
2
expansion of land for increasing agricultural productivity. Therefore, vertical farming
and multiple cropping remain as few alternatives for meeting up increasing food
demand. Vertical farming is a relatively newer yet requires higher economic, technical
and physical resources and thus remains unknown to many farmers of a developing
country like Bangladesh. Therefore, considering skills of our farmers, multiple
cropping might be the appropriate technique for ensuring higher return from per unit
area.
In Bangladesh, intercropping is a common and known practice. Despite the

potentiality, the level of raising intercrops scientifically is far from satisfaction. Some
farmers responded very positively towards intercropping while some showed reverse
attitudes. This study was, therefore, designed to making an in-depth analysis of the
extent of adoption of intercropping by the farmers. Nonetheless, this research was
limited to study the adoption of intercropping by mango farmers only. This study
considered mango farmers as because cultivation of mango requires bigger farm size
and due to relatively higher plant to plant spacing, mango orchard has been proven as
one of the suitable fields for intercrop practice. Furthermore, this research also
examined the influence of farmers‟ demographic and socio-economic characteristics
to their extent of adoption of intercropping.
In order to understand the process underlying the adoption of crop diversification, the
researcher undertook this investigation entitled “adoption of intercropping with
mango by the farmers of Bagha upazilla under Rajshahi district”. The present
investigation was concerned with the adoption of intercropping which is a major
concern in agricultural extension. This was done by seeking answer to the following
questions:
i. What was the extent of adoption of intercropping with mango by the farmers?
ii. What demographic and socio-economic characteristics influence farmers‟

decision to adopt intercropping?
iii. What were the contribution of farmers‟ selected demographic and socio-
economic characteristics to their extent of adoption of intercropping with
mango?
3
1.3 Specific Objectives of the Study
The purpose of the study was to determine the extent of adoption of intercropping
with mango cultivation, and also to ascertain the contribution of the selected
characteristics of the mango growers with their adoption of intercropping with mango
cultivation. Therefore, based on the research questions mentioned in section 1.2, the
following specific objectives have been set forth:
i. To determine the extent of adoption of intercropping with mango.

ii. To determine and describe the following selected demographic and socio-
economic characteristics of mango growers. These were:
 Age
 Education
 Farm size
 Income from mango and intercrop
 Training received
 Cosmopoliteness
 Organizational participation
 Innovativeness
 Credit received
 Extent of advice seeking
 Crop diversification
iii. To explore the contribution of farmers‟ selected demographic and socio-
economic characteristics to their extent of adoption of intercropping with
mango.
1.4 Limitations of the Study
To make the study meaningful, the following limitations were taken into
consideration:
i. The study area was confined to Bagha upazila under Rajshahi district since
this region is reputed for mango production.
ii. The study was confined to 4 unions of Bagha upazila which were selected by
random sampling technique.
4
iii. To reach the above listed objectives, the researcher depended on information
furnished by the respondents. Face-to-face interview was conducted by using
interview schedule.
iv. There were many attributes or characteristics of intercropped farmers, but only
(11) were selected for investigation in this study as stated in the objectives.
This was done to complete the study within limited resources and time.
1.5 Justification of the Study
Despite intercropping is not a completely new phenomenon, its adoption by the

farmers varies significantly. Moreover, to increase the adoption rate of this innovation
requires us to study the phenomenon critically. Hence, it is assumed that the findings
of this study would provide insights for extension programme to promote
intercropping technology at farmers‟ fields. In addition, this study might help the
agricultural research institutes to undertake program on various issues of
intercropping such as fertilizer management, plant population, insect and disease
control, etc.
At present there is a lack of adequate information to influence farmers‟ extent of

adoption of intercropping with mango. This fact indicates the need for an
investigation to ascertain the contribution of the selected demographic and socio-
economic characteristics of the farmers with their adoption of intercropping with
mango. This study will be helpful to the researchers for further studies of similar
nature and to the extension personnel to speed up the adoption rate of intercropping
with mango.
1.6 Assumptions of the Study
During the study the following assumptions were taken into consideration:
i. Respondents who were selected for the interview were competent enough to
provide proper responses to the questions concerned with intercropping.
ii. The views and opinions furnished by the respondents were the representative
views and opinions of all the farmers of that area.
iii. The researcher was well adjusted to the environment of the study area. So, the
collection of data from the respondents was free from bias.
iv. The responses furnished by the respondents were reliable.
5
v. The researcher who acted as interviewer was well adjusted to the environment
of the study area. Hence, the collection of data was reliable.
1.7 Definition of Important Terms
For clarity of understanding certain terms frequently used throughout the study are
defined and interpreted as follows:
Adoption
When an individual takes up a new idea as the best course of action and practices it,
the phenomenon is known as adoption. Adoption is a decision to make full use of an
innovation as the best cause of action available. Adoption is the implementation of a
decision to continue the use of an innovation. In this study, extent of adoption of
intercropping in mango was referred to one‟s adoption of intercropping practice with
mango and his decision to continue use the practice in future.
Intercropping
When two crops are grown together on the same land at the same period, in space
between rows of main crop, the system of cultivation is known as intercropping. One
of the crops is known as the principal crop and is generally of long duration, and other
crop is known as the intercrop or additional crop having shorter duration. Usually a
deep rooted crop is selected as principle crop and a shallow rooted one is chosen as
intercrop. In this study, mango was considered as the principle crop and pineapple,
banana, zinger and turmeric were considered as the intercrops.
Education
Education is the production process of human behavior towards desired goal.

Education creates a favorable mental atmosphere for accepting new practices. It is the
most important influencing force-factor in adoption of innovation while its lacking
creates hindrance in adoption of innovation. This study was however defined
education as the ability of an individual to read and write or attain any formal
schooling up to a certain standard. Education was measured in terms of actual year of
successful schooling.
6
Farm size
The term refers to the cultivated area either owned by a farmer or obtained from
others on share-cropping system, or lease the area being estimated in terms of full
benefit to the farmers. The right of the farmers on land taken on lease from other is
regarded as ownership in estimating the farm size. Farm size was measured in terms
of hectare.
Income from mango and intercrop
An intercropped farmer cultivates zinger, turmeric, banana, pineapple with mango.

So, the sale proceedings of intercrops become the income from intercrops during a
year.
Cosmopoliteness
It refers to the number of times a person visits to places out of her/his own locality. It
refers to the orientation or exposure or involvement of an individual respondent which
are external to his own social system.
Innovativeness
Innovativeness is the degree to which an individual is relatively earlier in adopting

agricultural innovations, new ideas, practices and things than the other members of a
social system. This was realized by the quickness of accepting innovations by an
individual in relation to others and was measured on the basis of time dimension. In
this study innovation was referred to how the intercrop adopters were relatively earlier
in adoption of intercrops than other members of his farming community.
Crop diversification
It refers to the degree of diversity of crop raised by the farmers. Crop diversification is
a common means of reducing risk in agriculture, taking advantage of asynchronous
variation in yield-response and prices to minimize risk. Crop diversification in
agriculture means to increase the total crop productivity in terms of quality, quantity
and monetary value under specific, diverse agro-climatic situations world-wide. Crop
diversification can be a suitable means to increase crop output under different
situations.
7
Extent of advice received on intercropping
It refers to the way by which respondents become accessible to the influence of

different information media through different extension teaching methods. It refers to
an individual contact to an extension worker for receiving information related to new
technologies. Advice on intercropping is the way to access to the communication
process through various extension methods and communication channels during one
year prior to data collection. Farmers get advice on intercropping from extension
officers, subject matter specialists and other advisers.
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CHAPTER II
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Review of literature gives the researcher a clear and concise direction for conducting
the study. The purpose of this chapter is to review the literature having relevance to
the present study. This present study is primarily concerned with the extent of
adoption of intercropping with mango. The researcher made an elaborate search of
available literature for this purpose but a limited number of studies were found which
dealt with the contribution of the selected characteristics of mango growers to their
extent of adoption of intercropping. Considerable work has been done in the field of
adoption of improved varieties of crops and other agricultural innovations. In
Bangladesh, research in adoption of agricultural innovations has also started and some
studies have already come out from the Bangladesh Agricultural University,
Mymenshing, Sher-e-Bangla agricultural University and other agricultural research
organizations. Review of adoption research including studies concerning
intercropping with mango have been presented here into the following three sections:
Section 1: Review of Literature on General Context of Adoption
Section 2: Relationship of the Selected Characteristics of the Farmers with Their

Adoption of Agricultural Innovations
Section 3: Conceptual Framework of the Study
2.1 Review of Literature on General Context of Adoption
As mentioned earlier, a good number of studies have been conducted in adoption

research, particularly for improved agricultural practices such as Kashem et al. (1992)
conducted a study on adoption of recommended practices by sugarcane growers in
Jamalpur, Bangladesh. They reported that an overwhelming majority of the
respondents (89 percent) had high level of adoption of recommended practices of
sugarcane. Similarly, Singh et al. (1992) undertook a study in India on factors
affecting the adoption decision and observed that majority of sugarcane growers had
medium level of adoption of improved sugarcane production technology.
9
Khan (1993) carried out a research programme on adoption of insecticides and related
issues in the village of Pachar union, Madaripur district. He observed that among the
farmers, 7 percent had no adoption, 57 percent had low adoption, 32 percent had
medium adoption and only 14 percent had high adoption.
Hasan (1996) in his study found that the highest proportion (44 percent) of
respondents had medium adoption, compared to 26 percent had low and 30 percent
high adoption in respect of selected agricultural technologies.
Muttaleb (1995) conducted a study on the extent of the adoption of improved

technologies of potato cultivation by the farmers in Haibatpur union under Sadarthana
of Jessore district. The study revealed that 8 percent of the potato growers had high
adoption of improved technologies, 43 percent had medium and 49 percent had low
adoption.
Islam (1996) carried out a study on farmers‟ use of indigenous technical knowledge
(ITK) in the context of sustainable agricultural development. His study revealed that
highest proportion (42.73 percent) of the respondents belonged to the lower user
category as compared to 41.82 percent in the higher user category.
Concerning the intercropping, Bashar (1993) reported that about half of the sugarcane
growers (48.57 percent) had medium adoption of intercropping compared to 19.05
percent had low and 32.38 percent had high adoption of intercropping.
Alam (1997) studied the extent of use of improved farm practices by the rice growers
in Anwara upazila of Chittagong district. The study revealed that 43.0 percent of the
respondents had medium use of improved farm practices and 50.0 percent had low
and only 7.0 percent had high use of improved farm practices.
To be concluded, the rate of adoption of improved farm practices by farmers varies

from technology to technology yet in all instances, some degree of adoption were
found.
2.2 Contribution of the Selected Characteristics of the Farmers with Their

Extent of Adoption of Intercropping
The findings of studies dealing with the contribution of the selected characteristics of
the farmers with their adoption of different innovations were of interest to the
researcher and it was deemed pertinent to review the findings of such studies in brief.
10
Eleven characteristics of the mango growers were selected as independent variables of
this study. The researcher made utmost effort to search out studies dealing with the
contribution of each of the selected characteristics with the adoption of innovations.
This section presents a review of expert opinions and past studies relating to the
association between the selected independent variables and adoption of innovations.
The presentation has been made in eleven sub-sections. Each of the sub-sections deals
with the literature on the contribution of one of the independent variables and
adoption of innovation.
2.2.1 Age and adoption
Many researchers observed that in most cases, age of the farmers had no relationship
with adoption of improved crop production practices such as Reddy and Kivlin
(1968), Hossain (1971) and Singh (1989). Similarly, Karim (1973), Rahman (1973),
Sobhan (1975), Razzaque (1977), Hossian (1981), Ali and Chowdhury (1983), Singh
(1989) and Islam (2002) reported that age was not a significant factor for adoption of
improved practice in farming.
On the contrary, while some studies reported positive association between age and
adoption of agricultural practices (Iqbal, 1963; Islam, 1971; Beal & Sibley, 1967;
Krishna, 1969; Bezbora, 1980 & Haque, 1984), other studies notably Shetty (l968),
Lionberger(l966), Shamsuzzoha (1967), Ali (1993), Rahman (1995) and Hussen
(2001) reported negative association between age of the farmers and their extent of
adoption. Considering the intercropping, Bashar (1993) reported that young aged
farmers were found to be more interested to adopt intercropping them their older
counter partners. Given that the young generation has more risk taking tendency and
thus more receptive to new ideas and innovations, this study assumes age is
negatively influences farmers‟ extent of adoption of intercropping with mango.
2.2.2 Education and adoption
Many of the researchers observed that in most cases, education and adoption of the
technology were significant and positively associated (Marsh and Coleman, 1955;
Dimit, 1957; Rahim, 1961; Bose and Saxena, 1965); Chaudhary et al., 1968; Reddy
and Kivlin, 1968; Hossain, 1971; Rao, 1976; Halim, 1982; Haque, 1984 and Ali et
al., 1986. For other instances, Beal and Sibley (1967), and Karim (1973) reported that
the improved methods of cultivation was adopted more by educated farmers.
11
Chowdhury (1997), Halim (1985), Islam (1993), Hoque (1993), Pal (1995) and Ali el
al. (1986) these are some studies that found positive significant relationship between
the education of the farmers and their adoption of selected technologies. Rahman
(2001) found that academic qualification of the farmers had a significant positive
relationship with their adoption regarding hybrid rice.
Bashar (1993) found a positive and highly significant relationship between education
and adoption of intercropping in sugarcane. Where Rahman (2001) found that
academic qualification of the farmers had a significant positive relationship with their
adoption regarding hybrid rice. Elsewhere, Sardar (2002) found that education of the
farmers had a positive significant relationship with their adoption of IPM practices.
Aurangozeb (2002) also found that there was a positive relationship between
education and their adoption integrated farming technologies. Furthermore, Sarker
(1997) found that education of potato growers had significant relationship with their
adoption of improved potato cultivation practices.
On the contrary, studies such as Krishna (1969), Mannan (1972), Singh (1989),
Sobhan (1975), Islam (1971), Hossain (1981) and Ali (1993) reported negative
association between education and adoption of agricultural practices.
With few exception majority studies reported a positive relationship between

education and adoption of agricultural innovations of the farmers. Hence, it can be
summarized that education has a great influence in adoption of agricultural
innovations. It is easier for the literate farmers to judge the intended benefits of
technology adoption and hence they tend to be more innovative compare to farmers
who had low education level. Education is in fact helped them in decision making as
well as clear understanding of the innovation.
2.2.3 Farm size and adoption
Many of the researchers such as Wilson and Gallup (1955), Rahim (1961), Ali (1962),
Lionberger (1966), Beal and Sibley (1967), Ahmed (1968), Gaikward et al. (1969),
Hossain (1971), Karim (1973) reported that percentage of farmers and home makers
adopting new practices and rate of adoption of such practices tended to increase with
the increase in farm size and they reported a positive association between size of the
farm and adoption of improved practice in farming.
12
Ali and Chowdhury (1983), Reddy and Kivlin (1968) and Haque (1984) found a
positive significant relationship between family land holding size (i.e. farm size) and
adoption behavior of growers. Similarly, Sarkar (1997) and Chowdhury (1997) found
that farm size of the growers had a significant positive relationship with their adoption
of improved cultivation practices.
Rahman (2001) found that size of the farm had a significant and positive relationship
with their adoption regarding hybrid rice whereas Sardar (2002) reported a positive
association between the farm size and farmers‟ adoption of IPM practices.
On the contrary, few studies notably Aurangozeb (2002), Inayetullah (1962), Sobhan
(1975), Singh (1989) and Ali (1993) reported no significant relationship between farm
size of the farmers and their adoption of improved farm production technologies.
A considerable number of studies reported positive relationship between farm size

and adoption of agricultural innovations while few studies reported no relationship.
Therefore, it can be concluded that farm size positively affects adoption of
agricultural innovations. A farmer having more farm size has more scope to try out
new ideas and practices and hence their adoption rate is expected to be higher than the
small and marginal farmers.
2.2.4 Income from mango-intercrop and adoption
Few studies (Bashar, 1993; Beal and Sibley, 1967; Hossain, 1981 and Islam, 2002)
reported that annual family income had no positive relationship with the adoption of
intercropping while other studies reported a positive association between the income
and adoption of farm practices (Thomson, 1968; Rogers and Shoemaker, 1971;
Rahman, 1973; Haque, 1984; Al-Mogel, 1985; Pal, 1995; Chowdhury, 1997; Sarker,
1997 & Alam, 1997 and Aurangozeb, 2002). It is expected that when a farmer has
sufficient income he has better coping ability with failure and hence his risk taking
tendency is relatively higher than a low income farmer. According to that tendency,
their rate of adoption is relatively higher than that of poor farmers.
2.2.5 Training exposure and adoption
Many of the researchers observed that in most cases training exposure and
development of farming had a positive significant relationship such as: Hossain
(1981) and Rahman (1986) reported that positive relationship with training experience
and modern technology. On the contrary, Islam (2002) found that there is no
13
relationship between training experience and adoption of ecological agricultural
practices. However, given that the training might help to change human behavior
through increase his ability and reinforce him to change his motivation towards
technology adoption, training exposure is expected to be positively influenced
farmer‟s adoption behavior.
2.2.6 Cosmopoliteness and adoption
Cosmopoliteness refers to the tendency of a person to visit an area outside of his own
locality. It is expected that once a person visits many places outside his own locality,
he has more exposure to knowledge and innovation and therefore his adoption
intention is expected to be higher than a relatively less cosmopolite person.
Consequently, farmers‟ exposure to outside of his locality was positively associated
with their adoption of selected agricultural technologies (Ahemed, 2006; Mahmud,
2006; Aurangozeb, 2002; Hossain, 2001; Pal, 1995; Halim, 1985 and Khan, 1993).
Haque 1993) and Islam (1996) elsewhere reported that there was a significant
relationship between cosmopoliteness and adoption of integrated homestead farming
technologies.
Hussen (2001) found that cosmopoliteness of the growers had significant positive
relationship with their adoption of modern sugarcane cultivation practices.
Rahman (2001) also found that cosmopoliteness of the farmers had a significant and
positive relationship with their adoption regarding hybrid rice.
Pal (1995) observed that the cosmopoliteness of the farmers had significant positive
relationship with their adoption of recommended sugarcane cultivation practices.
Similar results were found by Halim (1985), Khan (1993), Haque (1993) and Islam
(1996).
On the contrary, few studies reported that there was no significant relationship
between the cosmopoliteness of the farmers and their adoption of selected
technologies (Chowdhury, 1997; Mannan, 1972; Mohammad, 1974; Sobhan, 1975
and Hossain, 1991). Nevertheless, this study assumes cosmopoliteness is positively
influenced farmers adoption behavior of agricultural practices.
2.2.7 Organizational participation and adoption
Organizational participation was mostly found to be positively associated with

farmers‟ adoption of intercropping practice. Bashar (1993), Islam and Halim (1976),
14
Hossain (1971) and Rahman (1973) found that there was a relationship between
adoption of innovations by individuals and their participation in organizations.
Marsh and Coleman (1955) found that the participation of farm Bureau and
participation in formal organization were significantly associated with adoption of
recommended farm practices. Similar findings between organizational participation
and adoption of farm practices had also been reported by Rahim (1961), Reddy and
Kilvin (1968), Mannan (1972), Karim (1973) and Haque (1984).
2.2.8 Innovativeness and adoption
Innovativeness refers to an individual‟s predisposition to adopt a new idea, innovation

or practice relatively earlier than the members of a social system. An innovative
person is more receptive to modern agricultural practices. Correspondingly, in a study
of adoption of intercropping in pineapple cultivation, Rahman (1973) found a positive
relationship between innovativeness and adoption. In addition, Muhammad (1974)
reported that adoption of insect management practices is highly associated with
farmers‟ innovativeness. Similarly, Islam (2002) conducted a study on adoption of
modern technologies and found a positive relationship between innovativeness and
adoption. It is argued that a person having high innovativeness is highly likely adopt
new ideas faster than others. Therefore, this study summarized, the more the
innovativeness, the more the adoption of intercropping practice.
2.2.9 Credit received and adoption

Many of the researchers observed that credit received exhibited had no significant
relationship with the adoption of intercropping such as Bashar (1993) and Reddy and
Kivlin (1968) found that credit received exhibited had no significant relationship with
the adoption of intercropping in sugarcane growers. However, Beal and Sibley (1967)
in their study found a positive relationship between credit availability and adoption of
agricultural technology. This observation is very much in agreement with that of
Rahman (1974) and Hossian (1981) who reported a significant relationship between
credit availability and adoption of improved farm practices.
2.2.10 Extent of advice seeking and adoption
Farmers who frequently receive advice from extension personnel for their farming are
expected to be updated with latest technologies, more innovative in nature and thus
tend to adopt new idea or practice relatively earlier than others. In line with this
15
assertion, majority of the studies reported a positive significant relationship between
extent of advice seeking and adoption of innovations (Bashar, 1993; Donelan, 1985;
Gallup, 1955; Beal and Sibley, 1967; Reddy and Kivlin, 1968; Muhammad, 1974;
Halim, 1982 and Naike and Rao, 1989).
Ali (1993) found a significant positive relationship between postponement contact and
adoption. Like results had also been found by Fliegel (1956), Hardee (1965),
Mouliket et al. (1966), Rao (1976), Bezbora and Grewal (1980), Hossain (1981),
Haque (1984), Osunlogunet al. (1986), Mustafiet al. (1987) and Igodanet al. (1988).
Sarkar (1997) found that extension advice had a positive significant relationship with
farmers‟ adoption of improved cultivation practices. Chowdhury (1997) also observed
similar findings. Hussen (2001) conducted a study on farmer‟s knowledge and
adoption of modern sugarcane cultivation practices. He found that extension contact
of the growers had significant relationship with their adoption of modern sugarcane
cultivation practices.
With few exception like Alam (1997) reported a non-significant relationship between
extension contact and adoption, most of the studies found a positive relationship
between extension advice and adoption of agricultural innovations. Thus, the
literature supports that extension advice has a great influence in adoption of
agricultural innovations. In fact, when farmers had some advice about what to do and
how to do, it was comparatively easier for them to adopt the innovation or technique
than the farmers who did not receive any advice. Extension advice helped them in
decision making on what the innovation they will like adopt and what should they do
in future for better result. Thus, it can be concluded that extent of advice seeking is
positively influenced farmers‟ adoption decision of improved practices like
intercropping.
2.2.11 Crop diversification and adoption
Crop diversification is the addition of new crops for more returns from different
value-added crops on a specific farm. Crop diversification requires to have a technical
skills and knowledge by the farmers. Therefore, it assumes that crop diversification
positively related to adoption of improved practices. Similar to that understanding, a
considerable number of studies reported a positive influence of crop diversification
practice to farmers‟ adoption decision of improved agricultural practices such as
16
Bashar (1993), Ali and Chowdhury (1983), Reddy and kivlin (1968), Haque (1984),
Chowdhury (1997), Islam (2002) and Aurangozeb (2002). However, few studies
reported no relationship (Sobhan 1975, Islam, 1971; Hossain, 1981; Ali, 1993 and
Rahman, 2001). Majority of the studies argued that crop diversification affects
adoption of agricultural innovations significantly and positively. Despite few
exceptions, it can be summed up that the more the crop diversification, the more the
chances for adoption like intercropping.
2.3 The Conceptual Framework of the Study
In scientific research, selection and measurement of variables constitute on important

task. The hypothesis of a research while constructed properly contains at least two
important elements i.e. "a dependent variable" and "an independent variable". A
dependent variable is that factors which appears, disappears or varies as the research
introduces, removes or varies the independent variable (Townsend, 1953). An
independent variable is that factor which is manipulated by the researcher in his
attempt to ascertain its relationship to an observed phenomenon.
The independent variables of selected characteristics of the farmers were age,

education, farm size, income from mango and intercrop, training exposure,
cosmopoliteness, organizational participation, innovativeness, credit received, extent
of advice seeking and crop diversification. On the other hand, the dependent variable
was the adoption of intercrop in mango. In view of prime findings of review of
literature, the researcher constructs conceptual model of the study, which is self-
explanatory and is presented in Figure 2.1.
17
INDEPENDENT VARIABLES
DEPENDENT VARIABLE
Selected characteristics of the farmers
 Age
 Education
 Farm size
 Income from mango and intercrop Adoption of Intercropping in
 Training exposure
 Cosmopoliteness Mango
 Organizational participation
 Innovativeness
 Credit received
 Extent of advice seeking
 Crop diversification
Figure 2.1 Conceptual framework of the study

ework of the Study
18
CHAPTER III
METHODOLOGY
Methods play an important role in a scientific research. To fulfill the objectives of the
study, a researcher should be very careful while formulating methods and procedures
in conducting the research. According to Mingers (2001), research methodology is a
structured set of guidelines or activities to generate valid and reliable research results.
This Chapter of the thesis illustrates the research methodology and procedures used to
collect and analyze the data for answering the research questions and attaining the
purposes. A chronological description of the methodology followed in conducting this
research work has been presented in the subsequent sections and subsections:
3.1 Locale of the Study
The study was conducted in the Rajshahi district. Bagha upazila of Rajshahi district
was purposively selected as the study area. In Bagha upazila mango grows in
abundance. There are 6 unions in the Upazila. Out of 6 unions 4 unions were selected
randomly. The unions were Pakuria, Bajubagha, Bausa and Arani. There were 33
villages in four unions from which 12 villages were selected randomly by four (4)
villages taking from each. A map of Rajshahi district showing the locale of the
study is presented in Figure 3.1 and 3.2.
3.2 Population and Sampling
3.2.1 Population
Mango growers of selected villages were the population of the study. An up to date
list of all the mango growers of the village was prepared with the help of local
Upazila Agricultural Office (UAO). Sub-Assistant Agriculture Officer (SAAO) and
Sub-Assistant Plant Protection officer (SAPPO) helped the researcher in this respect.
Total number of mango growers was 223 which constituted the population of the
study.
3.2.2 Determination of the sample
There are several methods for determining the sample size; here, researcher used
Kothari (2004) formula with the following value of each parameter:
n= ( )
19
Where, n = Sample size;
N, Population size = 205;

e, The level of precision = 9%;
z = the value of the standard normal variable given the chosen confidence
level (e.g., z = 1.96 with a confidence level of 95 %) and
P, The proportion or degree of variability = 50%;
The sample size (n) is = 105
3.2.3 Distribution of the population and sample
The sample size of the study was comprised of 105 farmers. A reserve list of 10
farmers (ten percent of the sample size) was also prepared so that the farmers of this
list could be used for interview if the farmers included in the original sample were not
available at the time of conduction of interview. The farmers of the villages were
selected according to the proportionate of the total sample size (105). The distribution
of the population, sample and reserve list are given in the following Table 3.1.
Table 3.1 Distribution of respondents of the selected village with a reserve list
Unions Respondents Respondents

Sample Reserve list
Pakuria 52 25 2
Bajubagha 56 26 3
Bausa 60 28 3
Arani 55 26 2
Total 223 105 10
20
Figure 3.1 Map of Rajshahi district
Figure 3.2 Map of Rajshahi district showing Bagha upazila
21
Figure 3.2 A map of Bagha upazila showing the study area
3.3 Research Instrument
In order to collect relevant information an interview schedule was carefully designed

keeping in view the objectives of the study. The interview schedule was designed in
English. At the time of interview it was converted into Bengali version. Appropriate
scales were developed to operationalize the selected characteristics of the farmers and
the dependent variable as well. The interview schedule was pre-tested by
administering among fifteen mango growers of the study area. The pre-test was
helpful to identify faulty questions and statements in the draft schedule. Necessary
addition, correction, alteration and adjustment were made in the schedule on the basis
of the pre-test experience. The schedule was multiplied in its final form for the
collection of data.
22
3.4 Collection of Data
The researcher himself collected data from the farmers by using the interview
schedule. The interviews were conducted individually in the farm of the respondents
during their leisure period. Only 5 mango farmers of the original list were not
available during interview and they were replaced from the reserve list. Advanced
information was given to the respondents before going to them for interviewing. The
researcher took all possible care to establish rapport with them. While any respondent
faced difficulty in understanding any question, the researcher took utmost care to
explain the issue. He obtained excellent cooperation from the respondents and others
concerned during the time of interview. The entire process of collecting data took 20
days from the 2nd July to the 21st July, 2017.
3.5 Variables
Variables can be defined as any aspect of a theory that can vary or changes as part of
the interaction within the theory. In a study, the independent variable is the variable
that is varied or manipulated by the researcher, and the dependent variable is the
response that is measured. Any event or condition can be conceptualized as either an
independent or a dependent variable.
3.5.1 Independent Variables
The independent variable refers to the status of the presumed cause. The selected
individual characteristics of the mango farmers were the independent variables for
this study. The characteristics were: age, education, farm size, income from mango
and intercrop, cosmopoliteness, innovativeness, crop diversification, extent of advice
received, credit received, training exposure and organizational participation.
3.5.2 Measurement of independent variables
The measurement of the independent variables is an important task. In accordance

with the objectives the procedures of measurement of independent variables are stated
below:
3.5.2.1 Age
The age of a respondent was measured in terms of actual years from his/her date of
birth. A score of one (1) was assigned for each year of age. In this study age of mango
growers with intercropping was measured.
23
3.5.2.2 Education
Education of a respondent was measured on the basis of her/his years of schooling. If

a respondent passed class 4, his/her education score was given as 4. If a respondent
did not know how to read and write his education score was given as zero (0). A score
of 0.5 was given to that respondent who could sign his/her name only.
3.5.2.3 Farm size
Farm size of a respondent was determined as the total area of his/her farm (including
mango and other crops). It included summation of the area of homestead (including
pond), own land under own cultivation, land taken from others on lease, land taken
from others on share cropping and land given to others on share cropping where the
unit of measurement was in acre.
The following formula was used in measuring the farm size:
Farm size = A1+A2+ A3+1/2(A4+A5)
A1= homestead (including pond)
A2= own land under own cultivation
A3= land taken from others on lease
A4= land taken from others on share cropping
A5= land given to others on share cropping
3.5.2.4 Income from mango and intercrop
The following items were taken into consideration for measurement of income.
a) Income from main crop
b) Income from intercrop
Yearly earnings of all the family members from mango and intercrop were added
together to calculate the actual income of the respondent. A score of 1 was assigned
for the income of „thousand‟ („000”) taka.
24
3.5.2.5 Training Exposure
Training exposure of a farmer was determined by the total number of days

agricultural training received in his/her life. A score of one (1) was assigned for each
day of training attended.
3.5.2.6 Cosmopoliteness
Cosmopoliteness was measured by asking a respondent to what extent he/ she visits to
the relative/friends, other villages, other union, own upazila sadar to meet UAO,
AEO, AAEO, SAAO, own zila sadar, the capital city, upazila agriculture fair, village
fair to acquire knowledge of intercropping. The extent of visits was designated as
regularly, often, occasionally, rarely, never (no visit) and scores assigned against
these categories were as 4, 3, 2, 1 and 0 respectively. Logical frequencies of visits
were assigned for each alternative response. Cosmo politeness score of a respondent
was obtained by summing up the weights for his/her visits to the 9 items. The Cosmo
politeness score could range from 0 to 36, while 0 indicating no Cosmopoliteness and
36 indicating high Cosmopoliteness.
3.5.2.7 Organizational Participation
Organizational participation of a respondent was computed on the basis of his/her

participation in six different organizations. Scoring of the organizational participation
was done using the following formula and in the following way:
OP =Pom + Pem + Peo
Where, OP = Organizational participation score
Pom= Participation as ordinary committee member
Pem = Participation as executive committee member and
Peo = Participation as executive committee officer (president/secretary)
Nature of participation Score assigned

No participation 0
Participation as ordinary member 1
Participation as executive member 2
Participation as secretary/president 3
25
For example, if a respondent participated as an executive committee member of
school committee, an ordinary member at NGO organized society and no participation
in other organizations, that respondent would have a total participation score of a
respondent was obtained by summing up the weights for his/her participation in the 7
items. The participation score could range from 0 to 21, while 0 indicating no
participation and 21 indicating high participation.
3.5.2.8 Innovativeness
Innovativeness of a respondent was measured on the basis of the period of adoption of

improved practices from the period he first listened about the innovation. Scores were
assigned on the basis of time required for an individual to adopt each of the eight
technologies in the following manner:
Duration of adoption Assigned score

Do not use 0
After 5 years of hearing 1
Within 4-5 years of hearing 2
Within 2-3 years of hearing 3
Within 1 year of hearing 4
Thus the innovativeness score of a respondent was obtained by adding the score of all
items and it ranged from 0 to 24 whereas „0‟ indicating no innovativeness and „24‟
indicating very high innovativeness.
3.5.2.9 Credit received
Credit received by a respondent refers to the amount of credit actually received by

him. During interview each respondent was asked to indicate the amount of credit
received from various institutional and non-institutional sources. Credit received was
initially measured in taka, however, a unit score of 1 (one) was taken for thousand
taka („000”).
3.5.2.10 Extent of advice seeking
The extension advice on intercropping was measured by asking a respondent to what

extent he/she receives advice from extension personnel such as UAO, AEO, AAEO,
SAAO and NGO. The extent of received advice was categorized into five viz.
26
regularly, often, occasionally, rarely and not at all. The scores were assigned in the
following way:
Extent of advice Assigned score
Not at all 0
Rarely 1
Occasionally 2
Often 3
Regularly 4
The received advice on intercropping of a respondent was, therefore, determined by

adding the total responses against five selected extension personnel. The score could
range from 0 to 20, where „0‟ indicating no extension advice and „20‟ indicating very
high received advice.
3.5.2.11 Crop diversification
Crop diversification was determined from the numbers of crops the respondent
intercropped with mango during the last 5 years on his/her crop land. In the study
area, a number of crops were cultivated by the farmers. Based on the pre-test results,
10 crops were considered such as turmeric, onion, bottle gourd, wheat, sugarcane,
pulses, chilli, vegetables, tomato and maize, which were intercropped only with
mango. So, the number of crops can be cultivated is 10.
The following formula was used to measure crop diversification:
× 100
For example, suppose an intercrop grower can cultivate 10 crops but he cultivated 6
crops then his percentage of crop diversification will be 60%.
3.5.3 Dependent variable
Dependent variable refers to the status of the 'effect' (or outcome) in which the
researcher is interested.
3.5.3.1 Measurement of dependent variable
The composite adoption of intercropping with mango cultivation by the farmers was
the dependent variable of this study. Composite adoption of intercropping with mango
27
cultivation was measured by computing a composite adoption score. Assigned
composite adoption score was consisted of three sub-score dimensions, viz.
a) Area sub-score of mango cultivation.

b) Number of crops sub-scores a respondent intercropped.
c) Duration sub-score of practicing intercrop.
Sub-scores were computed for the said dimensions. Procedures followed in
computing the three sub-scores have been presented below:
3.5.3.1.1 Area sub-score
Area sub-score was determined on the basis of the land area having used for adoption
of intercropping in mango cultivation. Scoring was made as follows:
Land area used for adoption of Score Assigned
intercropping in mango cultivation
Land used up to 1 hectare 1
Land used from 1.1 to 2 hectare 2
Land used from 2.1 to 3 hectare 3
Land used above 3.1 to 4 hectare 4
3.5.3.1.2 Number of intercrops sub-score

Number of crops sub-score was computed on the basis of how many crops did he
intercropped with Mango. Scoring was made in the following manner:
Number of crops with mango Score Assigned
1-2 1
3-4 2
5-6 3
>6 4
3.5.3.1.3 Duration sub-score

Duration sub-score was computed on the basis of the period during which an
individual practicing intercropping with mango cultivation in the study area. Scoring
was made in the following manner:
Duration of practicing intercropping Assigned Score
< 2 years 1
> 2-4 years 2
> 4-6 years 3
> 6 years 4
Finally the composite adoption of intercropping was determined by the following

formula:
28
Adoption of Intercropping = Area sub-score × Number of crops sub-score × Duration
sub-score. The lowest adoption score would be 1 (one) and the highest adoption score
would be 64 (Sixty four).
3.6 Statement of Hypothesis
According to Kerlinger (1973), a hypothesis is a conjectural statement of the relation

between two or more variables. Hypotheses are always in declarative sentence form
and they relate either generally or specifically variables to sentence form and they
relate either generally or specifically variables to variables. Hypothesis may be
broadly divided into two categories, namely research hypothesis and null hypothesis.
3.6.1 Research hypothesis
The following research hypothesis was put forward to know the relationships between
each of the eleven selected characteristics of the farmers and their adoption of inter-
cropping with mango.
Hypothesis: “Each of the eleven selected characteristics of the farmers will have
relationships with their adoption of intercropping with mango.”
3.6.2 Null hypothesis
A null hypothesis states that there is no relationship between the concerned variables.
The following null hypothesis was undertaken for the present study:
H0: There is no relationship between the selected characteristics of farmers and their
adoption of intercropping with mango.
If a null hypothesis is rejected on the basis of a statistical tests, it is assumed, that

there is a relationship between the concerned variables.
3.7 Data Processing and Analysis
3.7.1 Compilation of data
After completion of field survey, data from all the interview schedules were coded,
compiled, tabulated and analysed in accordance with the objectives of the study. In
this process, all responses in the interview schedule were given numerical coded
29
values. Local units were converted into standard units and qualitative data were
converted into quantitative data by assigning suitable scores whenever necessary. The
responses of the questions in the interview schedule were transferred to a MS excel
sheet to facilitate tabulation.
3.7.2 Categorization of data
For describing the different characteristics and their adoption of intercropping with
mango by the farmers, the respondents were classified into several categories. These
categories were developed by considering the nature of distribution of data, general
understanding prevailing in the social system and possible observed scoring system.
The procedure for categorization of data in respect of different variable is elaborately
being discussed.
3.8 Statistical Treatments

Data collected from respondents for this study were compiled, coded tabulated and
analyzed in accordance with the objectives of the study. The analysis was performed
using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS v.20) computer package.
Descriptive analyses such as range, number, percentage, mean, standard deviation
were used whenever possible. To find out the contribution of identified characteristics
of the adoption of intercropping with mango by the farmers of Bagha upazila under
Rajshahi district, multiple regressions was used. Throughout the study, at least five
percent (0.05) level of probability was used as basis of rejecting a null hypothesis.
30
CHAPTER IV
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
In this Chapter, the findings of the study and interpretation of their meaning are
presented. This chapter has been discussed in the following three sub-sections
according to the objectives of the study. First section deals with extent of adoption
of intercropping by the farmers, second section deals with selected personal and
socio-economic characteristics of the respondents and third section deals with
contribution of the selected personal and socio-economic characteristic of the
respondents on their extent of adoption.
4.1 Adoption of Intercrop with Mango
Adoption of intercrop scores of the farmers ranged from 15-25 with a mean of 19.51
and the standard deviation of 2.58. Based on the observed scores, the farmers were
classified into three categories as shown in table 4.1.
Table 4.1 Distribution of intercrop farmers according to adoption
Categories Range (Score) Respondents

Mean SD
(Mean±SD) Score Observed Number Percent
Low Up to 17 24 22.9
Medium 17-21 15-25 55 52.3
19.51 2.58
High Above 21 26 24.8
Total 113 100
Data presented in table 4.1 reveal that the highest proportion (52.3 percent) of the
farmers fell under the medium adoption category while 24.8 percent had high
adoption and 22.9 percent had low adoption. Therefore, more than three-fourths (77.1
percent) of the respondents had medium to high adoption of intercrop with mango.
4.2 Selected Characteristics of the Respondents

The characteristics of the farmers were selected to find out their relationship with the
adoption of intercropping in mango cultivation. The selected characteristics included
their age, education, farm size, income from mango and intercrop, training exposure,
cosmopoliteness, organizational participation, innovativeness, credit received, extent
of advice seeking and crop diversification. The salient features of the characteristics
are shown in Table 4.2.
31
Table 4.2 Selected characteristics of the intercrop farmers
Possible Observed
Characteristics Unit Mean SD
score score
Age Years - 28-67 48.02 10.33
Level of
Education - 0-16 5.40 3.70
schooling
Farm size (ha) - 2-13 5.35 2.68
Income from
Actual (in
mango and 110-580 313.98 120.38
'000' Tk.) -
intercrop
Training received No. of days - 0-22 9.76 4.40
Cosmopoliteness Score 0-36 20-30 23.52 2.34
Organizational
Score 0-21 10-17 14.38 1.37
participation
Innovativeness Score 0-24 12-21 16.56 2.22
Credit received (Taka. 000) - 0-250 60.47 60.17

Extent of advice
seeking Score 0-20 10-18 13.81 1.91
Crop
Score 0-100 40-70 53.90 10.60
Diversification
4.2.1 Age
The age of the farmers has been varied from 28 to 67 years with a mean and standard
deviation of 48.02 and 10.33, respectively. Based on their age, the farmers were
classified into three categories namely „young‟; „middle‟ and „old‟ aged following
Rashid (2014). The distribution of the farmers in accordance of their age is presented
in Table 4.3.
32
Table 4.3 Distribution of the farmers according to their age
Range (Years) Respondents Standard

Category Mean
Score Observed Number Percent deviation
Young aged Up to 35 13 12.4
Middle aged 36-50 28-67 52 49.5 48.02 10.33
Old aged Above 50 35 38.1
Total 113 100
Data presented in table 4.3 indicated that the highest proportion (49.5 percent) of the
respondents was in middle aged category compared to 38.1 percent old aged and
12.4 percent young aged category. The findings indicate that a large proportion (87.6
percent) of the farmers were middle to old aged. The middle and old aged farmers
have a favorable attitude towards new ideas. Most of the researches show that,
middle aged farmers are proportionately higher than two other categories.
4.2.2 Education
The level of educational scores of the mango farmers ranged from 0 to 16 with a mean
and standard deviation of 5.40 and 3.70 respectively. Based on the educational scores,
the respondents were classified into five categories such as „can‟t read of sign‟ (0),
„can sign only‟ (0.5), „primary education‟ (1 to 5), „secondary education‟ (6 to 10),
above secondary (above 10). The distributions of the respondents according to their
level of education are presented in Table 4.4
Table 4.4 Distribution of the farmers according to their level of education

Range (School
Respondents
Category years) Mean SD
Score Observed Number Percent
Can‟t read and
0 10 9.5
write
Can sign only 0.5 15 14.3
Primary education 1-5 0-16 29 27.6
5.40 3.70
Secondary
6-10 44 41.9
education
Above secondary > 10 7 6.7
Total 105 100
Table 4.4 shows that respondent under secondary education category constitute the
highest proportion (41.9 percent) followed by primary (27.6 percent). On the other
hand, the lowest 6.7 percent in above secondary and can only sign category education
33
category (14.3 percent) and can‟t read and sign category (9.5 percent). An educated
mango farmer is likely to be more responsive to the modern facts, ideas, technology
and information of mango production. To adjust with the same, they would be
progressive minded to adopt as well as involve with modern cultural, processing and
marketing facilities of mango along with searching for the opportunities to export
their mango in different countries through proper marketing channel.
4.2.3 Farm size

The farm size of the mango farmers‟ scores ranged from 2.0 ha to 13.0 ha with a
mean and standard deviation of 5.35 and 2.68 respectively. Based on their farm size,
the respondents were classified into three categories which is presented in Table 4.5.
Table 4.5 Distribution of the farmers according to their farm size

Range (Hectare) Respondents
Categories
Mean SD
(Mean±SD) Score (ha) Observed Number Percent
Small farmer Upto 2.0 6 5.7
Medium farmer 3.0-7.0 2.0-13.0 71 70.5
5.35 2.68
Large farmer Above 7.0 8 23.8
Total 105 100
Table 4.5 indicates that the medium farm holder constitutes the highest proportion
(70.5 percent) followed by large farm holder (23.8 percent), whereas 5.7 percent was
small farm holder. The findings of the study reveal that majority of the mango farmers
were medium to large sized farm holder.
4.2.4 Income from mango and intercrop

Income score of the farmers ranged from 110 to 580 (Taka in thousands) with the
mean of 313.98 and standard deviation 120.38. On the basis of the Income from
intercropping the farmers were classified into three categories as shown in table 4.6.
Table 4.6 Distribution of the farmers according to their income from mango and
intercrop
Range (Hectare) Respondents

Categories
Score (000 Mean SD
(Mean±SD) Observed Number Percent
tk.)
Low income Up to 193 13 12.4
Medium income 194-433 110-580 73 69.5 313.9 120.
High income 8 38
Above 433 19 18.1
Total 105 100
34
Data presented in Table 4.6, indicate that the highest proportion (69.5 percent) of the
respondents had medium income compared to 12.4 percent small income and 18.1
percent had high income. The majority (69.5%) of the respondents belong to
“medium income” category. This might be because of proceeding towards land
scarcity day by day and due to they were engaged with other sources, such as
services, business.
4.2.5 Training received

Training received scores of the respondents were found to be varying from 0 to 22
days there with the average of 9.76 and the standard deviation was 4.40. The farmers
on the basis of training received score were classified into three categories namely
„low training received‟, „medium training received‟ and „high training received‟ as
shown in Table. 4.7.
Table 4.7 Distribution of the farmers according to their training received

Categories Range (No of days) Respondents
Mean
(Mean±SD) Score Observed Number Percent SD
Low Up to 5 15 14.3
Medium 6-13 0-22 68 64.7 9.76 4.40
Total 105 100
Data presented in the Table 4.7, showed that the highest proportion (64.7%) of the
respondents belonged to medium training received category as compared to (21.0%)
and (14.3%) having high and low training received category, respectively.
Overwhelming majority (85.7 percent) farmers had medium to high level training
received. Who received any agricultural training base they are more conscious about
modern mango cultivation method and mango production as well.
4.2.6 Cosmopoliteness
The score of cosmopoliteness of the farmers ranged from 20-30 with a mean and
standard deviation of 23.52 and 2.34. On the basis of cosmopoliteness the respondents
were classified into three categories namely, „low‟, „medium‟ and „high‟. The scale
used for computing the Cosmopoliteness score is presented in the Table 4.8.
35
Table 4.8 Distribution of the farmers according to their cosmopoliteness
Mean SD
Low Up to 11 29 27.6
Medium 22-25 20-30 51 48.6
23.52 2.34
Total 113 100
Data contained in the Table 4.7, shows that the highest proportion (48.6%) of the
respondents had medium cosmopoliteness while (27.6%) and (23.8%) of them had
low and high cosmopoliteness categories. The majority of the farmers (76.2%) have
low to medium cosmopoliteness.
4.2.7 Organizational participation

The observed organizational participation score of the respondents ranged from 10 to
17. The mean score was 14.38 with the standard deviation 1.37. Based on the
organizational participation scores, the respondents were classified into three
categories namely “low organizational participation”, “medium organizational
participation” and “high participation” as shown in Table 4.9.
Table 4.9 Distribution of the farmers according to their organizational

participation
Categories Range (score) Respondents’
Mean
Score Observed Number Percent SD
Low Up to 13 26 24.8
Medium 14-15 10-17 60 57.1 14.38 1.37
Total 105 100
Data contained in the Table 4.9, revealed that the majority (57.1%) of the farmers had
medium organizational participation as compared to (24.8%) and (18.1%) having low
and high organizational participation respectively. The majority of the farmers (81.9
percent) are in low to medium organizational participation.
4.2.8 Innovativeness
The score of innovativeness of the farmers ranged from 12-21 with a mean and
standard deviation of 16.56 and 2.22. On the basis of innovativeness the respondents
were classified into three categories namely, „low‟, „medium‟ and „high‟. The scale
used for computing the innovativeness score is presented in the Table 4.10.
36
Table 4.10 Distribution of the farmers according to their innovativeness
Categories Range (score) Respondents’

Mean
Score Observed Number Percent SD
Low Up to 14 15 14.3
Medium 15-18 12-21 70 66.7 16.56 2.22
Total 105 100
Data presented in Table 4.10 indicate that the highest proportion (66.7 percent) of
the farmers had medium innovativeness compared to 19.0 percent had high
innovativeness and 14.3 percent have low innovativeness. It is true that all the
farmers will not be similar innovative to all types of innovations.
4.2.9 Credit received
Credit received scores of the farmers ranged from 0 to 250 with a mean of 60.47 and
the standard deviation of 6017. Based on the scores, the farmers were classified into
three categories as shown in table 4.11.
Table 4.11 Distribution of the farmers according to credit received

Categories Range (Score) Respondents’
(Observed Mean SD
Score Observed Number Percent
range)
Low Up to 83 74 70.5
Medium 83-125 0-250 19 18.1
60.47 60.17
Total 105 100
farmers fell under the low credit received category while 18.1 percent had medium
and 11.4 percent had high credit received categories. It is noted that, an
overwhelming majority (88.6 percent) of the farmers had low to medium credit
received.
4.2.10 Extent of advice seeking

Extent of advice seeking scores of the farmers ranged from 10 to 18 against the
possible score range from 0-20 with a mean of 13.81 and the standard deviation of
1.91. Based on the scores, the farmers were classified into three categories as shown
in table 4.12.
37
Table 4.12 Distribution of the farmers according to extent of advice seeking
Mean SD
Low Up to 12 30 28.6
Medium 13-14 10-88 50 47.6
13.81 1.91
Total 105 100
farmers fell under the medium advice seeking category while 28.6 percent had low
advice seeking and 23.8 percent had high advice seeking of crop. It is noted that, an
overwhelming majority (76.2 percent) of the farmers had low to medium advice
seeking of crop.
4.2.11 Crop diversification

Crop Diversification scores of the farmers ranged from 40 to 70 against the possible
score range from 0-100 with a mean of 53.90 and the standard deviation of 10.60.
Based on the scores, the farmers were classified into three categories as shown in
table 4.13.
Table 4.13 Distribution of intercrop farmers according to crop diversification

Mean SD
Low Up to 43 25 23.8
Medium 44-63 40-70 59 56.2
53.90 10.60
Total 105 100
farmers fell under the medium diversification category while 23.8 percent had low
diversification and 20.0 percent had high diversification of crop. It is noted that, an
overwhelming majority (80.0 percent) of the farmers had low to medium adoption of
crop diversification. The findings also reveal that, the intercrop growers are in favor
of crop diversification.
38
4.3 The Contribution of the Selected Characteristics of the Respondents to their
adoption of intercrop
In order to estimate the adoption of intercrop from the independent variables, multiple
regression analysis were used which is shown in the Table 4.14.
Table 4.14 Multiple regression coefficients of contributing factors related to the
adoption of intercrop
Dependent Independent Adj.
B p R2 F
variable variables R2
Age -.013 .338
Education -.053 .253
Farm size .020 .842
Income from
mango and -.005 .989
intercrop
Training
.144 .004**
received
Adoption of Cosmopoliteness -.069 .268
intercropping .660 .657 26.33
with mango Organizational
-.099 .353
participation
Innovativeness .187 .021*
Credit received .004 .160
Extent of advice
.229 .008**
seeking
Crop
.123 .000**
diversification
** Significant at p < 0.01; * Significant at p < 0.05
The findings of the study revealed that the 11 characteristics of the farmers were taken
as independent variables together were effective in predicting farmers‟ adoption of
intercrop. The observed F ratio was significant at 0.01 level of significance which was
an indication that the combinations of the independent variables in adoption was
effective 66.0 percent (%) (R2=.660) of the variation of respondents‟ adoption which
can be attributed to their age, education, farm size, income from mango and
intercrop, training received, cosmopoliteness, organizational participation,
innovativeness, credit received, extent of advice seeking and crop diversification
making contribution on extent of adoption of intercrop.
However, each predictor may expound some of the variance in respondents‟ adoption
conditions simply by chance. The adjusted R-square value penalizes the addition of
39
external predictors in the model, but values of 0.657 still show that the variance in
farmers‟ extent of adoption of intercrop can be attributed to the predictor variables
rather than by chance and the F value indicate that the model was significant (p<0.01).
From Table 4.14, it was observed that training received, innovativeness, extent of
advice seeking, and crop diversification had significant contribution on farmers‟
adoption of intercrop. Data also showed that here training received, extent of advice
seeking, and crop diversification had most significant contribution at 1% (p<0.01)
level of significance on adoption of intercrop. It was also showed that innovativeness
had also significant contribution at (p<0.05) 5% level of significance on adoption of
intercrop.
4.3.1 Contribution of crop diversification in adoption of intercropping
The contribution of crop diversification in adoption of intercropping by testing the

following null hypothesis; “there is no contribution of crop diversification in adoption
of intercropping”.
The adjusted P value of the concerned variables was found .000. The following
observations were made on the basis of the value of the concerned variable of the
study under consideration.
 The contribution of the crop diversification was at 1% significance level. So,

the null hypothesis could be rejected.
Based on the above finding, it can be summarized that mango farmer had more crop
diversification increased the production of mango. Crop diversification enhances the
abilities of the mango farmers at various agricultural management practices. In
addition, farmers start to receive higher economic return from the same production
unit. Therefore, it motivates them a lot to adopt advanced practices like intercropping
in their farming business.
4.3.2 Contribution of training received in adoption of intercropping
The contribution of training received in adoption of intercropping by testing the

following null hypothesis; “there is no contribution of training received in adoption of
intercropping”.
40
 The contribution of the training received was at 1% significance level. So, the
null hypothesis could be rejected.
Based on the above finding, it can be summarized that mango farmer had more
training received increased the production of mango. Training received enhances the
abilities of the mango farmers by updating their knowledge and quickly motivate
them towards improved practices. Hence, training received had significantly
contributed to the increase production of intercrop farmers.
4.3.3 Contribution of extent of advice seeking in adoption of intercropping
The contribution of extent of advice seeking in adoption of intercropping by testing

the following null hypothesis; “there is no contribution of extent of advice seeking in
adoption of intercropping”.
 The contribution of the extent of advice seeking was at 1% significance level.

So, the null hypothesis could be rejected.
Based on the above finding, it can be summarized that a mango farmer had more
extent of advice seeking increased the production of mango. High extents of seeking
advice from local extension workers enable farmers to update their knowledge in
latest farm practices and management and thus increase production.
4.3.4 Contribution of innovativeness in adoption of intercropping
The contribution of innovativeness in adoption of intercropping by testing the

following null hypothesis; “there is no contribution of innovativeness in adoption of
intercropping”.
41
 The contribution of the extent of advice seeking was at 1% significance level.
So, the null hypothesis could be rejected.
Based on the above finding, it can be summarized that a mango farmer had more
innovativeness increased the production of mango. Innovativeness enhances the
abilities of the mango farmers at short time than others which enabled them to
increase production.
42
CHAPTER V
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS AND

RECOMMENDATIONS
This chapter presents summary of major findings, conclusion and recommendation of

the study.
5.1 Summary of Findings
5.1.1 Adoption of intercrop
The highest proportion (52.3 percent) of the farmers fell under the medium adoption
category while 22.9 percent had low adoption and 24.3 percent had high adoption.
5.1.2 Selected characteristics of the farmers
The major findings of the study are summarized below:
Age:
Age of the farmers ranged from 28 to 67 years with the average of 48.02 years and the
standard deviation was 10.33. Highest proportion (49.5 percent) of the farmers was
under middle aged category.
Education:
Education score of the respondents ranged from 0 to 16 with the average of 5.40 and
the standard deviation was 3.70. Highest proportion (41.9 percent) of the farmers was
under secondary level of education.
Farm size:
The farm size of the farmers in the study area varied from 2.0-13.0 hectares (ha.). The
average farm size was 5.35 ha. and the standard deviation was 2.68. The highest
proportion (70.5 percent) of the respondents belonged to medium farm size, while
94.3 percent of the farmers were in the categories of medium to large farm size.
Income from mango and intercrop:
Income from mango and intercrop score of the respondents ranged from Tk. 110 to
Tk. 580 with the average of Tk. 313.98 and the standard deviation was Tk. 120.38.
The highest proportion (69.5 percent) of the respondents had medium income from
mango and intercrop while 87.6 percent of the respondents in the study area were
medium to high income earner.
43
Training received:
Training received scores of the respondents were found to be varying from 0 to 22
days with the average of 9.76 and the standard deviation was 4.40. The highest
proportion (64.7 percent) of the respondents belonged to medium training received,
while 85.7 percent of the farmers were in the categories of medium training to high
training received.
Cosmopoliteness:
Cosmopoliteness scores of the farmers ranged from 20 to 30 against the possible
range of 0 to 36. The average cosmopoliteness score was 23.52 with the standard
deviation 2.34. The highest proportion (48.6 percent) of the farmers had medium
cosmopoliteness compare to 27.6 percent having low cosmopoliteness and 23.8
percent having high cosmopoliteness.
Organizational participation:
The observed organizational participation scores of the respondents ranged from 10 to
17. The mean score was 14.38 with the standard deviation 1.37. The highest
proportion (57.1 percent) of the respondents had medium organizational participation.
Innovativeness:
Innovativeness score of the respondents range from 12 to 21 with an average of 16.56
and standard deviation of 2.22. Most of the respondents (66.7 percent) had medium
innovativeness while only 14.3 percent low and 19.0 percent respondents had high
innovativeness.
Extent of advice seeking:
The highest proportion (47.6 percent) of the respondents of the study area had the
medium extent of advice seeking. While, 28.6 percent had low extent of advice
seeking and 23.8 percent had high extent of advice seeking.
Crop diversification:
The highest proportion (56.2 percent) of the farmers fell under the medium
diversification category while 23.8 percent had low diversification and 20.0 percent
had high diversification.
5.1.3 Factors related to the adoption of intercropping with mango farmers
There is a significant contribution of the respondents training received,

innovativeness, extent of advice seeking and crop diversification on adoption of
intercropping. The 66.0% (R2=0.660) of the variation in the respondents changed
adoption of intercropping was attributed to the significant independent.
44
5.2 Conclusions
Findings of the present study and the logical interpretation of other relevant facts,
prompted the researcher to draw the following conclusions:
1. Adoption of intercrop according to three aspects was investigated in this

study. Overall adoption of the three aspects was low among 22.9 percent of
the farmers, medium among 52.3 percent and high among 24.8 percent.
Above three-fourths (77.1 percent) of the respondents had medium to high
adoption of intercrop with mango. It could be concluded that this adoption
rate is encouraging adoption of intercrop.
2. Training received of the farmers had relationship with their adoption of

intercrop. Therefore; mango intercropping can be improved if the farmers are
provided training on different aspects of mango intercrop.
3. Innovativeness of the farmers had significant contribution on their adoption

of intercrop. This means that with increase of innovativeness, the adoption
also increases. Frequent contact with extension and extension media can
make farmers more innovative which will ultimately lead to adopt modern
practices. This situation is quite favorable for the implementation of
agricultural development programs in the study area.
4. Extent of advice seeking had significant contribution on farmers‟ adoption of

intercrop. It helps farmers of be experienced, modernized and become
effective motivator for adopting modem technologies in intercropping. Thus
it can be concluded that extent of advice seeking of the farmers can be used
to increase adoption of intercrop.
5. Crop diversification had significant contribution with farmers‟ adoption of

intercrop. This means that with increase of crop diversification the adoption
also increases. Frequent contact with extension and extension media can
make farmers more innovative which will ultimately lead to adopt modern
practices. This situation is quite favorable for the implementation of
agricultural development programs in the study.
45
5.3 Recommendations
5.3.1 Recommendations for policy implications
Based on the findings and conclusions of the study, the following recommendations
are presented below:
1. Despite the adoption of intercrop with mango in the selected study area was
not found unsatisfactory, there are ample scope to increase the breadth and
width of the intercropping in the locality. Hence, dissemination of
intercropping information among the non-adopters, better management
facilities of the intercropping farm and provide incentives, both economical
and physical, will be effective in creating favorable attitude towards
intercropping, especially with mango.
2. Training received had positive contribution to the adoption of

intercropping. Massive and relevant training programs should be
undertaken for the mango growers to upgrade their awareness and
understandings of the use of different cultivation, particularly intercropping
use. The various GOs and NGOs especially the production project of DAE
should be involved in the conduction of training programs.
3. Crop diversification had positive contribution to the adoption of

intercropping. The findings reveal that the highest proportion (80.0%) of
the respondents had low to medium crop diversification to adoption of
intercrop. Government should continue to provide support price for mango
for encourage mango cultivation and encourage for crop diversification.
4. Innovativeness had significant positive contribution to the adoption of

intercropping. The findings indicated that the higher innovativeness would
help the farmers to adoption of intercrop. DAE and other concerned
organizations should come forward to promote more advanced practices of
mango cultivation.
5. Extent of advice seeking had significant positive contribution to the adoption

of intercropping. Extension agencies should provide improved farm
management practices to all categories of farmers in order raise their
production as well as enhance their farm income.
46
5.3.2 Recommendations for further study
1. The study was conducted on the farmers of only one selected area of Bagha
upazila. Finding of the study need verification by similar research in other
areas of the country including areas where mango cultivation is yet to get
popularity.
2. Contributions of 11 characteristics of farmers with their adoption of intercrop

have been investigated in this study. Further research should be conducted to
explore contribution of the other personal characteristics of the farmers with
their adoption of intercrop.
3. Age, education, farm size, income from mango and intercrop,

cosmopoliteness, organizational participation and credit received had no
significant contribution with their adoption of intercrop. So, further
investigation may be taken to verify the result.
4. Research should also be undertaken to identify the other factors causing

hindrance to high adoption of intercrop.
47
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Appendix - I
An English Version of Interview Schedule
Department of Agricultural Extension and Information System
Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka-1207
An interview schedule for data collection of the research study entitled
“ADOPTION OF INTERCROPPING WITH MANGO BY THE FARMERS OF

BAGHA UPAZILLA UNDER RAJSHAHI DISTRICT”
Serial No:
Name of the respondent:
Village: Union:
Upazila: District:
(Please answer the following questions. Your responses will be kept confidential and
will be used aggregately for academic purpose only.)
1. Age: How old are you? ……… years.
2. Educational Qualification: Please mention your educational attainment by

putting (√) mark against the appropriate answer.
a) Don‟t know reading and writing
b) Can sign only
c) Did not go to school but can read and write which is equal to ………. class.
d) I‟ve studied up to …… class
56
3. Farm size: Please furnish your land information according to use.
Sl. No. Topics of land Area

Local Hectare
i. Homestead (including pond) (A1)
ii. Own land under own cultivation (A2)
iii. Land taken from others on lease (A3)
iv. Land taken from others on share cropping (A4)
v. Own land given to others on share cropping (A5)
Total A1+A2+A3+1/2(A4+A5)
4. Income from Mango and Intercrop: Please mention your last year income from
mango and intercrop.
Sl. No. Crop Income

(thousand taka)
i. Mango
ii. Intercrop
Total
5. Training Exposure: Have you received any training on mango intercrop?

Yes/No. If yes, please provide the following information.
SI. No. Name of Training Course Name of Duration

Organization (Days)
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
Total
57
6. Cosmopoliteness: Please mention your frequency of visits to the following
places?
Extent of visit
SI. Places of
Regularly Often Occasionally Rarely Never
No. visit
(4) (3) (2) (1) (0)
i. Relative/
1 Above 6 5-6 times/ 3-4 times/ 1-2 times/
friends times/month month month month
ii. Other
2 Above 6 5-6 times/ 3-4 times/ 1-2 times/
village times/month month month month
iii. 3 Above 6 5-6 times/ 3-4 times/ 1-2 times/
Other union
times/month month month month
iv. Own
4 upazila Above 6 5-6 times/ 3-4 times/ 1-2 times/
sadar times/month month month month
v. Other
5
Above 6 5-6 times/ 3-4 times/ 1-2 times/
upazila
times/year year year year
sadar
vi. Own
6 zila Above 6 5-6 times/ 3-4 times/ 1-2 times/
sadar times/year year year year
vii. Other
7 zila Above 6 5-6 times/ 3-4 times/ 1-2 times/
sadar times/year year year year
viii. 8 Above 4 3times/ 2 times/
Capital city 1time/year
times/year Year year
ix. Agricultural
9 Above 4 3times/ 2 times/
1time/year
fair times/year Year year
7. Organizational Participation: Mention your level of participation with the

following organization.
Level of Participation (years)
SI. Name of
No Ordinary Executive Executive
No. Organization
participation Member Member Officer
(0) (1) (2) (3)
Farmers‟
i.
Cooperatives
ii. Village club
Agricultural
club (e.g.
iii.
IPM, FFS,
ICM)
NGO
iv. organized
group
Bazar
v.
committee
School
vi.
committee
58
8. Innovativeness: Please mention how long have you been using the following
practices after hearing for mango intercrop?
Extent of innovativeness
Within Within Within After 5
SI. Do not 1 year of 2-3 4-5 years years of
Name of Practices
No. use hearing years of of hearing
hearing hearing
(0) (4) (3) (2) (1)
Use of
recommended dose
i.
of fertilizers (Urea,
TSP, MoP, etc.)
ii. Irrigation
iii. Use of compost
iv. Use of pesticide
Practice of
v.
biological methods
Modern post-
harvest
vi. technologies(e.g.
fruit bagging,hot
water treatment,etc)
9. Credit Received: Did you receive any credit from any source? Yes/No
If yes, please mention the source of receiving credit and the amount of credit
received.
SI. Amount of credit

Source of credit
No. (Thousand Tk.)
i. NGOs (Please mention NGOs name)
ii. Banks
iii. Money Lender
iv. Friends
v. Neighbors
vi. Relatives
vii. Others
59
10. Extent of Advice Seeking: Please mention your frequency of using the following
sources for receiving farm related information.
Not at Extent of advice received
SI.
Sources all Regularly Often Occasionally Rarely
No.
(0) (4) (3) (2) (1)
More than 5-6 3-4 times/ 1-2 times/
i. UAO
6 times/year times/year year year
ii. AEO
iii. AAEO
More than 4-5 times/ 2-3 times/ 1 time/
iv. SAAO
5 times/month month month month
NGO More than 4-5 times/ 2-3 times/ 1 time/
v.
workers 5 times/month month month month
11. Crop Diversification: Mention how many crops have you cultivated in last five
(5) years?
a) ……………… b) …………….....
c) ……………… d) ………………
e) ……………… f) …………….....
g) ……………… h) ………………
i) ………………. j) ………………
12. Adoption of Intercrop:

a) Mention the area of mango cultivation: ………………. hectare.
b) Mention the number of crops you intercrop with mango:
c) How long have you been practicing intercropping with mango? ……years.
SI. No. Duration of practicing (years) Score
i. <2 years
ii. > 2-4 years
iii. > 4-6 years
iv. > 6 years
60
Thank you for your kind cooperation.
Interviewer Name and Contact:
………………………………
Signature of the Interviewer.
61
Appendix - II
Some pictures of data collection of the research study entitled
“ADOPTION OF INTERCROPPING WITH MANGO BY THE FARMERS OF

BAGHA UPAZILLA UNDER RAJSHAHI DISTRICT”
A picture of data collection from a mango farmer
A picture of intercropping in mango garden
62

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ADOPTION OF INTERCROPPING WITH MANGO BY THE

FARMERS OF BAGHA UPAZILA UNDER

MD. SAKINUR ISLAM

MD. SAKINUR ISLAM

MASTER OF SCIENCE (MS)

This is to certify that the thesis entitled, “ADOPTION OF INTERCROPPING WITH

CHAPTER TITLE PAGE

CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION 1-8

CHAPTER II REVIEW OF LITERATURE 9-18

CHAPTER III METHODOLOGY 19-30

CHAPTER V SUMMARY OF FNDINGS, CONCLUSIONS AND 43-47

5.1 Major Findings 43

TABLE TITLE PAGE

FIGURE TITLE PAGE

Aabbreviation Full word

AIS Agriculture Information Service

AEO Agricultural Extension Officer

AAEO Assistant Agricultural Extension Officer

BBS Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics

BEC Bangladesh Economic Census

BINA Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture

BRRI Bangladesh Rice Research Institute

DAE Department of Agricultural Extension

FAO Food and Agriculture Organization

HYV High Yielding Variety

NGO Non-Government Organization

SPSS Statistical Package for Social Sciences

1.1 General Background

In spite of having preferable climatic condition, farming experience and commercial

1.2 Statement of the Problem

In Bangladesh, intercropping is a common and known practice. Despite the

ii. What demographic and socio-economic characteristics influence farmers‟

i. To determine the extent of adoption of intercropping with mango.

1.4 Limitations of the Study

1.5 Justification of the Study

Despite intercropping is not a completely new phenomenon, its adoption by the

At present there is a lack of adequate information to influence farmers‟ extent of

1.6 Assumptions of the Study

iv. The responses furnished by the respondents were reliable.

1.7 Definition of Important Terms

Education is the production process of human behavior towards desired goal.

Income from mango and intercrop

An intercropped farmer cultivates zinger, turmeric, banana, pineapple with mango.

Innovativeness is the degree to which an individual is relatively earlier in adopting

It refers to the way by which respondents become accessible to the influence of

Section 1: Review of Literature on General Context of Adoption

Section 2: Relationship of the Selected Characteristics of the Farmers with Their

Section 3: Conceptual Framework of the Study

2.1 Review of Literature on General Context of Adoption

As mentioned earlier, a good number of studies have been conducted in adoption

Muttaleb (1995) conducted a study on the extent of the adoption of improved

To be concluded, the rate of adoption of improved farm practices by farmers varies

2.2 Contribution of the Selected Characteristics of the Farmers with Their

2.2.1 Age and adoption

2.2.2 Education and adoption

With few exception majority studies reported a positive relationship between

2.2.3 Farm size and adoption

A considerable number of studies reported positive relationship between farm size

2.2.4 Income from mango-intercrop and adoption

2.2.5 Training exposure and adoption

2.2.6 Cosmopoliteness and adoption

2.2.7 Organizational participation and adoption

Organizational participation was mostly found to be positively associated with