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 Ph.D. Research Proposal:

ON.

Is it important to practice sustainable agriculture to improve food

security and human health system immunity? An experimental study
on the issues focusing on countries like Bangladesh

Submitted by

Md Abdur Rahman
MSS and BSS in Economics
Khulna University, Bangladesh
E-mail: rahmankue@gmail.com
Contact: +8801749211777

February 2022
Table of Contents
1. Introduction.......................................................................................................................................... 2
2. Literature Review ............................................................................................................................... 3
3. Research objective............................................................................................................................. 3
3.1 Research questions ................................................................................................................... 3
4. Data and Methodology ...................................................................................................................... 5
4.1 Logical Framework of the Proposed Study ............................................................................ 5
4.2 Sampling Technique & Proposed Sample Size ..................................................................... 5
4.3 Research Design ........................................................................................................................ 6
5. Significance of the Study................................................................................................................... 9
6. Probable Time Schedule ................................................................................................................... 9
Bibliography .............................................................................................................................................. 10

1
1. Introduction
Bangladesh is a small agrarian-based and densely populated country in Southeast Asia. The
Agricultural-based economy of this country contributes generously to national food production,
employment generation, ensuring food security, and overall socio-economic development.
Bangladesh is one of the most populated countries in the world belonging over 165 million population
having only 147,570 Square Kilometer land area and it is projected that based on the current trend
total population will be 200 million in 2050 that will create more strain to meet the extra food for
extended population meeting the nutrient intake (USAID, 2019). The sources of nutrients mostly
come from pastoral-based agricultural sources other than imported goods. While the contribution of
agriculture to GDD is now 12.65% is in a lowering trend that was 17% of GDP in 2010 (Statista,
2021) but this sector contributed 42.7 percent of the workforce in 20171.The role of sustainable
agriculture is enormous in boosting the immunity of the human health system as it entails the
integrated system of plant and animal production practices having a site-specific application that will,
over the long term satisfy human food and fiber needs; enhance environmental quality and the
natural resource base upon which the agricultural economy depends; make the most efficient use of
non-renewable resources and on-farm resources and integrate, where appropriate, natural biological
cycles and controls; sustain the economic viability of farm operations; and enhance the quality of life
for farmers and society as a whole (USDA, 2007) Likewise, sustainable agriculture indicates the
agricultural practice which is environmentally viable, economically profitable, socially acceptable,
culturally fit, match to the contemporary science and technology. The modern variety of different
modified seeds is highly chemical-dependent, as a huge amount of chemicals pesticides/poisonous
are being used in a different stage of production processing and conservation. Thus, it impacts
seriously on human health.

So proposed study will assess how sustainable agriculture can contribute to ensuring food security
in terms of economic access, food availability, creating purchasing power, and nutrient value. The
study will also measure the degree of impact on making nutrient value by contemporary crops variety
(i.e., hybrid, local) that does matter on boosting the nutrient intake of human health system whether
which is directly correlated with sustainable agriculture practice through plausible empirical and
descriptive study. This study proposes the approach of the study and methodological process &
design in how the study will be done from start to end.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agriculture_in_Bangladesh#:~:text=Agriculture%20is%20the%20largest%20employment
,42.7%20percent%20of%20the%20workforce.&text=Because%20of%20Bangladesh's%20fertile%20soil,a%20year%20i
n%20many%20areas.

2
2. Literature Review
Some relevant studies have measured the factors of sustainable agriculture and its contribution in
scaling food security and boosting the nutrient intake of target stakeholders. Agriculture involves
potential exposure to a wide range of respiratory toxins, many in concentrations higher than in other
industries. Despite low rates of cigarette smoking, farmers have an increased prevalence of several
acute and chronic respiratory diseases (Kirkhorn, Steven; Schenker, Marc B.) Another study has
mentioned that the trade-offs and subsequent decisions regarding food safety, food security, and
sustainability will not be insignificant in future agriculture practice rather the study showed concern
and suggested to be evidence-based (Vågsholm I et. al., 2020). where food insecurity increases the
risk of child malnutrition, as it affects diet quality and healthy food ensure Vitamins and minerals in
the diet are also vital as they boost immunity and healthy development (FAO, IFAD, UNICEF, WFP
and WHO, 2020). Another study found that household food insecurity is highly associated with an
increased risk of viral diseases especially malaria, diarrhea, upper respiratory infections, and
become hospitalization due to severe infectious diseases in the least developing or developing
countries that are supposed to be a result of inflammation as well as a depressed immune system.
And it is estimated that approximately 800 million people do not have access to enough food and
about 2 million people experience key micronutrient deficiencies (e.g., iron, vitamin A, iodine, and
zinc) and poor dietary quality (Escamilla, 2017). Another article has found that food security also has
an impact on economic growth in terms of life expectancy and better food security has a positive
impact on economic growth (Ismail, 2019) A study has pointed out that Fragile ecosystems,
especially the degradation of wildlife habitats, is widely seen as a key driver of closer human-wild
animal interaction that creates an increased opportunity for diseases to be transferred between them
(HELP, 2020)

3. Research objective
The main objective of this study is to assess how important sustainable agriculture is contributing to
food security and boosting the immunity of the human health system in context developing countries
like Bangladesh.

3.1 Research questions

Part A (Descriptive Study)

• What are agriculture practices followed in Bangladesh and how does it contribute in terms of
sustainability point of view?
• How sustainable Agriculture contributes to ensuring food security of Bangladesh in terms of
availability, accessibility, people purchasing power, and nutrient intake.
• How Sustainable Agriculture leads to food security contributes to scaling up the immunity of
the human health system
• What are the impacts of sustainable agriculture on the health system?

3
Part B (Empirical Study)
1. Do the agriculture practices ensure sustainability criteria of agriculture in Bangladesh?
2. What are the cost benefits of agriculture practices factors in sustainable points of view?
3. How does the agriculture yield ensure food security in Bangladesh?
4. How does sustainable agriculture leading to food security ensure boosting of immunity of
human health in Bangladeshi people?
5. On what scale does sustainable agriculture practice contribute immunity-boosting and what
are the differences from modern agricultural practices?

4
4. Data and Methodology

4.1 Logical Framework of the Proposed Study

The proposed study will follow the below logic in assessing the objectives of the study:

Descriptive Empirical Empirical/Descriptive/Scientific

Assessing Sustainable Assessing the

Agriculture in Agriculture Food
Factors of
Bangladesh Security/Insecurity
Sustainable
Agriculture • Availability Human
Immunity
• Accessibility
• Economic Boosting
• Nutrient Intake
• Health
• Purchasing
• Environmental
power
• others

Figure-1: Logical Framework of proposed study;

To conduct the research primary data will be collected through a questionnaire from the household
farmers and agricultural firms located in Bangladesh. The sample size and methodology will be
determined based on the total population size and further consultation with the supervisor following
the below techniques:

4.2 Sampling Technique & Proposed Sample Size

The survey team proposes the Stratified Random Sampling technique to select samples for the
survey, considering different population segments of the target locality. This technique will ensure
the participation of all locations according to the proportion of population size to capture all the
dimensions of different contexts.

To determine the sample size, the following standard formula will be used:

The required sample size is determined by using the following formula for finite population

5
 𝑛
n2 =
𝑧2 ×p̂(1−p̂)
1+
𝜀2 𝑁
Where,

z is the z score

ε is the margin of error

N is the population size

p̂ is the population proportion

Determine the sample size necessary to estimate the proportion of farmers for the target location
that identifies as a sample with 95% or 99% confidence and a margin of error of 5% or consultation
with the supervisor. here p̂ indicates the target proportion of the total population. Remember that z for
a 95% or 99% confidence level will be predetermined referred by the table provided in the confidence
level section for z scores of a range of confidence levels.

4.3 Research Design

To address the research questions cross-sectional farm-level data will be used for both descriptive
and empirical studies. The purpose of the descriptive study is to understand the behavioral aspect
of agriculture practiced by agricultural farmers in Bangladesh. On the other hand, the empirical
studies will emphasize finding the causal relationship between sustainable agriculture and its effect
on agricultural productivity. Some following equations including the Cobb-Douglas production
function will be used to establish the causal link between yields of studied crops variety. The cost-
Benefit analysis will also be assessed based on factors of sustainable agriculture to identify the
economic factors of the agricultural production:

To determine the sustainability trend of agricultural productivity (Dariush Hayati, 2010) has
recommended an operational index at the farm level. The parameter measured in that method
suggested an operational index to measure agricultural sustainability trends at the farm level. The
parameters measured in that method are those factors that intervene in the crop production process
and could have a positive effect on the process. The measurement is summarized below equation:

8 3

𝐒 = 𝐟 ⌈∑ 𝑋𝑖, ∑ 𝑌𝑗⌉
𝑖=1 𝑗=1

S = Trend of sustainability
X1 = Average of crop production per hectare
X2 = Execution of crop rotation
X3 = Usage of organic manures
X4 = Usage of green manures

2
See link here for sample size calculation: https://www.calculator.net/sample-size-
calculator.html?type=1&cl=99&ci=5&pp=3.94&ps=7601&x=85&y=16

6
X5 = Usage of crop stubble
X6 = Usage of conservational plough
X7 = Trend of change in water resources (at the farm)
X8 = Trend of change in soil resources (at the farm)
Y1 = Amount of pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides consumption in the farm
in one cultivational season
Y2 = Amount of nitrate fertilizer consumption per 1 t of crop production
Y3 = Amount of phosphate fertilizer consumption per 1 t of crop production

A parameter of X1 to X8 can lead to more sustainability if they increase and parameters of Y1 till Y3
can lead to unsustainability if they increase. In that case, the study will establish the below equation:

8 3

𝐒 = 𝐟 ⌈∑ 𝑋𝑖, − ∑ 𝑌𝑗⌉
𝑖=1 𝑗=1

To measure the efficiency of agriculture production in different varieties simple regression model will
be followed. Through this study, we want to find the efficiency of different verities– Local, HYV, and
Hybrid– the study assumed the efficiency of some predetermined crops which ones put contribute
most to ensuring the food supply of Bangladesh. Through the following regression model, the study
will try to calculate the efficiency of different seed verities. So, the Simple regression model has been
formed as-

𝑌𝑖 = 𝛼 + 𝛽 ∑ 𝑋𝑖 + 𝑈𝑖
Where 𝑌𝑖 = Output of 𝑖 𝑡ℎ Varieties (i indicate Local, HYV, Hybrid varieties)
𝑋𝑖 = 𝑖 𝑡ℎ inputs cost (Tk/acre) 𝑈𝑖 = Error term
∑ 𝑋𝑖 Indicates all inputs cost of seed, land, fertilizer, pesticides and labor hours, etc.

Estimation of BCR
To calculate the cost-benefit of different crop varieties, the following formula was used to find out the
Benefit-Cost Ratio. It is assumed that using the formula the study upshots the output of different
varieties, efficiency, and benefit-cost ratio.
𝒀𝒆𝒊𝒍𝒅 𝒑𝒆𝒓 𝒂𝒄𝒓𝒆
BCR= 𝑪𝒐𝒔𝒕 𝒑𝒆𝒓 𝒂𝒄𝒓𝒆
𝐵𝐶𝑅𝑖 =(∑𝑛𝑖 𝐵𝐿𝑖 / ∑𝑛𝑖 𝐶𝐿𝑖 ) + (∑𝑛𝑖 𝐵𝐻𝑌𝑉𝑖 / ∑𝑛𝑖 𝐶𝐻𝑌𝑉𝑖 ) + (∑𝑛𝑖 𝐵𝐻𝑌𝑉𝑖 / ∑𝑛𝑖 𝐶𝐻𝑌𝑉𝑖 )
Where,
𝐵𝐶𝑅𝑖 = BCR ratio of 𝑖 𝑡ℎ varieties
∑𝑛𝑖 𝐵𝐿𝑖 , ∑𝑛𝑖 𝐵𝐻𝑌𝑉𝑖 & ∑𝑛𝑖 𝐵𝐻𝑌𝐵𝑖 represent gross-returns from local, HYV and Hybrid.
∑𝑛𝑖 𝐶𝐿𝑖 , ∑𝑛𝑖 𝐶𝐻𝑌𝑉𝑖 & ∑𝑛𝑖 𝐶𝐻𝑌𝐵𝑖 represent gross costs from local, HYV and Hybrid.
{i=1, 2, 3……n}
Now, it is possible to represent the benefit-cost ratio as-

7
 Benifit per acre
BCR= =B/C
Cost per acre
Along with the above empirical estimation, it needs to compare whether these different efficiencies
ensure sustainable agriculture.

To estimate the food security index at the household level there have been recommended six
components to measures the food security and insecurity which were developed and elaborated by
international agencies where data been surveyed by multi-stage sampling method considering
pastoral agriculture productivity. Those indices will measure information on socio-economic aspects,
food basket, weekly consumption of food groups, weekly expenditure on food items obtaining four
components on food security namely Household Diet Diversity Score, Food Consumption Score,
Coping Strategies Index, Self-Assessed food Security Scale where two food insecurity index namely
household hunger scale, household food insecurity, and Access scale will be used (Aatish Kumar
Sahu, 2017)

The Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS)

To assess economic accessibility the HDDS is an indication of economic access to food items that
require household resources. The Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS) used by the UN Food
and Agriculture Organization and USAID to understand the diversity of food eaten equation will be
used to measure the accessibility of food:
𝑛𝑚
𝐻𝐷𝐷𝑆𝑖
𝑋𝑗 = 1/𝑘𝑗 ∑ 𝑤𝑗 𝑓𝑖𝑗
𝑖=1

𝐻𝐷𝐷𝑆𝑝
Where, 𝑋𝑗 = Household Diet Diversity Score of j th household of ith location;
𝑘𝑗 = household size of j th household for j=1, 2…,n;
Number of food groups i=1,2,….m
𝑤𝑗 =is the weight assigned to each food group;
𝑓𝑖𝑗 =is amount/expense of different food group consumed by j the household

The Food Consumption Score

The Food Consumption Score (FCS) is a specific type of weighted dietary diversity index used
primarily by the World Food Programme. calculated as per household member weekly food expense
on different food groups during the week of correspondence, and the result transformed to standard
normal form as the following equation:

𝑚
𝐹𝐶𝑆
𝑋𝑗 𝑖 = 1/𝑘𝑗 ∑ 𝑒𝑖𝑗
𝑖=1

𝐹𝐶𝑆𝑖
Where, 𝑋𝑗 = Food Consumption Score of j th household;
𝑘𝑗 = household size of j th household for j=1,2,…,n;
Number of food groups i=1, 2,….m;
𝑒𝑖𝑗 is weekly expenses towards each ith food group incurred by jth household;

8
The further study equations particularly the testing the relation between contribution of sustainable
agriculture to improve the immunity of human health system, and its associated methods as
necessary by the study needs will be determined and developed in consultation with the supervisor.

5. Significance of the Study

Malnutrition that is produced from lack of food or more nutrients can impair the production and activity
of immune cells and antibodies (CHAN). Therefore, it is imperative to study how sustainable
agriculture produces, how much food security is being ensured, what nutrients have been integrated
into the human immunity system through and what factors are contributing to making people's health
vulnerable. The results of this study will indicate whether Bangladesh's agricultural sector is
producing nutritious food that is beneficial for ensuring food security and enhancing the human
immune system that can contribute to reducing infectious diseases like COVID-19. The study will
also try to find out the cost of the benefit of local variety with high yield hybrid variety to compare the
sustainable value and contribution of both to ensure food security and impact the health system. The
study will suggest focusing on types of crops that should produce that meet sustainable agriculture
and food security of the people especially in accordance with nutrient ingredients and economic point
of view.

6. Probable Time Schedule

This section will give a brief and probable idea regarding the schedule of completing the task of
writing the research paper.
Chapter Topic % Words Months (Approximate)
(Approximate)
1 Introduction 5 3500 4
2 Literature Review 30 21000 6
3 Methodology 20 14000 6
4 Data Analysis 25 17500 6
5 Conclusion & Implications 20 14000 6
Total 100 70000 28
More time might be needed to do the trial and error of all the analyses to get the best possible
outcome

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 Bibliography

Aatish Kumar Sahu, Z. C. (2017). Measuring Household Food Security Index for High Hill. Journal
of Food Aatish Kumar Sahu, Zhopnu Chüzho, and Sanjoy Das, "Measuring Household
Food Security Index for High Hill Tribal Community of Nagaland, India." Journal of Food
Security, vol. 5, no. 5 (2017): 155-161. DOI: 10.12691/jfs-5-5-1.

CHAN, T. H. (n.d.). Nutrition and Immunity. School of Public Health, HARVARD.

Dariush Hayati, Z. R. (2010). Measuring Agricultural Sustainability. ResearchGate.

Escamilla, R. P. (2017). Food Security and the 2015–2030 Sustainable Development Goals: From
Human to Planetary Health. CURRENT DEVELOPMENTS IN NUTRITION.

FAO, IFAD, UNICEF, WFP and WHO. 2021. The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World
2021. Transforming food systems for food security, improved nutrition, and affordable
healthy diets for all. Rome, FAO. https://doi.org/10.4060/cb4474en

HLPE. 2020. Impacts of COVID-19 on food security and nutrition: developing effective policy
responses to address the hunger and malnutrition pandemic. Rome.
https://doi.org/10.4060/cb1000en

Manap, N. M. A., & Ismail, N. W. (2019). Food Security and Economic Growth. International
Journal of Modern Trends in Social Sciences, 2(8), 108- 118

Kirkhorn, Steven;Schenker, Marc B. (n.d.). Human Health Effects of Agriculture: Physical Diseases
and Illnesses. Immanuel St. Joseph's-Mayo Health System.

Statista. (2021). Bangladesh: Share of economic sectors in the gross domestic product (GDP) from
2010 to 2020. Dhaka: Statista.

USAID. (2019). AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SECURITY.

https://www.usaid.gov/bangladesh/agriculture-and-food-security.

Vågsholm I et. al. (2020). Food Security, Safety, and Sustainability—Getting the Trade-Offs Right.
Frontiers- In sustainable Food System.

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