The evolution of peasant families in BD

Bangladesh, a land nourished by fertile river deltas and steeped in a rich agricultural tradition, has witnessed a remarkable transformation in the lives of its peasant families. Technological advancements have disrupted age-old practices, reshaped social structures, and opened doors to unforeseen possibilities.
For generations, Bangladeshi peasants have lived in rhythm with the seasons, their livelihoods dependent on backbreaking manual labour. Rice, the nation's lifeblood, was cultivated using traditional methods passed down through families for centuries. Wooden ploughs tilled the soil, seeds were sown by hand, and harvests were painstakingly gathered with sickles. This subsistence farming ensured survival but limited prosperity.
The Green Revolution of the mid-20th century marked a significant turning point. High-yielding varieties of seeds, coupled with the introduction of chemical fertilisers and pesticides, promised increased productivity. While this technology undeniably boosted yields, it came with a hidden cost. The dependence on expensive inputs and the vulnerability to environmental degradation burdened many peasants, particularly those with limited landholdings. Small-scale farmers struggled to afford the rising costs of seeds and fertilisers, and the overuse of chemicals led to long-term soil degradation and water pollution.
The latter half of the 20th century saw a gradual shift towards mechanisation. Power tillers replaced ploughs, and threshing machines expedited grain separation from the chaff. While these advancements eased physical labour, they also led to a rise in landlessness. Some families, unable to afford machinery, were forced to lease their land or migrate to urban centres for work. This trend of dispossession and rural-urban migration continues to be a concern, raising questions about the long-term sustainability of agricultural practices and the social fabric of rural communities.
The arrival of mobile phones in the late 20th and early 21st centuries ushered in a new era of information access. Once isolated from market fluctuations and weather forecasts, Peasants could receive real-time price updates, access vital agricultural advisories disseminated by government agencies and NGOs, and connect with other farmers through dedicated mobile applications. This newfound connectivity empowered them to make informed decisions about planting, harvesting, and selling crops. Farmers could negotiate better prices with intermediaries, reducing exploitation and increasing profit margins.
The rise of the internet further amplified this information revolution. Online platforms provided access to a wealth of educational resources, allowing farmers to learn about new farming techniques and sustainable practices like organic farming and crop rotation and even explore opportunities for direct marketing to consumers, bypassing traditional intermediaries altogether. Social media groups fostered a sense of community, enabling knowledge sharing and peer-to-peer support. Farmers could discuss challenges, share successful practices, and learn from each other's experiences.
However, the digital divide remains a significant challenge. Limited access to smartphones and internet connectivity in remote areas marginalise some peasant families. Bridging this gap requires concerted efforts from the government, telecom companies, and NGOs to ensure inclusive access to technology and digital literacy training. Initiatives such as setting up community centres with computers and internet access, and conducting training programmes in local languages can help bridge the digital divide and empower even the most remote communities.
The impact of technology on peasant families extends far beyond the fields. Microfinance initiatives, facilitated by mobile banking, have empowered women by providing access to credit and financial independence. This has enabled them to invest in small businesses, and contribute significantly to household income. Traditionally, decision-making power regarding agricultural practices and finances rested solely with the male head of the household. With access to information and financial resources, women increasingly have a say in these decisions, leading to a more equitable distribution of power within the family unit.
Technological advancements have also influenced social dynamics within peasant families in more subtle ways. The education of children is another area significantly impacted by technology. Online learning platforms and access to educational resources have the potential to bridge the gap between rural and urban educational opportunities.
Technology can equip the next generation of peasant families with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in a technology-driven agricultural landscape by providing access to high-quality educational materials and facilitating online tutoring. This can empower them to pursue higher education, explore careers beyond traditional farming, or return to their roots with a fresh perspective and the ability to contribute to modernising agricultural practices in their communities.
However, the evolution of peasant families in Bangladesh has challenges. The increasing cost of technological inputs, such as high-yielding seeds, fertilisers, and machinery, can create a cycle of debt for some farmers. The threat of climate change looms large, with erratic weather patterns, rising temperatures, and more frequent floods and droughts posing a severe threat to the livelihoods of these families. Rising sea levels due to climate change also threaten the very land they cultivate, displacing coastal communities and exacerbating land scarcity.
Despite these challenges, there are reasons for optimism. The ongoing development of climate-resilient crop varieties and advancements in irrigation techniques and precision agriculture offer hope for a more sustainable future. Technologies like drought-resistant seeds, satellite-based monitoring of soil moisture levels, and drones for targeted pesticide application can potentially improve yields and reduce environmental impact.
The government and NGOs also play a crucial role in shaping the technological landscape for peasant families. Investments in agricultural research, the development of extension services that provide training on new technologies and sustainable practices, and the creation of price stabilisation mechanisms are essential for ensuring the equitable distribution of the benefits of technological advancements. Policies that encourage the formation of farmer cooperatives can empower small landholders to access resources, negotiate better prices, and collectively invest in technologies that might be out of reach for individual families.
Looking ahead, the future of peasant families in Bangladesh lies in embracing a holistic approach to technological adoption. It's not just about the latest gadgets and machinery; it's about empowering these families with the knowledge, skills, and resources they need to navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing agricultural landscape. By bridging the digital divide, promoting sustainable practices, and fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, Bangladesh can ensure that its peasant families survive and thrive in these transformations.
This evolution will likely lead to a diversification of livelihoods within these families. While some may continue with traditional farming practices, others might explore opportunities in related fields such as agro-processing, value addition, or agri-tourism. Technology can facilitate these transitions by providing access to market information, e-commerce platforms for selling processed goods directly to consumers, and training programs in food safety and marketing areas.
The story of technological advancements and the evolution of peasant families in Bangladesh is far from over. It is a complex narrative with triumphs and struggles, opportunities and challenges. As technology evolves, its impact on these families will undoubtedly unfold in multifaceted ways. By embracing innovation, fostering inclusivity, and prioritising sustainability, Bangladesh can ensure that its peasant families remain the backbone of the nation's food security and active participants in shaping the future of agriculture.

Dr Matiur Rahman is a researcher and development worker.
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