Evaluating the Potential for Livestock-Based Agribusiness Farms in Bangladesh: An Empirical Study

In Bangladesh, a country rich in agricultural resources, livestock-based agribusiness presents both opportunities and challenges. This empirical study aims to evaluate the current status, challenges, and growth potential of the livestock agribusiness sector within the nation. Using a purposive sampling technique, cross-sectional data were collected from a cohort of 60 livestock business owners. Frequency distribution tables were created, and descriptive statistical techniques were applied to present the data. The study revealed that 61.7% of respondents faced financial crises when starting their businesses, while 53.3% identified a lack of experience as a major barrier to exporting livestock products to international markets. Additionally, 38.3% of respondents stated price fluctuations as a significant threat to their operations. A striking 91.7% of respondents indicated that the available training institutions are insufficient for developing entrepreneurial skills and farm management capabilities. Other challenges identified include the slow adoption of advanced technologies, reduced revenues due to COVID-19, lower production quality, and inadequate government policies. The findings suggest that policymakers should improve the livestock sector by integrating advanced technologies, ensuring price stability, formulating supportive policies, establishing new training centers, and facilitating access to bank loans. This study also identifies areas for future research that could provide deeper theoretical and empirical insights into the livestock agribusiness sector in Bangladesh.