Farm diversification in the salt-affected coastal region of the Ganges Delta: Drivers and pathways to smallholder resilience

Farm diversification (FD) is widely recognized as a critical pathway to improving the livelihoods of resource-poor rural smallholders. This study explores the determinants of FD in the salt-affected Coastal Region of the Ganges Delta. Using survey data from 271 farm households, a Tobit regression model was employed to analyze the influence of environmental, resource-based, and socioeconomic factors on FD decisions. The Simpsons Index of Diversity was used to quantify FD, revealing substantial variation across farms. Despite increased mechanization and farm asset accumulation, most farms depend on a single water source. Key findings indicate that formal education and livestock ownership encourage FD, while migration and increased savings tend to reduce it. Environmental stressors, particularly soil salinity and waterlogging, also play a critical role in shaping FD strategies. Complementing the Tobit model, quantile regression analysis reveals that the positive effects of education and livestock ownership are more pronounced at lower levels of FD. These insights underscore the need for targeted policy interventions to promote FD and agricultural sustainability in the climate-vulnerable Gangetic coastal region. Key recommendations include improving access to financial services, strengthening extension and vocational training, supporting livestock-based livelihoods, and mitigating environmental risks through soil and water conservation and climate adaptation strategies. Gender-inclusive policies and rural non-farm employment are also vital. These integrated measures are essential to promote resilient, diversified farming systems and improve smallholder livelihoods in environmentally stressed coastal regions. • Analyzes farm diversification (FD) drivers in the salt-affected Ganges Delta. • Employs the Tobit model and quantile regression to explore drivers of FD along with diversification heterogeneity • Reveals education and livestock ownership as key enablers of diversification. • Shows migration, savings, and salinity stress constrain diversification choices. • Effects of education and livestock are stronger at lower diversification levels.