Pathway to sustainable livelihood and climate change adaptation through drought tolerant rice variety adoption in Northern Bangladesh

Amid growing climate risks, this study explores the potential of drought-tolerant rice (DTR) varieties in enhancing farm productivity and strengthening resilience of farmers in north-western drought-prone region of Bangladesh. Primary data were collected through semi-structured interviews of 175 randomly selected rice farmers from Rajshahi district including 120 adopters of DTR varieties and 55 non-adopters. Binary logistic regression model identifies factors influencing DTR adoption, while a Cobb-Douglas production function assesses productivity effects and livelihood indices measure the broader socio-economic impacts. Educated and larger farmers tended to adopt these varieties more readily while smallholders may face barriers such as high input costs and limited access to credit. Findings offer critical insights into climate-resilient agriculture and the role of DTR varieties in enhancing rural livelihood. As compared with conventional varieties, DTR varieties offer higher return on investment recognizing their advantages of surviving longer without rain while still producing sufficient yields. In addition, adopter farmers showed improvements in various livelihood assets, including human capital (skills, health, education), natural capital (land, water access), social capital (community networks), physical capital (tools and equipment), and financial capital (savings, income). Robust methodologies indicate that promoting the adoption of these varieties can be a viable climate change adaptation strategy that can enhance both agricultural productivity and resilience among farmers in drought-prone regions. Under changing climatic conditions, this study suggested the policies such as better access to education, training, additional income sources for widespread adoption of DTR varieties as a way of improving the overall well-being of climate vulnerable farmers.