Abstract :

This study explores agribusiness challenges and examines the impact of contract farming on market access among small-scale bean farmers in Pabna District, Bangladesh. The study aimed to understand farmers’ experiences regarding production constraints, institutional relationships, market participation, and livelihood conditions within contract farming arrangements. A qualitative case study approach was employed to obtain in-depth insights from farmers and relevant stakeholders. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, key informant interviews, observation, and documentation involving contract farmers, non-contract farmers, agricultural extension officers, and agribusiness representatives. The collected data were analyzed using thematic analysis supported by NVivo software. The findings reveal that small-scale bean farmers face several agribusiness challenges, including price instability, high input costs, weak bargaining power, limited access to formal markets, and dependence on intermediaries. Participation in contract farming was found to improve market access through stable buyer linkages, technical assistance, input support, and greater price certainty. However, farmers also experienced challenges such as delayed payments, unequal bargaining relationships, limited transparency in contractual agreements, and dependence on contracting firms. The study concludes that contract farming has the potential to strengthen market integration and improve farmers’ livelihoods when supported by transparent agreements, institutional coordination, and fair governance mechanisms. The findings provide practical implications for policymakers, agribusiness firms, and rural development practitioners in promoting inclusive and sustainable agribusiness systems in Bangladesh.

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Keywords :

Agribusiness challenges, Contract farming, Market access, small-scale farmers

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