HOW FARMERS EXPERIENCE CHANGE IN TRANSITION: THE CASE OF RICE FARMERS SHIFTING TO AQUACULTURE IN BANGLADESH

Freshwater aquaculture has expanded rapidly in Bangladesh over the last few decades, sometimes by converting rice fields into fish ponds. This research used qualitative cases studies to understand the experiences of two farmers who have shifted from rice production to fish farming. At first, the study described the experience of a farmer who had started fish farming in 1981 as an experiment with something he loves, but gradually became involved with it professionally as it was profitable. As a pioneer commercial fish farmer in his area, he faced many obstacles during the early days of his business, but he persisted in this profession and became successful. Next, the study described the experience of a farmer who was induced into fish farming in 2000 when he witnessed others prospering in doing it, while he was struggling with the growing challenges in rice production. This farmer learned fish farming from family and friends, and excelled in this profession. This qualitative research supported the claim from other studies that earning higher profit was a motive for the farmers? making the shift; but then added on with the understanding of how their life experiences lead a farmer to adopt a more profitable practice.