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The main objective of the study was to determine the extent of constraints faced by the small-scale farmers in achieving household food security and their suggested solutions to overcome the constraints. The small-scale farmers of Mongolpur and Ranipukur union of Birol upazila under Dinajpur district were the respondents of the study. Data were collected by using a pre-tested structured interview schedule with a randomly selected sample of 125 farmers from a population of 1250 small-scale farmers. Personal interviewing was conducted during 15 September to 20 October 2019. Eighteen major constraints as faced by the small-scale farmers in achieving household food security were identified in the study. A four-point rating scale was used to measure the extent of constraints, and based on the scale score, the farmers were categorized. Moreover, Constraint Facing Index (CFI) was calculated to rank the selected constraints. Highest proportion of the farmers (63.2 percent) faced medium constraints in achieving household food security. Among the 18 selected constraints the highest constraints facing index (CFI) was found for 'attack of diseases and pests in crop field' which is 317 and the lowest was 'lack of cooperation from family members' with a score of 122. Most prioritized suggestions regarding the solution of constraints were 'alternative income generation' followed by 'arrangement of organized marketing system with reasonable price for the food items' and 'supply of quality seeds and other agricultural inputs in reasonable price'. Given the increasing recognition in nutrition policy and its importance, the wider consideration in national development strategies for farm extension services, and production inputs as well as produce marketing system for bringing dietary security are recommended. |
