Formative research to assess farmers knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) about their occupational health, and nutrition and the development of stuff training module and farmers SBCC materials

PROJECT
OVERVIEW

Role

Formative Research

Client

GAIN Bangladesh

Completed On

2024

The report presents various hazards affiliated with agricultural activities, sometimes distinct from multiple environments. Farmers face different occupational hazards like machinery and equipment, which cause some. Some other hazards are also related to this day-to-day machinery use, like loud noise, which results in hearing loss, vibration, etc. Besides those issues, the study tried to understand how Bangladeshi farmers perceive the ergonomic hazards caused by a long time working in a bent sitting position or other repetitive work like seeding, spraying, etc. These activities result in muscle cramps, body pain, loss of muscle power, etc., which could be reduced through work with short breaks, rest, etc. Hazards relating to chemical fertilizers or pesticides were also explored. It seems the fknewoaboutedge of those hazard protection measures, but there are no practices in their daily activities. At the same time, chronic exposure to occupational hazards leads to long-term health issues, including respiratory problems, musculoskeletal disorders, and skin conditions,—this report also includes a printable that identifies the gap in farmers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices.

Objectives of the Assignment

The overall objective of the assignment was to assess and identify youth and female farmers perceptions, behaviors, and needs on occupational health and nutrition so that GAIN can develop a nutrition education curriculum suitable for this target audience. Moreover, the formative research included Sub Assistant Agricultural Officer (SAAO) to understand their needs and constraints for delivering a nutrition education curriculum to farmers.

Specific Objectives

The specific objectives of this formative research were the following:

  1. Perception of farmers occupational health and nutrition.
  2. Among youth and female farmers, understand why health is important to them.
  3. Among youth and female farmers, understand behaviors, attitudes, and perceptions.
    a. Vitamin A rich vegetables, dark and green leafy vegetables & fruits.
    b. Foods considered luxury items (e.g., fruit, milk, eggs) and
    c. Handwashing and vegetable washing during food preparation.
  4. SAAOs understand their job tasks, time allocations, resource needs, and constraints for conducting nutrition education to farmers.

Methodology Overview

This formative research aimed to understand the health, nutrition, and occupational safety practices of youth and female farmers in Bangladesh. The study was conducted in three districts (Dinajpur, Satkhira, and Jamalpur) and employed various qualitative methods including desk reviews, focus group discussions (FGDs), key informant interviews (KIIs), in-depth interviews (IDIs), and observations.

Study Design:

  • Desk Review
  • Focus Group Discussions (FGDs)
  • Key Informant Interviews (KIIs)
  • In-depth Interviews (IDIs)
  • Shadowing/Observations

Data Analysis:

The interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and translated, with findings reviewed by the research team for coding and analysis.

Ethics and Safeguarding:

Informed consent was obtained, and confidentiality was strictly maintained throughout the study. Personal identifiers were removed during analysis, and data was kept secure.
This comprehensive approach ensured that the study captured the diverse experiences and needs of the target population, informing the development of relevant social and behavior change communication (SBCC) strategies.
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