COMPARATIVE IMPACT OF THE CLIMATE-ADAPTIVE SORJAN SYSTEM ON FARM ECONOMICS AND RESILIENCE IN COASTAL BANGLADESH

Agriculture in the coastal area of Bangladesh faces severe agricultural constraints due to salinity intrusion, waterlogging, and freshwater scarcity,all of which are exacerbated by climate change. This study evaluates the comparative impact of the Climate-Adaptive Sorjan System, which is a raised-bed and ditch agro-aquaculture model.Using a quasi-experimental design, we compared 27 treatment farmers using the adaptive model with 10 control farmers practicing conventional agriculture in Bhola district. Key findings indicate that the Adaptive Sorjan System, which integrates raised beds, water channels, multi-cropping, and fish culture, significantly enhances economic returns, ecological sustainability, and climate resilience. Treatment farmers achieved 22.05% higher net profit compared to conventional farmers, with additional income from aquaculture and diversified cropping. The system also reduced chemical fertilizer use by 44%, improved soil health, and increased youth and womens participation in agriculture. Challenges include high initial investment, market manipulation by middlemen, and limited access to quality inputs. Recommendations include developing tailored financial products, institutionalizing training modules, strengthening farmer collectives for market access, and supporting green input supply chains, offering a sustainable pathway toward climate-resilient livelihoods and ecological balance.