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Research article · 2026 · Full text

International Journal of Horticulture and Food Science

Impact of high-value fruits and crops cultivation on household dietary diversity: An endline comparative assessment of beneficiary and control groups in Mirsarai, Sitakunda and Hathazari Upazilas of Chattogram, Bangladesh

Tapash Kumar BhowmikMinhajur RahmanMd. Abul KashemRokeya Akter RitaShahriar ArafatMd. Shakhawat HossainTama BhowmikGeorgia ChakmaSuranjona TripuraMd Delowar Hossen

Volume 8(9) · Pages 09–18 · DOI: 10.33545/26631067.2026.v8.i9a.846 ↗

Research areasAgricultural Innovations and PracticesAgricultural Development and ManagementFood Security and Socioeconomic Dynamics

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Abstract

Author-written

The transition from subsistence farming to commercial high-value agriculture is a critical pathway for improving rural livelihoods and nutritional outcomes in developing economies. This study evaluates the impact of the High Value Fruits and Crops (HVF&C) Varieties Extension and Marketing Sub-Project on Household Dietary Diversity (HDD), food security and economic empowerment in Chattogram, Bangladesh utilizing a cross sectional comparative endline assessment design. Empirical findings indicate a profound transformation in agricultural microenterprises. Compared to the control group, beneficiaries demonstrated significantly higher adoption of climate adaptive technologies (93.9% vs. 5.6%), greater access to customized financial support (95.3% vs. 23.6%) and improved integration into direct-to-consumer and institutional market channels (90.6% vs. 5.6%). Consequently, 82.8% of beneficiaries reported increased agricultural production and 62.3% reported increased profit, contrasting sharply with negligible gains in the control cohort. Crucially, these economic and technological pathways directly translated into nutritional security; 82.3% of beneficiary households achieved improved food quality and dietary diversity and 80.6% reported enhanced food availability, compared to just 5.6% and 2.8% in the control group, respectively. The study concludes that holistic interventions combining High-Value Fruits and Crops extension, market linkages and inclusive financial services successfully establish resilient agricultural microenterprises, driving both regional economic growth and sustainable improvements in household dietary diversity.

Summary

Source-checked

Plain-language reading of the full paper, prepared with AI and checked against the text. Each point links to the authors' own words.

  1. Why it matters

    • Agricultural efforts in Bangladesh have traditionally focused on staple cereals for calories, but there is now a need to shift toward high-value fruits and vegetables to improve rural livelihoods. View evidence ↗

      Why it matters

      Agricultural efforts in Bangladesh have traditionally focused on staple cereals for calories, but there is now a need to shift toward high-value fruits and vegetables to improve rural livelihoods.

      In the paper's own words

      “Historically, agricultural interventions in Bangladesh have predominantly focused on staple cereal production to achieve caloric self-sufficiency (Pingali, 2015) [29]. However, as rural economies evolve, there is a recognized imperative to transition toward high-value agriculture specifically fruits, vegetables and commercial crops.”

      Page 1

      Found in: Introduction

      Read it in the full textOpen PDF at page 1 ↗
    • Smallholder farmers in the Chattogram region face barriers to dietary diversity, including poor market links, lack of climate-resilient technology, and financial constraints. View evidence ↗

      Why it matters

      Smallholder farmers in the Chattogram region face barriers to dietary diversity, including poor market links, lack of climate-resilient technology, and financial constraints.

      In the paper's own words

      “Despite the known benefits of dietary diversification, rural smallholders in coastal and disaster-prone regions like Chattogram face systemic barriers. These include fragmented market linkages, limited access to climate-resilient technologies and severe financing constraints”

      Page 2

      Found in: Introduction

      Read it in the full textOpen PDF at page 2 ↗
  2. The question

    • The study aims to evaluate how the High Value Fruits and Crops (HVF&C) project impacted economic empowerment, food security, and household dietary diversity in Chattogram. View evidence ↗

      The question

      The study aims to evaluate how the High Value Fruits and Crops (HVF&C) project impacted economic empowerment, food security, and household dietary diversity in Chattogram.

      In the paper's own words

      “This study evaluates the impact of the High Value Fruits and Crops (HVF&C) Varieties Extension and Marketing Sub-Project on Household Dietary Diversity (HDD), food security and economic empowerment in Chattogram, Bangladesh”

      Page 1

      Found in: Introduction

      Read it in the full textOpen PDF at page 1 ↗
  3. What they did

    • The researchers used a quantitative sample of 433 households, consisting of 361 project beneficiaries and 72 non-beneficiary controls. View evidence ↗

      What they did

      The researchers used a quantitative sample of 433 households, consisting of 361 project beneficiaries and 72 non-beneficiary controls.

      In the paper's own words

      “From a total project population of 6,038 households, a definitive quantitative sample size of N=433 was established. This cohort was strictly stratified into n=361 Beneficiary participants and a 20% proportional control group comprising n=72 non-beneficiary households.”

      Page 2

      Found in: Sampling strategy and sample size

      Read it in the full textOpen PDF at page 2 ↗
    • The study used a cross-sectional comparative endline evaluation design conducted in the Chattogram district of Bangladesh. View evidence ↗

      What they did

      The study used a cross-sectional comparative endline evaluation design conducted in the Chattogram district of Bangladesh.

      In the paper's own words

      “The research employed a cross sectional comparative endline evaluation design to assess the outcomes of the HVF&C sub-project was conducted in the Chattogram district of Bangladesh.”

      Page 2

      Found in: Methodology 2.1 Study area and design

      Read it in the full textOpen PDF at page 2 ↗
    • Information was gathered through direct interviews using semi-structured, digitized questionnaires. View evidence ↗

      What they did

      Information was gathered through direct interviews using semi-structured, digitized questionnaires.

      In the paper's own words

      “Data were collected via semi structured, digitized questionnaires through direct interviews.”

      Page 2

      Found in: Data collection and measurement indicators

      Read it in the full textOpen PDF at page 2 ↗
  4. What they found

    • Beneficiaries saw a major increase in financial decision-making involvement (89.5%), whereas 58.3% of the control group had no involvement. View evidence ↗

      What they found

      Beneficiaries saw a major increase in financial decision-making involvement (89.5%), whereas 58.3% of the control group had no involvement.

      In the paper's own words

      “Among beneficiaries, 89.5% reported a significant increase in their involvement in household financial decisions compared with before the project. In contrast, 58.3% of the control group reported no involvement”

      Page 2

      Found in: Results

      Read it in the full textOpen PDF at page 2 ↗
    • Almost all beneficiaries (98.3%) experienced positive changes in total household income, compared to only 9.7% of the control group. View evidence ↗

      What they found

      Almost all beneficiaries (98.3%) experienced positive changes in total household income, compared to only 9.7% of the control group.

      In the paper's own words

      “Notably, 98.3% reported positive changes in total household income, compared with 9.7% of controls.”

      Page 3

      Found in: Economic transformation as a pathway to nutrition

      Read it in the full textOpen PDF at page 3 ↗
    • Beneficiaries were far more likely to know and use climate-adaptive technologies (93.9%) than the control group (5.6%). View evidence ↗

      What they found

      Beneficiaries were far more likely to know and use climate-adaptive technologies (93.9%) than the control group (5.6%).

      In the paper's own words

      “An overwhelming 93.9% possessed knowledge of and followed climate-adaptive technologies, compared to 5.6% of controls.”

      Page 4

      Found in: Climate adaptive practices and sustainable intensification:

      Read it in the full textOpen PDF at page 4 ↗
    • The project helped 90.6% of beneficiaries change their sales channels, increasing access to city markets, direct consumers, and digital tools. View evidence ↗

      What they found

      The project helped 90.6% of beneficiaries change their sales channels, increasing access to city markets, direct consumers, and digital tools.

      In the paper's own words

      “An impressive 90.6% of beneficiaries changed their sales channels due to the project, gaining access to export and city markets (87.0%), direct consumer sales (68.4%), farmer cooperatives (53.2%), and mobile apps/technologies (54.3%).”

      Page 5

      Found in: Cultivable and leased land utilization and profitability:

      Read it in the full textOpen PDF at page 5 ↗
    • The project led to increased production for 82.8% of beneficiaries and increased profit or income for 62.3%. View evidence ↗

      What they found

      The project led to increased production for 82.8% of beneficiaries and increased profit or income for 62.3%.

      In the paper's own words

      “Among beneficiaries, 82.8% reported increased production and 62.3% increased profit/income.”

      Page 7

      Found in: Economic transformation as a pathway to nutrition

      Read it in the full textOpen PDF at page 7 ↗
    • The project achieved high female participation (53.7%) among beneficiaries, compared to 0.0% in the control group. View evidence ↗

      What they found

      The project achieved high female participation (53.7%) among beneficiaries, compared to 0.0% in the control group.

      In the paper's own words

      “Female participation was high among 53.7% of beneficiaries versus 0.0% of controls”

      Page 7

      Found in: Women's empowerment and intra household dynamics:

      Read it in the full textOpen PDF at page 7 ↗
  5. What it means

    • The authors conclude that the HVF&C intervention successfully turned households into viable, climate-adaptive businesses, leading to an 82.3% improvement in dietary diversity. View evidence ↗

      What it means

      The authors conclude that the HVF&C intervention successfully turned households into viable, climate-adaptive businesses, leading to an 82.3% improvement in dietary diversity.

      In the paper's own words

      “The comparative endline evaluation validates the efficacy of the RMTP High-Value Fruits and Crops intervention. Beneficiary households transitioned into commercially viable, climate adaptive microenterprises... resulting in a dramatic 82.3% improvement in Household Dietary Diversity and food quality.”

      Page 9

      Found in: Introduction

      Read it in the full textOpen PDF at page 9 ↗
    • The authors state that future success depends on providing lower-interest credit and expanding decentralized processing infrastructure. View evidence ↗

      What it means

      The authors state that future success depends on providing lower-interest credit and expanding decentralized processing infrastructure.

      In the paper's own words

      “For future scalability, ensuring sustainable access to lower interest agricultural credit and expanding decentralized processing infrastructure will be vital to cementing these transformative gains across Bangladesh.”

      Page 9

      Found in: Introduction

      Read it in the full textOpen PDF at page 9 ↗

Visual summary

3 visuals

Illustrations explain the paper; charts are replotted from the paper's own table values.

AI-generated illustration
AI-generated conceptual illustration (High-value fruit trees and vegetable crops in a rural Bangladeshi farm setting). It explains the idea and does not show study data.↗ Enlarge
Pathway to Dietary Diversity
AI-generated conceptual illustration (High-value fruit trees and vegetable crops in a rural Bangladeshi farm setting). It explains the idea and does not show study data.

AI-generated conceptual illustration (High-value fruit trees and vegetable crops in a rural Bangladeshi farm setting). It explains the idea and does not show study data.

Open full-size image ↗

Pathway to Dietary Diversity

AI-generated conceptual illustration (High-value fruit trees and vegetable crops in a rural Bangladeshi farm setting). It explains the idea and does not show study data.

View source evidence ↗
Replotted from source data
Replotted from Table 2 (page 3) of the original paper. Every bar is the paper's own table value.↗ Enlarge
Yes: % of n=361 vs % of n=72
Replotted from Table 2 (page 3) of the original paper. Every bar is the paper's own table value.

Replotted from Table 2 (page 3) of the original paper. Every bar is the paper's own table value.

Open full-size image ↗

Yes: % of n=361 vs % of n=72

Replotted from Table 2 (page 3) of the original paper. Every bar is the paper's own table value.

View source evidence ↗
Replotted from source data
Replotted from Table 5 (page 4) of the original paper. Every bar is the paper's own table value.↗ Enlarge
Have knowledge; I follow: % of n=361 vs % of n=72
Replotted from Table 5 (page 4) of the original paper. Every bar is the paper's own table value.

Replotted from Table 5 (page 4) of the original paper. Every bar is the paper's own table value.

Open full-size image ↗

Have knowledge; I follow: % of n=361 vs % of n=72

Replotted from Table 5 (page 4) of the original paper. Every bar is the paper's own table value.

View source evidence ↗

Figures & tables

From the original paper
Household financial and agricultural decision makingTable 1Page 2Main occupation, household income and livelihood changesTable 2Page 3Ownership of cultivable land, cropping patterns and quarterly gross profitTable 3Page 3Leased cultivable land, cropping patterns and quarterly gross profitTable 4Page 4Leased cultivable land, cropping patterns and quarterly gross profitTable 4Page 4Climate adaptive practices and agricultural technology adoptionTable 5Page 4Training, certification and capacity developmentTable 6Page 5Sales channels, marketing practices and market linkagesTable 7Page 6Post harvest handling, packaging, preservation and product lossesTable 8Page 6Access to financial support, sources of finance and financing constraintsTable 9Page 6Project outcomes, food security, women’s participation and sustainabilityTable 10Page 7
FULL TEXT Original article · reflowed for reading

Introduction

The structural transformation of rural agricultural systems is fundamental to alleviating poverty and combating malnutrition in South Asia (Asaduzzaman, 2010; Reardon and Timmer, 2012) [5,31] . Historically, agricultural interventions in Bangladesh have predominantly focused on staple cereal production to achieve caloric self-sufficiency (Pingali, 2015) [29] . However, as rural economies evolve, there is a recognized imperative to transition toward high-value agriculture specifically fruits, vegetables and commercial crops. These horticultural shifts offer superior income-generating potential, transform rural livelihoods and provide profound nutritional benefits (Weinberger and Lumpkin, 2007; Ali, 2008) [36,3] . High-Value Fruits and Crops present a unique opportunity to integrate marginalized smallholder farmers into expanding domestic and global value chains, thereby catalyzing rural microenterprise development and mitigating rural poverty (Rahman, 2017; Cock, 2020) [30,9] . The relationship between agricultural commercialization, income growth and household nutrition is complex and heavily mediated by market access, technology adoption and financial inclusion (Gómez and Ricketts, 2013; Awotide et al., 2016; Kuma et al., 2019) [11,7,22] . Increased agricultural income serves as the primary economic pathway to improved food security, enabling households to enhance their purchasing capacity and diversify their diets beyond staple grains (Parvin et al., 2014; Pingali, 2015) [28,29] . Dietary diversity, particularly Household Dietary Diversity (HDD), acts as a robust proxy for household food access and the micronutrient adequacy of the diet (Arimond and Ruel, 2004; FAO, 2011; Kennedy et al., 2011) [4,10,21] . Despite the known benefits of dietary diversification, rural smallholders in coastal and disaster-prone regions like Chattogram face systemic barriers. These include fragmented market linkages, limited access to climateresilient technologies and severe financing constraints (Ahmed et al., 2025; Hassan et al., 2010) [1,13] . Furthermore, post-harvest losses and inefficient supply chains consistently erode potential profit margins for perishable high-value commodities (Kaminski and Christiaensen, 2014; LightCastle Partners, 2023) [19,23] . Young Power in Social Action (YPSA) initiated the HVF&C Varieties Extension and Marketing project aimed to optimize production practices, promote Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and establish robust backward and forward market linkages for smallholder farmers in Sitakunda and Mirsarai Upazilas. Central to this intervention is the hypothesis that targeted capacity building, financial support and market integration not only drive economic profitability but also empower women in agricultural decision making, ultimately leading to elevated HDD (Ruel and Alderman, 2013; Sraboni et al., 2014; IFAD, 2019) [32,14,18] . While broad literature supports the efficacy of value chain interventions (Torero, 2011; Trienekens, 2011) [34,35] , there remains a critical research gap regarding the localized, empirical impacts of such integrated microenterprise models on direct dietary outcomes in southeastern Bangladesh. This manuscript aims to bridge this gap by presenting a comprehensive comparative analysis between the RMTP endline beneficiary cohort and a non-intervention control group. Specifically, the study evaluates how shifts in agricultural decision making, land utilization, technological adoption, market channels and financial access function as direct pathways to achieving superior food security and HDD.

Methodology 2.1 Study area and design

The research employed a cross sectional comparative endline evaluation design to assess the outcomes of the HVF&C sub-project was conducted in the Chattogram district of Bangladesh. The beneficiary group was sampled from Sitakunda Upazila (unions including Bariyardhala, Sitakunda Sadar, Muradpur, Barbakund, Banshbaria, Bara Kumira, Sonaichari and Bhatiari) and Mirsarai Upazila (unions including Wahedpur, Khaiyachara and Mirsarai Municipality). The control group, mirroring the demographic and geographic characteristics of the beneficiary area but without project intervention, was selected from Hathazari Upazila (Fatehpur, Chattogram City Corporation Ward 1 and Chikondondi).

Sampling strategy and sample size

A mixed methods approach was utilized, though this manuscript focuses exclusively on the robust quantitative dataset. Statistical sampling was conducted using Cochran's formula to ensure a high confidence level and statistical significance. From a total project population of 6,038 households, a definitive quantitative sample size of N=433 was established. This cohort was strictly stratified into n=361 Beneficiary participants and a 20% proportional control group comprising n=72 non-beneficiary households.

Data collection and measurement indicators

Data were collected via semi structured, digitized questionnaires through direct interviews. The core measurement indicators assessed structural changes across seven domains: i. empowerment and decision making; ii. livelihood and income profiling; iii. land use and cropping patterns; iv. technology and climate adaptive practices; v. training and capacity building; vi. market linkages and postharvest management and vii. financial inclusion. To evaluate nutritional outcomes, the study utilized selfreported indicators of household food security, food availability and food quality/diversity as proxies for HDD, for measuring dietary diversity at the household level (Kennedy et al., 2011; FAO, 2011) [21,10] .

Data analysis

Quantitative data were processed and analyzed using SPSS and Microsoft Excel. Descriptive statistics, specifically frequencies and percentages, were calculated to systematically compare the performance and outcomes of the Beneficiary (n=361) and Control (n=72) groups.

Results

The empirical findings are presented through a comprehensive comparative analysis of the Beneficiary and Control cohorts. The tables and accompanying analyses highlight the major quantitative differences driven by the RMTP intervention. 1 demonstrates a substantial shift in intrahousehold empowerment and decision-making. Among beneficiaries, 89.5% reported a significant increase in their involvement in household financial decisions compared with before the project. In contrast, 58.3% of the control group reported no involvement, while only 6.9% reported significant involvement. A similar pattern was observed in agricultural planning, with 88.4% of beneficiaries significantly involved in agricultural decisions, compared with 43.1% of control households completely excluded and 51.4% reporting "somewhat" involvement.

Household financial and agricultural decision making: Table

Household financial and agricultural decision making: Table

Cultivable and leased land utilization and profitability:

Beneficiaries demonstrated superior land access, crop diversification, and profitability on both owned and leased land (Tables 3 and4). Almost all beneficiaries (98.6%) cultivated their own land, mainly using 11-30 decimal plots (49.3%), while controls primarily operated on smaller 1-10 decimal plots (44.4%). Beneficiaries diversified beyond cereals, cultivating vegetables (78.1%), pulses (74.8%), high-value fruits (46.3%), and spices/medicinal crops (12.5%). In contrast, controls cultivated fruits (2.8%), while pulses and spices were absent (0.0%). Consequently, 46.5% of beneficiaries achieved quarterly gross profits of BDT 15,001-40,000 on own land, compared with 2.8% of controls. Similarly, 85.0% of beneficiaries leased land versus 59.7% of controls, favoring vegetables (68.4%) and high-value fruits (56.5%). Thus, 49.3% earned BDT 15,001-40,000 quarterly, while losses affected 18.1% of controls compared with 3.3% of beneficiaries. 7 and8). An impressive 90.6% of beneficiaries changed their sales channels due to the project, gaining access to export and city markets (87

Access to financial support and constraints

Financial inclusion increased substantially through the intervention (Table 9). Overall, 95.3% of beneficiaries accessed financial support, mainly through MFIs/NGOs (65.1%) and cooperatives (26.3%). Within YPSA, beneficiaries used Buniyad (33.8%), Sufal (26.6%) and Jagoran (24.7%). Funds supported input purchases (52.1%), working capital (50.4%) and equipment/technology (45.4%). Key constraints included high interest rates (66.8%), lack of collateral (52.4%) and complex paperwork (46.8%). In contrast, 76.4% of controls remained excluded from formal financial support.

Table 9. Access to financial support, sources of finance and financing constraints
QueryCategoryBeneficiary (Count)% of n=361Control (Count)% of n=72
Received financial support/loanYes34495.31723.6
No174.75576.4

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Table 9
Access to financial support, sources of finance and financing constraints

Access to financial support, sources of finance and financing constraints

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Discussion

From the RMTP endline assessment unequivocally demonstrates that comprehensive agricultural interventions targeting HVF&C can fundamentally transform rural microenterprises, driving profound improvements in HDD and sustainable livelihood metrics.

Economic transformation as a pathway to nutrition

The transition from staple centric, subsistence agriculture to commercial HVF&C acts as the primary engine for economic uplift (Birthal et al., 2013; Cock, 2020) [8,9] . Beneficiaries significantly outpaced controls in utilizing both owned (98.6%) and leased (85.0%) land for lucrative horticultural crops, moving decisively away from loweryield cereals. This structural shift yielded substantial economic returns, with 46.5% of beneficiaries reporting high quarterly profits on owned land. According to Pingali (2015) [29] and Kuma et al. (2019) [22] , increased agricultural income is arguably the most potent determinant of household food security. The socioeconomic impacts of HVF&C cultivation documented by Parvin et al. (2014) [28] and Rahman (2017) [30] are heavily corroborated by this study's data: as household income grew for 98.3% of beneficiaries, 59.6% reported directly improved purchasing capacity. This liquidity allowed households to transcend mere caloric sufficiency and purchase diverse food groups, directly leading to the 82.3% improvement in food quality and diversity observed among beneficiaries, mirroring the foundational findings of Arimond and Ruel (2004) [4] and aligning with the frameworks set forth by the FAO (2011) [10] .

The role of market integration and information technology:

A critical bottleneck in rural South Asian agriculture is the fragmented supply chain, which leads to high transaction costs and massive post-harvest losses (Hassan et al., 2010; Torero, 2011) [13,34] . The RMTP successfully dismantled these barriers by establishing direct market linkages and upgrading post-harvest infrastructure. 68.4% of beneficiaries successfully bypassed traditional middlemen to sell directly to consumers and 58.7% integrated with large institutional buyers (Big Arot).

Combined with rigorous post-harvest packaging using plastic sacks and polythene (97.0%), beneficiaries effectively curtailed product damage, addressing a vulnerability heavily documented in sub-Saharan and South Asian contexts (Kaminski and Christiaensen, 2014; Light Castle Partners, 2023) [19,23] . Furthermore, the integration of new technologies, such as mobile apps and online platforms, reported by 54.3% of beneficiaries, aligns with Zanello et al. (2014) [38] and Aker (2011) [2] , who highlight how ICT drastically lowers transaction costs for rural farmers. This commercial efficiency dramatically enhanced price realization for 62.3% of participants. The literature confirms that such insertion into advanced global and regional retail chains not only secures farmer welfare (Maertens and Swinnen, 2009;

Minten et al., 2009) [25,26] but indirectly elevates local nutritional landscapes by increasing the year round availability of micronutrient rich foods (Humphrey and Schmitz, 2002; Gómez and Ricketts, 2013) [16,11] .

Climate adaptive practices and sustainable intensification:

A standout dimension of the RMTP intervention was its success in embedding sustainable, climate adaptive practices into commercial agriculture. An overwhelming 93.9% of beneficiaries adopted climateadaptive technologies. The near universal utilization of biopesticides (94.5%) and bio-fertilizers (89.2%) indicates a profound behavioral shift toward ecological farming. As noted by Hossain and Pandit (2024) [15] , Hasan et al. (2025) [12] and Nale (2025) [27] , the commercialization and application of bio-pesticides and bio-agents in South Asia are crucial for safe food production and long term soil health. Furthermore, 89.2% of beneficiaries found these organic inputs cost effective compared to synthetic chemicals, mitigating the risks of input driven debt (Kassie et al., 2009) [20] . This massive adoption of climate-smart agronomy led to an 82.3% increase in reported yields among beneficiaries. This validates the assertions of Asfaw et al. (2016) [6] and Lipper et al. (2014) [24] that localized technological adaptation in vulnerable regions is paramount for maintaining productivity and food security amid climate variability.

Women's empowerment and intra household dynamics:

Agricultural commercialization can sometimes inadvertently marginalize women; however, the RMTP intervention actively fostered inclusivity (White, 2012; IFAD, 2019) [37,18] . 89.5% of beneficiaries experienced a significant increase in female involvement in financial decision making. Concurrently, 53.7% reported high overall participation of women in project activities. Literature consistently shows a strong positive correlation between women's empowerment in agriculture and household nutritional outcomes (Sraboni et al., 2014) [14] . When women exert control over agricultural income and microenterprise decisions, a substantially higher proportion of that income is allocated to dietary diversity and child health (Ruel and Alderman, 2013; Iannotti et al., 2014; FAO, 2011) [32,17,10] . Therefore, the 82.3% improvement in HDD among the intervention group is inextricably linked to the socio demographic shift empowering women as comanagers of the newly profitable farming enterprises.

Financial inclusion

Transforming subsistence farming into a competitive business requires robust capital access (Hazell et al., 2014) [14] . A highly inclusive financial environment where 95.3% of beneficiaries accessed customized loans, primarily via MFIs/NGOs. In stark contrast, 76.4% of the control group remained financially excluded. By directing these funds toward productive assets specifically, purchasing inputs (52.1%) and securing working capital (50.4%) beneficiaries

Figures and tables from the paper

Table 1. Household financial and agricultural decision making
QueryCategoryBeneficiary (Count)% of n=361Control (Count)% of n=72
Involved in household financial decision making compared to before the projectSignificantly32389.556.9
Somewhat3810.52534.7

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Household financial and agricultural decision making

Household financial and agricultural decision making

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Table 2. Main occupation, household income and livelihood changes
QueryCategoryBeneficiary (Count)% of n=361Control (Count)% of n=72
Respondent or head of the household main occupationFarming/Agriculture31386.74765.3
Livestock71.968.3
Business/Trading298.068.3
Service/Job30.811.4
Daily labor30.8912.5
Handicrafts30.8--------
Others30.834.2
Monthly income by main occupationLess than 5,000 BDT236.41115.3
5,001 - 10,000 BDT339.14461.1
10,001 - 20,000 BDT18651.51622.2
20,001 - 30,000 BDT7721.311.4
30,001 - 50,000 BDT328.9------
Above 50,000 BDT102.8------
Yearly income generated by another household memberLess than 10,000 BDT4813.33041.7
10,001 - 20,000 BDT14740.73143.1
20,001 - 40,000 BDT13236.61013.9
40,001 - 70,000 BDT349.411.4
Household income changed due to the projectYes35598.379.7
No61.76590.3

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Main occupation, household income and livelihood changes

Main occupation, household income and livelihood changes

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Table 3. Ownership of cultivable land, cropping patterns and quarterly gross profit
QueryCategoryBeneficiary (Count)% of n=361Control (Count)% of n=72
Have any own cultivable landYes35698.63852.8
No51.43447.2
Total area (in decimal)1-10 decimal6919.13244.4
11-30 decimal17849.368.3
31-60 decimal8824.4--------
61-100 decimal205.5--------
101 to above decimal10.3--------
Cultivated Main CropsRice/ Maize/ Wheat / Jute31386.73548.6
Pulses27074.800.0
Vegetables28278.12331.9
High-Value Fruits16746.322.8
Spices/ Medicinal/ Aromatic4512.500.0
Other Crops16646.000.0

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Table 3
Ownership of cultivable land, cropping patterns and quarterly gross profit

Ownership of cultivable land, cropping patterns and quarterly gross profit

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Table 4. Leased cultivable land, cropping patterns and quarterly gross profit
Quarterly Gross profit (BDT)Loss (< 0)236.4912.5
0-15,00015342.42737.5
15,001-40,00016846.522.8
40,001-1,00,000123.3------

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Table 4
Leased cultivable land, cropping patterns and quarterly gross profit

Leased cultivable land, cropping patterns and quarterly gross profit

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Table 4. Leased cultivable land, cropping patterns and quarterly gross profit
QueryCategoryBeneficiary (Count)% of n=361Control (Count)% of n=72
Have any leased cultivable landYes30785.04359.7
No5415.02940.3
Total area (in decimal)1–50 decimal16345.23852.8
51–100 decimal9325.856.9
101–200 decimal4211.6——
201–500 decimal92.5——
Cultivated Main CropsRice/Maize/Wheat/Jute22361.83751.4
Pulses19654.3811.1
Vegetables24768.44156.9
High-Value Fruits20456.556.9
Spices/Medicinal/Aromatic7119.722.8
Other Crops15843.834.2
Quarterly Gross profit (BDT)Loss (< 0)123.31318.1
0–15,0009526.31926.4
15,001–40,00017849.31115.3
40,001–1,00,000226.1——

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Table 5. Climate adaptive practices and agricultural technology adoption
QueryCategoryBeneficiary (Count)% of n=361Control (Count)% of n=72
Knowledge/following climate adaptive techHave knowledge; I follow33993.945.6
Have knowledge; I don’t follow154.21216.7
Have no knowledge71.95677.8
Specific agronomic practicesBio Pesticide34194.51013.9
Bio Fertilizer32289.211.4
Pheromone Trap14640.411.4
Fruits Bag14740.734.2
Others20356.24461.1
Availability of bio inputs at nearby marketYes34695.834.2
No143.96995.8
Cost-effective compared to chemical inputsCost effective32289.234.2
Costly3910.86995.8
Impact in production cost or yieldIncreased production cost19854.811.4
Decreased production cost14439.911.4
Increased yield29782.322.8
Decreased yield102.8------
No significant change61.71013.9
Perceive the overall environmental impactPositive35197.222.8
Negative41.12940.3
No change41.13650.0
Adopted/improved technology via projectFarming/Agricultural technology33793.422.8
Processing/Manufacturing tech27074.800.0
Digital/ICT technology16946.800.0
Others18651.511.4
Impact of this technologyIncreased productivity31386.7--------

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Table 6. Training, certification and capacity development
QueryCategoryBeneficiary (Count)% of n=361Control (Count)% of n=72
Received training (technical/managerial)Yes35397.8%811.1%
No41.16488.9
Provided the training organizationRMTP/YPSA Staff32991.111.4
Research or academic institution349.400.0
Government agricultural dept.10328.534.2
NGO / Development organization18451.079.7
Private company/Fertilizer supplier4713.022.8
Farmer cooperatives/Associations4512.511.4
Others9726.900.0
Specify the topics covered in trainingProper use of organic fertilizers33392.2811.1
Benefits for crops/environment26372.911.4
Marketing and sales techniques24768.411.4
Safe storage and handling16445.434.2
Composting/bio-fertilizer prod20055.411.4
Cost-benefit and record keeping9526.345.6
Climate-resilient practices16746.300.0
Digital/online marketing10328.511.4
Others18049.934.2
How training improved capacityImproved technical skills30684.868.3
Improved skills27074.856.9
Improved financial management22361.800.0
Improved knowledge on quality20957.934.2
Improved ability to find buyers12735.200.0
Other19152.911.4

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Table 7. Sales channels, marketing practices and market linkages
QueryCategoryBeneficiary (Count)% of n=361Control (Count)% of n=72
Sales channels changed due to projectYes32790.645.6
No51.46083.3
Somewhat298.022.8
How channels or methods changedIncreased access to new markets31487.045.6
Improved price realization22562.311.4
Sell directly to consumers24768.400.0
Selling through cooperatives19253.200.0
Using new technologies19654.300.0
Improved negotiation skills13938.500.0
Diversification of sales channels8824.400.0
Supports linked to project interventionsTraining29080.3912.5
Finance20556.811.4
Packaging21058.200.0
Transport18651.500.0
Others18852.11825.0
Promotion of product saleCustomer visits at orchard23164.0912.5
Personal communication29782.32129.2
Online promotion18451.045.6
Others21158.42433.3
Project improved promotional activitiesYes33993.900.0
No205.51000.0
Partnership with any buyer for salesBig Arot21258.711.4
Contract farming16846.579.7
Processing company12233.800.0
Others20055.46488.9

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Table 8. Post harvest handling, packaging, preservation and product losses
QueryCategoryBeneficiary (Count)% of n=361Control (Count)% of n=72
Preservation Methods of fruitsStore room (normal temp)15242.1%34.2
Local cold storage14239.311.4
Don’t store, sell same day6518.06894.4
Packaging during sales to ArotYes35097.079.72
No82.26590.28
Types of used packagingJute bags/sacks19854.822.8
Plastic sacks/bags27576.222.8
Wooden crates7520.800.0
Bamboo baskets14139.111.4
Polythene sheets25470.411.4
No specific packaging5816.13954.2
Other7821.611.4
Face any product damageNo loss8623.811.4
Up to 5% of total value22060.92636.1
5% - 10% of total value4011.1811.1
More than 10% of total value51.434.2
Don't know/Can't calculate61.72737.5

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Table 10. Project outcomes, food security, women’s participation and sustainability
QueryCategoryBeneficiary (Count)% of n=361Control (Count)% of n=72
Changes in production/sales/profitIncreased production29982.8%34.2
Increased sales23565.111.4
Increased profit/income22562.300.0
Better product quality19754.600.0
Improved market access17347.911.4
No significant change256.94866.7
Others16746.3811.1
Household food security improvedImproved food availability29180.622.8
Improved food quality/diversity29782.345.6
Improved purchasing capacity21559.600.0
No improvement174.75170.8
Others13938.568.3
Project contribution to enterpriseImproved technical skills31487.056.9
Improved business skills28278.122.8
Improved financial management21860.411.4
Improved market linkages11933.011.4
Others17749.04258.3
Women's participation in projectHigh participation19453.700.0
Moderate participation15643.2912.5
Low participation82.22331.9
No participation10.33954.2
Age group of participants18-25 years22963.4----------
26-35 years10228.3----------
36-50 years267.2----------
50+ years10.3----------
Recommendations for futureProvide more training34294.75272.2
Improve access to finance30283.76793.1

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