Transformation in development planning frameworks for promotion of sustainable development of agriculture in Bangladesh

  • Md. Mahmudur Rahman

Western Sydney University thesis: Doctoral thesis

Abstract

This research provides a critical investigation of Bangladesh agricultural development planning frameworks in light of principles of sustainable development of agriculture (SDA) with a view to guide the government in finding ways to promote sustainable development in the agriculture sector through planning process. Even though development planning is not a panacea for the promotion of sustainable development at the national level, this process is suggested in many important international consensuses for implementing the internationally agreed agendas at country level. The international consensus on sustainable development as formulated in the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) also suggest that governments find ways for internalisation of SDGs in governments' planning processes and synchronise the SDGs with relevant ongoing processes of development. The integrated and universally applicable Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) incorporate some sustainable agriculture goals that have relevance to the principles agreed in different international forums for promotion of sustainable development. Moreover, sustainable agriculture goals are integrated with other relevant sustainable development goals, such as poverty eradication, elimination of inequality, biodiversity protection, addressing climate change and promotion of governance and citizen participation, right to information and access to justice at country level. These diversified but integrated goals are critical for sustainable development of the agriculture sector. Given that the SDGs are aspirational and seek internalisation at country level through development planning frameworks, this research finds some internationally agreed principles as the basis for internalisation of the goals of sustainable development of agriculture at country level. This policy research examines the appropriateness of Bangladesh development planning frameworks in promoting the SDA in light of seven SDA principles, derived from internationally agreed guidelines on sustainable development in the context of agriculture. These principles provide the basis for reviewing the adequacy of development planning frameworks at national level. Before reviewing the Bangladesh development planning frameworks, the research examines the agricultural development approaches of India that pursues sustainable development of agriculture through its planning frameworks. India has been selected for this purpose because of its similarities with Bangladesh in respect to planning frameworks, legal system and agricultural development approach. The Bangladesh development planning framework is reviewed to identify the gaps and improvements required for the promotion of SDA based on internationally agreed SDA principles and comparative experiences. This research finally recommends transformative proposals for filling the competency gaps in planning frameworks for promotion of SDA in Bangladesh. The promotion of SDA through development planning frameworks in Bangladesh requires an integrated agenda by different agencies, at different levels of the government, in a coordinated way. This change will need political commitment both at national and local level as well as good governance through transparent, participatory and accountability processes. The strong commitment of the government can advance the transformational agendas as has been seen in assistance to subsidies and other safety net programmes in Bangladesh. International cooperation in respect of technological development, capacity building and financing for implementing sustainable development interventions is also critical in promoting the SDA in Bangladesh.
Date of Award2016
Original languageEnglish

Keywords

  • agriculture
  • sustainable agriculture
  • sustainable development
  • Bangladesh

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