The Impact of the Irrigation Project on the Health Status of Local Communities: An Analysis of the Teesta Barrage Irrigation Project in Bangladesh
摘要
The Bangladesh government launched the Teesta Barrage Irrigation Project (TBIP), channeling water through a canal from the Teesta barrage at Dalia point in Lalmonirhat district, with the goal of guaranteeing farmers’ access to irrigation water. This irrigation project spans five districts in Bangladesh’s north region. This study attempted to investigate the effects of the Teesta Barrage Irrigation Project on farmers’ health conditions in the irrigated area as a result of increased crop production. As a result of the irrigation project, agricultural output has increased, financial resources have been enhanced, and the health of the farmers in the study region has improved compared to the past. Though both qualitative and quantitative methodologies are used in this study, the quantitative approach is used more often in practice. In order to do this, the study employed a social survey with face-to-face interviews and observation methods. The study discovered that there have been some notable improvements in health status, such as the majority of farmers receiving better primary health care, modern diagnostic, and Cesarean services; the use of private vehicles to transport patients; and notable improvements in living and hygienic conditions. The study also showed that middle-class and upper-class farmers benefited from the TBIP the most, receiving better health care and leading better lives than marginal farmers. Additionally, it was observed that marginal farmers in the research area continued to have poor health and did not receive enough benefits from the TBI Project.