Integrated Farming Systems in Bangladesh: A review of Agricultural Sustainability and Livelihood Diversification
Abstract
A comprehensive strategy for improving agricultural sustainability, resource use efficiency, and livelihood diversification, especially for smallholder farmers, is represented by Integrated Farming Systems (IFS). This review draws on current literature to assess the effects of IFS on agricultural productivity, environmental sustainability, and rural livelihoods in Bangladesh. Major scientific databases, such as Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar provided peer-reviewed journal articles, institutional reports, and policy papers. These were then filtered using predetermined inclusion criteria. The evaluated studies show that, while lowering reliance on outside inputs and limiting environmental degradation, IFS considerably increases farm profitability, nutrient recycling, soil health, and biodiversity conservation. Crops, livestock, fisheries, agroforestry, and allied enterprises are integrated to improve food and nutritional security as well as resilience to climate-induced threats. However, insufficient access to technical expertise, institutional backing, finance facilities, and market infrastructure continues to impede the widespread implementation of IFS in Bangladesh. Therefore, increasing IFS adoption requires strengthening extension services, policy coordination, and farmer-focused capacity-building initiatives. This review offers evidence-based perspectives to help practitioners, academics, and policymakers advance sustainable and diverse farming systems in Bangladesh.