4p6: Modelling choices and social interactions: adoption of mixed-mangrove aquaculture systems in Bangladesh

Abstract

Farmers in South-West Bangladesh face excess precipitation in monsoon season, which cannot be discharged to the silted-up rivers. In low lying polders, this leads to waterlogging.  Consequently, the water level in the polder remains too high for rice production during the monsoon and the following season, and therefore it can only be grown in dry season (Rabi), which leads to reduced yearly yield and income.

This paper aims to analyse the decision-making process of buying a pump collectively to discharge water to the river more quickly. We model the effect of uncertainty regarding different climate change scenarios and test if an increasing probability of waterlogging would spur cooperation towards investment in a pump using an agent-based-model (ABM). Finally, we explore the role of social preferences in achieving cooperation towards investment in the pump.