Women in Bangladesh comprise over 50% of the agricultural workforce, and their involvement in microenterprises (MEs) - poultry, horticulture, and aquaculture - plays an essential role in the national economy. However, extreme weather events cause financial losses and the adaptation of climate-smart technologies remains an underexplored area of research. This research aims to assess gendered challenges to technology adoption and climate resilience among women-led MEs with main focus on poultry sector due to its higher vulnerability to extreme weather conditions. This research was conducted in three key agricultural subsectors in Bangladesh—poultry, horticulture, and aquaculture and examines the particular issues for MEs. We employed a scientific assessment of existing challenges through a survey and focus group discussions of 427 MEs composed predominantly of female participants across the North-West (Joypurhat, Naogaon, Dinajpur), Central (Tangail, Gazipur) for poultry and the South-West (Jashore, Satkhira) for horticulture and aquaculture. Findings revealed that women's participation is highest in poultry sector, with considerable ownership and decision-making roles. This research shows that poultry sector is the most vulnerable to extreme weather due to mass death from heatstroke, as well as cold shocks that are dangerous in brooding. Furthermore, covered farms cause NH3 gas buildup during winter, of which farmers are unaware. This research finds that despite having low awareness of weather-related technologies among women farmers, their high willingness to technology adoption and more use of smartphone can contribute to increased suitable adoption of climate-smart technologies, leading towards their improved capacity-building and empowerment in the long-run.
Track: Human Factors and Ergonomics Competition
Published in: 8th IEOM Bangladesh International Conference on Industrial Engineering and Operations Management, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Publisher: IEOM Society International
Date of Conference: December 20
-21
, 2025
ISBN: 979-8-3507-4441-5
ISSN/E-ISSN: 2169-8767