Background: Bangladesh is a predominantly agrarian country, with more than 70% of the population living in rural areas. But, in recent years, the peasants have been facing numerous challenges that have led to their marginalization in society. The study aims to understand the internal migration and marginalization of peasant society.
Methods: This study employed a qualitative approach to collect data from the participants. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with 30 participants and six group discussions in three villages in the rural areas of Bangladesh. The participants were selected purposively based on their experience and knowledge of the community. We managed the data using NVivo software and analyzed the data thematically using an inductive approach.
Results: Perceived reasons for peasants' marginalization include social stigma towards agricultural work, shortage of labor during paddy cultivation, high price of required agriculture materials, lack of access to modern agricultural technologies and information, less allocation and improper distribution of agriculture materials, a lower bank loan facility, corruption in crop protection dams, being deprived of getting an upright price, a lower irrigation facility, and natural disasters. Perceived consequences of peasants' marginalization include lessening paddy cultivation, decreasing arable land, a crisis of cattle feed, dependency on imported rice, and food insecurity.
Conclusion: The study concludes that the changing socio-economic landscape in recent years has led to the marginalization of this peasant community, which is influencing them to pull out of agrarian activities. Therefore, there is an urgent need to address these issues and provide support to the peasantry to ensure their inclusion in society.
