Dairy farmers’ willingness to adopt gender-responsive dairy technologies in Bangladesh: A double-hurdle model approach

Abstract

Dairy farming plays a vital role in food and nutrition security, income generation, and employment, particularly in rural households. It also contributes to micronutrient supply and empowering women by providing them with greater control over resources, decision-making, and economic opportunities. Despite the critical role of women in dairy farming, gender disparities persist in terms of access to resources, decision-making, and technology adoption in the sector. This study examines the factors influencing dairy farmers’ willingness to adopt technologies aimed at empowering women in Bangladesh using a double-hurdle model approach to analyze a two-stage decision-making process. The willingness to adopt a technology and the intensity of adoption. Purposive random sampling techniques were applied to obtain 380 dairy-farming households from five districts of Bangladesh in July to December 2024. The results also reveal that socioeconomic factors (e.g. education and income), gender-inclusive extension services, and women's participation in dairy producer groups significantly influence the likelihood and extent of technology adoption. These findings highlight the need for gender-sensitive policies and targeted interventions to enhance technology uptake, thereby improving women's empowerment and productivity in the Bangladeshi dairy industry. This study provides evidence-based recommendations for designing inclusive technology dissemination programs and addressing community barriers to contribute the United Nations sustainable development goals related to poverty, gender equality, and economic growth. Overall, this study seeks to deepen the understanding of gender dynamics in dairy technology adoption and inform policy discussions to foster inclusive agricultural development in Bangladesh.