A Thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Agribusiness Management

Thesis (M. Am.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2025

Livestock farming is one of the most significant agricultural subsectors in Bangladesh, and it is crucial to the rural economy, yet it faces numerous sustainability challenges that hinder long-term productivity and growth. This study investigates the challenges and the role of innovative management practices (IMP) on the sustainability of livestock farms in Northern Bangladesh. Following the quantitative research design, data were collected using structured questionnaires from 203 livestock farmers through multistage sampling across eight subdistricts (upazilas) of Rangpur district. For descriptive analysis, the study developed frequency tables in SPSS 25.0, whereas for analyzing the relationships among sustainability-related challenges, innovative management practices, and sustainability of livestock farms, the study employed Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) in SmartPLS 4.0. The findings reveal that sustainability-related challenges have a statistically significant and negative effect on overall sustainability (Ý = -0.132, p = 0.025), as well as its economic (Ý = -0.143, p = 0.024), environmental (Ý = -0.112, p = 0.028), and social (Ý = -0.160, p = 0.025) dimensions, whereas IMP shows a positive and significant impact on overall sustainability (Ý = 0.129, p = 0.081), as well as its economic (Ý = 0.116, p = 0.082), environmental (Ý = 0.090, p = 0.073), and social (Ý = 0.107, p = 0.085) dimensions. The moderating effect of IMP on the relationship between challenges and sustainability outcomes, including its dimensions, was statistically insignificant (p > 0.10). Based on these findings, the study concludes that addressing sustainability challenges through targeted government policies, financial assistance, improved veterinary infrastructure, advanced machinery, and farmers{u2019} training on innovative practices may significantly enhance livestock farming in the Rangpur district. The findings provide important insights for the policymakers, the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, and livestock farmers to develop capacity building for innovative practices that promote sustainability in this sector.