Policy Engagement Workshop on collaborative research - "Social Innovation Through Technology Nudging: Developing a Behavioral Toolkit for Diffusing Solar Irrigation"

On February 7th, 2024, American International University Bangladesh (AIUB) hosted the "Initiation of Policy Engagement Workshop" for the collaborative research project entitled "Social Innovation through Technology Nudging: Developing a Behavioral Toolkit for Solar Irrigation." The primary goal of the project is to create a social innovation model using climate-smart technology nudging. Specifically, this involves developing a behavioral toolkit utilizing the ADOPT (Advocacy Demonstration Omitting-misinformation and Peer-pressure for Technology adoption) method.

The project seeks to examine the behavioral patterns of farmers who do not currently use solar irrigation and assess the impact of ADOPT training on their decision-making process regarding the adoption of solar irrigation methods. This initiative received support from the World Bank under the Climate Adaptation and Resilience (CARE) initiative, in partnership with the Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC). Durham University (UK) leads this initiative, with Curtin University (Australia), American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB), University of Rajshahi, and Khulna University as valued members of the research consortium. The event was held at the Media Studio of AIUB.

The program was inaugurated by Prof. Dr. Md. Abdur Rahman, Pro Vice-Chancellor, AIUB. He started with a brief overview of the irrigation scenario of Bangladesh, and how the renewable energy technology can reform the productive infrastructure of farming. Following that the floor was given to Dr. Zeenatul Islam, Associate Professor, Department of Economics, University of Rajshahi and she briefly highlighted on the background, objectives, work procedure, and anticipated outcomes of the research project titled "Social Innovation through Technology Nudging: Developing a Behavioral Toolkit for Solar Irrigation." Subsequently, an open discussion was held, moderated by Dr. Mahfuz Kabir, Research Director, Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS). During the discussion, special guest Dr. Ainun Nishat, Professor Emeritus, BRAC University, shared remarks on the significance of irrigation, climate change, monsoon issues in Bangladesh, and the importance of spreading awareness about solar technology literacy for sustainable irrigation.

Dr. Syed Mohammad Aminur Rahman, Director (Deputy Secretary), SREDA, then delivered remarks on the status of renewable energy technology in Bangladesh and how solar setups for irrigation purposes could yield financial benefits by trading generated solar power to the grid during off-seasons. Later, the chief guest, Mr. Abdullah Sazzad, ndc, Chairman (Grade-1), Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC), discussed the importance of irrigation, increasing crop production through solar technologies, and the broad adaptation of solar energy to enhance mass crop production. Finally, Prof. Dr. Ruhul Salim, School of Accounting, Economics, and Finance, Curtin University, Australia, delivered the closing speech. He summarized the event's discussions and shared his thoughts on the topic.

The event discussed the research project Social Innovation through Technology Nudging: Developing a Behavioral Toolkit for Solar Irrigation, exploring ways to maximize the benefits of renewable energy technologies like solar within irrigation practices. These discussions closely echoed the principles of sustainable development goals. The project aims to elevate farming technology by utilizing solar irrigation technologies, aligning with the SDGs 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), and 3 (Good Health and Well-being). Given the significant role of the farming sector in Bangladesh's economic infrastructure, enhancing technologies for societal betterment reflects the objectives of SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure). Furthermore, the adoption of renewable energy technologies aligns with the goal of SDG 13 (Climate Action), emphasizing the project's commitment to addressing environmental challenges while promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

The workshop was graced by the presence of Dr. Carmen Z. Lamagna, Member, Board of Trustees, AIUB; Group Captain (Retd) Dr. Mohammad Zahidul Islam Khan, Registrar, AIUB; Dr. Manzur H. Khan, Proctor, AIUB; Prof. Dr. ABM Siddique Hossain, Dean, Faculty of Engineering, AIUB; Prof. Dr. Tazul Islam, Dean, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS), AIUB; and Dr. ABM Rahmatullah, Associate Dean, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS), AIUB and a good number of faculty members from different departments of AIUB. There were also many scholars, researchers, technical experts, and officials from renowned institutions and organizations of Australia, UK, Thailand, and Bangladesh joined the workshop to share their expert opinions and suggestions on the subject matter. At the end of the event all the guests were handed over token of appreciation by Prof. Dr. Md. Abdur Rahman, Pro Vice-Chancellor, AIUB, for sharing their valuable insights and presence in the event. Finally, lunch was served where all the participants and guests were joined.