Cooperative Societies Research Articles

Importance of Soil Health for Coffea spp. Cultivation from a Cooperative Society in Puebla, Mexico

The cultivation systems of Coffea spp. in a cooperative society in Puebla, Mexico, include Rustic, Traditional Polyculture, Commercial Polyculture, Unshaded Monoculture and Shaded Monoculture. In this work, the properties of the soil were analyzed through physical, chemical and biological analyses to determine its nutritional status. Composite sample analyses were conducted to determine physical, chemical and microbiological parameters (fungi, actinomycetes, mesophilic bacteria, nitrifying and denitrifying bacteria). Leaf nutrients were determined. Rustic was the cropping system with the highest amount of K in the soil and nutrient assimilation in the leaf (N, P, K and Fe) (p = 0.001); in addition, it had high populations of mesophilic bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes and very low nitrification and denitrification rates. The principal component analyses (PCA) (>3.25%) indicated that actinomycetes and K in soil favor the assimilation of Fe, K and P. This Coffea spp. cultivation system generated a lower impact on soil health than the rest of the systems and favored forest ecosystem conservation.

Factors Contributing to Poverty among Artisanal Fisherfolk of in Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria

This study investigated factors contributing to poverty among artisanal fisherfolk in Ahoada Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria. By exploring the livelihoods of artisanal fisherfolk, this paper analyzed different aspects of poverty and identify factors that contribute to poverty in these communities. This descriptive study was guided by two research objectives and questions. The population of study consists of 520 members of 3 fisherfolks cooperative society in Rivers State, out of which 240 members was randomly sampled. The research instrument used for the study was a structured 24 item questionnaire designed on a modified 4-poin Liker scale format. The findings of the study reveal that lack of access to loan facilities, reduction in catch and socio-economic factors contributed to poverty among fisherfolk in Rivers State. This study came to the conclusion that poverty is pervasive in coastal communities in Rivers State because the majority of fishermen who live and work there have daily challenges that exacerbate rather than reduce their economic condition. Based on this the paper recommended that in order to give fishermen access to loans and free themselves from the shackles of payday lenders, the government of Rivers State urgently needs to expand the establishment of microfinance banks to coastal communities. Additionally, fishermen need to be properly educated on the importance of maintaining clean waterways and the proper application of government regulations governing effluent discharge on water bodies.

IMPACT OF ADOPTION OF IMPROVED RICE PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGIES ON YIELD AND INCOME OF COOPERATIVE SOCIETIES’ FARMERS IN BAUCHI AND GOMBE STATES, NIGERIA

The study was examined the impact of adoption of improved rice production technologies on yield and income of cooperative societies’ farmers in Bauchi and Gombe States, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select 524 respondents comprising of 262 members and 262 non-members from both States. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results showed that, the mean age of the respondents was 41years for the members and non-members in Bauchi State, while 41 and 42 years were the mean age in Gombe State for both categories of the respondents respectively, with the mean farming experience of 7 and 12 years in Bauchi State, while 9 and 10 years in Gombe State for both the members and non-members respectively. The results showed a significant difference (P<0.05) between the mean household size among members and non-members in Bauchi State as the calculated Z-value (2.94) is higher than the tabulated Z-value (1.96). The trend was also similar in Gombe State where there was a significant difference (P<0.05) between the mean household size among members and non-members as the calculated Z-value (2.70) is also higher than the tabulated Z-value (1.96). The results showed no significant difference (P<0.05) between the mean farm size among members and non-members in Bauchi State as the calculated Z-value (0.63) is lower than the tabulated Z-value (1.96). The trend wasn’t similar in Gombe State which showed a significant difference (P<0.05) between the mean farm size among members and non-members as the calculated Z-value (4.80) is higher than the tabulated Z-value (1.96). education level, sex and rice farming experience were found to be positively significant (P<0.001) while extension visit was found to be positively significant (P<0.05) in predisposing adoption improved rice production technologies (IRPTs) among members and non-members of rice cooperative societies in the study area. The results from the Nearest Neighbor Matching (NNM), radius Matching Method (RMM), Stratification Method (SM) and Kernel Matching Method (KMM) indicate that the adoption of IRPTs had significant positive impact on income and yield among members compared to non-members (P˂0.01). It was concluded that the adoption IRPTs have significant impact on yield and income of members of cooperatives societies compared to their counterparts. The study therefore recommends that, farmers should form formidable cooperative societies so as to enjoy economies of scale in pooling their resources to purchase farm inputs.

EFFECT OF INPUT USE EFFICIENCY OF RICE PRODUCTION AMONG BENEFICIARIES AND NON-BENEFICIARIES OF ANCHOR BORROWERS’ PROGRAMME IN KADUNA STATE NIGERIA

This study investigates the effect of input use efficiency of rice production among beneficiaries and non- beneficiaries of Central Bank of Nigeria Anchor borrowers’ programme (ABP) in Kaduna State. Multistage sampling procedure include the purposive selection of the three Local Government Areas (LGAs): Kaduna South, Chukun, and Igabi where rice production is prominence in the state; two communities was randomly selected from each of the three selected LGAs to give a total of six selected communities. Finally, 110 each of upland rice farmers who were RIFAN and NON-RIFAN member beneficiaries of ABP were randomly selected from the targeted communities. Descriptive statistics and stochastic frontier model were used in analyzing data collected for the study area. The findings revealed that there were no significant differences between the socio-economic characteristics of both categories of farmers. Findings revealed that beneficiaries of ABP technical efficiency scores ranged from 0.71 and 1.00 with an average of 0.91. The scores for their allocative and economic efficiency ranged from 0.62 - 0.99 and 0.44 - 0.99 with an average of 0.93 and 0.85, respectively. While for the non-beneficiary rice farmer of the ABP, technical efficiency scores ranged from 0.52 and 0.89 with an average of 0.81. The scores for their allocative and economic efficiency ranged from 0.57 – 0.97 and 0.39 - 0.72 with an average of 0.76 and 0.65, respectively. From the finding it can be concluded that the mean technical, allocative and economic efficiencies for of both beneficiaries and non- beneficiaries were below the frontier of one. The three most critical constraints for beneficiary and non-beneficiary were lack and poor extension services, high cost of inputs, and untimeliness of inputs distribution for beneficiary, and insufficient planting seeds for non-beneficiary. It is therefore recommended that government at the federal, state and local government levels should provide adequate extension services to rice farmers and also rice farmers should be encouraged by the extension agents to join and participate in cooperative societies so that Government and NGOs can easily reach out to them through this medium.

RURAL WOMEN FARMERS PARTICIPATION IN AGRICULTURAL COOPERATIVE SOCIETIES IN BAUCHI AND TAFAWA BALEWA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS OF BAUCHI STATE

The Study analyzed rural women farmers’ participation in agricultural cooperative societies in Bauchi and Tafawa Balewa local government areas of Bauchi State. A Multi-Stage Sampling Technique was used to select 195 women farmers. Data were collected using structured questionnaire and analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The study revealed that the average age of women farmers was 36.5 years and majority (55.4%) were married with an average household size of 13 persons. While most (81.0%) had crop farming as primary occupation and (29.1%) of the farmers had attained secondary education. The results showed that women farmers had average farming experience of 13 years with an average farm size of 6.6 hectares. The coefficient of determination (R2) was 0.723 implying that 72.3% of the variation participation in cooperative societies in the study accounted by the factors included in the model. Education, household size, membership duration, extension visit and access to credit were significant at p<0.001 in the level of participation while, primary occupation, amount of loan obtained and adult education were significant at p<0.05. Constraints affecting agricultural activities were; high cost of inputs (66.4%), inadequate capital (82.8%), and high cost of labour (91.1%). The study concluded that, It was discovered from the study that the majority of the women farmers were not too aged, meaning they are still active and productive, they were mainly married and were literate at least up to primary education level. However, their participation is limited by pressure from household head in the study. The study recommended that, cooperative principles like continuous education and training should be arranged in order to improve women’s participation in cooperative activities. More female extension workers should be trained to help female farmers.

CO-OPERATORS PERCEPTION TOWARDS COOPERATIVES INVOLVEMENT IN EXTENSION SERVICE DELIVERY IN DELTA STATE, NIGERIA.

The study examined Co-operators' perception towards cooperatives' involvement in agricultural extension delivery. Multi-stage sampling process was used to select 337 respondents sampled through the use of questionnaires. Descriptive statistical tools were used to analyse data collected while Logit regression was used to analyze the hypothesis. The results showed that 93.2% of the co-operators had a positive attitude towards cooperatives' involvement in extension delivery, while only 6.8% did not. The likelihood ratio or model chi-square was significant (chi-square = 95.49; df = 8; P<0.050) which indicated that the independent variables had a significant influence on co-operators’ perception of the involvement of cooperatives in agricultural extension delivery. Based on the result, educational qualification (b=-1.274), farming experience (b=-0.601), income (b=1.065), cooperative experience (b=-0.620) and co-operators attitude (b=-0.191) had a significant relationship with the co-operators perception towards cooperative involvement in extension service delivery. It was concluded that most co-operators have a positive perception toward cooperative involvement in extension service delivery; hence they are willing to accept extension programmes channelled through cooperative societies. The researchers recommended that co-operators should be trained to build their capacity in rendering extension services.

Food security and dietary diversity patterns amongst female handloom workers: a cross sectional study from Kerala, India

IntroductionThe onset of COVID-19 in December 2019 bought the entire world to a standstill and had a major impact on the social and economic sectors in India. One of the most affected groups in this pandemic has been the female handloom workers.PurposeThe purpose of this study was to assess food security and dietary diversity amongst female handloom workers in Kerala.MethodsAfter obtaining informed consent, data was collected from 140 respondents working in handloom cooperative societies across Ernakulum, Kerala. Data regarding the food security and dietary diversity status of female handloom workers were collected using the validated Household Food Insecurity Access Scale and the Individual Dietary Diversity Scale respectively. Descriptive statistics was used to calculate the mean, standard deviation, frequency, and percentage while the independent t-test and Chi-Square test were used to compare means and examine the relationship between continuous and categorical variables respectively.ResultsThe mean age of the respondents was reported to be 53.69 ± 8.39. Majority of the respondents (91.4%) had co-morbidities with the most prevalent one being occupational hazards (45.7%). 96.4% and 53.5% of respondents were found to be food insecure and have poor dietary diversity respectively. In unadjusted analyses, statistical relationships were found between several variables and food security status, like milk and milk products (p = 0.045), flesh meats (p = 0.007), and history of disease and limited variety of foods due to lack of resources (p = 0.003). A strong relationship was also established between receiving extra rations through the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana and food security status (p = 0.002).ConclusionThe results revealed the bleak state of nutrition in the community. Further research into their nutritional knowledge, attitudes and practices needs to be carried out to recognize efficient variables for comparison from an Indian context.

Financial Arrangement by Employees in Formal Workplace Environment in Nigeria: Case of Cooperative Societies in Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria

Individual savings in the current day business world and work place have been channelled on a self-arranged/self-managed platform in the nomenclature of cooperatives irrespective of social class and or income group. Cooperatives have become household name in every organisation: its significance is ringing more than bank name now rings. This research analysed the criteria for being a member in cooperatives as well as the extent of satisfaction that members in the cooperatives perceived they had as a result of their membership subscription. Primary data were collected with the aid of structured questionnaire from 396 respondents who are staff of the Ohafenu Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. Results indicated that there was no constraint to being a member inasmuch as the potential applicant is on the University payroll and such a potential member has not violated the floor of limit of take home pay. Method of monthly contribution into cooperative purse is deduction from source through the bursary department. It was also indicated that monthly contribution is based on a member's capacity in terms of how much a person cares to contribute. Eight major areas of members’ investment horizon were identified as having been promoted by cooperative assistance. Eighteen propositions were raised in terms of members’ belief, identification, and satisfaction with their cooperative, six of such propositions had strong support by respondents. Four variables also indicated significant difference among members when tested on t-test scale. Lastly, nine variables were significant in influencing value added for members. In the overall, members were very satisfied with their cooperatives for saving purposes.

Assessment of leadership effectiveness among the executives and members of farmers’ cooperative societies in Osun State, Nigeria: Implication for agricultural development

The study assessed the leadership effectiveness among the executives and members of farmers’ cooperative societies in Osun State, Nigeria. A structured interview schedule was used to gather quantitative data from 50 executives and 75 members of farmers’ cooperative societies across the state. Data were processed through IBM SPSS version 23. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data. The findings revealed that the majority (84%, 78.7%) of leaders and members were male and members were male while (98%, 94.5 %) were married with a mean age of 47.46 ± 13.73 and 40.36 ± 10.13 years. Also, the majority of the cooperative leaders emerged through election and mostly selected into leadership position based on active participation in cooperative activites. The majority of the leaders were very effective in leading discussions during meetings (mean=2.90) and managing cooperatives operations (mean=2.63). Also, irregular payment of loans and inadequate trainings were the problems facing leadership effectiveness. Years of farming experience (r= 0.788) and years of cooperative membership (r= 0.731) were significantly related to leadership effectiveness. It is concluded that, in order to enhance leaders’ effectiveness and consequently, agricultural development, capacity building through regular training, and workshops should be organised by relevant stakeholders.

Critical Analysis of Group Dynamics Effectiveness of Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) Members in Assam, India

Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO) is a legal entity formed by farmers with a major role in integrating both forward and backward linkages in the agricultural sector for enhancing farmers' income and their livelihoods through reduced cultivation and transaction costs. The present study to analyse the effectiveness of group dynamics of FPOs members was conducted in Lower Brahmaputra Valley Zone (LBVZ) of Assam. In doing so, it utilized the descriptive research design following an ex-post-facto approach to fulfil the objectives of the study and to collect the cross-sectional data from 120 FPO member respondents through personal interview method during 2022. The study reveals that majority of the FPO members had a medium level of group dynamics effectiveness in all selected 12 indicators. The study also shows that among the identified 12 indicators to measure group dynamic effectiveness (GDE) of FPOs, group atmosphere was found with the highest mean value closely followed by teamwork, participation and group cohesiveness. The other indicators in order of importance based on their corresponding mean values were achievement of FPOs, confirmation to group norms, task function, decision making procedure, interpersonal trust, empathy and group communication. As many as 70 per cent members of FPOs in study areas had reported medium level of achievement of FPO, still there is huge scope for their further improvement and achievement in agriculture and allied activities and thereby enhance their income on sustainable basis. The study further reveals that Manikpur Joha Rice Producer Company Ltd. of Chirang district had the highest total GDEI score of 91.027. While Aya Baikho FPO Co-operative Society Ltd. of Goalpara district had the lowest GDEI score of 60.441.

Institutional arrangements in the promotion of sustainable livestock: an approach from the case of beef and dairy cattle production chains in Jalisco, Chiapas, and Campeche

This study focuses on a policy and practice review of existing institutional arrangements within the beef and dairy cattle production sectors in the Mexican states of Jalisco, Chiapas, and Campeche. Acknowledging the critical role of robust governance frameworks in transitioning towards sustainable livestock agriculture, a collaborative governance approach is employed to holistically address environmental and production challenges. This approach underscores the importance of active participation, stakeholder collaboration, and contextual adaptation in decision-making processes. Classified as explanatory research, the study is grounded in a qualitative approach, covering a synchronous period from 2017 to 2022. Secondary sources such as public policies, international climate commitment reports, sector-specific reports, and databases were utilized to provide context and data regarding the analyzed institutional arrangements. Additionally, semi-structured information-gathering protocols were developed and, in conjunction with participant observation, administered to approximately 30 key stakeholders from public, private, academic, research centers, international cooperation, and civil society sectors involved in institutional arrangements in the aforementioned states. The findings highlight the significance of collaborative governance as a valuable alternative for addressing governance challenges in the livestock sector, particularly when hierarchical or market-oriented approaches are less effective. The diversity of identified institutional arrangements, ranging from hierarchical to polyarchic, emphasizes the need to acknowledge the specificities of the context in which they operate and adapt strategies accordingly. This analysis contributes to the growing discussion on sustainable livestock farming and the fundamental role of institutional arrangements in promoting responsible practices and mitigating environmental impacts. As demands for natural resources and environmental awareness increase, understanding and strengthening these arrangements become essential to balance livestock production and environmental conservation.

FACTORS PERSUADING THE SAMBALPURI WEAVING COMMUNITY TO WORK FOR A MASTER WEAVER: A CASE STUDY OF SUBARNAPUR DISTRICT, ODISHA

The country was recently hit by COVID-19, which left the informal handloom workers completely stranded, with the lockdown imposed putting lakhs of handloom weavers lives and livelihoods at risk. In this context, the current study aims to investigate the impact of pandemics and lockdown on the income level of the Sambalpuri weaving community. The field research is being conducted in ten villages in Odishas Subarnapur district. It is found that as there are no cooperative societies, weavers are reliant on master weavers, who pay meagre wages and find it difficult to feed their families and attend to medical emergencies. Using Henry Garrett Ranking and Kendall coefficient of Concordance, we attempt to investigate the dominance factor that forced them to work under the master weavers control. The most significant reasons, according to the findings, are a lack of working capital and loans obtained from the informal sector. KEYWORDS: Handloom, Garrett Ranking and Kendalls Concordance, Income. Subject classification codes: C14, E26

Analytical Study of Cooperative Organizations Based on Domestic Area of Asian Countries: A Classical Approach of Village

In this research paper, we have studied the role of cooperative societies in rural area of asian countries especially in Madhesh Province of Nepal. Also we study the liqidity position of these societies in economic development of rural area of our country.

Marketing Pattern and Price Spread of Polyhouse and Open Field Cucumber Production in Jaipur District of Rajasthan, India

In recent years, there has been concern about the effectiveness of marketing fruits and vegetables, which has resulted in high and volatile consumer price with only a minute portion of the consumer rupee flowing to the farmers. Horticultural crops are difficult to market because of their perishability, seasonality and bulkiness. Present study was an attempt to study the marketing channel and their efficiency. The Jaipur district of Rajasthan was selected purposively for the present study. A total of 26 intermediaries and 50 farmers were selected randomly. Among the total farmers, 25 growers producing cucumber in polyhouses and 25 in open field were selected randomly. The most common marketing channel engaged in marketing of polyhouse and open field cucumber in Jaipur district are following: Channel – I: Producer – Commission Agent – Wholesaler – Retailer – Consumer and Channel- II: Producer- Commission agent- Retailer- Consumer. Among both cucumber production system, in channel II the marketing cost incurred per quintal of cucumber was much lower than cost incurred in channel I. Since the marketing cost and marketing margin in channel I was higher, so the marketing efficiency was very low for that channel. At the same time in channel II was found to be lower price spread under both production systems. The most effective means of enhancing farmers' market access and reduce marketing cost through institutional means is by reinforcing cooperative societies, FPOs and shorten the marketing channel.

The Legal System Governing the Creation, Operation and Liquidation of Cooperative Companies of Government Employees in Iran; Challenges and Solutions

The Legal System Governing the Creation, Operation and Liquidation of Cooperative Companies of Government Employees in Iran; Challenges and Solutions

Cage aquaculture of Indian pompano for livelihood diversification of artisanal fishers: Insights from Andhra Pradesh, India

Artisanal fishers fishing in nearshore coastal waters off Visakhapatnam using motorisedcrafts and in estuaries of Krishna using non-motorised crafts were selected for the study.Their annual net operating income varied between US$ 469.63 (₹39,040) and US$ 2698.42(₹2,24,320), respectively. Inspired by the potential of cage farming from the frontlinedemonstrations in marine and estuarine waters and after acquiring appropriate skills,15 individuals from the Traditional Fishermen’s Co-operative Society, Visakhapatnamand 76 individuals from Yanadri Girijana Matsya Sakhara Sangam, Krishna embarked oncage aquaculture of Indian pompano in 15 and 70 cages, respectively. Marine cages werecircular (6 m diameter) and estuarine cages were square (5 m X 5 m), and were stockedwith hatchery-produced Indian pompano (Trachinotus mookalee) fingerlings of 22.6 gweight @ 2500 and 1500 numbers respectively, and were fed with floating pellets at 8-3% ofbiomass. Average body weight, survival and biomass production from marine and estuarinecages after eight months of culture were 843 and 666 g, 96.28 and 91.47% and 2029.0 and913.85 kg respectively. Deducting all capital and operational expenses, annual net operatingincome per unit ranged from US$ 1247.44 (₹1,03,700) to US$ 2632.02 (₹2,18,800); whichrepresented a substantial increase from that of capture fishery. Cluster-cage farming, asadopted, did not adversely impact the water and sediment quality. The current researchoffers novel insights into the bio-growth and economic factors pertinent to commercial cagefarming of Indian pompano. Cage farming in marine and estuarine conditions holds a greatpromise as an alternative source of livelihood for artisanal fishers, thereby bolstering theireconomic sustainability. Keywords:Cage farming, Gross revenue, Indian Pompano, Netoperating income, Small scale fishers

Fish Biodiversity Assessment of Tawarja Reservoir, Latur (Maharashtra): A Case Study

The present study deals with the ichthyofaunal diversity of Tawarja reservoir, Latur, Maharashtra. Tawarja reservoir is a perennial water body used for human and livestock consumption in nearby areas. This reservoir's primary purpose is irrigation, and it is also used for culture-based capture fisheries by the fisherman community of Latur taluka. Tawarja reservoir is allocated to Mahadev Koli Samaj Matsyavawsay Cooperative Society Ltd., Kava of Latur taluka. The present study observed that the ichthyofauna belongs to 05 orders, 09 families, 19 genera and 31 species. Cyprinidae family was reported dominant with 17 species (54.83%) followed by Bagridae & Siluridae 3 species with 9.67 % contribution, Channidae with 02 species (6.45%), and the families of Notopteridae, Botiidae, Clariidae, Heteropneustidae, Pangasidae and Mastacembelidae contributing 01 species (3.22%) of each. Regarding their conservation status, 25 species were of least concern, 2 were vulnerable, 3 were near threatened, and 1 was in an endangered stage. (IUCN-2023).

Cooperative Society: A Veritable Tool for Wealth Creation and Poverty Alleviation in Bayelsa State

Concerns have also been raised about cooperative organisations' efforts to reduce poverty and generate wealth in the communities in which they operate. Most cooperatives fail to achieve their goal of enhancing members' financial security and well-being, which ultimately results in their dissolution. Thus, this study looked at how cooperative societies in Bayelsa state contribute to wealth development and poverty reduction. In order to accomplish its goals, the study employed a survey research methodology with a structured questionnaire, which was analysed using chi-square and basic descriptive statistics. The study's findings showed that cooperatives help members acquire assets both directly and indirectly (in the form of cash or in kind). The support of cooperative society has enabled the acquisition of a variety of assets, including buildings, cars, gadgets, and land. This helped each member achieve their needs for safety and physiology while also improving the people's economic situation. Members who gained assets after they satisfied their fundamental needs were able to transcend extreme poverty. Asset acquisition is a physical economic progress. Here, cooperatives function as both major contributors to and agents of poverty alleviation. Therefore, in order for cooperative society activities to continue having a good influence on the livelihood of its members in Bayelsa state, it is advised that they be appropriately governed by the government and the relevant agencies.

Regional sustainability of the Kattunayakan tribe in Kerala, India through the enhancement of agricultural, livestock, and livelihood options

CONTEXTThis research investigates the living sustainability of the Kattunayakan tribe in the Wayanad district of Kerala, India, focusing on the factors influencing their agricultural, forest, and livestock practices in the context of changing social conditions. OBJECTIVEThe main objective of the study is to identify critical factors that affect the Kattunayakan community and improve the living sustainability by linking agriculture, forest, livestock, and social conditions. METHODSA total of 598 families were sampled in the 103 settlements spread across 14 panchayats and three municipalities in Wayanad district of Kerala. Population distribution and land use pattern were related, and cluster analysis was carried out to identify tribes having agricultural land and livestock. The analysis of 21 factors with significant correlations with Kattunayakan's living sustainability was carried out. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONSThe Kattunayakans' average annual agricultural income is extremely low, standing at US$472.54 and the average annual income from livestock is US$3.22. The increased wildlife conflicts have hindered Kattunayakans' ability to engage in agriculture and livestock-rearing activities. The factors considered included: agricultural infrastructure with eight factors, coefficients ranging from 0.523 to 0.969; forest and wildlife six factors 0.647–0.811; livestock four factors 0.527–0.696; and social conditions three factors with rotated values 0.499–0.856. The lack of land for agriculture, very low attainment in education, and wildlife conflict correlate highly with the community's lack of sustainability. Allocation of degraded land for the landless tribes as non-sellable land for the cultivation of crops, increasing the awareness among the tribe to cultivate crops which is not palatable for wild animals, providing training for the tribe on the value addition of forest produce, selling milk through cooperative societies, can improve income generation among the tribe, thereby improving their living sustainability. SIGNIFICANCEThis study unveils the intricate dynamics influencing the living sustainability of Kattunayakan communities in Wayanad, Kerala. Findings of the study provide actionable insights to improve agricultural practices, mitigate conflicts, and promote sustainable development in the Wayanad district.

Effective affordable housing provision in developing economies: A deductive analysis of informal housing strategies in Lagos, Nigeria

In the face of numerous research efforts and policy interventions, housing the urban poor in a suitable manner has been a persistent challenge across the world. This prevailing difficulty calls for more resourcefulness in addressing affordable housing (AH) provision. To achieve this, this study thoroughly investigated the informal housing strategies of the urban poor, examining their informal housing solutions along the three main components of housing supply value chain (HSVC) - housing finance, land acquisition and housing construction. The methodology was semi-structured interviews of 40 randomly selected respondents from 5 strata of largest slums in Lagos, Nigeria. Following thematic, content, descriptive and deductive analyses of data, findings show that there are insightful lessons within the informal housing strategies of the urban poor that can inform suitable approaches to AH provision. Findings are that the urban poor are actively involved in trade unionism, microfinance institutions and cooperative societies as AH finance strategies within their informal means. The urban poor resolve their desperate housing needs through self-help incremental housing, cheap rental housing among others. Findings show that the urban poor needs shelter, which alternative housing and rental housing provide more affordably than homeownership. Insights are provided in this study on how these informal strategies of the urban poor can influence HSVC for effective affordable housing provision approaches. If these strategies inform policies with deliberate efforts made to modify and institutionalise the approaches, suitability of AH provision can be improved. Findings from this study are informative for future pro-poor housing studies. Recommendations are that informal strategies across the entire HSVC identified in this study can be modified and incorporated into housing policies towards making cities of developing economies more sustainable and inclusive.