Diversification Of Income Sources Research Articles

Navigating Synergies: A Comprehensive Review of Agroforestry System and Agronomy Crops

Agroforestry, the integration of trees with agricultural or livestock systems, holds significant promise for sustainable land management and addressing various environmental challenges. This comprehensive review explores the multifaceted benefits and challenges associated with agroforestry systems, focusing on their interactions with agronomy crops. We delve into the ecological, socio-economic, and climate-related dimensions of agroforestry, highlighting its potential to enhance productivity, conserve resources, and mitigate climate change impacts. The review begins by examining the historical context and conceptual foundations of agroforestry, elucidating its diverse array of products and services. Through case studies and empirical research, we explore the ecological benefits of integrating trees with crop production, emphasizing improvements in soil fertility, water quality, and biodiversity conservation. Furthermore, we discuss the role of agroforestry in climate change adaptation and mitigation, including its capacity for carbon sequestration, soil restoration, and resilience-building in the face of extreme weather events. A critical analysis of agroforestry's implications for agronomy crops reveals both opportunities and challenges. While agroforestry systems have shown potential to enhance crop yields, improve soil health, and diversify income sources, they also present complexities related to competition for resources and management practices. Insights from studies conducted in various agro-ecological contexts provide valuable guidance for optimizing the design and implementation of agroforestry systems to maximize their benefits for agronomy crops. This review underscores the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge exchange in advancing agroforestry research and practice. By integrating principles from agronomy, ecology, economics, and forestry, we can develop innovative strategies to harness the full potential of agroforestry for sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation.

Implementation Strategy For Fishery Processing Business Based On Blue Economy

This study investigates the readiness and capacity of the East Fakfak district community to transform fish into micro-small scale business products, aiming to contribute to the blue economy's development and enhance their welfare. Employing a semi-qualitative research approach through surveys, the research team, including surveyors, engaged in direct observation and conducted comprehensive interviews across all villages in East Fakfak. The objective was to assess the community's preparedness to process fish into preserved products that are marketable, high-quality, and possess unique organoleptic qualities characteristic of Fakfak. The analysis revealed a prevalent unfamiliarity among the East Fakfak district inhabitants with fish processing technologies. A traditional preference for consuming fresh fish, attributed to the ease of access to fish resources, has significantly hampered the advancement of fishery product processing in the region. This study underscores a critical need for introducing and fostering fish processing knowledge and technologies among the community. By educating and equipping the local populace with the necessary skills and resources to undertake sustainable fish processing, there lies a potential to unlock a new avenue for economic development. Such initiatives would not only diversify income sources but also ensure the longevity and sustainability of fishery resources, pivotal to the prosperity of East Fakfak's blue economy

Adapting to climate change-induced flooding: insights from women traders in the riverine areas of Nigeria—a qualitative study

IntroductionIn the riverine areas of Bayelsa State, Nigeria, the intersection of climate change and flooding poses an escalating threat to the livelihoods and well-being of women traders. This qualitative study investigates the experiences and adaptive strategies employed by women traders in response to climate change-induced flooding.MethodsEmploying an exploratory research design with purposive sampling, 46 women traders participated in the study, involving 23 in-depth interviews and three focus group discussions. Thematic analysis was applied to scrutinize the collected data.ResultsThe study unravels the impacts of climate change-induced flooding on economic, social, and gender dynamics, revealing economic disparities, gender inequality, livelihood disruptions, inadequate infrastructure, and limited access to information among women traders. Vulnerabilities emanated from disruptions in supply chains, damage to goods, and constrained market access, with agricultural traders being notably affected. Flood events exacerbated gender inequalities, amplifying caregiving responsibilities and limiting decision-making power for women traders. Resilience surfaced through diversified income sources, community solidarity, collective narratives, and local adaptive strategies, including indigenous knowledge and innovations.DiscussionPolicymakers and stakeholders should prioritize resilient infrastructure investments, such as flood-resistant marketplaces and storage facilities, to safeguard women traders’ businesses during flooding events and enhance the overall economic resilience of the community.

Beekeeping as a Tool for Sustainable Rural Development

The symbiotic relationship between bees and the environment underscores the potential of apiculture as a sustainable practice. Bees, as pollinators, play a crucial role in ecosystem health and biodiversity conservation. Their pollination services are essential for the reproduction of numerous plant species, including many crops that constitute the backbone of agricultural economies. Beekeeping can diversify income sources, reducing dependence on single crops and enhancing household resilience to economic shocks. The aim of this paper is to explore the multifaceted role of apiculture as a tool for sustainable rural development. In conclusion, apiculture holds immense promise as a tool for sustainable rural development, offering a pathway towards economic prosperity, social inclusion, and environmental stewardship. By harnessing the synergies between bees, biodiversity, and community development, beekeeping has the potential to transform rural landscapes and livelihoods. However, realizing this potential requires concerted efforts to address the challenges and barriers that hinder the widespread adoption of beekeeping practices. Through collaborative action and integrated approaches, it can unlock the transformative power of apiculture and build resilient, vibrant, and sustainable rural communities for generations to come.

Factors Affecting Rural Households Livelihood Diversification in Southern Parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

The present study investigated the factors affecting rural households' livelihood diversification in southern parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Data was collected from 389 sampled respondents through a stratified random sampling technique from four Tehsils of District Bannu and Lakki Marwat. For data collection, a semi-structured questionnaire and face-to-face interview schedule method were used; descriptive statistics and a binary logistic regression model were used for analysis purposes. The study finding indicates that the majority, 72 percent of the respondents, had diversified their livelihood income sources due to climatic conditions, limited income, and large family size in the study area. The binary logistic regression result also shows the co-efficient of sampled respondents' age (.048), education (.088), family size (.168), earning members (.364), land irrigation status (2.915), and climate change (4.009) had a positive relationship with livelihood income source diversification. Finally, it is recommended that the farm size in the study area could have been bigger, resulting in more diversification due to limited resources. Therefore, it is suggested that the government should chalk out formal entrepreneurship programs for the local community to work more productively. It also needs to emphasize community-level irrigation development to increase livelihood diversification in the study area.

TRANSFORMASI PENDAMPINGAN EKONOMI KREATIF: MEMPERKUAT KEMANDIRIAN EKONOMI MASYARAKAT MELALUI INOVASI DAN KREATIVITAS

Community service activities regarding the Transformation of Creative Economy Assistance in Ciganitri Village, Cipagalo Village, Bojongsoang District, Bandung Regency have made a significant contribution in strengthening the community's economic independence through innovation and creativity. Through thorough mentoring methods, including training, workshops, mentoring, and collaboration with local youth, the participants succeeded in increasing their understanding and skills in entrepreneurship. As a result, there is an increase in economic income, diversification of income sources, and expanded access to markets. Good cooperation between the service team, village youth, as well as the village head and village officials has brought encouraging success. This success is a stepping stone for further steps in advancing the creative economy in the village. Thank you to all parties who have contributed, and hope to continue working together to achieve greater goals in the future.

The Flexibility of Sengon Agroforestry in Small-Scale Forest Development in Indonesia

Small-scale forests (SSF) are essential to the community’s ecological, social, and economic aspects. The tree species that many people choose to develop in small-scale forests is sengon. Sengon has various advantages and can be developed in agroforestry with various plants. The research question in this study is how flexible the sengon agroforestry pattern is in Small-Scale Forest Development in Indonesia? The study aimed to determine the flexibility of sengon agroforestry in small-scale forests and the added value of small-scale forests from the economic and ecological aspects. The study was conducted using a systematic review. The results show that small-scale forest development with an agroforestry pattern can diversify income sources from the same land management, thus providing a sustainable income. The sengon agroforestry pattern in small-scale forests can be made with various types of plants (a) woody trees, (b) food crops, (c) plantation crops, (d) horticultural crops, (e) medicinal plants and (f) animal feed crops. Small-scale forest agroforestry patterns can provide economic, ecological, and social benefits. By knowing various alternative agroforestry cropping patterns, communities will be more motivated to improve their small-scale forest management to increase their economy.

Escaping chronic poverty: long-term impacts of an agricultural development program

AbstractThere is a need for groundbreaking initiatives to come to the rescue of the world’s rain-fed regions, especially in the face of the current climate and food crises and the associated reversal of previous advances in poverty reduction. However, there is little evidence of successful programs, which can inform the development of proactive policies to meet these urgent challenges. Can sustainable agricultural intensification enable marginalized, smallholder farmers to break out of chronic poverty? In this study, we scrutinize the Wadi concept, an integrated farming system that includes water resource development, soil conservation, cultivation of fruit trees, and intercropping on degraded land. We use a mixed-methods approach that involves surveying 1860 households, which were randomly sampled from a population of 188,231 participants across four Indian states, encompassing a variety of geographical regions. This is the first investigation into the effects of integrated farming systems on livelihoods on such a large scale and spanning 23 years. We compare the household participants of the program with the non-participants and run a linear regression analysis, ceteris paribus, comparing farmers who established integrated farming systems at different points in time over the period 1990–2017. Significant progress in several socioeconomic factors can be observed, such as higher incomes (the annual income of a typical participant has increased from INR 30,000 to 100,000 or even more), diversified income sources, positive life changes, higher life satisfaction and better perspectives for children, as well as environmental benefits. The Wadi program’s effectiveness in providing sustainable development pathways implies benefits to be gained from scaling it up. By thoroughly assessing its potential to help farmers escape chronic poverty and build resilience, this study provides evidence of the Wadi concept’s success that can enrich the science-policy dialog on development programs.

Analyzing the effect of severe weather on farmers' fertilizer usage and input investment amidst decreasing productivity in single-season agroecosystems

IntroductionIn Ghana and comparable developing countries, advancing farm investments and adopting innovative rice farming techniques encounters obstacles because of climate change. Smallholder farming households, affected by climate events, confront substantial risks that affect both agricultural returns and investment decisions.MethodsThis research evaluates the enduring impact of fluctuating weather patterns in a single-cropping agroecological region on rice yields, examining the consequent influence on the utilization of inorganic fertilizers and agricultural input investment among rain-fed households, investigating disparities, reasons, and underlying mechanisms. The research used panel data from 60 communities, employing regression analysis and probability models. It integrated monthly cropping season weather data across the study zone's grid cells for community-level time series analysis.Results and discussionThe results suggest that while weather shocks have a minimal impact on farmers abandoning inorganic fertilizers altogether, they do significantly decrease the overall amount of fertilizer used, agricultural investments, and rice crop yields. Floods and severe shocks exert a more pronounced influence compared to droughts and moderate shocks. Off-farm employment aids households in recovering from these shocks and maintaining agricultural investments. Climate shocks impact agricultural investment by reducing farm household income via altering crop yield and revenue. Consequently, this disrupts their ability to save, resulting in financial constraints. Encouraging and sustaining farm investments in vulnerable agrosystems involves diversifying income sources through combined crop and livestock farming, supplemented by off-farm activities. This strategy is fortified by climate-resilient farming practices, including resilient crop varieties supported by irrigation, weather insurance, and risk-oriented credit.

Household Income in Cambodia: Gini Analysis

This study examined how income is distributed among rural households and the different sources that contribute to it, as well as their role in addressing income inequality. It used the Gini coefficient to assess the impact of rural household income and other sources of income on income equality in 16 villages in Chub commune, Tboung Khmum district, Tboung Khmum province, Cambodia. It was found that income from farm activities accounts for 68.78% of total income, and the income distribution is slightly unequal based on the Gini index and Lorenz curve (0.166614239; 0.169607843; 0.022865854). This suggests that diversification of income sources has influenced equality, highlighting the importance of households being able to diversify their income sources to achieve wealth equality. Access to resources such as inputs and finance could help improve income equality among rural families. The study highlights the need for policymakers to focus on the provision of productive resources and access to financial resources such as loans, as these can generate significant living income and potentially help prevent inequality in rural communities. Furthermore, the study revealed that non-farm and other activities contributed to the variation in income equality, accounting for 31.22% of the total income of rural households. The Gini index for non-farming income was 0.082741477; 0.176054916 compared to farming income, indicating slight inequality in household income.

Perception of climate change and adoption of climate smart fisheries among artisanal fishers

Fisheries, particularly small-scale fisheries, is recognized as a source of dietary diversity, food security, and poverty alleviation. Fish is widely regarded as a significant source of protein. Despite the significance of fisheries, it is faced with several challenges such as constant change in climate. This study was conducted to examine the perception of fisher folks on climate change and the relationship between socio-economic characteristics and adoption of climate smart fisheries using semi-structured questionnaire. Perception towards climate change and adoption of climate-smart fisheries were analyzed using statistical inferential statistics. The predictor of co-management as a mitigative measure for climate change in fisheries was also analyzed with an ordered logistic regression technique. The result showed that 92.5 % of the fishers have formal education. Majority of the fishers (98.3 %) have no access to storage facilities whilst 96.66 % have access to market. In addition, 31.66 % of the fishers have access to information on climatic and weather conditions. On the perception of climate change, 47.5 % of fishers perceived decrease in amount of rainfall as evidence of climate change whilst 66.6 % perceived decrease in sea level as evidence of climate change. A few fishers perceived an increase in humidity, change in temperature and wind-storm or sea breeze as evidence of climate change. Again, 48.33 % of the fishers agree to reduction of fleet's carbon emission whilst 33.33 % fishers disagreed to diversifying sources of household income as an adoption to climate-smart fisheries. Additional cost in the beginning of adoption of climate smart fisheries as a constraint was agreed upon by 50.00 % of fishers. The results of the ordered logistic regression show that age, education, having a second source of income and an increase of fuel subsidy are statistically significant to fishers perception of the extent to which co-management could contribute to address climate change was detected.

Impact of community-based micro-finance in urban poverty reduction in Bangladesh

Purpose: This study aimed to assess the impact of community-based microfinance in reducing urban poverty with a particular focus on Sylhet City, Bangladesh. Methodology: The Community Saving & Credit (CSC) strategy of the Urban Partnership for Poverty Reduction project was chosen as a case in this study. This study used a qualitative research approach by following focus group discussions and in-depth interviews as data collection instruments. The purposive sampling method has been observed to collect data from 20 (twenty) respondents from Sylhet City Corporation's two slum areas, where the Urban Partnerships for Poverty Reduction Project was implemented like other urban areas of Bangladesh. Findings: The study findings show that implementing the Community Saving and Credit (CSC) strategy in Sylhet City has reduced poverty among those who applied for loans. It has enhanced the availability of food, made housing more affordable, diversified income sources, improved health conditions, increased access to education, and amplified the voice of women, especially those in poverty. Research implications: This research will help the government to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It will also inform the government about local perceptions regarding the dimensions of escaping poverty. After knowing about the locally specific dimensions of getting out of poverty and the effect of the CBM system in reducing poverty, the government and the policymakers can plan additional steps to operate community-based microcredit systems to reduce poverty.

Risk Tolerance and Investment Decisions among Credit Beneficiaries

Risk attitude and risk perceptions are two crucial factors that could influence an individual's investment decisions. In developing countries like Pakistan, the whole society experiences different risks; however, financial risk is an essential factor affecting investors' decisions. This study used a dataset of 120 respondents collected through face-to-face interviews from two districts of Punjab province. A logit model is used to assess the impact of various socio-economic and behavioral factors on respondents' decisions to invest the borrowed money in enterprises. The findings revealed that investment in low-risk enterprises and diversification of income were the two main strategies adopted by the survey respondents. The results further revealed that health risk perception has positive while risk tolerance has a negative influence on the decision to invest in low-risk enterprises to mitigate the adverse consequences of risks. The findings also revealed that education and the adoption of diversification of income sources are positively correlated, while the perception of non-repayment and coefficient of location are negatively correlated with the adoption of diversification of income sources. Additionally, the study recommends that the Government should make sustainable and investor-friendly credit policies and educate the general public on how to use credit efficiently.

How Can Drones Uncover Land Degradation Hotspots and Restoration Hopespots? An Integrated Approach in the Mount Elgon Region with Community Perceptions

Human-induced land degradation in biodiverse regions like Mount Elgon threatens vital ecosystems. This study employs drone mapping and community insights to assess land use changes, degradation, and restoration in Mount Elgon, Uganda. Drone monitoring (2020–2023) covered six sites, complemented by household surveys (n = 499), Focus Group Discussions (FDGs), and interviews. Drone imagery shows agriculture and planted forest as dominant land use types, gradually replacing tropical high forest, bushland, and grassland. Drone image results showed that smallholder subsistence farming is leading to and enhancing degradation. Landslides and encroachment into the park were detected in three of the six sites. Trenches were the most adopted Soil and Water Conservation (SWC) measure. The trench adoption varied by location and crop type, creating restoration potential, notably in Elgon, Nabyoko, and Shiteka. Interviews and FGDs revealed adoption of trenches, grass strips, and afforestation as remedies to land degradation. Complex interactions exists among land use, degradation, and SWC measures in the upper Manafwa watershed, underscoring the urgency of addressing landslides and encroachment into the forest. Community-based initiatives are vital for hands-on SWC training, emphasizing long-term benefits. Collaboration among government, local communities, and NGOs is crucial to enforce conservation and restore Mt. Elgon National Park, while encouraging diversified income sources can reduce land dependency and mitigate degradation risks.

Financial Performance Analysis of Local Government: A Case Study on Karanganyar Regency

The purpose of this study is to analyze the financial ratios of the Karanganyar Local Government Budget Realization Report for the 2017-2022 fiscal year, with a quantitative descriptive method at the Local Finance Agency (BKD) of Karanganyar Regency. Data were sourced from the budget realization reports, scientific articles, and interviews. Data were collected through document analysis and interviews. The components analyzed include the financial independence ratio, financial growth ratio, effectiveness ratio of original local government revenue (PAD), and local financial efficiency ratio. This study has found a low financial independence ratio of an average of 23.62%. The average PAD growth ratio was 5.14%, local income was 1.98%, operational expenditure was 1.80%, and capital expenditure was 3.72%. The PAD effectiveness ratio was classified as very effective with an average of 107.22%, and the financial efficiency ratio showed a moderate level with an average of 87.17%. This study concludes that the financial performance of the Local Government of Karanganyar Regency needs to be improved. The researchers recommend the government diversify sources of income, evaluate project management, and utilize information technology. Thus, this study provides guidance for the Local Government of Karanganyar Regency in improving the local financial performance.

Enhancing Nutritional Security and Combating Hidden Hunger with Climate-Resilient Millets

Hidden hunger, characterized by a deficiency in essential micronutrients, persists as a critical global issue, undermining human health and well-being. Despite advancements in food production, millions suffer from the consequences of inadequate access to vital nutrients. To address this multifaceted challenge and fortify nutritional security, millets have emerged as a compelling solution. These small-seeded grains, known for their climate resilience, offer a potent means to mitigate hidden hunger while ensuring sustainable food systems. Millets have garnered attention for their exceptional adaptability to adverse environmental conditions, including drought and high temperatures. Their deep root systems enable them to thrive even in water-stressed regions, making them a reliable source of sustenance in a changing climate. As global temperatures rise and extreme weather events become more frequent, the ability of millets to maintain food production under challenging conditions is of paramount importance. Beyond their adaptability, millets are nutritional powerhouses. They are replete with essential nutrients, including protein, dietary fiber, B-complex vitamins, and crucial minerals such as iron and zinc. This nutritional profile positions millets as a valuable resource in addressing malnutrition and hidden hunger, which plague populations across the globe. Moreover, millets are gluten-free, offering an inclusive dietary option for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities. This aspect contributes to their accessibility and relevance in diverse dietary regimes, aligning with the principles of equitable food security. The cultivation of millets is also aligned with broader sustainability goals. Millet farming practices encourage biodiversity conservation, reduce the reliance on chemical pesticides and synthetic fertilizers, and protect fragile ecosystems. Additionally, the economic and social benefits of millet production are significant, providing diversified income sources for smallholder farmers and rejuvenating rural communities. Governments and policymakers worldwide are increasingly recognizing the potential of millets in sustainable agriculture. Policies, subsidies, and initiatives are being introduced to support millet production, market development, and nutritional programs, fostering food security, climate resilience, and improved livelihoods. As the global community seeks sustainable solutions to hidden hunger and nutritional insecurity, millets stand as a resilient and nourishing ally. Harnessing their potential, along with continued research, investment, policy support, and heightened consumer awareness, is pivotal to securing a sustainable, nourished, and equitable future for all. In conclusion, the integration of millets into global food systems offers a pathway to enhance nutritional security, combat hidden hunger, and advance broader sustainability objectives.

Willingness and capacity of borrowers for loan repayment among farmers in Delta State Nigeria

Willingness of borrowers to repay loan and their capacity to repay borrowed fund has been an enigmatic challenge in the financing of agricultural enterprises in the tropics. As it stands, there is lack of empirical information on willingness of borrowers to repay loan and their capacity to repay credit. Investigating this challenge will improve agriculture in Delta state, Nigeria. This study derives its significance from its implications and usability among credit institutions. This study investigates willingness and capacity of borrowers for credit repayment among farmers in Delta State, Nigeria. A multistage sampling approach was used to select 216 farmers, Descriptive statistics, multiple regression, and binary logistic regression were employed in the analysis of collected data. The findings of the study show a mean amount of ₦460,972.22 was borrowed and ₦253,268.52 was repaid with a loan repayment performance of 54.94% and loan default rate of 45.1%. Further result indicates that 56.5% of farmers express willingness to repay loans, while 43.5% show unwillingness to repay borrowed fund. Further finding reveals that 40% of the farmers possess capacity to repay loan.. The study revealed that there is a significant difference in loan repayment capacity of poultry< fish, < arable crop farmers, with an F-value of 5.669 and (P≤ 0.05). Regression analysis identifies significant predictors of loan repayment capacity to include stock size, off-farm income, and farm income. Diversified income sources and effective farm management practices play crucial roles. Logistic regression indicates that longer repayment periods, larger stock sizes, and greater farming experience positively influence farmers’ willingness to repay loans (P≤0.05). It was recommended among others that financial institutions should offering flexible loan terms and sizes according to borrowers capacity. Encouraging farmers to diversify their income sources can improve loan repayment capacity of farmers.

Unveiling groundwater potential zones as catalyst for multidimensional poverty reduction using analytical hierarchical process and geospatial decision support systems (S-DSS) approach in the semiarid region, Jigawa, Nigeria

Integrating agricultural production with the identification and use of groundwater resources has been shown to reduce multidimensional poverty in semi-arid regions. Poverty reduction and socioeconomic growth depend on sustainable water supply, especially in developing countries with limited rainy seasons. Poverty eradication is a top priority among the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and its reduction in the 21st century has led to significant advances in research. This study used remote sensing, geographic information system (GIS), and geospatial decision support system (S-DSS) approaches to uncover potential groundwater zones. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) integrates geospatial data to create a groundwater potential zone map and suggests the best land requirements for groundwater abstraction for poverty alleviation programs. The groundwater potential zone maps indicate that the majority of the region was in the high-potential zone, covering 59.75% of the total area, followed by a moderate-potential zone at 23.21%, an extremely high-potential zone at 14.6%, a low-potential zone at 2.44%, and an extremely low-potential zone at 0%. In addition, the study emphasizes the need for alternative water sources and infrastructure development in dry seasons in areas with fewer drainage systems and proposes measures such as rainwater harvesting structures and small reservoirs. Diversifying income sources by promoting alternative livelihoods can help reduce poverty and vulnerability to fluctuations in agricultural productivity. The integration of socioeconomic data into the S-DSS framework will provide a comprehensive understanding of the complex relationship between groundwater resources, poverty, and socioeconomic development, enabling informed decision-making in water resource management for poverty reduction initiatives and the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals.

Countermeasures of Hotel Industry for Tourism Crisis Management Under the Influence of Epidemic Situation

On a global scale, the epidemic has had a great impact on tourism, and the hotel industry, as a key component of tourism, has also been seriously affected. The purpose of this paper is to study the impact of the epidemic on the hotel industry and put forward coping strategies to help the hotel industry effectively cope with the tourism crisis. First of all, the epidemic has led to a sharp decline in tourism, a sharp drop in the occupancy rate of the hotel industry and a sharp drop in income. In order to meet this challenge, the hotel industry needs to adopt the strategy of diversified income sources and reduce its dependence on the traditional tourism market. Secondly, the hotel industry should formulate more flexible cancellation policies to meet customer needs. Third, the hotel industry should strengthen cleaning and hygiene measures to ensure the health and safety of customers when they check in. This includes regular disinfection of guest rooms and public areas, provision of hand sanitizer, masks and other sanitary products. A transparent cleaning policy can improve the trust of customers. In addition, digital technology plays a key role in crisis management. Finally, staff training is the key link to deal with the crisis. This paper studies the coping strategies of crisis management in the hotel industry under the influence of epidemic situation, which is helpful for the hotel industry to tide over the crisis, maintain business sustainability and prepare for future uncertainty.

The interplay of tourism economy and food security in dessert-prone agricultural heritage sites

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine how the tourism economy affects local food availability, access, utilization and stability in dessert-prone agricultural heritage sites. Specifically, the study aims to explore the relationship between the tourism industry and local agricultural practices and how this connection influences food security in the Siwa Oasis, located in the Western Desert of Egypt.Design/methodology/approachThe study employs a qualitative exploratory research design using in-depth interviews and focus groups to investigate the impact of the tourism economy on food security and identify potential benefits and limitations for food security in the region.FindingsThe research reveals that the tourism economy in Siwa Oasis has only a marginal contribution to food security. The study highlights a lack of a strong connection between the tourism industry and local agricultural practices within the heritage site. As a result, the potential benefits and synergies that could be achieved between tourism and agriculture have not been fully realized, leading to a limited impact on food stability.Research limitations/implicationsThis study primarily relies on qualitative data from Siwa Oasis, Egypt, which may limit the generalizability of findings beyond this specific context. Additionally, while the study provides valuable insights into the complex relationship between tourism and food security, it does not quantitatively measure the magnitude of tourism's impact. Future research could incorporate quantitative methods for a more comprehensive understanding of this relationship in diverse desert-prone regions. Finally, the study highlights the need for more integrated approaches to enhance food security through tourism, but the specific strategies and policy recommendations require further investigation and adaptation to local contexts.Practical implicationsThis study underscores the need for tourism development strategies that prioritize food security in desert-prone areas like Siwa Oasis. Policymakers and stakeholders should promote sustainable tourism practices that enhance local agriculture, create diversified income sources and foster equitable benefits for communities. Moreover, recognizing the seasonal nature of tourism, interventions to address food shortages during off-peak periods are crucial. Efforts should also focus on skill development and gender-inclusive opportunities within the tourism sector to ensure broader community participation. Additionally, collaborations between tourism and agriculture should be encouraged to optimize food availability and stability while preserving cultural food traditions.Originality/valueThis study adds original insights by examining the specific impact of the tourism economy on food security in dessert-prone agricultural heritage sites. The study's originality lies in its exploration of the untapped potential for synergy between the tourism and agricultural sectors and the implications for local food security. This research contributes to understanding how tourism can improve food security in specific contexts and provides valuable insights into sustainable development in heritage sites.