Household Questionnaire Survey Research Articles

Childhood stunting is highly clustered in Northern Province of Rwanda: A spatial analysis of a population-based study

BackgroundIn Northern Province, Rwanda, stunting is common among children aged under 5 years. However, previous studies on spatial analysis of childhood stunting in Rwanda did not assess its randomness and clustering, and none were conducted in Northern Province. We conducted a spatial-pattern analysis of childhood undernutrition to identify stunting clusters and hotspots for targeted interventions in Northern Province. MethodsUsing a household population-based questionnaire survey of the characteristics and causes of undernutrition in households with biological mothers of children aged 1–36 months, we collected anthropometric measurements of the children and their mothers and captured the coordinates of the households. Descriptive statistics were computed for the sociodemographic characteristics and anthropometric measurements. Spatial patterns of childhood stunting were determined using global and local Moran's I and Getis-Ord Gi* statistics, and the corresponding maps were produced. ResultsThe z-scores of the three anthropometric measurements were normally distributed, but the z-scores of height-for-age were generally lower than those of weight-for-age and weight-for-height, prompting us to focus on height-for-age for the spatial analysis. The estimated incidence of stunting among 601 children aged 1–36 months was 27.1 %. The sample points were interpolated to the administrative level of the sector. The global Moran's I was positive and significant (Moran's I = 0.403, p < 0.001, z-score = 7.813), indicating clustering of childhood stunting across different sectors of Northern Province. The local Moran's I and hotspot analysis based on the Getis-Ord Gi* statistic showed statistically significant hotspots, which were strongest within Musanze district, followed by Gakenke and Gicumbi districts. ConclusionChildhood stunting in Northern Province showed statistically significant hotspots in Musanze, Gakenke, and Gicumbi districts. Factors associated with such clusters and hotspots should be assessed to identify possible geographically targeted interventions.

The Gender Aspects of Agroforestry Practices in Maytemeko Watershed, Northwestern Ethiopia

This study was conducted to assess the gender aspect of agroforestry practices (AFPs) in terms of participation and benefit in northwest Ethiopia. An explanatory sequential research design of mixed method was employed to obtain and analyze the data required for the study. Household questionnaire survey which was collected from 138 randomly selected households, ethnographic observation and interview were used to collect data. The research result showed that though most women are implementing AFPs compared to their male counterparts, the number of trees and shrubs on farm plots are lower for women. At household level, women are taking highest responsibility to manage AFPs. It was also found that 40.3% (166.5 tons/year) of energy for cooking and heating is obtained from trees and shrubs grown in AFPs followed by natural forest wood sources (32.2% or 134 tons/year). The majority of the respondents (56%) confirmed that women and girls are responsible for fuel wood collection from the natural forest areas. In contrast, for those households who obtained the fuel wood from AFPs, men are most responsible to prepare the fuel wood. An average time which was needed to collect a bundle of fuel wood from natural forest area was four times more than the time needed to collecting the same amount of fuel wood from AFPs. This indicated that AFP is playing a crucial role in reducing the burden of women and girls by reducing the time and labor spent for fuel collection. Generally, implementing AFP is not only used to save the natural forest cover, but it also has an implication in gender balance for fuel wood collection. Thus, stressing the multiple benefits of AFP, agricultural extension workers should encourage farmers to plant trees on their farm lands by recognzing the gender aspects as well.

AGROECOLOGICAL PRINCIPLES AND ITS GAPS IN ADAPTION IN TERAI FARMING SYSTEM, NEPAL

Abstract. The present paper examines agroecological principles identified by FAO and its gaps by local farmers in terai farming system of Nepal. Household questionnaire survey, focus group discussion and KII were major tools of required information collection with regard to gaps of agroecology principles in their farming system. Agro-ecological principles have been examined with current farming practices carried out by local farmers. The gap analysis has been done with respect to ten agroecological principles: Efficient use of resources, balance use of chemical and organic fertilizer, , crop diversity, co-creation of knowledge, recycling of farm waste, synergy of crop, livestock and forestry ,human and social value, circular economy, cultural and food tradition, land and natural resource governance. 87.8 percent of households were used flooding method of surface irrigation against to principle of efficiency and deficit of water leading to wastage of water and constraining self-generating nutrient capacity of nature. 91.60 % of total cropped area was dominated by paddy - wheat based cropping system against to the principle of crop diversity. 72.4 % farmers used farm yard manure in limited temporal and spatial coverage area ranging from 0.03 ha to 1.69 hectare with the average of 0.39 ha and three months of year against the principle of recycling farm wastage to farm. Almost 14 % of households were having agroforestry practices against to the synergies of crop, livestock and forestry. Participation of women and youth in farming practices was found decreased due to remittance-led family economy. Geospatial technology-RS, GIS and GPS were extensively applied in preparation of all these agroecological resource maps required for agroecological studies and creation of their geo-database for sustainable land use planning in Nepal. Finally, the study necessitated the government policy to be instutionalized towards agroecological concept and hoped the methodology developed for this study could guide for achieving this goal.

Social Acceptance and Social, Economic, and Environmental Impact of Renewable Energy - A Case Study from Hanimaadhoo Island, Maldives

Social acceptance particularly public opposition on renewable energy have been key obstacles for renewable energy deployment in many developed nations particularly in Europe. The level of awareness of the situation in the global south, particularly in Small Island Developing States (SIDS), was rather limited. This research utilizes Cultural Theory as a framework, incorporating data obtained from household questionnaire surveys, focus group discussion and individual interviews conducted on Hanimaadhoo island in the Maldives. The objective is to gain a more comprehensive understanding of how individuals’ worldviews influence their opinions and behaviors regarding renewable energy. This study also aims to comprehend the anticipated social, economic, and environmental impacts of renewable energy. The authors highlight key findings from a local perspective that they deem crucial to consider for the future deployment and diffusion of renewable energy in the Maldives

Social Acceptance and Social, Economic, and Environmental Impact of Renewable Energy - A Case Study from Hanimaadhoo Island, Maldives

Social acceptance particularly public opposition on renewable energy have been key obstacles for renewable energy deployment in many developed nations particularly in Europe. The level of awareness of the situation in the global south, particularly in Small Island Developing States (SIDS), was rather limited. This research utilizes Cultural Theory as a framework, incorporating data obtained from household questionnaire surveys, focus group discussion and individual interviews conducted on Hanimaadhoo island in the Maldives. The objective is to gain a more comprehensive understanding of how individuals’ worldviews influence their opinions and behaviors regarding renewable energy. This study also aims to comprehend the anticipated social, economic, and environmental impacts of renewable energy. The authors highlight key findings from a local perspective that they deem crucial to consider for the future deployment and diffusion of renewable energy in the Maldives

Impacts of Natural Disaster on the People`s Livelihood and the Adaptation Strategies of Amrajuri, Pirojpur, Bangladesh

Bangladesh has ranked first out of 170 countries for its susceptibility to the impacts of climate change, including its deltaic and low-lying regions, irregular rainfall patterns, rise in the frequency and intensity of floods, cyclones, and droughts, as well as its propensity for bad weather in the Bay. The current study aims to investigate the effects of natural disasters on people's livelihoods in the Amrajuri union at Kaukhali Upazila, within the Pirojpur district. Due to its geographic location and socioeconomic status, this area is much more vulnerable to natural disasters like cyclones, floods, river bank erosion, heavy rainfall, and storm surges. The 'Sustainable Livelihood Framework' created by Chambers and Conway (1991) can be obtained by adapting ecological, social, or economic systems to present or anticipated climatic stimuli and their consequences or implications. Accordingly, primary household questionnaire surveys, key informant inter-views, and focus group discussions and secondary newspapers, journals, books, articles, websites, and union Parishad office data were gathered. About 36% people of the Amrajuri union are depended on agriculture as their primary or secondary livelihood. Natural disasters, such as cyclone and riverbank erosion have had a devastating impact on the study area's livelihoods in many sectors, including the lack of access to clean drinking water, malnutrition, extreme poverty, health issues, livelihood-related losses, and damage to crop cultivation, fisheries, poultry, and vegetable gardens, among other areas. People are utilizing alternative livelihood practices such as fish farming, livestock farming, tree planting, vegetable farming, joint common land cultivation, selling labor, poultry farming, migration, loans, and government assistance for livelihood security to combat the impacts on their way of life. They are also implementing significant adaptation strategies such as, diversification of livelihood, migration for labor, loans, and humanitarian relief. They also apply some sector-based coping strategies.

Effect of Rapid Urban Housing Expansion on On-Farm Activities of Rural Household Livelihoods in Simat/Kapseret Ward, Kenya

The study focused on examining how an increase in urban housing expansion affects livelihoods of rural households. The study objective was to determine the effect of urban housing expansion on on-farm activities of households in Kapseret/Simat ward, Kenya. A sample of 164 households was selected from a target population of 13610 households. A systematic random sampling technique was used to obtain the population of the study. A household survey questionnaire and an interview guide were used as tools for data collection taking a mixed methods research design. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive methods in form of frequencies, means and deviation. Inferential statistics specifically Chi square was used to test the hypotheses in terms of the strength and direction of the independent and dependent variables. Qualitative data was analyzed thematically and triangulated into the quantitative data of the study. Quantitative study findings indicated that there was a statistical significant relationship between urban housing expansion and on-farm activities of rural households (p=0.000). The qualitative study findings indicated that there was a shift from on-farm to off-farm livelihood activities of rural households. The study concluded that as land value and land sales increased, there was a higher likelihood for demand for land to facilitate the urban housing developments and ultimately housing expansion within the area of study. The study concluded that there was a significant statistical effect of urban housing expansion on rural household livelihoods.

Farmers Adaptation Strategies to Adverse Impacts of Drought on Agriculture of the Central Barind Tract of Bangladesh: An Empirical Study

Drought is a reoccurring phenomenon which is considered as one of the topmost slow-onset disasters in the central Barind Tract of northwestern Bangladesh. Due to the consequences of drought, agriculture of this area is highly impacted as well as the farmers fall in multidimensional livelihoods disruption. The objective of the paper is to investigate the existing adaptive measures practicing by farmers to combat adverse impacts of agricultural drought in two representative drought-prone locations of Rajshahi District of Bangladesh. The present study is mainly based on semi-structured household questionnaire survey. Eventually, the survey was conducted in 2019 among 303 households out of 1421 by using Kothari (2004) sampling formula considering 95% significance level and samples are determined through simple random sampling. Both descriptive and inferential statistics are used to analyze the adoption options of the cultivators of the study areas from geographical perspectives. It is found that most of the farmers adopted several measures rely on their traditional knowledge and experiences, participation in community trainings as well as receiving the facilities and support from different GOs and NGOs. Farmers are cultivating drought tolerant crop varieties, adopting rainwater harvesting, intercropping with rice, temporally changing occupation, using fertilizer and composting to accelerate crop production rate, changing irrigation system, participating in agro-training for coping with modern technologies, seeking to draw the compensation from GOs and microcredit of NGOs etc. to minimize drought impacts. However, the findings of present study are expected to provide useful guidelines to policy makers for facilitating farmers in sustaining their livelihoods against adverse impacts of agricultural drought in Barind Tract of Bangladesh.

Physical, Social and Economic Characteristics of Gated Communities for a Living Choice in Karachi-Pakistan: Comparative Analysis of Kaneez Fatima (CHS) and Naya Nazimabad

This article contributes twofold to the international discussion on ‘gated communities as a living choice’. First, this study constructs a ‘living choice’ framework based on the physical, social, and economic characteristics of gated communities as established by the four key researchers. Next, the framework is applied to analyze the reasons for living within gated communities in Karachi, Pakistan. A cross-comparison of two gated communities employs post-occupancy household survey questionnaires from residents, and qualitative interviews with real estate developers, and community managers. The findings ascertain that security and lifestyle are the main values associated with living in gated communities in Karachi.

Balancing Economic Sustainability with Densification: A Case Study of Dhaka

Economically sustainable urban residential neighborhoods are characterized by adequate provision of physical infrastructure including transport facilities and utility services. The built urban fabric of residential areas of Dhaka has been undergoing densification operation over the past decades without considering the physical infrastructure capacity of these areas in terms of accessibility and provision of transportation and utility services. This intervention eventually exerted pressure on the existing infrastructure and caused negative externalities like traffic congestion, pollution, and water clogging. Thus, this paper aims to investigate the impact of densification on residential areas of Dhaka through the lens of economic sustainability. Seven residential areas from Old and New Dhaka that underwent various degreesof densification were selected as the study areas. Primary data was collected through a random sampling household questionnaire survey, fieldwork, and informal qualitative interviews with the residents and officials. Various published literature, newspaper articles, plans, and reports from government archives, Capital Development Authority (RAJUK), Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC), and Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) provided the secondary data. The analysis is carried out in two parts. In the firstpart the impact of densification on accessibility to transportation facilities and utility services is analyzed in terms of availability of the services, distance to the bus stops, average travel time, modal choice, and residents’ satisfaction level. The second part explores the relationship between density and aspects of economic sustainability through Pearson’s correlation test. The findings revealed that public transportation is more accessible in lower-density areas than the higher-density residential areas owing to the road network pattern. A significant service delivery gap except for water supply was observed regarding the provision and quality of gas, electricity, sewerage, and garbage disposal services across all the study areas. Overall, density was found to have a negative association with the accessibility to physical infrastructures indicating that high-density residential areas of Dhaka do not have increased access to public transport and utility services which is contrary to the expected benefits of high-density living. A comprehensive density planning with an integrated sustainable transport plan needs to be formulated where viable public transport like Bus Rapid Transit (BRTs) systems and waterways may mitigate the situation from further worsening.

Potentiality and Threats of Avocado Farming in Eastern Hills of Nepal

Innovative and profitable agriculture has become indispensable for the supply of food and nutrients to people as well income generation. Thus, this study deals with the feasibility of commercial avocado farming including the analysis of problems related to this especially in the case of eastern hilly areas of Nepal. This study applied household questionnaire survey, key informant survey, focus group discussions and field observation to collect relevant primary information. Previous research journals, dissertations, books and official records were used as the major sources of secondary data collection. This study covers the entire area of Ward No. 3 of Dhankuta Municipality. Around, 44 percent (223hhs) farm households were selected as a sample out of the total 506 households of this area based on Yamane's sample determination formula (1967).This study proves that the agriculture system can be made profitable and useful through carefully using of new high valued crops. It reveals that avocado is a new commercial crop with maximum potential in the hilly areas of eastern including both challenges and opportunities. Moreover, this study also confirms that the avocado farming is not only a profitable business but also a risky and challenging. The farmers are facing various socio-economic challenges while doing this cultivation. Thus, the conclusion of the study is that the new agricultural activities are not free from challenges so that farmers must be faced patently to achieve success. This conclusion conveys the message that the success achieved only by facing barriers is sustainable.

The COVID-19: Socioeconomic Crisis and Its Management on a Bangladeshi Coastal Island

This study aimed to investigate the socio-economic crisis aroused due to the COVID-19 pandemic and associated prevention measures on the coastal riverine island Nalua in Bangladesh. The cross-sectional household questionnaire survey was done among the randomly selected households in the study area. This study revealed that more than 70 percent of the surveyed households had at least one member with COVID-19 symptoms. The local administration and community-based organizations have taken initiatives to enforce the government’s order on the island, but about three-fourths of households did not test their family members having COVID-19 symptoms because of fear of isolation and societal barriers. However, whether tested or not, approximately 15 percent of households took steps to isolate the infected person from the rest of the family. The demand for hand washing agents, face masks, and gloves increased in the study area. Island dwellers' food supplies were hampered and about 74 percent were supposed to buy food items at an increased price. For recovering from the educational crisis, the students watched live television classes, participated in online class lectures, and submitted their desired assignments to their institutions. According to survey results, about 39 percent of economically active family members lost their income-generating occupations. To manage their livelihoods, island dwellers have switched their income sources and, in most cases, taken consumer loans. This study suggests that governments, non-government organizations, and community-based organizations need to take effective steps to reduce socioeconomic crises during pandemics.

A novel framework to assess multidimensional disaster resilience of children: From conceptualization to quantification

Children are a particularly vulnerable group in disaster situations, yet they are often overlooked in disaster management planning. To address this issue, a multilevel and multidimensional children resilience (MCR) framework is proposed in this study to assess the resilience of children in disaster situations. The framework takes into account four stages and five dimensions of resilience, which represent the layered reality and layered protection experienced by children. The study was conducted in four neighborhoods within the provincial capital of Peshawar, Pakistan. The selected areas exhibited distinctive urban and rural characteristics and were frequently exposed to natural hazards such as floods and earthquakes. The study employed a household questionnaire survey, targeting children as primary respondents. The proposed framework was validated by constructing the Multidimensional Children Disaster (MCR) Resilience Index. The results of the study demonstrate significant variations among all five dimensions of resilience. The proposed framework provides detailed and interactive perspectives on children's disaster resilience, emphasizing that disaster resilience is an integrated approach, which requires an integrated and holistic investigation. The proposed framework and methodology are replicable and can be used to quantify children's resilience and identify specific dimensions that can be enhanced through appropriate disaster risk reduction strategies.

Gender and local governance: Women’s participation in electoral politics, leadership positions, and decision-making process at local governments of Bench-Maji and Kaffa zones of southwest Ethiopia

The representation of women in administrative positions and local legislature in Ethiopia is very low. The average percentage of women in leadership positions and legislatures in the study area is 14.2% and 33.8% respectively. This study seeks to understand barriers to women’s participation in politics at the local government level in Ethiopia. To achieve this, cross-sectional research approach and probability sampling technique was used; accordingly, 399 sample households were selected. Quantitative data was gathered through a household survey questionnaire, and complimentary qualitative information was collected via key informant interviews and focus group discussions. The quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics whilst thematic analysis technique was used to deal with the qualitative data. The study highlights the prevalence of negative views on the capacity of women in leadership roles which adversely affects women’s ability to distinguish and manage societal affairs. The cumulative effect resulted in the thinking of women’s position in governmental offices at the lower level. The barrier that female political aspirants emphasised were: lack of experience, lack of confidence, low level of educational status, and domestic and societal responsibilities. Thus, the research recommends the need for strengthening women’s associations and civil society groups and networks that focus on local governance and citizen participation.

What Drives People’s Willingness to Adopt Autonomous Vehicles? A Review of Internal and External Factors

This article presents a state-of-the-art literature review to understand people’s perceptions and opinions of Autonomous Vehicles and the factors that influence their adoption. A strategic literature search was conducted to select articles for this review. Most of the articles were published since 2015 and they used a household questionnaire survey to collect data. Mostly, they used statistical and econometric methods to evaluate the factors that affect people’s intentions to adopt Autonomous Vehicles. The results show that psychological factors often appear as the most important internal factors of people’s willingness to adopt Autonomous Vehicles. Additionally, other internal factors such as the socioeconomic profile of individuals and their household, and knowledge and familiarity with Autonomous Vehicle technologies would affect adoption tendencies. User attributes also indirectly affect adoption of Autonomous Vehicles by influencing the psychological factors of users. We identify several critical external factors such as opportunities (e.g., safety and security, low congestion, energy use) and challenges (e.g., system failures, privacy breaches, and legal issues), while another influential group includes transportation factors (e.g., travel mode, distance, and time), urban form (e.g., urban/rural, density, land use diversity), affinity to new technology, and the institutional regulatory environment. We discuss some recommendations for policy makers, auto industries, and private stakeholders to formulate policies and strategies to increase the market share of Autonomous Vehicles. Finally, we identify some limitations of previous studies and provide a blueprint for future research on Autonomous Vehicle adoption.

Determinants for the escalation of informal settlements and its consequences in the suburbs of Butajira Town; Central Ethiopia

ABSTRACTInformal settlement is a global problem practised by all social classes. However, the extent and the context of the problem are serious in developing countries. The objective of this study was to identify the determinant factors for the escalation of informal settlements and their consequences in Butajira town, central Ethiopia. A mixed research approach with a sequential explanatory design was employed. Both qualitative and quantitative data were systematically collected and analysed using softwares like ArcGIS 10.3, ENVI 5.3, and SPSS. Primary data was collected through a household questionnaire survey from 221 samples and thirteen key informant interviews. Secondary data was also generated from different governmental reports, previous studies, and books. Employing a multiple linear logistic regression analysis, the empirical findings revealed that the informality was determined by a combination of factors such as monthly income, previous residence, mode accession of the respondent’s current holding, and brokers’ agitation as they were found to be statistically significant in determining the informality at a 95% confidence interval. It is found that informal settlements are expanded alarmingly in the study areas at the expense of the nearby agricultural fields. The effects are witnessed in the town resulting disorganised infrastructures and a spontaneous network of villages. The Municipality is engaged in preventive measures like demolitions and punishments but it did not bring any meaningful solutions. The researchers recommend the ‘punitive approach of marginality theory’ that insists on the forceful relocations of the informal settlers, but with the provision of adequate services

Factors Influencing Farmers’ Choices of Responses to Climatic Stressors in Tanzania

The viability of food production by smallholder farmers in Tanzania's semi-arid regions is threatened by climate variability and change. This study's main goal was to comprehend the available options for farmers in Tanzania's Great Ruaha River Sub-Basin and the factors that influenced their decisions. We used both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. Primary data were gathered through focus groups and household questionnaire surveys, while secondary data came from records collected by government organizations. A logistic regression analysis was undertaken so as to determine factors that influence smallholder farmers’ perceptions and choice of response measures during dry years. Smallholder farmers mostly relied on their prior knowledge and locally accessible resources when developing their response strategies. Findings indicate that climate awareness, gender, age, education level, village location, wealth rank, and farmer experience are factors that have a substantial impact on farmers' decisions regarding choice of adaptation strategies to climate change. Therefore, decision-makers at all levels of government, from local authorities to the national level, should play a crucial role in improving adaptation strategies appropriate for a given climatic shock on the research area. The study suggests that GRRB farmers increase their knowledge and understanding of climate change. In order to successfully adapt to climate change, farmers should also work to create associations that will operate as a forum for knowledge exchange about indigenous farming techniques.

Attaining multiple sustainable development goals through storage hydropower development amidst community vulnerabilities

AbstractEvery energy generation technology, including hydropower, has its own strengths and shortcomings. We carried out vulnerability assessment (VA) applying a bottom‐up multi‐disciplinary indicator‐based method considering people's perception of five dimensions of a storage type (ST) “national pride” hydropower project–1200 MW Budhi Gandaki Hydropower Project (BGHP) in Nepal. We also examined how ST projects can contribute to sustainable development goals (SDGs) overcoming the vulnerabilities. Primary data on people's perception were collected through focus group discussions and 200 household questionnaire surveys conducted within the most vulnerable areas. People perceived the “Physical” dimension as the most impactful. The local community is optimistic about some infrastructure development, but issues related to compensation, resettlement and physical stressors were found to be very sensitive for the effective implementation of the project. Expectations of the local people and proposed plans by the government are concurrent in some issues but not in all. Our analysis shows that the BGHP has the potential to be multi‐dimensionally beneficial (to eight SDGs) for Nepal, provided that supportive policies are formulated and implemented stringently. Extending the project as multi‐purpose, pumped storage and other improvements such as floatovoltaics are some of the plausible recommendations for harnessing maximum benefits from this important project while minimizing threats. Moreover, the methodological framework can be conveniently replicated for conducting VA of hydropower projects under comparable physical and socio‐economic conditions.

Traditional Uses and Ex-Situ Conservation of Warburgia ugandensis around Katimok Forest Reserve, Kenya

Different tree species provide a wide range of local livelihood options, including firewood, timber, and medicinal uses, among others. Specifically, traditional medicine significantly contributes to primary health care with a sizable number of people heavily depending on traditional medicine, while many others have used medicinal plants at one time or another. For instance, Warburgia ugandensis is mainly utilised for its medicinal value in many rural areas. Furthermore, people living in rural areas depend on the herbal medical system due to their firm beliefs and limited access to allopathic medicine. Traditionally, indigenous plant species are used to treat diseases that affect both humans and livestock. Consequently, the wide use of medicinal plants such as Warburgia ugandensis has increased commercial collection, unregulated trade, and habitat loss, with the imminent danger of the plant species being threatened. To further compound the problem, few or no medicinal plant species are cultivated on farms. Therefore, the study aimed to analyse traditional uses and examine ex-situ conservation measures of Warburgia ugandensis around Katimok Forest Reserve in Baringo County, Kenya. The primary data was collected using household survey questionnaires and key informant interviews. The key informant interviews and household surveys were done by randomly sampling 345 respondents. One-way ANOVA and SPSS version 28.0.1 were used to analyse the data. Tables, charts and a histogram were used to present data in frequencies and percentages. All the statistics were considered at 95% confidence levels. The results revealed a significant difference in existing ex-situ conservation measures (F (2,9) =63.55, P-Value=4.92) and traditional uses of Warburgia ugandensis in the study blocks around Katimok Forest Reserve (F (3,12) = 109.66, P-Value=5.49). Medicinal use is the most predominant among the other uses. Additionally, there are limited ex-situ conservation measures for important plant species. Therefore, there is an immediate need to promote the ex-situ conservation of invaluable medicinal plant species to enhance the sustainability of traditional uses.

The impacts of artisanal and small-scale gold mining on rural livelihood trajectories: Insights from Ghana

Rising gold prices, together with other challenges faced by smallholders, mean rural people in sub-Saharan Africa are increasingly taking advantage of ASGM's low barriers to entry and engage in artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) to make money on a regular basis. Yet, adequate knowledge on the impact of ASGM's emergence on rural livelihood trajectories is lacking, particularly for emerging ASGM communities. Understanding the long-term dynamics of community livelihoods as small-scale mining emerges is important to inform the design of appropriate sustainable rural livelihood policies. Existing scholarship has predominantly examined livelihood snapshots rather than exploring how present livelihood outcomes have emerged over time, and for whom. Guided by the sustainable livelihood framework, this paper uses a household questionnaire survey, oral history interviews, focus group discussions and transect walks to investigate livelihood trajectories in three farming communities engaged in ASGM in Atiwa West district, Ghana, from the early 1990s up to 2021, focussing particularly on changes since the rise of ASGM in 2010. Three distinct livelihood trajectories emerge — consolidation, fluctuation, and marginalisation — reflecting the different pathways followed by rural households. In this constrained, yet shared resource space, ASGM's emergence has benefitted the farmers turned miners and enhanced their livelihood outcomes. But it has had damaging consequences for livelihoods dominated by subsistence farming so that more rural people find themselves locked into poverty, due to competition for arable farmlands with ASGM appealing as a more lucrative option in the short term. Findings evidence the differential and unintended consequences of livelihood adjustments. They highlight the urgent need for well-targeted policies and sustainable livelihood strategies in farming communities where ASGM is emerging to provide effective linkages between rural livelihoods, agriculture, and mining, and address growing inequalities in livelihood trajectories posed by ASGM's emergence.