Income-generating Opportunities Research Articles

Understanding the drivers of electricity access and willingness to pay for reliable electricity in African refugee settlements: Evidence from Zambia, Malawi, and Uganda

This study investigates electricity access and willingness to pay for reliable electricity among refugees living in settlements in protracted situations in Sub-Saharan Africa. Field data from 1322 respondents in Dzaleka (Malawi), Adjumani (Uganda), and Meheba (Zambia) reveal varying access rates ranging from under 20 % to approximately 80 %, with older and wealthier settlements reporting higher values. Also, the level of access is low (Tier 0 to 3) and supply is unreliable. Average willingness to pay differs across locations (the household mean in Meheba is 4.5 times larger than in Adjumani and more than double that in Dzaleka) but is similar in relative terms (corresponds to about 10 % of the local monthly income). Also, the distribution of the willingness to pay within each location is left-skewed, with a significant share of respondents indicating a value of zero (28 % of households in Adjumani). Using socio-economic data collected from the field, we identify and analyse a set of potential drivers of electricity access and willingness to pay. The regression models' results confirm the crucial role of income, identify certain key end-user characteristics, and reveal the awareness of the benefits of electricity services as a significant driver for households. These findings emphasise the urgency of addressing electricity access disparities and the critical role of tailored interventions and policies promoting affordability and income-generating opportunities for refugees in protracted situations. Preliminary insights into the complex role of drivers specific to the humanitarian energy context (prior electricity access, humanitarian aid, and years spent in the settlement) suggest further research.

TSD: Random feature query design for transformer-based shrimp detector

Shrimp farming plays a vital role in ensuring food security, income generation, and employment opportunities for millions of people globally. One promising approach to enhance the efficiency of shrimp farming is through shrimp image detection, which uses computer vision to identify shrimp in aquaculture ponds. However, detecting shrimp in complex environments can be challenging, as light conditions and water turbidity can interfere with existing detection models. The current shrimp detection methods suffer from issues such as low detection accuracy and limited robustness. Therefore, we presents a Transformer-based Shrimp Detector (TSD) framework for detecting shrimp in images of complex scenes. The algorithm employs a Convolutional Neural Network to extract image features, which are then fed into a transformer encoder–decoder. We also introduce an innovative object query setting method in the decoder that uses a random feature query. To predict the detection results, a feed-forward neural network is used, and two parts in the matching loss are improved. We construct a dataset of images containing diverse shrimp farming environments, and provide box-level annotations. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method achieves a detection accuracy of 82.7% Average Precision, surpassing mainstream object detection models.

Unveiling the Recipe for Disaster Vulnerability: A Multidimensional Analysis in Dumaguete City, Philippines

Disaster vulnerability is not just a condition but a consequence of the interactions of natural and social factors. From this viewpoint, it is imperative to consider both natural and social factors when planning effective disaster risk reduction strategies. This study sought to determine factors that predict disaster vulnerability. Specifically, this research determined the associations between several socio-ecological dimensions (e.g., environmental, social, and economic profile), coping capacity, disaster preparedness, and disaster vulnerability of selected households in Dumaguete city. Using snowball sampling, a descriptive correlational design was used to collect data from self-report surveys of non-probable samples of 150 households from different disaster-prone barangays. Frequency count, weighted mean, and standard deviation were used to describe the data, and a multiple linear regression analysis was done to test the study's hypotheses. Findings show that the respondents manifested moderate levels of coping capacity and disaster preparedness while having high levels of disaster vulnerability. The study revealed that disaster preparedness and coping capacity were negatively correlated to disaster vulnerability. Aside from coping capacity and disaster preparedness, environmental, social, and economic profiles were also noted to predict disaster vulnerability significantly. Environmental profile was the most vital determinant of the participants’ perceived disaster vulnerability. To better prepare for disasters, it is suggested that city disaster risk reduction strategies focus on helping vulnerable barangays develop better adaptive capacities and manage environmental hazards. This could include providing training on essential hazard management and creating income-generating opportunities to offset the adverse effects of disasters.

Do Factory Jobs Improve Welfare? Experimental Evidence from Ethiopia

Abstract This study explores the impact of a light-touch job-facilitation intervention that supported young female job seekers during the application process for factory work in a newly constructed industrial park in Ethiopia. Using data from a panel of 687 job seekers and randomized access to the support intervention, the study finds that treated applicants are more likely to be employed and have higher earnings and savings eight months after baseline, although these impacts are short-lived. Four years later, the effects on employment and income largely dissipated. The results suggest that young women face significant barriers to engaging in factory work in the short run that a simple job-facilitation intervention can help overcome. In the long term, however, these jobs do not offer a better alternative than other income-generating opportunities.

IMPACT OF PROVINCIAL LIVESTOCK PROGRAM ON MOUNTAIN PROVINCE LIVELIHOODS: REVIEW

This literature review examines the role of livelihood projects, particularly focusing on small-scale poultry production and livelihood diversification initiatives, in promoting poverty alleviation and enhancing food security in Sub-Saharan Africa and Mountain Province, Philippines. Various studies have highlighted the potential of small-scale poultry farming to uplift rural communities by providing alternative sources of income and nutrition. However, challenges such as disease control and market access must be addressed to maximize the impact of these projects. Similarly, livelihood diversification efforts in Uganda offer opportunities for income generation and poverty reduction but require supportive policies and resources. Additionally, the enactment of Provincial Ordinance No. 264, known as the Barangay Muna Program, by the Provincial Government of Mountain Province underscores a proactive approach to addressing socio-economic needs at the grassroots level. By leveraging local resources and governance structures, these initiatives aim to promote equitable development, social cohesion, and inclusive growth within their respective contexts. Overall, this review underscores the potential of livelihood projects to foster sustainable development and improve the well-being of communities in diverse geographical settings.

Structural violence and everyday survival during COVID-19 lockdown: The experiences of street children in Uyo, Nigeria

BackgroundMost studies on the effect of covid-19 lockdowns on children have focused on those in regular family settings and in-school children. Research on the experiences of street children during lockdown are scarce. Our study seeks to fill this gap by exploring the negative effects of lockdowns on street children in a commercial city in South-South Nigeria, and how they coped with these effects. MethodUsing purposive sampling technique, we recruited twenty-four street children for the semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis was used in identifying specific themes on the effect of COVID-19 lockdown on street children. ResultsAll children interviewed reported direct adverse socioeconomic effects of COVID-19 lockdown. Also, they reported being victimised by law enforcement agents and adult street actors. Their public perception as a ‘diseased category’ capable of COVID-19 transmission contributed to stigma and eviction from places of abode, a situation that exposed some female street children to sexual violence. Street children coped with economic effects of lockdown through exploring further opportunities for income generation. ConclusionStreet children bear a disproportionate effect of COVID-19 lockdown. There exists a need to prioritize their needs as well as include them in social protection measures for COVID-19.

Racial Capitalism and Entrepreneurship: An Intersectional Feminist Labour Market Perspective on UK Self-Employment

This article explains entrepreneurial activity patterns in the United Kingdom labour market using theories of racial capitalism and intersectional feminism. Using UK Office for National Statistics Labour Force Survey data 2018–2019 and employing probit modelling techniques on employment modes, self-employment types and work arrangements among differing groups, we investigate inequality in self-employment within and between socio-structural groupings of race, class and gender. We find that those belonging to non-dominant gender, race and socio-economic class groupings experience an intersecting set of entrepreneurial penalties, enhancing understanding of the ways multiple social hierarchies interact in self-employment patterns. This robust quantitative evidence challenges contemporary debates, policy and practice regarding the potential for entrepreneurship to offer viable income generation opportunities by those on the socio-economic margins.

Commercialization of Intellectual Property Rights at Universities as an Additional Revenue Stream

This paper investigates the commercialization of Intellectual Property (IPRs) at universities and the potential for universities in Kenya to leverage their Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) as a vital revenue source. Even though they possess significant intellectual assets, many universities have failed to utilize IPRs and in turn, losing opportunities for income generation. The paper introduces the concept of IP commercialization and the legal IP framework in Kenya and proceeds to discuss how research conducted in institutions of higher learning can be commercialized through an analysis of best practices and case studies. The discussion outlines the relevance of Intellectual Property to universities, the strategies for universities to maximize the value of their IPRs and establish sustainable income streams. Drawing upon relevant literature and academic research, it provides insights into the commercialization process, legal considerations, and the role of technology transfer offices in facilitating successful IPR monetization. The paper concludes by establishing that by implementing proactive strategies and fostering a culture of innovation, universities in Kenya can unlock the full potential of their intellectual assets and achieve financial sustainability.

Biogas utilization and its socioeconomic implications: exploring the drivers of energy selection in Southern Ethiopia’s Gurage zone

Purpose The purpose of this study is to explore the potential and challenges of biogas utilization as an alternative and sustainable energy source in the Gurage zone of Southern Ethiopia, where traditional energy sources such as firewood and charcoal are widely used. Design/methodology/approach The study adopts a mixed-methods approach to collect and analyze data from different sources and perspectives. The research collects quantitative data from structured interviews with 200 rural households who use biogas or other energy sources, and qualitative data from key informant interviews and focus group discussions with biogas experts, local authorities and community leaders. Socioeconomic analysis is conducted to assess the importance of biogas in terms of income, expenditure, health and environmental benefits, and a multivariate probit model is used to identify the factors influencing biogas energy adoption among rural households. Findings The findings indicate that biogas users are more likely to substitute traditional energy sources with biogas for cooking, lighting and heating purposes. The model reveals that age, sex, education level, land size and livestock quantity influence biogas energy adoption, whereas income, distance to market and access to credit do not have a significant effect. The findings also show that biogas users have higher income, lower expenditure, better health and lower greenhouse gas emissions than nonusers. Research limitations/implications The study concludes that the socioeconomic impact of biogas varies among households based on location and lifestyle. The study also highlights the need for further research on the technical, institutional and behavioral aspects of biogas utilization in different contexts. Practical implications To address the challenges faced by biogas users and their energy choices, such as lack of awareness, maintenance, quality control and affordability, the study suggests exploring biogas energy to meet the diverse needs of cattle owners in different regions. The study also recommends enhancing the capacity of local stakeholders, promoting public–private partnerships, and developing supportive policies and regulations for biogas development in Ethiopia. Social implications The study implies that biogas utilization can contribute to social development by improving the living standards, health status and gender equality of rural households. The study also suggests that biogas utilization can foster social cohesion and empowerment by creating opportunities for collective action, knowledge sharing and income generation among biogas users and their communities. Originality/value The study provides a comprehensive and empirical analysis of the socioeconomic landscape of biogas utilization and the determinants of energy choice in the Gurage zone of Southern Ethiopia. The study also offers valuable insights and recommendations for policymakers, practitioners, researchers and other stakeholders involved in biogas development in Ethiopia and other developing countries.

FACTORS IMPACTING THE WELLBEING OF RURAL HOUSEHOLDS IN MALAYSIA’S RURAL SETTLEMENTS

A rural development process could have a direct impact on the wellbeing of rural households. This wellbeing assessment needs to be addressed adequately in Malaysia. The aim of this paper is to investigate the factors impacting the wellbeing of rural households in Malaysia’s rural settlements. The Iskandar Malaysia region in Johor was selected as a study area because of its diverse settlements, consisting of seven types of rural settlements in Johor. A quantitative approach was adopted by means of a household survey involving 282 heads of households as respondents. The finding reveals that different types of rural settlements were affected by different factors that influence the wellbeing of the rural households. This paper can provide an understanding of the factors that affect wellbeing, specifically income generation and job opportunities for rural households based on different types of rural settlements.

Revitalizing Millets for Nutritional Security & Fortifying Food and Uplifting Small and Marginal Farmers in India: A Review

This comprehensive analysis explores the significance of millets as a solution for small and marginal farmers in India. The country faces substantial challenges in food and nutritional security, exacerbated by climate change, inequality, and inadequate infrastructure. Millets offer a promising solution, addressing malnutrition, ensuring food security, and demonstrating resilience to climate change. By diversifying cropping systems and promoting value addition, millets provide income-generating opportunities for farmers. However, challenges such as low productivity, limited awareness, insufficient value chain infrastructure, and market linkages hinder the widespread adoption of millets. Government initiatives, including the National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture and the National Food Security Mission, aim to support millet cultivation and production. Furthermore, policies promoting research and development, market access, and minimum support prices contribute to the growth of the millet sector. The nutritional benefits, climate resilience, and income opportunities associated with millets make them a valuable solution for small and marginal farmers. By investing in technology, infrastructure, and policy sup-port, India can harness the potential of millets to achieve sustainable agricultural practices, improve livelihoods, and ensure food and nutritional security.

PLATFORM WORK IN SELECTED COUNTRIES OF EASTERN AND CENTRAL EUROPE

Labour markets are increasingly being organized through digital platforms. These platforms are often characterized by a systematic asymmetry of information and power in favour of platform providers. They rely on an independent workforce that receives low wages and no social security, and at the same time works for its own account and bears the risk independently. Non-standard form of business via digital platforms offers benefits such as more flexible working hours, more favourable prices, and opportunities for income generation, but it also come with challenges related to job stability, benefits, and legal protections. Since there are no official statistics on the size of platform work, a small number of literature deals with the research of the determinants of platform work. The aim of this paper is to determine how factors such as Internet purchases by individuals, GDP per capita, unemployment rate and DESI index affect the size of the platform work. The analysis was conducted on a sample of selected countries of Eastern and Central Europe (CEEC – Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, Romania and Estonia) and for this purpose Eurostat and ETUI Internet and Platform Work Survey data were used. The results of analysis show that the GDP per capita and Internet purchases by individuals influence the size of platform work in selected countries.

Challenges Facing Street Vendors in Durban and the Role of The Law: A Means to Empowering Women

As a vulnerable group in South Africa, women have been the primary victims of unemployment, the lack of access to income generation opportunities and barriers to sustainable livelihoods in general. Street vendors are a significant part of the economy, and their income supports several families and sustains their livelihoods. However, such vendors, particularly women, are faced with severe problems that interfere with their daily operations, as well as challenges relating to the law. Their low literacy levels mean they have an inadequate understanding of the laws and by-laws that regulate street vending. Even though the South African Constitution guarantees equal rights and protection, as well as the freedom to choose one's own occupation, trade or profession, street vendors, especially female vendors, are not adequately protected. The purpose of this study was to investigate the challenges faced by street vendors in the Durban area and to examine the role of the law in contributing to such challenges, as well as addressing them. Through a quantitative study using a survey, data was collected from street vendors in Durban. The study’s findings indicate that vendors lacked knowledge of their rights and faced poor working conditions, harassment by the police, evictions, impounding of goods and a lack of access to permits.

Income Generation through Home Stay Tourism: A Case of Ilam Municipality

Home stay tourism has emerged as a promising avenue for income generation and community development in Nepal, particularly in rural areas where traditional forms of accommodation are scarce. This article explores the income generation opportunities offered by home stays in Ilam Municipality, Nepal, and delves into the impact of rural tourism on the local economy. The article also analyzes the challenges and opportunities associated with home stay development, emphasizing the importance of community-based tourism and its potential for economic growth, cultural preservation, and poverty alleviation. Drawing on qualitative approach, data were collected through the unstructured interview and direct interaction with local participants and visitors. The findings highlight the economic benefits of home stays, the empowerment of local communities, and the preservation of cultural heritage. However, challenges related to cultural authenticity, service quality, and equitable development are identified. The findings imply that the policymakers, tourism planners, and local communities should formulate effective plans and programs to enhance the sustainability and inclusivity of home stay tourism in Nepal.

Modeling the Risk Factors of Undernutrition among Children below Five Years of Age in Uganda Using Generalized Structural Equation Models.

The prevalence of undernutrition among children below five years of age, in Uganda and the world over, remains very high. About 45% of all global deaths among children below five years of age are attributed to undernutrition. A number of studies using different statistical approaches affirm this effect, yet some factors indicate the influence of other factors within the system. This study, therefore, uses a method that demonstrates how different variables feed into each other. The aim of this study was to establish the major factors associated with an increased likelihood of undernutrition and the paths showing how these risk factors influence undernutrition. Data from the Uganda Demographic and Health Survey (UDHS, 2016) were used for this study. A sample of 4530 children, whose age, height, and weight measurements were recorded, was considered for this study. Additionally, the study used generalized structural equation models to identify the multifaceted natures and paths of the risk factors that influence undernutrition among children below five years of age. The study relied on the UNICEF 2020 conceptual framework to identify and analyze the direct and indirect effects of these risk factors of undernutrition. From the perspective of a male child, having a perceived small size at birth, a low birth weight, being breastfed for less than 6 months, having no formal education from mothers, limited income-generating opportunities, a low wealth status, and notable episodes of diarrhea were among the key factors associated with an increased likelihood of undernutrition. The identified paths were as follows: (i) Having no education, as this was associated with limited working opportunities and a low income, which increases the likelihood of low household wealth status, hence increasing the chances of undernutrition. (ii) Exposure to a rural setting was associated with an increased likelihood of undernutrition through association with poor and or low employment levels within the rural areas. (iii) A shorter duration of breastfeeding was associated with children in urban areas, resulting in an increased likelihood of undernutrition. (iv) Children aged between 6 and 47 months had a higher likelihood of undernutrition. An approach that addresses and recognizes all these factors at different levels, along the established paths, should be implemented to effectively reduce undernutrition among children below five years of age.

Moving Beyond Clean Cooking Energy adoption: Using Indian ACCESS panel data to understand solid fuel suspension

Household solid fuel use has adverse impacts on health and the environment. The Indian government's Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) subsidy promoted the adoption of Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) by millions of Indian households. There is little knowledge, however, regarding decision-making to reduce solid fuel use after adopting cleaner fuels. Leveraging panel data on household energy use in rural India we jointly estimated LPG adoption and consumption to study the reduction in solid fuel use. Our results indicate that exclusive LPG use increased from 4.5% to 17.8% between 2015 and 2018 while fuel stacking (use of multiple fuels) doubled from 18% to 39%. The household's wealth index, self-reported higher social strata, business ownership, head of household's educational level, and the proportion of LPG-using households in the village were positively associated with LPG consumption and suspension of solid fuels. Distance to LPG refill delivery, household size and PMUY subsidy were negatively associated with LPG share though LPG share was positively associated with the interaction of PMUY with wealth index. Policy efforts should target sustained LPG consumption by making refill delivery more accessible and implementing a pro-poor refill subsidy as well as general poverty alleviation (e.g., by creating income generation opportunities).

Drivers of food and nutrition security during the lean period in southeastern Madagascar

The rural population in southeastern Madagascar faces widespread poverty and weak resilience to frequent climate shocks, both contributing to severe food and nutrition insecurity. For effective policy responses and tailored interventions, development stakeholders need to know which factors determine household food and nutrition security status. In particular, the relative contributions of on-farm production diversity versus cash income are of importance since they would suggest different intervention priorities. We collected survey data on household food security and women's diets during the lean season, where improvements are most needed, as well as on households' agricultural activities, market participation, and sources of cash income from 413 randomly sampled households. Regression results suggest that frequent market participation and cash income from non-farm self-employment improve food security, but on-farm diversity does not. Other determinants of household food security include livestock assets and maternal education. Women's dietary diversity, in contrast, is associated only with market participation. The importance of market participation for food and nutrition security reflects the situation in the lean period, when farm production is low and many households' food supply relies, in part, on market purchases enabled by non-agricultural income. Our findings imply that a focus on developing food markets and enabling opportunities for income generation are likely viable strategies for improving the rural food and nutrition security situation during the lean period in southeastern Madagascar. Relatively food- and nutrition-secure households are characterized by their ability to mobilize cash (e.g., from non-farm self-employment) to purchase food.

GIS and RS Based Monitoring of Bank Erosion Along with Meghna River at Bhola, Bangladesh

One of the common and unpredictably occurring disasters Bangladesh experiences each year is river bank erosion. In Meghna River, erosion is a major issue, particularly during the pre- and post-monsoon seasons. The aim of this study is to evaluate the risk of coastal erosion to the local community by analyzing previous as well as present data. Four Landsat images were utilized in this study to detect changes in the river bank. ArcGIS 10.3 was used for data encoding and analysis. According to the study, the Meghna River's overall changing area from 1992 to 2022 is 21210.38 ha, whereas its overall unchanged area is 56454.18 ha. The study found that, between 1992 and 2022, there was an average erosion rate of 16137.89 ha and an average accretion rate of 37348.27 ha. The people who live in the floodplain are severely impacted by the erosion of the Meghna River bank. Therefore, it is imperative to take appropriate steps to minimize erosion, such as building sustainable embankments, implementing an afforestation program, providing suitable income-generating opportunities for displaced people, etc.

Effect of Household’s Food Security on Educational Outcomes of The Students in Public Primary Schools in Tehsil Shorkot

Millions of people in both developed and developing nations are affected by the serious problem of household food security. Household food security is a situation where members of a household have access to enough food to meet their basic nutritional needs. The main objective of the current study is to explore the effect of household food security on the educational outcomes of the students in public primary schools in tehsil Shorkot. The study was quantitative. From the total number of primary schools in tehsil Shorkot, twenty-five primary schools were selected conveniently. According to the list obtained from DEO, there are a total 119 teachers who are currently working in selected schools. A sample size of 91 respondents was selected with a confidence interval of 5 and a confidence level of 95%. For data collection a well-structured and well-prepared questionnaire was used for data collection as a research instrument. Data were analyzed by using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) to calculate the frequency, mean value, standard deviation, and weighted score for variables for further results and study recommendations. It was concluded that less than half (40.7%) had master-level qualifications, while less than one-fifth (16.5%) had the bachelor-level qualification. More than one-third (34.1%) of the respondents had more than 15 years of experience at the school level, while about one-fifth (25.3%) of the respondents had 6-10 years of teaching experience. Lack of knowledge about food security was at 1st in rank order according to the weighted score of 358 and mean value of 3.93, followed by the low-income level at 2nd rank order with a weighted score of 353 and mean value of 3.87. The chi-square value of 13.20 indicates a moderate association between the teaching experience of teachers and their perception of factors affecting food security. The p-value of 0.047 is less than 0.05. This suggests that teaching experience might play a role in teachers' perceptions of food security factors. They should encourage the creation of jobs and opportunities for income generation while supporting entrepreneurship. Increasing small-scale farmers', rural entrepreneurs, and marginalized communities' access to credit and financial services and creating sustainable livelihoods encourage economic diversification and value chain development in the agricultural and other sectors.

A Systematic Literature Review on Migration and Remittances in Mountainous Regions: Key Takeaways for Phuthaditjhaba, Free State, South Africa

Remittances are essential to the sustainability of economies in mountainous regions that face massive labour migration due to limited income generation and employment opportunities. In 2021, the share of remittances in GDP in the top 10 mountainous economies in the world was over 20%. Nonetheless, most are characterised by relatively lower GDP per capita and high poverty levels. Drawing a comparison with other mountainous areas, Phuthaditjhaba, an emerging mountainous city of South Africa on the border with Lesotho, faces similar out-migration and inferior socio-economic parameters. A global systematic literature review on the impact of remittances on livelihoods, specifically targeting mountainous areas, is missing. We, therefore, interrogate the role that remittances can play in Phuthaditjhaba. To inform our intended research, we seek to draw lessons from evidence on how migration and remittances affect mountainous communities globally. Accordingly, we carry out a systematic literature review (SLR) based on an updated Preferred Reporting Item for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) 2020 statement supported by bibliometric (co-word) analysis (BA) in VOSViewer. We collected data from the Scopus and Dimensions websites and drew 165 publications, of which only 88 were included after exclusion and inclusion assessments. The PRISMA results show that Mountain Research and Development, Russell King, and Nepal are the most productive and cited journal, the most productive and cited author, and the most researched country, respectively. The bibliometric analysis on keyword co-occurrences revealed that women, agriculture, labour migration, land management, forest, and poverty are the research hotspots. In light of these findings, we proffer important recommendations for future researchers and policymakers and identify thematic research areas for Phuthaditjhaba.