This study examined the effect of women participation in the Agro-Processing, Productivity Enhancement and Livelihood Improvement Support (APPEALS) Programme on their household livelihoods in Kano and Kaduna States, Nigeria. Specifically, the study described the socio-economic characteristics of the participants, identified their livelihood activities, examined the effect of programme participation on their income, and identified constraints faced in the programme. Primary data were collected from 278 women beneficiaries, and descriptive statistics and a paired sample t-test were used to analyse changes in their income before and after programme participation. Results showed that women were largely young to middle-aged, socially integrated, and engaged in diverse livelihood activities, with farming (39.6%) and trading (23%) being most common. The paired t-test revealed a statistically significant increase in income across all livelihood categories, with mean income rising by ₦50,000 in farming, ₦56,500 in trading, ₦55,500 in processing, ₦46,000 in livestock, and ₦58,000 in artisan work (p < 0.01). Despite these gains, women faced constraints including poor market access (57.6%) and limited extension services (50.4%). The study concluded that APPEALS substantially improved women’s economic outcomes and recommends strengthening market linkages and gender-responsive support services.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has evolved from being a voluntary philanthropic activity to a strategic tool for sustainable rural development. However, in many rural communities in Nigeria, CSR interventions often fail to achieve sustainable impact due to poor alignment with local needs, weak community participation, and lack of ownership. The problem this study addresses is the gap between CSR rhetoric and tangible rural transformation, particularly in Southeast Yagba, Kogi State, where Farm Well Integrated Industry operates. This study rethinks the role of CSR in transforming rural communities, with specific objectives to: examine how CSR interventions influence livelihood improvement, infrastructure development, social inclusion, and economic empowerment among local populations; identify challenges hindering effective CSR implementation; and propose strategies for repositioning CSR for sustainable rural development. The study adopted a mixed research approach. Data were collected through quantitative CSR impact, in-depth interviews with community members, industry representatives, and local leaders; field observations of CSR facilities and community interactions; and analysis of secondary data including CSR reports and community records. The study reveals that CSR programs significantly enhance community well-being when aligned with local needs, priorities, and participatory frameworks. Effective CSR implementation depends on inclusive stakeholder engagement, accountability, inclusive participation, and sustainability-driven partnerships between private industries and rural communities. However, key challenges identified include poor maintenance culture, uneven spread of facilities, and sustainability concerns. The study concludes that a redefined CSR model anchored on social innovation, local ownership, environmental responsibility, and sustainability can accelerate rural transformation if strategically designed and implemented through collaborative and participatory processes. The study recommends training locals for facility maintenance to foster ownership and ensure sustainability; spreading the provision of facilities across communities to reduce pressure; and securing complementary financial support from other stakeholders, including the government.

Abstract Public agricultural interventions in developing countries have long sought to foster youth entrepreneurship. Yet, expected outcomes such as income generation, poverty reduction, and food security remain limited, highlighting persistent challenges of sustainability. This study examines the economic viability of youth-led agribusinesses and identifies key determinants to pinpoint more effective policies for livelihood improvement and agricultural growth. Conducted in the Republic of Benin, the survey collected three years of data from randomly selected youth agribusinesses. Quantitative methods were applied to construct indicators of economic viability assessment and to analyze determinants through logit regression. Findings reveal that while most youths engage in agricultural basic production, only a minority succeed in establishing economically viable enterprises. Technical support and financial assistance are scarce, and current subsidy mechanisms often produce adverse effects. Market targeting and profitability emerge as critical drivers of long-term economic success, while many of the current forms of subsidies have a negative impact. Policy implications suggest prioritizing entrepreneurial training focused on market dynamics and profitability, alongside innovative financing mechanisms. Strengthening networking opportunities for experience and innovation sharing, and partnerships is also essential to enhance agribusiness sustainability and contribute to sectoral growth.

Is Fertilizer Subsidy in the Central Regional Economic Block (CEREB) of Kenya Effective in Socio -Economic Livelihood Improvement Among Smallholder Farmers in the advent of Climate Change? – An Empirical Analysis

Introduction The Ecological Compensation Policy (ECP) is an essential policy instrument designed to improve China’s grassland ecosystems and herders’ livelihoods. Under the constraint background of the dual vulnerability of the grassland ecosystem and herders’ livelihood system, the comparative analysis of the synergistic mechanisms between ecological protection incentives and herders’ interest demands in grazing ban zones (GBZs) and grassland-livestock balance zones (GLBZs) is helpful to optimize ECP and achieve the incentive compatibility goal of grassland ecological protection and herders’ livelihoods improvement. Methods Based on field survey data from 740 herder households in GBZs and GLBZs of Inner Mongolia during the third phase of ECP, this study used Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to investigate the impacts and underlying mechanisms of herders’ environmental value perception and income effect perception on ecological compensation satisfaction. Results The principal findings are as follows: (1) Both in GBZs and GLBZs, herders’ environmental value perception and income effect perception exert significant positive effects on their satisfaction with ecological compensation; (2) In GBZs, herders’ cognition level regarding ecological compensation positively and significantly influences their satisfaction through both direct and partial indirect pathways, while expectation perception influences satisfaction only through indirect pathways; (3) In GLBZs, herders’ cognition level regarding ecological compensation influences satisfaction only through indirect pathways, whereas expectation perception exerts a positive and significant influence on satisfaction through both direct and indirect pathways. Discussion In the future, policy formulations should optimize ECP by zoning and grading, improve the subsidy standard of basic grassland ecological benefits, improve the cognition level of herders, and help the sustainable development of grassland ecology.

ABSTRACT Gaining insight into local communities’ perception of Joint Forest Management (JFM) is crucial for sustainable forest management and livelihood improvement. However, limited research exists on people’s perceptions of JFM, particularly in the North-western Himalayas. This study evaluates the perceptions of local people as key stakeholders in the JFM program, based on primary data collected from 434 households using structured and semi-structured questionnaires comprising both close- and open-ended questions. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Weighted Mean Scores (WMS). Findings reveal a moderate perception level regarding the socio-economic aspects (WMS: 3.51) and forest governance (WMS: 3.05) of JFM. In contrast, perceptions of ecological aspects were low (WMS: 2.32), likely due to the indirect link between ecological services and immediate economic benefits for forest dwellers. Additionally, respondents largely disagreed with the notion that JFM promotes forest tourism and water-harvesting mechanisms to mitigate water scarcity. The findings hold important policy implications, emphasizing the need to integrate community awareness initiatives, equitable benefit-sharing, and ecological education into JFM frameworks. For forest managers and policymakers, the results provide practical guidance for formulating locally tailored strategies that strengthen community engagement, enhance governance, and promote the sustainable management of forest resources in this fragile Himalayan region.

Higher education institutions play a vital role in promoting community development through extension programs that transfer scientific knowledge, practical skills, and technologies to local communities. At Isabela State University– Cabagan Campus, the Bachelor of Science in Biology program under the College of Science actively implements community extension initiatives that aim to promote environmental awareness, health practices, and livelihood opportunities among partner communities. This study assessed the impact of selected extension programs implemented by the BS Biology program in partner barangays. Specifically, the research evaluated two major initiatives: the Medicinal and Food Plants Nursery Project and the Kabutihang Kabuhayan para sa Kababaihan (KKK): Mushroom Production Project. A descriptive research design was employed, and data were collected from 65 community participants using a structured impact study questionnaire. Descriptive statistical tools, including frequency, percentage, and weighted mean, were utilized to analyze the data. The findings revealed that most respondents were female, married, and had attained either elementary or high school education. The majority of participants actively engaged in the extension activities, with most attending four or more training sessions. Results indicated that the programs had a very high impact on improving participants’ knowledge, skills, and confidence in applying the practices learned. Respondents also reported that the training contributed positively to their productivity and livelihood activities. Furthermore, participants perceived that the extension programs contributed to community development, and that the practices introduced could be sustained over time. Despite the positive outcomes, several challenges were identified, including limited resources, financial constraints, and time limitations in applying the learned practices. Overall, the results demonstrate that the extension programs significantly contributed to knowledge transfer, livelihood improvement, and community empowerment. The study recommends the expansion of extension initiatives, increased institutional and community support, and the implementation of additional livelihood-oriented training programs to further enhance community development.

Cross-sectoral knowledge spillover in the apparel value chain enables incumbent firms in the Global South to transform industry challenges into social innovation (SI) opportunities, redefining B2B dynamics through collaborative learning. This study explores knowledge spillover mechanisms in the B2B apparel value chain, particularly between dominant buyers in the Global North and apparel industries in the Global South. Still, it is largely unclear what knowledge spillover is made of and how it happens. It investigates how buyers facilitate SI practices and how local production firms adapt them to their operational environments. The research employs a qualitative approach using a single case study method. Data collection includes document analysis and in-depth interviews with managers, supervisors, and employees. Thematic analysis, supported by NVivo software, is used to interpret the data. The study finds that SI is embedded within new business models introduced by incumbent firms. Several SI practices contribute to sustainability transitions, enhancing corporate image and legitimacy amid global competition. Additionally, buyer-imposed conditions such as job quality, gender equality, and inclusion are transformed into economic empowerment and livelihood improvements for machine operators in local firms. The research provides valuable insights into how businesses in the Global South can effectively localize global SI practices to enhance sustainability and improve working conditions. It highlights the role of international buyers in shaping responsible business practices through knowledge spillover. The study underscores the importance of SI in addressing human rights concerns, improving labour conditions, and promoting economic empowerment within the apparel industry. This study contributes to the ongoing discourse on the business-society relationship by highlighting the transformative potential of SI in the apparel sector. It offers a nuanced perspective on how firms localize global knowledge to drive sustainability transitions, thereby enriching the understanding of knowledge spillover in the global value chains.

Role of cattle fattening in urban poverty reduction and livelihood improvement in Africa: Evidence from a Ghanaian city

Forestry projects have long faced the inherent tension between stringent conservation objectives and the enhancement of human well-being, making it increasingly important to assess the sustainable livelihoods of participating households. The Natural Forest Management Project in the Northeast and Inner Mongolia state-owned forest region (NSFR) aims to transform high-quality ecological products and services into inclusive public benefits while providing reasonable compensation for ecological conservation and restoration efforts. This approach seeks to achieve synergies among ecological protection, economic development, and livelihood improvement. Drawing on six consecutive years (2017–2022) of longitudinal micro-level household survey data, this study quantifies the sustainable livelihood levels of households participating in natural forest management. A Natural Forest Involvement (NFI) index was constructed to measure their degree of participation. Furthermore, the well-being effects of frontline participants in natural forest management activities were investigated. The findings indicate that the overall sustainable livelihood capital of these households shows a steady upward trend across NSFR, significant disparities exist among different areas. Moreover, approximately half of forestry worker households are deeply embedded in the natural forest management system, and this engagement pattern negatively affects households’ sustainable livelihood capital. These results not only enrich the empirical literature on forestry project effectiveness but also offer relevant insights for forestry project design and policy formulation in other developing countries.

Microfinance through Self-Help Groups (SHGs) serves as a vital mechanism for delivering banking services, empowering women, and enhancing rural livelihoods across India. Meghalaya’s unique matrilineal system, in which women play a central role in the family and inherit property, makes it a distinctive context for studying these issues. This study examines how digital finance and matrilineal socio-cultural factors together influence microfinance through SHGs in the East Khasi Hills district, using only secondary information. The study method is a qualitative descriptive approach, where the study is based on secondary data analysed using government reports, MSRLM records, policy documents and peer-reviewed literature. To evaluate the growth patterns and the performance of the institutions, a five-year trend analysis (2019 20-2023 24) of SHG promotion and digital financial outreach is carried out. The paper also has policy implications because it reminds policymakers of how digital finance strategies can be reconciled with matrilineal socio-cultural organisations to enhance women-centred financial inclusion in North-East India. It draws on data from government reports, policies, research papers, and institutional documents related to digital finance, SHG performance, and women-focused microfinance in the region. In recent years, increasing digitalisation of financial services and the continued influence of socio-cultural structures have significantly shaped microfinance outcomes. The study focuses on outcomes such as access to credit, savings behaviour, participation in financial activities, and improvements in livelihoods. The findings indicate that digital financial services have helped SHGs expand their outreach and operate more efficiently and transparently, while matrilineal customs have encouraged women’s participation, leadership, and control over financial resources. However, challenges such as inadequate digital infrastructure, low levels of financial and digital literacy, and regional disparities still constrain the full realisation of the benefits of microfinance. Overall, by combining digital and cultural perspectives, the study enhances understanding of microfinance in North-East India and offers useful insights for policies aimed at strengthening SHG-based financial inclusion in matrilineal societies.

Dark green bulrush [Scirpus atrovirens (Willd.)] cultivation has become a potential driver of socioeconomic growth in Tala Upazila of Satkhira District, Bangladesh during October to December, 2024. This study explores the current cultivation practices adopted by local farmers. A total of 41 respondents were selected using snowball sampling, and a descriptive and diagnostic research design was followed to analyze the data. The majority utilize traditional methods suited to wetland ecosystems, with 65.9% of them relying on a combination of irrigation and natural rainfall . Most growers are marginal farmers operating on small landholdings, with an average investment of approximately BDT 50,000 per hectare. Despite limited resources, all surveyed farmers reported that cultivation of Dark green bulrush is profitable. On average, they obtain over 700 bundles per hectare, each fetching around BDT 150 in local markets. The study also reveals that a considerable number of cultivators have undergone training programs and possess substantial knowledge regarding crop management. Their primary motivation for cultivating this crop is income generation. The findings suggest a growing interest and positive outlook among farmers in this crop, driven by its economic benefits. Promoting Dark green bulrush cultivation under current practices is contributing meaningfully to the livelihood improvement of small-scale farmers in this coastal region. The study highlights its emerging role in strengthening rural income and supporting economic resilience. Continued encouragement of such initiatives may play an important role in promoting locally adapted and income-generating agricultural practices across the region. Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 15(2): 39-56, Dec 2025

Small Island Developing States (SIDS) face acute vulnerabilities in marine-dependent livelihoods due to declining fish stocks, environmental degradation, and limited economic diversification. While Digital Marine Technologies (DMTs) have been proposed as tools to enhance productivity and sustainability, the integrated mechanisms linking DMT adoption to livelihood outcomes remain under-explored, particularly the role of institutional support in moderating these effects. Addressing this gap, the present study examines how DMTs contribute to small-island livelihood resilience through economic and environmental pathways. Employing a quantitative cross-sectional survey design, data were collected from 750 respondents comprising small-scale fishers and cooperative managers across representative SIDS communities. The study tested complex relationships using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), allowing for simultaneous assessment of direct, mediated, and moderated effects within the proposed conceptual framework. The results indicate that DMT adoption exerts a significant positive direct effect on small-island livelihoods. Further, Productivity and Sustainable Practices were confirmed as significant mediators, demonstrating that technological benefits materialize through both enhanced economic performance and improved resource stewardship. Importantly, the positive impact of DMTs on livelihoods is strengthened under conditions of high Institutional Support, highlighting the conditional nature of technology effectiveness in these contexts. The study contributes theoretically by validating an integrated framework in which technological adoption, livelihood gains, and environmental sustainability are mutually reinforced and contingent on governance quality. Practically, the findings underscore that policy interventions in SIDS must go beyond technology provision, prioritizing institutional development, infrastructure investment, and capacity building to ensure equitable and sustainable livelihood improvements.

ABSTRACT This study examines a socio-technical, nutrition-sensitive pilot in rural Uttarakhand, India, guided by an explicit Theory of Change linking community-led co-design, technological innovation, and institutional embedding to improved nutrition outcomes. Implemented through women’s self-help groups, Anganwadi centers, and Primary Health Centers, the intervention integrated indigenous crops, decentralized food processing, and nutrition services into local food and health systems. Mixed-methods analysis showed improvements in child nutrition and livelihoods, alongside persistent gaps in behavior change, sanitation, and water quality. The findings show how piloting enables adaptive systems learning and how socio-technical transition approaches can strengthen nutrition-sensitive food systems policy in complex rural contexts.

The study analysed the effect of Animal Traction Technology (ATT) on medium-scale maize farmers’ livelihood in Kaduna State, Nigeria. Cross-sectional survey design was adopted with multi-stage sampling procedure used to select 309 respondents out of 1573 medium-scale maize farmers across the four agricultural zones in Kaduna State. A structured questionnaire was used as instrument for data collection. The instrument was validated, pilot-tested giving a standardized reliability coefficient of 0.874. The instrument was administered to the respondents. Data collected was analysed using descriptive statistics in the form of frequency, percentages, mean and standard deviation. Logit regression analysis was used to test the null hypothesis. The finding showed that ATT in Kaduna State significantly affects maize farmers’ livelihood (p = 0.000 < 0.05). It was concluded that the life of medium-scale maize farmers was better after the use of ATT. The study recommends among others the need for Kaduna State Agricultural Development Agency (KADA) to integrate ATT into broader its livelihood improvement programmes to enhance the income and food security of farmers in the State.

This study assesses the potential of Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) to improve water resource management in Rwanda’s Sebeya catchment, where environmental degradation persists, and farmer awareness of PES remains low (4.57%). A mixed-methods approach combined biophysical modelling and socio-economic analysis. The InVEST model was used to quantify key ecosystem services - water yield and sediment retention, while primary data were collected through structured surveys with 391 household farmers and interviews with water-dependent enterprises. Findings show that PES-supported land management enhances ecosystem health and watershed functions, with improved sediment retention and water yield under restoration scenarios. Socio-economic results indicate that PES promotes environmental awareness, strengthens decision-making related to forest landscape restoration, and encourages adoption of sustainable practices through financial incentives. A strong positive correlation (r = 0.673, p < 0.001) was identified between PES implementation and effective water management outcomes. Stakeholders emphasised the importance of capacity building and cross-sector collaboration for successful PES integration. The study demonstrates PES as a viable tool for integrated watershed management, linking ecosystem restoration with livelihood improvement and informing policy for sustainable water governance

This paper assesses the influence of acculturation practices on the occupational shift of Badi community in Surkhet having the major objective of exploring better social adjustment. The study employs exploratory sequential design based on mixed method (QUAN-QUAL). In essence to explore the livelihoods of Badi, they were found engaged in entertainment occupations singing and dancing, relying on upper caste patronage and living in their homes. Their socio-economic conditions were measurable marked by dependency and discrimination. However, after democracy in 1991, the Badi people are found be acculturate in terms of occupation freedom, pursue education, and occupations diversification. Despite facing challenges during the Maoist conflict (1995-2005), this period became pivotal in fostering their desire for independence; they realized “Aba Magi Khane Hoina Gari Khane Ho” (work independently for survival not to be dependent) and opportunities and rights have to grab against not to accept. Thus, the research explores that acculturation practices have contributed to their occupational shift towards agriculture and other. However, the Badi community still found facing socio-economic and cultural challenges; lagging behind other castes in terms of livelihood improvement in Surkhet.

Forest resources are faced with challenges that range from mismanagement, overutilization, conflicts and competing claims. Consequently, this has given rise to legislation and policy to protect forests. However, many governments in developing countries have difficulties in implementing sustainable forest management (SFM). One of the strategies advocated to foster SFM is participatory forest management (PFM). The PFM approach has been practiced formally in Kenya since 2005. The aim of this study was to assess Forest Based Enterprises for Livelihoods Improvement in Participatory Forest Management within Ol Bolossat Forest. Semi-structured interviews with key informants were used in data collection. The activities in Ol Bolossat forest PFM which was widely practiced and registered more members was commercial tree growing business enterprises, Plantation Establishment and Livelihood Scheme (PELIS) cultivation projects, beekeeping, fish farming, tree nursery production and ecotourism which was done through camping. Other projects conducted in much smaller scale were medicinal plant extraction, briquette making, moringa tree project, mushroom farming and biogas production. The study established that there was a capacity building programmes on intensive commercial farm forestry, extension and advisory service, training the forest adjacent communities in commercial tree growing on farm, as well as Training on agronomy of non-wood products as well as training on raising seedlings. These initiatives have spurred economic, social and environment development of the area through improved sale of quality honey and provision of forest products like poles, firewood and timber.

Small ruminants, particularly sheep and goats, are integral to the agricultural and socio-economic landscapes of the Middle East. Strategic breeding plans have emerged as crucial tools to enhance productivity, resilience, and profitability of small ruminant systems in arid and semi-arid regions. This article outlines the successes achieved through these breeding strategies, focusing on genetic improvement, adaptation to harsh environments, and sustainability in Jordan. Case studies and empirical findings highlight progress in genetic resource management, breeding program implementation, and capacity building. Jordan’s small ruminant sector—dominated by Awassi sheep and Baladi (Local) and Shami (Damascus) goats—is vital to rural livelihoods, food security, and cultural heritage. The outcomes showed breed diversity, genetic structure, and improvement strategies, highlighting challenges and proposing a strategic roadmap encompassing conservation, genomic tools, community-based breeding programs (CBBPs), and institutional coordination. Jordan’s small ruminant sector offers immense genetic potential but requires formalization and integration of advanced breeding approaches. It is recommended that strategic plan combining breed conservation, genomic-enabled selection, CBBPs, smart and reproductive technologies, institutional frameworks, and capacity building to drive sustainable improvements in productivity, resilience, and livelihood of farmers.

Sustainable community-based tourism development nexus livelihood improvement in urban areas: Evidence from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia