Livelihood Improvement Research Articles

Development and conservation in the tropical forest frontier: a 50-year analysis of policy evolution and interplay in Marqués de Comillas, Chiapas, México

ABSTRACT Tropical forests are vital for global biodiversity and climate stability, but the political economy of deforestation and land-use change constantly challenges their integrity. In this article, we analyse 50 years of policy development in the municipality Marqués de Comillas, located in Selva Lacandona, Chiapas, Mexico, to understand how development and conservation priorities have evolved, interacted, and shaped land-use in a tropical forest frontier. By analysing peer-reviewed literature and empirical data, we identify five phases of policy continuity and change that have produced diverse socio-environmental outcomes. We reveal a persistent state-led prioritisation of rural development over environmental concerns, pursued through policies promoting settlements and agricultural expansion and exacerbated by external market forces. This focus has caused substantial ecosystem degradation and deforestation without significant livelihood improvements. Recent conservation initiatives, such as payment for ecosystem services, show potential for challenging the status quo by offering alternative livelihood opportunities benefiting both people and ecosystems.

A systematic study of interactions between sustainable development goals (SDGs) in Hainan Island

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development issued by the United Nations is an important foundation for countries to achieve common economic, social and environmental development. Important progress has been made in the evaluation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Hainan Island; nevertheless, there is still a lack of understanding around the trade-offs and synergies between the SDGs. Studying the trade-offs and synergies between Hainan Island’s sustainable development goals is of great significance for the coordinated development of these goals and the promotion of the construction of free trade ports. Therefore, based on the United Nations Sustainable Development Assessment System and the existing SDG indicator system on Hainan Island, this paper identifies and quantifies the trade-offs and synergies within and between SDGs and targets on the county scale. Based on the different impacts of different spatial, dimensional and geographical directions, the results show the following: (1) Hainan Province made good progress on multiple SDGs between 2010 and 2021. (2) The most significant synergies between SDGs exist between SDG1 (No Poverty) and SDG10 (Reduce Inequalities), while the most significant trade-offs exist between SDG2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG4 (Quality Education). (3) Obvious spatial characteristics in trade-offs and synergies exist, with the highest level of synergy being in the Haikou and Sanya Economic Circles and their surrounding areas, and in the central region of Hainan Island which has a higher level of trade-offs. (4) The synergistic effect between the SDG targets and indicators in Hainan is much greater than the trade-off effect: the four aspects of people’s livelihood improvement, economic development, resource utilization and environmental quality all show synergistic effects in different regions.

Impact of biogas adoption on household energy use and livelihood improvement in Kenya: an overview on a roadmap toward sustainability

Purpose This study assesses the impact of biogas adoption on household energy use and livelihood improvement. Also, this study aims to clarify the benefits of biogas adoption as a pathway to sustainable household energy. Design/methodology/approach The study explored the benefits of adopting biogas uptake. Fourteen sustainability indicators were identified, validated and categorized. Findings Adopting biogas technology provides numerous benefits, including better air quality, reduced deforestation and lower greenhouse gas emissions. Households can replace up to 4.5 tons of wood fuel, cutting CO2 emissions by around 6.75 tons annually. This shift saves approximately US$25 (Ksh.3223) monthly and frees up 45.5 h per week, enabling families to pursue additional income-generating activities. Biogas also produces digestate, a natural fertilizer that improves soil fertility, water retention and reduces erosion while minimizing the need for chemical fertilizers. Integrating biogas in livestock housing reduces odors, pathogens and methane emissions. Research limitations/implications The findings demonstrate numerous social, economic and environmental implications of biogas use. Social implications Health benefits include lower exposure to smoke and particulate matter, particularly benefiting women and children by reducing respiratory issues, improving lighting and enhancing educational opportunities. Biogas further improves hygiene, promotes cleanliness, strengthens energy security and alleviates energy poverty. In addition, the construction, operation and maintenance of biogas systems create jobs, and the use of digestate enhances agricultural productivity. Originality/value This study provides a unique and thorough analysis of the benefits of biogas, offering valuable insights and outlining a sustainable approach.

Influence of Forest Plantation Establishment Schemes on Community Livelihoods: A Case of Makutano Forest Kericho County, Kenya

Exploitation of forest resources has been a thorny issue to many countries. In efforts to restore degraded forests, countries have resulted to establishing forest plantations. There is also need to sustain livelihoods of these populations living around forests. Kenya on its part, adopted Plantation Establishment and livelihoods Improvement scheme (PELIS) program as part of participatory Forest management (PFM). PELIS involves the planting of food crops together with tree seedlings. It is however not clear whether balance has been strike between attaining forest cover and improving community livelihoods as was the intent of the program. Consequently, this study sought to shed light on this issue by looking at the influence of forest plantation on community livelihoods. This study adopted the decentralized forest management theory. Cross-sectional research design was adopted. Quantitative and qualitative methods were employed in data collection and analysis. The target population was 1719 which included forest adjacent community (FAC) members, and community based organization (CBO) leaders. From this a sample of 212 was selected. Systematic sampling was used in selecting the households and snowball sampling in selecting the CBO leaders involved in two tire focused group discussion. Questionnaire schedules were prepared to be used among household members. The findings indicated a significant influence of PELIS on community livelihood (f = 221.642, P=0.000). Those near the forest registered to have derived more economic benefits than those far away from the forest (f= 3.127, P= 0.000). A strong relationship between the frequency of attending CFA and CBO meetings, the level of involvement in decision making and planning of forest activities (B = 3.479, P< 0.05) was noted. The size of land available for cultivation was found to be statistically significant to food security among the community (f= 221.642, P= 0.000). The most important and most utilized forest products were firewood at 95%, fodder at 71% and droppers from tree pruning at 68%. Further research is needed on how more benefits from products like herbs, wild vegetables and honey cold be realized.

The effects of Vicoba Services on the performance of SMEs in Tanzania; the case Kinondoni District

This study assessed the effect of VICOBA services on the performance of small and medium enterprises in Tanzania. The study employed descriptive design to establish relationship between loans and financial performance of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the Kinondoni district. The multistage sampling techniques of simple random and judgmental sampling were employed in selecting 76 replicates from Umoja wa VICOBA Kata ya Kigogo (UVIKAKI). Structured questionnaires instruments and interviews were used in data collection. Data analysis was performed using descriptive and content analysis. The study findings revealed that, there is significant influence of VICOBA to the development of entrepreneurship schemes and poverty reductions among community members of UVIKAKI scheme. Through loans disbursement at low interests encourage the improvement of capital and livelihood to the members through income-generated activities such as poultry, catering, canteen, and workshops. The government partners that play a key role in the grassroots movement of informal sector of economy should call on all funders, financing organizations, and development partners to help the marginalized population. Similar to this, communities could assess themselves against programs like VICOBA by developing their own internal awareness, knowledge, skills, and capital.

Blue Carbon as a Potent Strategy in the Pathway to Achieve Net Zero

Climate change and its various impacts, including extreme weather events, have recently been recognized as urgent threats to the ecosystems. The Blue Economy, as defined by the World Bank, involves the use of ocean resources to promote sustainable economic propriety, livelihood improvement and job creation while ensuring health of ocean ecosystems. Notably, investing in blue carbon, which encompasses ecosystems like mangroves, tidal and salt marshes, seagrasses can serve as a powerful tool in combatting climate change. Investing in innovative solutions to reduce carbon emissions and funding initiatives to create and expand carbon sinks worldwide are essential components of this endeavour. While technological innovations are a focus, nature-based solutions, particularly the preservation and reclamation of blue carbon ecosystems, can offer an expedient, sustainable and less expensive approach. This research article aims to establish the significance of investing in blue carbon initiatives. In this line, this study proposes that implementing blue carbon initiatives under the voluntary carbon markets would be a key strategy towards achieving the net-zero pathway.

Assessment of the Local Strategies Used in Abating Flash Floods for Improvement of Community Livelihoods in Nyamwamba and Bulembia Divisions, Kasese District, Uganda

Floods are intricate events that cause a range of human exposures, including loss of lives, property, and damage to infrastructure of the communities. Flash floods though often blamed on inappropriate development planning and climate variability, floods can be predicted to a reasonable extent, whose scale and nature are often less certain. The study aims at assessing the local strategies used in abating flash floods for improvement of community livelihoods. Specifically, the study explored the challenges the local communities faced during the implementation of the strategies, and also determined the relationship that emanated as a result of implementing the local strategies and community livelihoods. The study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional survey design, collecting both quantitative and qualitative data from 218 respondents and 08 Key Informants that held key responsibilities at the Municipal Council and the community. Information from the respondents and Key Informants were collected using questionnaires which was in form of interviews and face to face interviews respectively. The study shows that some local strategies have been implemented towards controlling flash floods such as, restoration of river banks (69.3%) planting bamboo trees along river banks (66%), use of gabions (65.6%), putting check dams (65.6%) and construction of manmade channels (95.9%) along the hillsides. Putting flood barriers (73%) that floods affect the community livelihoods in various aspects of daily life and the local economy in terms damage of crops (74.8%) risk of diseases (83 %) loss of livestock (60 %), displacement (93%); The challenges faced in implementation of the of local strategies in the study area include financial constraints (81.2%), technical and logistical issues (63%), poor infrastructural design (83.9%), and environmental challenges (66%). A Chi square test showed that the implemented local strategies were significantly related to the community livelihood at P=0.001. Implemented local flood strategies resulted to a positive relationship to the agricultural productivity and protected community property at P<0.05. Overall, effective flood management strategies are able to reduce risks and contribute to a better community health with fewer disruptions to community’s daily life at P<0.05. Local communities should adopt and implement the use of the mentioned local strategies like re-channeling of water pathways along the hill sides and use of gabions for flash floods mitigation since they cost effective. There should be a country-wide implementation of community-initiated mitigation measures for abating flash floods and related climate change disruptions aimed at building and promoting community resilience and livelihoods of people living in flood prone areas.

A process evaluation of a home garden intervention

BackgroundMost reviews of nutrition-sensitive programs assess the evidence base for nutrition outcomes without considering how programs were delivered. Process evaluations can fill this void by exploring how or why impacts were or were not achieved. This mid-term process evaluation examines a home garden intervention implemented in a large-scale, livelihoods improvement program in Odisha, India. The objectives are to understand whether the intervention was operating as planned (fidelity), investigate potential pathways to achieve greater impact, and provide insights to help design future home garden programs.MethodologyData collection and analysis for this theory-driven process evaluation are based on a program impact pathway that shows the flow of inputs, processes, outputs, outcomes, and impacts. Quantitative and qualitative data from focus group discussions, semi-structured interviews, and a Process Net-Mapping exercise with beneficiaries, frontline workers, and program management staff.ResultsDespite a mismatch between the design and implementation (low fidelity), the process evaluation identified positive outputs, outcomes, and impacts on home garden production, consumption, income, health and nutritional outcomes, and women’s empowerment. Flexibility led to greater positive outcomes on nutrition, the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices and easy-to-understand nutrition models, and the likelihood of the intervention being sustained after the program ends.ConclusionsTo help food systems in rural settings reduce food insecurity by utilizing more sustainable agricultural practices, we recommend that home garden interventions include instruction on easy-to-understand nutrition models and on how to make natural fertilizer. Finding local solutions like home gardens to help address critical supply issues and food insecurity is paramount.

Legal Examination of Benefit Sharing and Livelihood Improvement in Protected Area Managements: The Case of the Bakossi National Park

This study examines the interplay between benefit sharing and livelihood improvement within the Bakossi National Park (BNP) within the legal perspective. Traditionally, conservation efforts often placed local communities at odds with protected areas. However, through a doctrinal methodology, this research argues that a well-designed benefit-sharing program can foster collaboration and improve the lives of local communities. By analyzing the BNP as a case study, the research explores how initiatives like revenue sharing from timber exploitation, tourism, employment opportunities within the park, and community driven projects can generate income and empower local communities. The effectiveness of these programs hinges on understanding the specific needs of the communities and ensuring their equitable participation in decision-making processes. Ultimately, this study contends that successful benefit sharing in PAs management, like the BNP, can create a win-win situation, where biodiversity is preserved, and local communities thrive. The work concludes with robust recommendations that if complied with and enforced, it would go a long way to improve on the livelihood of local communities in the Bakossi National Park of Cameroon.

Effect of Farmer Group Empowerment and Agribusiness Training Program on Productivity and Income of Coffee Farmers in West Java

This study investigates the impact of Farmer Group Empowerment and Agribusiness Training Programs on the Productivity and Income of coffee farmers in West Java. The research utilizes a quantitative approach with a sample of 200 coffee farmers and significantly positively affect ploys Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with Partial Least Squares (PLS) to analyze the relationships between the key variables. The results indicate that both Farmer Group Empowerment and Agribusiness Training Programs significantly positively affect Productivity and Income. However, Farmer Group Empowerment shows a stronger impact on productivity compared to training programs, emphasizing the importance of collective action in enhancing farming practices. These findings highlight the need for an integrated approach to agricultural development, combining empowerment with technical training to ensure sustainable improvements in farmers' livelihoods. The study provides valuable insights for policymakers and agricultural development practitioners seeking to promote rural development and increase smallholder farmers' productivity and income.

Assessing the Role of Agroforestry-Livelihood-Food Security Nexus in the Madhupur Sal Forest of Bangladesh

Agroforestry practices play an inevitable role in reinforcing the livelihood of millions of small-scale farmers while ensuring sustainable food security throughout the world. The significance of practicing various strategies of agroforestry models in densely populated countries like Bangladesh is highly recognized according to livelihood functionalities. To achieve the sustainable goals of the United Nations, identifying potential agroforestry practices along with their impacts towards socio-economic, and ecological demands is crucial. Socio-economic interactions are highly influenced by livelihood improvement and assurance of food security for the participants. Madhupur Sal forest is one of the major sources of diversified combination agroforestry systems practiced by the people around it. Age, education, annual income, and agroforestry knowledge had a significant relationship with the farmers' opinions on socio-economic development through agroforestry practices. Sustainable livelihood capitals (Human, Social, Physical, Financial, and Natural) were improved in each model we determined, and agroforestry multi-functionally increased food security ensuring 94% yearly food sufficiency, and 6% sufficiency for two-thirds of the year according to the response variables. This study depicted various prospects for livelihood enhancement and food security concerning diverse agroforestry models.

How does regional GDP manipulation affect livelihood investment?

People’s livelihood serves as the primary impetus driving all social activities. Faced with intense regional competition and stringent assessment, regional governments often resort to manipulating GDP figures. This study investigates the repercussions of such economic distortion on residents’ welfare. Our findings reveal a significant negative relationship between regional GDP manipulation and investment in livelihood improvements. This correlation is particularly pronounced during the initial phase of officials’ tenure and diminishes when officials serve in their hometowns. Moreover, we observe that the reduction in livelihood investment is exacerbated during periods of economic downturn. These conclusions contribute to the existing literature on regional GDP manipulation and livelihood investment, shedding light on the potential implications for residents’ welfare.

Impact of corporate social responsibility on sustainable agriculture and livelihood of farmers

AbstractRural areas have low levels of advancement and access to resources compared to urban regions, and elevating these regions is fundamental for accomplishing balanced and sustainable development. Rural uplifting typically includes a range of interventions, and by drawing in local stakeholders, rural uplifting projects can make sustainable arrangements that are custom‐made for each community's unique difficulties and opportunities. Corporate social responsibility (CSR) can contribute to and aid the government's efforts in rural development. CybageAsha's (CSR department of Cybage Software) flagship programs seek to improve rural communities through sustainable solutions. These encompass income‐generating interventions using contemporary agricultural methods as well as infrastructure development. This article analyses the impact of agricultural interventions on the farmers' livelihoods carried out by CybageAsha in 19 villages across the Pune district (India) by using the t‐test and difference‐in‐difference approach. Findings reveal that the shift from traditional farming methods to adopting new farming methods among beneficiaries has added value in improving the beneficiaries' yields, incomes, skills, and livelihood. CybageAsha's interventions positively impacted the beneficiaries, contributing to agricultural development, livelihood improvement, income generation, and a decline in migration. However, there is a need for continuous support and improvement to sustain the benefits for farmers. The article provides a new understanding for researchers and practitioners about the CSR approaches towards agricultural development. Addressing the challenges and concerns identified in the data analysis will further enhance the effectiveness of rural uplifting initiatives.

Woody plant communities in different land management types and implications on mountain biodiversity conservation in central Ethiopia

The prominence of mountains as social-ecological systems and the need for sustainable mountain development have increasingly been recognized in global agendas and international conventions. This study aims to investigate woody plant diversity, composition, and population structure in two different land management types: lands managed by the Wanchi Ecotourism Association (WETA) and non-WETA members at the slopes of Wanchi Mountain. Trees and shrubs with diameter at breast height (DBH) ≥ 5 cm were recorded from 20 m by 20 m plots and those with DBH<5 cm were counted within sub-plots of 10 m by 10 m. Tree seedlings were recorded from five 3 m by 3 m sub-sub-plots. The quasi-Poisson generalized linear model with a log-link function was used to analyze the richness of woody species and their association with environmental variables. Non-metric multidimensional scaling with Bray-Curtis distance in two-dimensional space was employed for the woody species composition. Tree species population structure was analyzed using tree diameter distribution classes. The study identified 104 woody plants belonging to 82 genera and 52 families. Woody species richness in WETA-managed lands is significantly (P=0.009) greater than that of non-WETA-managed lands. The study found that woody species richness significantly declined with increasing anthropogenic disturbance (P<0.001) and slope (P<0.001) in both WETA and non-WETA-managed land. Woody species richness also showed negative associations with aspect. The tree species in both the land management types revealed nearly similar population structures. The study highlighted the importance of sustainable land management practices such as ecotourism in areas of significant natural endowments like that of the Wanchi Mountain. Such practices can guide more sustainable mountain biodiversity conservation while realizing appropriate local livelihood improvement strategies.

Green agro storage and electric vehicle integrated nano grid for rural livelihood improvement: a detailed review and case analysis

Green agro storage and electric vehicle integrated nano grid for rural livelihood improvement: a detailed review and case analysis

Greed or Grievance? Linking Revenue Sharing Implementation to Unauthorised Resource Use and Conservation Support at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Revenue sharing is considered a major incentive to promote Community Based Approaches to conservation of protected areas. The sharing of revenue from Protected Area resources is supported by conservationists to promote strong partnerships between protected area management and local communities to address unauthorised resource use for better conservation outcomes. This is premised on the ability of the shared revenue to translate into people’s livelihood improvement and minimize their dependency on resources from protected areas. However, empirical realities indicate that the practice of the Revenue Sharing policy barely addresses the initial objectives of human livelihood improvement to gain support for conservation. This study examined the Revenue Sharing Implementation, Data was collected from 715 respondents who included Local community members (including the unauthorised resource users), staff from conservation organisations in Bwindi and local council leaders. Data was collected using household survey questionnaires, key informant interviews and Focus Group Discussion (FGD). Results showed that most beneficiaries of the Revenue Sharing policy were random community households not the unauthorized resource users. The revenue sharing projects allocated to community members were majorly livelihood projects compared to common good projects. Projects included; livestock, passion fruit growing, poultry, provision of land and water projects. Unauthorised resource use was largely motivated by the need for bush meat, minor timber forest products especially firewood, collection of basketry materials and medicinal plants. Protected area managers ought to consider greater involvement of poachers in Revenue Sharing activities. Reducing unauthorized resource use requires systematic but also a combination of factors to mitigate the most driving forces that compel community members to engage in unauthorized forest resource use

Charland resilience: Agroforestry innovations as nature-based solutions for climate-vulnerable communities in Bangladesh

The study emphasizes the need for sustainable solutions in highly vulnerable regions such as Bangladesh's charlands, where climate hazards are rising. Agroforestry has promise for resilience, climate mitigation, and livelihoods improvement in these difficult terrains. The study sheds light on charland ecosystem dynamics by analyzing demographic characteristics, disaster magnitudes, vulnerability assessments, agroforestry developments, and agroforestry's role as a nature-based solution (NBS). The key findings emphasize the necessity of incorporating agroforestry into national policies and practices to boost resilience, sustainable development, and climate change mitigation for vulnerable communities. Agroforestry innovations including flood-tolerant tree planting, multi-strata systems, fruit tree integration, and community-based efforts can improve livelihoods and address environmental issues. Agroforestry has great promise, but insect pests, diseases, competition for resources, and a lack of quality planting supplies and training persist. Targeted interventions, capacity-building, and policy support are needed to disseminate sustainable land management practices. Agroforestry can transform charland communities' resilience, the study provides actionable insights and policy recommendations to inform sustainable development strategies in Bangladesh and other climate-vulnerable regions. In its entirety, the research highlights the significant capacity of agroforestry to enhance the resilience of charland communities. These steps outlined above can contribute to the formulation of sustainable development strategies, not only in Bangladesh but also in similar climate-vulnerable areas worldwide. Through the utilization of nature-based solutions such as agroforestry, we may strive towards constructing a future that is more robust and environmentally friendly for marginalized people across the globe.

Rural Development Projects in Latin America: The Need to Integrate Socio-Economic, Political, and Empowerment Lenses for Sustained Impact

Latin America has witnessed a significant influx of foreign aid aimed at fostering development, particularly in rural areas, over recent decades. Despite these considerable investments, persistently high levels of poverty endure, and rural communities have not consistently witnessed improvements in livelihoods. Rural development initiatives frequently achieve their inherent objectives at the output level but less frequently attain the intended outcomes and are seldom successful in establishing the prerequisites for enduring impact over the long term. The existing literature on this topic is extensive but often fragmented, with some scholars examining the context through socio-economic and political lenses, others scrutinizing the intrinsic characteristics of projects, and still others emphasizing levels of empowerment and local participation. This paper synthesizes and critically evaluates key aspects that influence the sustained impact of rural development projects across these three analytical streams. Through an integrative compilation of insights from these disparate perspectives, this work lays the foundation for a comprehensive analysis, shedding light on crucial considerations that may have previously “fallen into the cracks” through an examination of the segmented discourse.

Research on the Construction Mechanism of Rural Grass-roots Cadres under the Leadership of Party Construction

As China enters a new stage of building Chinese-style modernization in an all-round way, rural grass-roots cadres, as an important force in rural grass-roots governance, bear the important responsibility of promoting rural economic development, social stability, and improvement of people's livelihood. This paper takes the construction mechanism of rural grass-roots cadres under the leadership of Party building as the core and discusses its significance to rural governance and rural development. Combining with case analysis, this paper proves that the combination mechanism of cadre selection and appointment, cadre training and education, cadre assessment, Party organization guidance and supervision, and cadre incentive and guarantee provides strong support and assurance for the construction of rural grass-roots cadres. It is of great significance to promote the effective implementation of the strategy of rural revitalization.

Targeted Poverty Alleviation for the Livelihood Improvement of Poverty-Stricken Households: A Case Study of Wuxi County, China

Targeted Poverty Alleviation for the Livelihood Improvement of Poverty-Stricken Households: A Case Study of Wuxi County, China