Livelihoods Of Farming Households Research Articles

Conflicts, crop choice, and agricultural investments: Empirical evidence from Nigeria

Conflict remains a major driver of poverty in Africa. Conflicts and political instability in the region have been increasing recently and are drawing more attention in public discourse. While it is widely acknowledged that conflicts disrupt agricultural production and food systems, the full extent of the damage inflicted on the lives and livelihoods of farming households and the mechanisms to redress this harm remain poorly understood. In particular, the link between violent conflicts and households’ land allocation and related agricultural investment decisions remains understudied. In this study, we use geocoded longitudinal data along with detailed agricultural panel household surveys in Nigeria to assess the impact of violent conflicts on crop choice decisions and related agricultural investments. Specifically, we explore how farmers’ land allocation and agricultural investment decisions relate or respond to the outbreak and intensity of violent conflicts. We find that violent conflicts are associated with a reduction in the share of both land area cultivated and area harvested. We also find suggestive evidence that violent conflicts may shape farmers’ crop choices and related investments, as violent conflicts are associated with reduction in the share of land allocated to long-term crops (e.g., perennial crops, trees, roots and tubers). Overall, our findings suggest that violent conflicts can negatively influence farmers’ agricultural investments directly by affecting both land utilization patterns and portfolio allocation across activities with varying returns to investments.

The livelihood impacts of eucalypt plantations on rural farm households in Western Gurage Watersheds, Central-south Ethiopia

BackgroundRural landscapes, particularly those close to human settlements and main roads throughout the highlands of Ethiopia, appear greener than the outfields because of eucalypt plantations. The most common factors for eucalypt plantations are two: fuel and construction demands and to generate income. ObjectiveThis study tried to investigate the socioeconomic impacts of eucalypt plantations in Western Gurage Watersheds located in Central-south Ethiopia. The specific objectives are: to evaluate the socioeconomic importance of eucalypt plantations on the livelihood of farm households, and to assess perceptions on impacts of eucalypt plantation and copping strategies. MethodsSystematic and purposive sampling method was employed by selecting households with eucalypt woodlots from the list of each Woreda's Kebeles. Close- and open- ended questionnaires were distributed to every fifth households that possessed eucalypt plantations. Three hundred eighty three questionnaires were distributed and collected from households found in three Woredas (districts) namely Cheha, Enemorna Ener, and Eza located in the Watersheds. To supplement the information critical observations, discussions with focus groups and interviews with key informant were employed. The survey data were analyzed using both qualitative and quantitative techniques. To describe data acquired from critical observations, focus group discussions and key informant interviews; critical and logical qualitative data analysis technique were used. Descriptive and dispersive statistics such as frequency, percentage, mean, variance, standard deviation, p- value and correlation were employed using SPSS Version 20. ResultsThe result showed that eucalypt plantation dominated fuel wood and construction consumption and substituted further encroachment to natural forests. From multiple responses given, households prefer planting eucalypts to indigenous trees because it is fast growing (100 %), profitable (100 %), needs lesser labor (100 %), needs lower capital (100 %), can be used for multipurpose (100 %), and coppice itself fatly (93 %). They rated income gained from eucalypt as 2nd next to enset. ConclusionsHouseholds may continue planting the species particularly for fuel wood and construction need since substituting it by other alternative seems not feasible and challenging. To sustain the livelihood and environment; appropriate management like site selection and substitutions by horticultural and cash crops using micro irrigation schemes for market needs are recommended. Conducting in-depth participatory research and specific policy ratification and promulgation on eucalypt plantations will sustain its utilization and curb the drawbacks.

Agricultural Household Economic In Condition Flood Impact Of Climate Change In Indonesia

Abstract Floods cause vulnerability to the livelihoods of farm households that rely on land for farming as the main livelihood. Strategy is required for the livelihood of farm households to be sustainable despite the flood disaster. This study aims to: 1) analyze the income structure of farmers affected by floods affected by climate change in Indonesia and 2) assess the sustainability level of household income sources of farmers affected by the flood. Through primary and secondary data collection, the research method used is a survey method representing three provinces: South Sumatra, Central Java, and East Kalimantan. Data analysis performed is the calculation of household income structure analysis, agrarian density calculation, and ability to support life. This research results from the farmer’s income structure: contribution from the most significant second largest on the farm comes from no farm and smallest from off-farm. Based on land carrying capacity and agricultural density, rice farming is sustainable.

What role does information capacity play in the tourism livelihood of farm households in ethnic villages?

Abstract Tourism livelihood has become an essential livelihood decision for people to get rid of poverty. Under the background of the internet era, it is of great significance to study how ethnic village farm households can participate in tourism livelihood with the help of information capacity. Applying the Resource Orchestration Theory and taking Guolan Yao Village in Jiangyong County of Hunan Province as an example, this paper uses binary logistic regression model and fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis method to explore the mechanism of farm households’ information capacity affecting their tourism livelihood. The findings are as follows: Firstly, in addition to financial capital, other livelihood capital and information capacity have a significant impact on farm households’ participation in tourism livelihood. Secondly, when financial capital is lacking, farm households in ethnic villages with information capacity can unite with human capital, social capital, natural capital or physical capital to make up for the non-existent defect of financial capital and help realize tourism livelihood. Thirdly, when human capital is lacking, farm households in ethnic villages with information capacity can make up for the absence of human capital by combining natural capital, financial capital and social capital to help realize tourism livelihood.

Cropping decisions under water stress: Evidence from Cauvery Delta Region, India

AbstractCropping decisions under resource constraints such as water stress have a significant influence on the livelihoods of farm households. Using survey data from 152 farm households in three villages of the paddy producing zone in the Cauvery Delta Region in India, we examine the factors that determine selection of paddy varieties and cotton. Our findings show that the marketability of specific paddy varieties, given inadequate public procurement, and groundwater use, driven by reduced surface water flows, influence crop choice. Farmers have modified their sowing practices and cropping patterns as a response to water stress and market signals. We conclude that to develop effective interventions to improve farm‐based livelihoods, it is important to look not just at climatic drivers of crop choice and farm level adjustments but the multiple stressors at different scales.

Navigating dynamics of farm household livelihood vulnerability to climate-related risks in southern Ethiopia: An agroecology-based comparative analysis

Navigating dynamics of farm household livelihood vulnerability to climate-related risks in southern Ethiopia: An agroecology-based comparative analysis

Production decisions and food security outcomes of smallholder’s livestock market participation: empirical evidence from Zimbabwe

Smallholder market participation is an important pathway to improving the productivity and livelihoods of farm households. Despite several studies documenting the effect of market participation on crop production, relatively little is known about the effect of smallholder participation in livestock markets. We investigate effects of smallholder market participation on livestock production and household food security in Zimbabwe. Using survey data collected from 625 households and an instrumental variables strategy to address endogeneity concerns, we find that households participating in livestock markets are more likely to engage in market-oriented livestock production, use improved livestock inputs, and have better food security outcomes. While market participants are more likely to consider market conditions in their decisions, most farmers are needs-driven and cannot afford to adopt commercial-oriented behavior. Overall, smallholder livestock production systems respond to market incentives and can support food security strategies, particularly in drylands where crop production is risky.

Employment and Income Pattern of Farm Households in Northeast India: Has COVID-19 Lockdown Hindered?

The COVID-19 pandemic hinders the livelihood of farm households in India. This study was conducted to measure the change in the employment and income patterns of farm households in the Imphal West district of Manipur state during the imposition of a nationwide lockdown in relation to the COVID-19 outbreak. A multistage sampling technique was used to select the districts, blocks, and villages. A simple random sampling technique without a replacement strategy was used to identify 109 farm households from two blocks in the Imphal West district of Manipur. Simple tabular analysis and statistical tests were used to examine the changes in the employment and income patterns of farm households in the Imphal West district. The study revealed that the majority of the sampled farm households (86.14%) got their employment in off-farm, non-farm, or both activities along with on-farm activities, and the rest of them (13.76%) specialized only in on-farm activities in the study area. The average number of human days employed on farms by sample households has significantly reduced from 121 to 110 human days. During the COVID-19 period, the average off-farm and non-farm employment decreased from 51 to 35 human days and from 170 to 107 human days, respectively. During COVID-19 lockdown, average yearly farm income reduced by 8.22 per cent. Similarly, the average off-farm and non-farm average income reduced by 21.67 per cent and 20.23 per cent, respectively and there was no employment was generated under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNERGA) during COVID-19 lockdown period. The employment from private jobs and businesses was primarily disrupted during lockdown. Hence, this study proposes that efforts should be made to encourage farm households to embrace diversified employment options by giving education on several different enterprises and connecting them with specific groups such as SHG, Join Liability Group, and Farmers' Club that will assist them in coping with future economic shocks.

Analysis of Farm Household Livelihood Sustainability Based on Improved IPAT Equation: A Case Study of 24 Counties in 3 Cities in the Qin-Ba Mountain Region of Southern Shaanxi

Sustainable livelihoods are those that are able to cope with and recover from stress and shocks, and that maintain or strengthen livelihood capacity and livelihood capital, without damaging the foundations of the natural environment. In this paper, the IPHACT framework was constructed by improving the classic IPAT equation, and the key factors affecting production output and livelihood sustainability, as well as the factor differences among different livelihood strategy groups, were analyzed. We took 24 counties and districts of Ankang, Shangluo and Hanzhong in the Qin-Ba Mountain area of southern Shaanxi Province as examples, using a survey of farmers’ livelihood status and livelihood capital accounting. The results show that the amplification effect of population size on the environmental impact of livelihood output is widespread and generally significant. Both livelihood sustainability and livelihood benefit passed the significance test in the multi-model analysis, and the negative effect of livelihood sustainability proved the negative correlation between the environmental impact of livelihood output and livelihood sustainability, that is, the higher the livelihood output dependent on natural capital, the greater the environmental impact. The livelihood transformation of Hanzhong City is developing in the direction of reducing the environmental impact of livelihood output, and farmers have successfully practiced green livelihood transformation by changing their livelihood strategies. On the road to common prosperity, livelihood demand will inevitably increase. Reducing the dependence on natural capital is the key to effectively enhancing the sustainability of livelihoods.

Effect of farm power on farm household livelihood in Makurdi local government area of Benue state

This study investigates on the effect of farm power on household livelihood in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue state. A random and purposive sampling were used to select farmers from different council wards and a total 100 respondents were selected as sample size for the study. Factor analysis, and multiple regression were used to determine the factors affecting the use of farm power, examine the effect of tractor power on area cultivated of food crops, analyze the effect of tractor power on farm productivity and assess the effect of tractor power on poverty level of farmers in the study area. The study revealed that an increase in tractor power used will lead to increase in area cultivated of food crops by 2.24 hectares; a unit increase in tractor power use will lead to increase in farm productivity by 361.05 tonnes per ha; a unit increase in tractor power used will lead to decrease in poverty level of farmers by 0.77 units. The study therefore recommends that, Agricultural policy makers should place more emphasis on the development of small-scale farmers particularly in the use of appropriate and affordable farm power options, credit acquisition amongst others.

Effect of Remittances on the Livelihood of Farm Households in Adamawa State. Nigeria

This study examined Effects of remittances on the livelihood of farm households in Adamawa State, Nigeria. The results showed majority (29.1%) were within the age range of 51 – 60 years old, 21.8% had a household size of six persons and 44.2% had primary education. Married (65.8%), household heads were males (57%). Internal remittances of bulk receipts were 86.7%, while 55% received between N1, 000 and N10, 000 per annum. Also 70% received remittances through hand carriage. 59.1% receives 4 – 6 times a year. Also, 69.2% received both cash and non-cash. Income, household size and education had a significant (p<0.05) effect. Age of household head had significantly (p>0.05) effect. The R2 showed that the independent variables explained 51% of variation in migration. Remittance and social group had significant effects on livelihood (p<0.05). Effect on farm size was positive and significant (p<0.05). R2 showed that independent variables explained 59.8% variation in livelihood.

Evaluation of the sustainable livelihoods of farming households in traditional village tourism areas: A case study of four typical traditional villages in Chenzhou City, Hunan Province

Evaluation of the sustainable livelihoods of farming households in traditional village tourism areas: A case study of four typical traditional villages in Chenzhou City, Hunan Province

Evaluation and Strategic Response of Sustainable Livelihood Level of Farmers in Ecological Resettlement Area of the Upper Yellow River—A Case Study of Liujiaxia Reservoir Area, Gansu Province

The level of sustainable livelihoods, as a yardstick for measuring the social development of migrants, is of great importance to the sustainable development of the region. Based on the analysis of the policy logic of ecological protection and high-quality development in the Yellow River basin, this paper constructs a "ternary" system model and evaluation index system for sustainable livelihoods of farm households in the ecological resettlement areas of the upper Yellow River, and proposes that the harmonious relationship between the three basic dimensions of economy, society and environment is the key to evaluate the sustainable livelihood level of farm households in ecological resettlement areas. Based on the comprehensive evaluation index to assess the comprehensive development level of ecological resettlement areas, we introduced the coupling coordination degree and constructed the coordinated development degree model of "economic-social-environmental" system to characterize the sustainable livelihood level. Through the data of 1116 questionnaires and in-depth interviews in the ecological migrant resettlement area of Liujiaxia reservoir in the upper reaches of the Yellow River basin, the sustainable livelihood status and spatial distribution differences of farm households in 14 townships in the region were evaluated, and the validity of the indicator system was empirically tested. Finally, sustainable livelihood strategies for farm households in the ecological resettlement areas of the upper Yellow River are proposed for the economic, social and environmental dimensions, and the indicator system is further revised. The evaluation system can not only advance the research paradigm of sustainable livelihood assessment for farmers in ecological migrant resettlement areas but can also be widely guided and applied to the sustainable development of ecological migrant practices in China.

The Dominant Livelihood Types of Farm Households and Their Determinants in Key Ecological Function Areas

The dominant livelihood types of farm households have become increasingly differentiated in recent years, which has attracted the attention of researchers. Identifying the characteristics and driving factors of household livelihood differentiation is of great significance for revealing man-land relationship and policy making. Based on the interview data of farm households in typical villages in key ecological function areas of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region in China, we analyzed the pattern of the dominant diversified livelihood types and the livelihood characteristics among different farm households. Then we assessed the driving forces of livelihood diversification by optimal scaling regression. The results indicated that: (1) In the study area, the dominant livelihood types show two trends of agriculturally dominant livelihood (accounting for 53.07%) and non-agriculturally dominant livelihood (accounting for 46.93%). Moreover, farm households in the agro-pastoral areas are mainly agriculturally dominated (accounting for 75.68%), while farm households in the mountainous areas are mainly non-agriculturally dominated (accounting for 66.93%). (2) The labor allocation and income source of different types of farm households are consistent with their dominant livelihood types. The farm households with agriculturally dominant livelihoods have more natural resources than those with non-agriculturally dominant livelihoods. In terms of housing conditions, farm households with agriculturally dominant livelihoods are inferior to those with non-agriculturally dominant livelihoods. (3) The farm labor, dependency ratio, agricultural income, supplemental income and locational conditions have negative impacts on the non-agricultural trend of farm household livelihood decisions, while off-farm labor, non-farm income, education level and the per capita amount of compensation have significant positive impacts on it.

Effects of Climate Smart Agriculture Practices on Household Livelihoods in Soy Sub-county Kenya

Aims: This study sought to analyze the effects of adoption of Climate Smart Agriculture practices on farmers’ livelihoods in Soy sub County Kenya.
 Study Design: The study adopted a cross-sectional descriptive survey research design, specifically use of household questionnaires, and interviewing key informants were used to come up with both quantitative and qualitative data.
 Place and Duration of Study: the study was conducted in two sites in Soy sub-County Kenya: Soy and Kipsomba ward. The study was conducted in the period October –December 2019. 
 Methodology: Structured household questionnaires (N-196) and interviews with Key informant (N-6) were conducted in two agro-ecological zones. Descriptive statistical analysis was used .while results from key informants were used to collect valuable data that was useful in checking the validity of responses obtained through the use of questionnaires. 
 Results: The study found that 88.7% of the farming households that had adopted CSA practices led to increased yields, 73.46 % of farming households felt that the adoption led to increased income, 7.65 % felt that it has led to employment creation, 4.08 % felt that the adoption led to control of pest and 0.06 % felt that it led to control of weeds. This is an indication that the adoption of Climate Smart Agriculture practices can be the useful approach for mitigating climate variability effects, building more resilient livelihoods, improving food security and alleviating poverty. 
 Conclusion: in order to improve on the climate variability adaptation smallholder farmers need to adopt more of CSA practices to turn around the of food insecurity threats. The study concludes that the adoption of Climate Smart Agriculture practices positively and negatively influences the livelihoods of farming households in Soy sub- County.

Impact of soil and water conservation measures on farm productivity and income in the semi-arid tropics of Bundelkhand, central India

SummarySoil and water are crucial resources for agriculture, especially in arid and semi-arid rain-fed areas, yet farm-level economic impacts and the factors influencing the adoption of measures for their conservation are little studied. The present study used data from 400 farm households to assess factors influencing the adoption of soil and water conservation measures (SWCMs) and their impacts on farm productivity and income in a semi-arid region of central India. We employed a probit model to determine the factors influencing the on-farm adoption of SWCMs and a propensity score matching technique for assessing their impacts. The findings indicate that farmer age and education, off-farm income, farm size and land ownership and access to training are key drivers of the adoption of SWCMs. SWCMs accentuated the input costs by INR 1689–2847 per ha during therabicropping season (October–February), but also increased crop productivity and net revenue from farming. The impact in therabiseason was less sensitive to the unobserved confounders than in thekharifseason (June–September). Therefore, SWCMs could represent an important strategy for unlocking the cultivation potential of large rain-fed areas and for sustaining the livelihoods of farm households in the ecologically fragile arid and semi-arid tropics.

Household Groups' Land Use Decisions Investigation Based on Perspective of Livelihood Heterogeneity in Sichuan Province, China.

Land use decision-making is a vital livelihood strategy associated with the rational collocation of livelihood asset endowments by rural households. Based on the perspective of livelihood heterogeneity, this paper collected the data from 540 farm households in 27 villages in three Sichuan Province counties to identify the land use decision-making characteristics of the household groups. A land use decision-making framework (LUDF) based on the sustainable livelihood framework (SLF) was established and dynamic and dual indicators were developed to divide the sample into six household groups. The household livelihood capital, livelihood strategies, and livelihood diversity were then analyzed at the regional and household group level, and the land use decisions of these household groups were explored, from which the following was found. (1) Overall livelihood capital in the study area was low, and except for human assets, there were few other assets, with households in the survey areas being more inclined to engage in non-farming livelihood activities; however, households in Nanjiang and Qionglai had greater livelihood activities choices than Luxian. (2) The LL-type household was the chief household group; the household group distribution in Qionglai was well-proportioned but uneven in Nanjiang and Luxian; and the HL-type, ML-type, and LL-type household livelihood strategy choices were polarized. (3) Most households were involved in land self-cultivation, followed by land transfer-in, land transfer-out, and land abandonment households. Specifically, there were more households that cultivated fragmented landholdings than specialized households with large-scale landholdings, the land transfer rate was relatively low, the transfer-in land area was far greater than the transfer-out land areas, and a small number of households that had abandoned their land were still involved in agricultural production. (4) There were obvious discordant human–land relationships and inefficient land uses in the study area. Based on these findings, relevant policy recommendations are given to improve farm household livelihood capital, optimize livelihood strategies, and assist in land use decision-making.

Rural Household Differentiation and Poverty Vulnerability: An Empirical Analysis Based on the Field Survey in Hubei, China.

Rural family differentiation is an important perspective to analyze farmers’ behavior and poverty. Based on the data of 1673 farm households from rural field survey in 2019 in Hubei Province of China, this paper examines the main influencing factors of farm household differentiation on farm household poverty vulnerability from the perspective of the sustainable livelihoods of farm households. On this basis, the contribution of each influencing factor to farm household poverty vulnerability is analysed using the regression decomposition method. The results of the study show that the variables of farm household differentiation have a significant impact on poverty vulnerability, and the net household income per capita, which reflect the vertical differentiation of farm households, and the proportion of non-farm labor, which reflects the horizontal differentiation of farm households. Both have a significant negative impact on the poverty vulnerability of farm households. The regression decomposition method shows that the proportion of non-farm labor force, which reflects the horizontal differentiation of farm households, has the highest contribution to the poverty vulnerability of farm households. Human capital, natural capital, social capital, and physical capital also influence the poverty vulnerability of farm households to a certain extent.

Improving Rural Livelihood through the Cultivation of Indigenous Fruits and Vegetables: Evidence from Ondo State, Nigeria

The potential value of the efficient utilization of rural lands to cultivate indigenous fruits and vegetables to improve the livelihood of farming households cannot be overemphasized. Using primary data from 400 randomly selected rural farming households in Ondo State, Nigeria, this study applied probit regression, principal component analysis (PCA), and propensity score matching (PSM) models to investigate the factors that determine the decisions of households to utilize their lands to cultivate indigenous fruits and vegetables. The impact of their cultivation on the livelihood of the participants was assessed, and the result revealed that they were profitable (NGN19,187.8/USD 42.60/Ha; Nigerian Naira = NGN, USD = United States Dollar). The farmers who cultivated indigenous fruits and vegetables (n = 277) made an additional 29.40% average total farm revenue than those (n = 123) who did not. Based on the probit regression analysis, factors such as educational attainment, access to government subsidies, and knowledge of the nutritional benefit of the indigenous fruits and vegetables influenced the decision of farmers to cultivate indigenous fruits and vegetables. The PSM model established that the cultivation of indigenous plants increased farm revenue and livelihood outcomes by NGN17,604.85 and NGN2265.00, respectively. In this context, the cultivation of indigenous fruits and vegetables in the selected rural communities is important for improving the livelihoods of households and suggests the need to rethink the present dominant policy narrative that neglects these indigenous plants. A concerted effort needs to focus on increasing their productivity and commercialization as a primary pathway to improve rural livelihood and transformation.

English

Ecotourism is a recently emerged concept described as an ecologically friendly, economically and socially viable form of tourism. Its aims are to conserve the environment and local culture, and to ensure the major beneficiary and participation of local communities. This research aims to analyze the determinants of community based ecotourism and its livelihood impact in local community. 213 sample households consisting 107 program and 106 non-program groups were randomly selected from 5 program and 5 counterfactual kebeles, respectively. Primary data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, field visits and focused group discussions. Results of the impact evaluation model (PSM) after eliminating the difference between the two groups revealed significant difference between program and non-program households in terms of total net household income and tourism service revenue. It can be concluded that the impact of the program intervention among participants have much influence on their livelihood. The result of logistic model regression on the factors influencing livelihood showed that the two were affected by the same set of variables except age and family size which positively affected income and productivity separately and respectively. Whereas, ownership of land and livestock, awareness and being concerned for natural resources and access to credit were found to increase net income significantly. Therefore, ecotourism program policy interventions should consider the aforementioned factors influencing households’ tourism income to create positive impact on the livelihood of farm households. The participation and collaboration of different ecotourism stakeholders is suggested to promote community based ecotourism program and its role in the area.   Key words: Ecotourism, livelihood, propensity score matching.