Livelihood Options Research Articles

Developing Model for Diffusion of Farmers’ Innovations for Maximizing Farm Income: Indian Agricultural Research Institute Experiences

Indian farmers have also been continuously improving available technologies for more efficient and cost effective farming, which resulted in numerous innovations over the generations and helped in improving farming practices ensuring better livelihood options. The action research was carried from 2015 to 2021 to document, verify, scalability testing, developing sharing and scaling mechanism, identifying support mechanism and finally devising scaling mechanism for higher profits, reduced costs, enterprise development, enhanced employment opportunities and capacities, growth and survival. The results of various interventions showed that FLIs were mostly reconfiguration of existing resources giving incremental adjustments. All innovators studied expressed dissatisfaction with the pre-existing economic returns of the farming thus pushing them to innovate. Economic effect of the farmers’ innovations in terms of changes in income, change in savings of stakeholders, change in capital owned and change in credit availability were expressed on an average. The innovations which were economically viable and found sustainable source of funding were able to translate into entrepreneurial ventures having higher income and profits. The conceptual model for scaling farmers’ innovations was found effective on the basis of experiences and interventions.

A Phenomenological Study of the Lived Experiences of Fishermen about the Climate Change in Panabo City

Climate change has emerged as a crucial worldwide concern affecting a wide range of sectors, and coastal communities in particular face special challenges due to their reliance on marine resources. The purpose of this phenomenological study is to investigate the lived experiences of fishermen in Panabo City, a coastal town in the Philippines, with regard to the consequences of climate change on their livelihoods and way of life. The study investigates fishermen’s resilience and efforts to seek other livelihood options in the face of climate uncertainty. Participants emphasize the importance of better assistance and interventions from government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and other stakeholders in order to develop adaptive capacity and foster community resilience. Six participants were interviewed in depth, and the data was recorded. Thematic analysis was employed in analyzing the data. The findings of this study highlight the urgent need for increased environmental awareness among fishermen in Panabo City. This study contributes to the broader discourse on climate resilience and community adaptation in coastal regions by examining fishermen’s lived experiences in the context of climate change.

Navigating the Complexities: Land Reform in Post-Apartheid South Africa

In the nearly three decades since the advent of democracy in South Africa, land reform has remained a critical issue. The African National Congress (ANC) introduced Land Reform Policies (LRP) in 1994, aiming to address three core aspects: restitution, reform, and redistribution. In 2017, the ANC signalled its intent to begin land distribution without compensation following the amendment of Section 25 of the South African constitution. However, progress has been slow, with only 9% of farmland transferred to date. Corruption and other factors have hindered effective land distribution. The ANC’s historical success in land dispossession between 1994 and 2004 contrasts with recent difficulties. Their focus on capital-intensive farming has limited alternative livelihood options for beneficiaries. Moving forward, addressing corruption and considering diverse approaches will be crucial to achieving equitable land distribution for Black South Africans. This paper sheds light on the complexities of land reform, emphasizing the need for a multifaceted approach that balances historical justice, economic viability, and social aspirations.

Small-scale dairy farming and women’s empowerment: insights from Pabna district in Bangladesh

This study focusedon the effects of ruralwomen'sinvolvementindairyfarmingasameansoferadicatingpoverty inBangladesh'sruralcommunities for the empowerment of women in some selected areas of the Pabna district of Bangladesh. Dairy farming is a critical component of the agricultural sector and women's participation in the sector has increased in recent years. To illustrate the effect of rural women in social empowerment, the sample was chosen from the households of thePabna district that were actively involved in dairy farming. 50 households from the study were randomly selectedfor data collection. To illustrate the frequency distribution at various category levels of variables, straightforward percentages were produced. Rural women were able to boost their self-esteem, expandtheirsocialnetworks,andeventuallyincreasetheirlevelofempowermentthrough small-scale dairying, which also gave them more control over their family and personal care decisions. Another purpose of the study was to investigate the causes of this trend as well as the advantages that women experience from it. Using a combination of field surveys, interviews, and literature review, the study analyzed the gender dynamics of dairy farming and identified best practices for promoting women's empowerment in the sector. The findings suggest that dairy farming can serve as a viable livelihood option for women in Pabna, providing them with opportunities for income generation and improving household food security. Furthermore, increased participation in dairy farming has led to improved gender equality and social inclusion, highlightingthe sector's potential for promoting women's empowerment in the region. Consequently, the expansion of small-scale dairying into different rural areas of Bangladesh is likely to contribute to the empowerment of these women and combat poverty.

Traditional utilization of bamboo in the Central Siwalik region, Nepal.

Bamboo are the fastest growing perennial woody grasses that have versatile applications. Most of the local people inhabiting the riverine area of the Siwalik region of Nepal rely on bamboo products for economic benefits and medicinal uses. Our objective was to identify the diversity of bamboo species, their ethnomedicinal practices, and economic and ecological importance. Data were collected by direct observation, key informant interviews, participatory rural appraisal, inventory technique, focus group discussions, and a household survey using semi-structured and structured questionnaires. We recorded four genera and nine species of bamboo, of which eight species have been used for agriculture, five for medicine, four for construction, food, fodder, artifacts and religious purpose, three for river embankment, and two for ornamental purpose. As the local people in the study area were deprived of medical facilities, using traditional herbal medicine to cure various diseases was a common practice. The inhabitants responded that they use bamboo-based primary ethnomedicinal care even against snake and scorpion bites. Similarly, they use bamboo young culm for reducing body weight and control diabetes. The value of the informant consensus factor was found to be maximum for the bamboo against snake and scorpion bites (1.0) and minimum for weight loss (0.81). This study concludes that the traditional utilization of all kinds of bamboo in the region is vast despite their less diversity. The recorded bamboo species are used not only for food and fodder but also in preparing artifacts, soil nutrients restoration in the fallow land, construction materials for the rural people, river embankments, and religious and spiritual purposes. Therefore, if grown on a large scale, bamboo can provide sustainable benefits for the local users and ecological aspects. Bambusa tulda and Dendrocalamus strictus have a broad spectrum of pharmacological agents. Considering the multifaceted application of bamboo in the Siwalik area, it is worthwhile to encourage the local people to bamboo plantation, which would contribute to supplement their household requirements and be one of the alternative livelihood options.

Integrated Spatial-Development Planning (InS-Dep) for Marine Space Utilization of the Coastal Village Communities

Marine space is inseparable from the livelihood of the communities in coastal villages in terms of utilizing marine resources, as the main occupation of the people is fisherman. They need to secure marine areas in front of the village, however, the village government hold authority neither in planning nor managing the marine space for village development in the formal spatial planning. This study attempted to identify challenges and opportunities in developing a village master plan for utilizing of marine space. This study carried out through participatory action during the process of village development planning (RPJMDes) by implementing Integrated Spatial-Development Planning (InS-DeP) model. This model integrates spatial plan into the development plan by constructing a village masterplan that includes plans for utilization of the marine space that complements development programs. From a series of FGDs, it is observed that InS-DeP model faces challenges in technical mapping and lack of knowledge regarding alternative livelihood options in developing the plan for future uses. Through this experience, by implementing InS-DeP model, coastal village government can prepare a master plan for marine space as a consensus with the community to ensure a balance between exploitation and conservation activities.

Unlocking the potentials of sustainable livelihoods in Chattogram Hill Tracts of Bangladesh

The Chattogram Hill Tracts (CHT), home to diverse ethnic communities locally known as tribals, lags behind in socioeconomic development, with widespread poverty and precarious livelihoods. This paper, using diverse sources of literature, examines the existing livelihood challenges faced by the tribal people of CHT and explores various livelihood options that could improve their well-being. Our analysis revealed that a variety of factors, including geographic, economic, social, historical, and political, affect the livelihoods of tribal people in the CHT. The region's difficult topography, remoteness, poor infrastructure, and past conflicts have hindered development efforts and deterred both private and public sector investments. Although over 60 % of the tribal people depend primarily on agriculture for their livelihoods, many of them are landless. Moreover, tribal communities have limited access to finance, education and training, health services, and markets due to their remote locations, poor infrastructure, and lack of transportation facilities. Our findings suggest that, despite many challenges, there is huge potential to improve the livelihoods of the tribal people. However, it would require a holistic and coordinated approach of managing natural resources, improving human, social, physical, and financial capital, as well as addressing underlying structural and institutional factors. Priority should be given to managing natural resources, improving governance, resolving land disputes, investing in infrastructure, improving access to markets and financial services, and developing skills and knowledge. This paper outlines a framework to address the existing challenges and harness the opportunities to promote sustainable livelihoods in CHT.

Weather prediction using traditional knowledge in cold arid high altitude region of Ladakh in India

The Union territory of Ladakh in India is a cold arid high altitude region. The subsistence nature of agriculture being practiced (by majority of farmers) in the region is solely dependent on melted glacier water. The present study was undertaken in Leh district of Ladakh to identify, prioritize and understand the traditional knowledge (TK) used by the farming community for prediction of weather. The primary data were collected from 320 households from 20 villages in Leh district from 2015 to 2020. The primary data were aided and validated by Focused Group Discussions with key informants and stakeholders working in the region such as scientists from research institutions and officials from agriculture and line departments. Farmers used combination of indicators including behavioral changes of birds and animals, change in atmospheric events and inferences drawn from Lotho (almanac) to predict weather. Migration pattern of birds was the most ancient, common and widely prevalent TK used for prediction of onset and extent of snowfall and winter season by farmers. Building of nest by birds on poplar tree (Poplus sp.) at different heights and directions was used to predict temperatures in the forthcoming summer season. The duration of hibernation of Himalayan marmots (Marmota himalayana) was an indication of duration of snowfall and winter temperatures. Timing and extent of precipitation (rainfall and snowfall) was used to predict the distribution of snowfall and winter temperatures. Lotho was extensively used for planning agricultural operations till a decade ago. The farming community used different TK in totality to enhance the accuracy of weather prediction. It was found that improved connectivity of the region with the mainland, introduction of modern communication technologies and decreasing dependence on agriculture as a primary livelihood option (because of the emergence of non-farm based opportunities such as services and tourism) have made the use of TK less prevalent among young generation farmers. However, the majority of the farmers expressed the need for blending TK and modern science for addressing location-specific problems.

Pottery in Telangana: Empirical Evidence of Current and Future Challenges

This article presents and discusses empirical evidence of the socio-economic status of the Kummari potter community in Telangana to highlight the continued primacy of the traditional caste-based occupation as a livelihood option for many Kummari households. Taking a holistic perspective, the research documents the current challenges faced by the community, covering the entire cycle of pottery-making, including input sourcing, production, adoption of new technology and marketing. The article also identifies core policy interventions that need urgent attention in the form of state support, complemented with collectivisation, technology diffusion and capacity-building of the artisans.

Impact of fishing ban on socioeconomic status of Hilsa fishers in Bangladesh

Fishing ban is a useful regulatory measure for sustainable management and conservation of hilsa shad (Tenualosailisha) in Bangladesh. This study investigated the socioeconomic status of hilsa fishers, as well as their perceptions regarding the performance of fishing bans and coping strategies. Data were collected from 300 fishers residing in the three study areas by using semi-structured questionnaire to collect data related to the livelihood and socioeconomic variables of the fishers. Besides, fishers’ perceptions regarding the performance of the ban as well as income generated from other activities during the fishing ban were also incorporated. Focus Group Discussions (FGD), Crosscheck Interviews (CI) with key informants’ interview was also conducted to collect general information and to justify the collected information. The majority of the fishers feel the bans have resulted in positive socioeconomic impacts which enhance their income and livelihood status from fishing. However, its impact on loss of income and level of unemployment during ban forced some fishers to drive away the ban. In contrast, diversified alternative livelihood options have been adopted by fishers to cope with the ban that not only pull them out from dependency solely on hilsa fishing but also reduce the fishing pressure on the hilsa fishery as well as fish biodiversity. The study showed a positive correlation between fishing ban and resources’ sustainability. In spite of the difficulties faced by fishers during ban, majority of the fishers support the ban for the long-term conservation of hilsa as it is their basic sustenance.

Elevation determines the productivity of large cardamom (Amomum subulatum Roxb.) cultivars in Sikkim Himalaya

Large cardamom (Amomum subulatum Roxb.) is an economically important cash crop that provides a livelihood option for the rural communities in Sikkim Himalaya. However, its production has declined drastically over the past few decades due to climate change and other factors affecting the livelihood of marginal cardamom-dependent farmers in the region. Climate change causes a shift in elevational distributions of mountain species, and it is pivotal to understand its effect on yield and yield-related traits for economically important plant species like large cardamom. For this, we randomly studied 41 large cardamom cultivation sites in Sikkim (India) with elevations ranging between 975 and 2069 m asl and evaluated the yield-related traits (number of capsules per spike, capsule length, capsule width, fresh capsule weight, dry capsule weight, number of seeds per locule, fresh seed weight, and dry seed weight) in five cultivars (Dzongu Golsey, Sawney, Seremna, Ramsey, and Varlangey). We observed a significant variability (P < 0.05) for morphometric traits in each of the five cultivars cultivated in different elevations. The cultivation of low-elevation cultivars like Seremna and Dzongu Golsey (suitable in elevation < 975 m) has shifted upward to mid (975–1515 m) and high-elevation (> 1515 m), while cultivation of high-elevation Ramsey cultivar (suitable in elevation > 1515 m) has shifted downward (< 1515 m). The Dzongu Golsey, Sawney, and Seremna cultivated in mid-elevation (975–1515 m) performed better in terms of yield-related traits than the same cultivars cultivated in high-elevation (> 1515 m) and showed moderate to high negative correlation between elevation and yield-related traits, indicating the negative effect of elevation on their yield. Likewise, Ramsey and Varlangey cultivated in high elevation (> 1515 m) performed better than the one cultivated in mid-elevation (975–1515 m) and depicted moderate to high positive correlation between elevation and yield-related traits, suggesting a positive influence of elevation on their yield. Although there is an elevational shift in the cultivation of large cardamom cultivars, the elevation influences the performance of the large cardamom cultivars, and it also suggests cultivating the cultivars in their suitable elevation range for better productivity.

Migrant workers in Irish fisheries: exploring the contradictions through the lens of racial capitalism

Exploitative working conditions for migrant workers in industrial fisheries have recently drawn considerable attention among activists and scholars, often with a focus on Asian fisheries. Even so, fish work can offer a better livelihood option than migrant workers might have in their home countries. These contradictions are apparent in fisheries around the world, including those based in Europe and North America. In this paper we explore the incongruities and patterns of working conditions for migrant workers in Irish fisheries, situating how the global seafood industry relies on a racialised labour force that is devalued to produce raw materials for high-value seafood products, before turning to an analysis of a decades-long campaign to improve Ireland’s legal framework for migrant fish workers. Persistent campaign work illustrates how a multi-pronged approach, including legal strategies and actions to make the injustices in Irish fisheries more visible, is critical to provoking change, even as working conditions remain far short of most land-based sectors in that country.

Conservation and management of water resources for sustainable development in mountain ecosystem

Introduction. Human activities cause ongoing disruption to natural systems and affect the way rivers behave in mountain ecosystems. Growing population, depletion of resources, changes in consumption, economic expansion, and unsustainable farming practices put immense pressure on natural and water resources. Objective. This paper examines the impact of water resources on natural resources and the livelihood of local people using traditional and new scientific techniques adopted by the locals. Methodology. A Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) involved research in different villages to understand the actual conditions of natural resource management and the livelihood options of key stakeholders. Results. The Dewal Block, Uttarakhand, India, has abundant natural resources that can meet the daily needs of local people. While the area receives sufficient rainfall, water drains to foothills due to steep slopes, lack of vegetation, and inefficient use of modern technology. Local communities have developed innovative techniques that are culturally accepted, economically feasible, and highly efficient. These include the chal-khal system, pit technology, guls/kuls, among others. Conclusion. The techniques help to enhance the living standards of the locals by actively involving them in the water resource management process. This facilitates ecological restoration, stream rejuvenation, and sustainable livelihood generation.

The Factors influencing entrepreneurial intentions amongst sport management students

ABSTRACT&#x0D; Background&#x0D; Given the size of the sports industry in relation to the global economy, more research is focusing on how to identify entrepreneurial opportunities in sports.&#x0D; Purpose &#x0D; This study aimed to investigate the factors influencing entrepreneurial intentions amongst sport management students at a South African university.&#x0D; Method &#x0D; Structured interviews were used to gather information from 10 undergraduate sport management students for the qualitative, explanatory study. Using ATLAS.ti and thematic analyses, the collected data were examined.&#x0D; Results &#x0D; The following themes emerged from the study; namely, personality traits, attitudes towards entrepreneurship, entrepreneurial self-efficacy, perceived university support, perceived structural support, and subjective norms. The results of this study indicate that sport management students have a favourable attitude towards entrepreneurship, which is influenced by their family and friends - and by their own sense of their own ability to succeed in business.&#x0D; Conclusion &#x0D; Universities should consider incorporating entrepreneurship into their sport management curriculum design and teaching methods to enhance students' entrepreneurial mindset and self-efficacy.&#x0D; Contribution&#x0D; This study contributes to the discussion around developing attitudes and intentions toward entrepreneurship as a livelihood option for sport management students.&#x0D; Keywords: entrepreneurial intention, sport management, sport entrepreneurship

Empowerment of Tribal Communities Through Innovation and Entrepreneurship: A Path to Sustainable Progress

Tribal communities worldwide face various challenges related to economic development, education, healthcare, and cultural preservation. The intersection of innovation and entrepreneurship offers a transformative approach to address these challenges while respecting cultural heritage. This article explores how innovative business models and entrepreneurship can contribute to traditionally preserve the occupation, economic empowerment, sustainable livelihood enhancement, and education and skill development within tribal communities. Three hypotheses are formulated to investigate the relationships between these objectives: 1) Innovation and entrepreneurship contribute to traditional occupation preservation and economic empowerment; 2) Entrepreneurial initiatives provide sustainable livelihood options beyond subsistence agriculture; and 3) Innovation in education and skill development enhances access to training and opportunities for tribal youth. By examining these hypotheses, this article contributes to a comprehensive understanding of how innovation and entrepreneurship can foster sustainable progress while preserving the rich heritage of tribal communities. Keywords: Innovation, Entrepreneurship, Economic Empowerment, Sustainable Development

Remote Sensing Based Deforestation Monitoring at the Change Hotspot Area in Hindu Kush Himalayan Region

Forests play an essential role in providing sustainable ecosystem services and livelihood options for a growing population. In the Hindu Kush Himalayan (HKH) region, forests have been continuously reduced due to increasing demand for timber, fuelwood, and agriculture. Identification of deforestation hotspots and monitoring changes in those hotspots will be highly useful for forest managers to prevent illegal deforestation. In this paper, we identified forest cover change hotspots and areas for annual monitoring in those hotspots. For that factors like land cover from 1990 and 2010, shuttle radar topography mission (SRTM) digitalelevation model (DEM), slope, curvature, and distance from the settlement and roads for all four countries which could influence loss in forest area and overplayed to determine forest hotspots, were considered. Land cover maps of 1990 and 2010 and other GIS layers were used for identification of hotspots using the model builder ArcGIS software. For monitoring of deforestation in the hotspot areas, Landsat 8 images (2013, 2014 and 2015) and geographic object-based image analysis (GEOBIA) technique was used. The method was validated in four study sites in Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan and Pakistan. The study revealed that the sites in Bangladesh have higher deforestation during 2013-2014 and 2014-2015 with forest loss of 1121.58 and 1773.18 ha respectively. The web-based forest monitoring system provides information on deforestation useful for forest managers to enforce annual management plans.

Identifying conservation values: a case study in trans-Himalayan region of Thanpattan, Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh

The rugged topography, harsh climate and limited livelihood options have resulted in pastoralism being the predominant land use in the Himalayan landscape. To identify the most significant sites in this landscape, we employed the concept of ‘High Conservation Value Areas’ (HCVAs) in Thanpattan, one of the largest pastureland in Lahaul-Spiti. We have examined this region as a potential HCVA, providing information on biological diversity, pastoralism and related threats. The Gaddi community of Chamba and Bharmour districts relies on these pastures for their livelihoods, and several threatened flora and fauna species also call the area home. We found that Thanpattan fulfils all six criteria for HCVAs and is undoubtedly an HCVA due to its biodiversity values and the dependency of the indigenous communities on the region.

Wastewater governance in the upstream catchment of the Awash Basin, Ethiopia: challenges and opportunities for better accountability

Abstract With the growing competition for water, demand for food, and the decline of freshwater resources, wastewater and polluted river waters have been increasingly used for agriculture in Ethiopia. The findings of this study show that untreated wastewater discharged from industries into the environment has been polluting rivers and the surrounding environment. Regulatory bodies did little to enforce rules, regulations, and directives provided for the regulation of wastewater. This paper examines the factors that explain weaknesses with respect to the accountability of institutions meant for wastewater governance. In doing so, it discusses task overlaps, corruption, and the absence of environmental courts that significantly affect environmental protection activities. The study found that due to poor implementation of laws and regulations, and lack of relevant information, including poor evidence of the pollution load, enforcement activities are under a great challenge. The paper concludes urban agriculture has been expanding without concern for its negative health and socioeconomic impacts. The positive economic impacts of wastewater agriculture also need to be reassessed and improved as one livelihood option for the farming communities and calls for awareness creation and other measures to fully understand the existing benefits and impacts of wastewater on human health, and the environment.

Social Factors Leading to Street Children Abscondment from Rehabilitation Centres in Iringa Municipality, Tanzania

This study examined social factors leading to street children's abscondment from rehabilitation centres in Iringa Municipality. Specifically, the study investigated the children’s peer pressure, social culture and children’s autonomy factors contributing to children's abscondment from the rehabilitation centres. A snowball chain was used to obtain 10 street children who absconded from the centres and Purposive sampling key informants. Interviews and documentary reviews were used for data collection. Thematic analysis technique (TAT) was used to analyze data. The results showed that social factors significantly influenced children's decisions to abscond from rehabilitation centres. The study found social factors that drive children’s decisions were peer pressure, social culture practised at rehabilitation centres and the desire for children’s freedom or autonomy played a significant role towards children's decisions to abscond from rehabilitation centres. These factors are rooted in their social experiences, relationships, and perceptions of the environment that they lived in before joining rehabilitation centres. To end the study, it concludes that children's abscondment from the rehabilitation centres was a result of a combination of social factors ranging from the influence of peer pressure, street children's autonomy and desire to regain self-independence as well as the social culture practised at the rehabilitation centres. The study recommends: (i) To rehabilitation centre, addressing social factors effectively requires rehabilitation programs to incorporate comprehensive vocational training, financial education, and sustainable livelihood options that cater to the unique needs and aspirations of street children (ii) The government must develop a coordinated multi-agency strategy to identify and share information about concerns for a children person’s safety when absconding from centres. (iii) Recommendations to scholars, the study recommends examining political ecology factors contributing to children's abscondment from rehabilitation centres to cover large areas to enable generalization.

Avoiding an unjust transition to sustainability: An equity metric for spatial conservation planning

The need for rapid and ambitious conservation and restoration is widely acknowledged, yet concern exists that the widespread reallocation of land to nature would disproportionately affect the world's poor. Conservation and restoration may limit nutrition and livelihood options and thus negatively affect social development objectives. Although much research looks into global-scale scenarios and planning of conservation and restoration, spatial evaluations of these trade-offs in terms of equity remain limited. We fill this gap by identifying areas where conservation or restoration under different future scenarios and prioritization maps expand nature into landscapes that likely support land-dependent communities in their local food security. By contrasting the expansion of nature into areas supporting land-dependent communities vs. places where the food system is supported by regional to global markets, we highlight the need for disaggregated indicators that reflect the diversity of human land-use needs in order to identify more equitable pathways. Conservation prioritizations were found to result in more equitable land-use outcomes than the land-use outcomes of widely used socioeconomic scenarios. Accounting for differentiated social impacts in model-based conservation and restoration planning and global scale scenario assessment can help achieve a more inclusive transition to sustainability as well as reduce barriers to meaningful change.