Livelihood Support Research Articles

Socio-Demographic Correlates of Health and Nutrition Among Rural and Plantation Communities of the western Dooars, Jalpaiguri district, West Bengal, India

Health and nutrition outcomes are profoundly influenced by socio-demographic factors, particularly in economically and geographically marginalized communities. This study investigated the health and nutritional status of tea garden workers and forest fringe village residents in selected areas of the western Dooars region of Jalpaiguri district, West Bengal, India. The primary objectives were to assess the demographic and socio-economic profiles of the population, explore correlations between socio-demographic variables and nutritional status, and suggest recommendations for betterment of community well-being. A community-based cross-sectional study was done from September 2024 to January 2025. Data were collected from 156 adult participants (101 males, 55 females) using a pre-structured questionnaire through a multi-stage random sampling technique. Variables analysed included age, gender, occupation, income, education. Results revealed substantial disparities in age, gender, occupation, income, education, addiction status, food security. Undernutrition, poor dietary diversity, and limited access to healthcare was prevalent, especially among female and elderly respondents. The findings highlighted the urgent need for targeted policy interventions focusing on nutrition education, healthcare accessibility, and livelihood support. Strengthening community-based initiatives and implementing development programs tailored to the unique needs of these vulnerable populations are essential for promoting equitable and sustainable health outcomes in the region.

Milk Production and Availability in India: A State Level Analysis

Dairy farming constitutes a cornerstone of India's rural economy, offering livelihood support to millions and contributing significantly to the nation’s nutritional security and GDP. Despite India’s position as the world's largest milk producer, stark inter-state disparities persist in productivity, infrastructure, and market accessibility. This study presents a comprehensive state-wise analysis of Milk Production in India, drawing on data from 2016-17 to 2022-23, sourced from the Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics 2023. The analysis focuses on key indicators including total milk production, average yield per animal, livestock population, and the relative contributions of crossbred and non-descript indigenous cattle. The findings reveal that states such as Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat consistently lead in total milk production, while states like Punjab and Haryana show high per capita milk availability. Conversely, northeastern and smaller states demonstrate persistently low production levels, underscoring infrastructural and policy challenges. Crossbred cattle show significantly higher productivity compared to indigenous breeds, emphasizing the potential for genetic improvement and targeted interventions .By highlighting the regional imbalances and identifying high- and low-performing states, the study underscores the need for region-specific strategies to boost productivity, enhance veterinary and cold-chain infrastructure, and support sustainable dairy development. These insights can inform policy formulation aimed at bridging the performance gap and fostering inclusive growth in India's dairy sector

ROLE OF TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE IN SECURING SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOODS IN HIMACHAL PRADESH

Traditional knowledge, deeply rooted in cultural heritage, offers sustainable solutions for environmental conservation and livelihood enhancement. This study investigates the diverse dimensions of traditional knowledge and its socio-economic implications, focusing on its relevance in contemporary sustainable development efforts. The first objective explores the role of traditional practices in natural resource management, with an emphasis on water conservation systems like Kuhls (irrigation channels) and Gharats (watermills). Their effectiveness in resource sustainability and livelihood support for local communities is analyzed. The second focus assesses the income-generation potential of traditional handicrafts and artisanal skills, such as Kullu shawls, Kangra paintings, wood carving, Chamba Rumal, and Chamba Thaal. These crafts not only preserve cultural heritage but also serve as economic drivers for local artisans. Lastly, the research identifies the contribution of traditional knowledge to eco-tourism, examining sustainable tourism initiatives that leverage cultural and environmental assets to create livelihood opportunities while fostering conservation and cultural exchange. This paper underscores the critical need to preserve and integrate traditional knowledge into modern frameworks, recognizing its value in addressing pressing challenges related to sustainability, economic growth, and cultural preservation. By advocating for supportive policies and development strategies, the study highlights the potential of traditional knowledge as a vital resource for holistic and inclusive progress. Keywords: Traditional knowledge, cultural heritage, natural resource management, water conservation, sustainable tourism, and socio-economic development.

기부와 사회적 책임에 관한 연구

This study analyzed the impacts of charitable giving and corporate social responsibility (CSR) on solving social issues and achieving sustainable development in modern society. Charitable giving plays a pivotal role that extends beyond mere financial support, significantly strengthening community awareness and social solidarity. In particular, this research closely examined practical applications of donations across diverse fields, such as livelihood support for low-income families, improvement of housing conditions, increased educational accessibility, provision of healthcare and medical services, and promotion of social participation for the elderly and individuals with disabilities. Furthermore, it was found that CSR activities extend beyond legal obligations to voluntary and ethical social contributions, thereby enhancing corporate sustainability and social trust. Additionally, charitable activities stimulate innovation and creativity, fostering interactions and active engagement between corporations and community members, thereby reinforcing social cohesion. However, the study also identified several challenges encountered in the spread of charitable culture, including insufficient transparency in donation usage, lack of sustained giving practices, excessive concentration of donations in specific areas, and commercialization of charitable activities. To overcome these issues, it is suggested to disclose donation expenditure transparently, implement programs encouraging ongoing participation, promote campaigns that increase awareness across various areas, and adopt educational approaches emphasizing the inherent value of giving. Ultimately, this research underscores that charitable giving and CSR activities are essential elements for building healthy communities and achieving sustainable economic growth, proposing both policy-level and practical recommendations for establishing a genuine and sustainable culture of giving.

Mangroves support an estimated annual abundance of over 700 billion juvenile fish and invertebrates

Mangroves are a critical habitat that provide a suite of ecosystem services and support livelihoods. Here we undertook a global analysis to model the density and abundance of 37 commercially important juvenile fish and juvenile and resident invertebrates that are known to extensively use mangroves, by fitting expert-identified drivers of density to fish and invertebrate density data from published field studies. The numerical model predicted high densities throughout parts of Southeast and South Asia, the northern coast of South America, the Red Sea, and the Caribbean and Central America. Application of our model globally estimates that mangroves support an annual abundance of over 700 billion juvenile fish and invertebrates. While abundance at the early life-history stage does not directly equate to potential economic or biomass gains, this estimate indicates the critical role of mangroves globally in supporting fish and fisheries, and further builds the case for their conservation and restoration.

The Sustainability of Self-Help Groups for Caregivers of Children With Disabilities in Kilifi, Kenya: The Changing Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Self-help groups offer an approach to empowering the lives of caregivers and their children with disabilities in settings of limited resources and support. A study was conducted over a 5-year period (2018-23) to assess the sustainability of 11 self-help groups in Kilifi, Kenya, during which there was the COVID-19 pandemic. An integrated framework of action research and mixed methods was carried out over three stages. Stage 1: pre-pandemic, three self-help groups participated in focus group discussions. Template analysis structured around the five pillars of the WHO community-based rehabilitation matrix (CBR: health, education, livelihood, social, empowerment) was carried out. Stage 2: inter-pandemic, a bespoke questionnaire was administered to monitor each group. Descriptive statistics were reported (Questions 1-6) and the CBR template was applied to free-field responses (Questions 7-8). Stage 3: post-pandemic, a quality of life (QoL) questionnaire was administered to 21 caregivers of children with disabilities and a control group of 11 parents of typically developing children in the same geographical area and 8 caregivers pre- and post-pandemic. Descriptive statistics were applied. Pre-pandemic, there was food security, medicine availability, school attendance, social connections and livelihood. Group plans involved livelihood and social inclusion developments. However, member commitment, community attitudes and environmental conditions were ongoing challenges. Inter-pandemic, some socially distanced group meetings focus on COVID-19 prevention, livelihood and social support. Livelihood activities were affected variously with reported difficulties including food insecurity, school closures and reduced meeting frequency. Post-pandemic comparison between caregivers and a control group revealed overall significantly higher caregiver QoL scores. Pre- to post-pandemic evaluations demonstrated overall significantly improved caregiver QoL. Despite the changing context brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, the self-help groups appear to have afforded some protection against the worst psychosocial and economic effects and helped to sustain the caregivers.

Do Husbands and Wives Engaging in Forest Governance Encounter the Same Constraints and Opportunities Within Cherangany Hills Forest, Kenya?

Aim: Building on the ‘Gender Box’ theoretical framework, men and women engaging in forest governance encounter constraints at micro, meso and macro-scale levels. This paper investigates and compares the constraints and opportunities faced by husbands and wives participating in forest governance within Cherangany Hills Forest, Kenya. Methods: A concurrent triangulation research design was adopted, and semi-structured questionnaires were administered to 280 Community Forest Association (CFA) members who were randomly sampled while 35 key informants who were purposively sampled were interviewed. The quantitative data collected was analyzed using mean and standard deviations and presented in the form of tables, counts and percentages while the qualitative data was analyzed using themes and presented in the form of narrations and synthesized text. Results: It was confirmed that wives were discouraged by their husbands from attending CFA meetings, speaking during CFA meetings, and taking CFA leadership roles. Time constrained both husbands and wives from attending CFA meetings, and seeking CFA leadership positions. Husbands were more likely than their wives not to engage in forest patrol due to low remuneration. Long distance to the venue of meetings was a hindrance for wives rather than husbands from attending CFA meetings. Both husbands and wives were less affected by inadequate knowledge and training from engaging in CFA activities. Wifes did not engage in tree planting and forest patrol because it was against the cultural norms and were perceived as fearful and weak respectively. To surmount some of the challenges, opportunities available included: gender affirmative action, modernization, formal education, financial support, training, proximity to the forest, assistance from relatives, presence of forest guards, and intra-household gender bargaining strategies. Conclusion: Intra-household gender relations, inadequate time, long distance and gender norms of behaviour hindered wives more than husbands from attending, speaking and leading during CFA meetings while time constraints hindered husbands from engaging in forest patrols. Recommendations: Community-Based Forest Organizations and Kenya Forest Service (KFS) should use mobile phones, WhatsApp app and Google meetings to organize and enhance the dissemination of information. Non-Governmental Organizations and Kenya Forest Services should increase the financial support, capacity building and awareness creation, training and remuneration to forest scouts as well as support livelihood activities.

Assessing CREMAs’ Capacity to Govern Landscape Resources in the Western Wildlife Corridor of Northern Ghana

Ghana initiated community resource management areas (CREMAs) as a community-based natural management approach to give local communities the right and power to manage natural resources within their territorial boundaries. The expectation is that communities and their environment would prosper through more equitable landscape governance and sustainable use of natural resources. However, the challenges to achieving full functionality of CREMA and expected results, particularly in the Western Wildlife Corridor in northern Ghana, raise questions about the governance actors’ capacity. Therefore, this study aims to assess the capacity of actors to take ownership of and lead the governance processes implied by the CREMA approach. Based on focus group discussions and individual interviews, we found that the capacities of the CREMA governance bodies are weak to implement the CREMA approach effectively. The lack of knowledge and technical skills to support multi-actor processes, the weak collaboration between actors, and the lack of sustainable financial inflows and livelihood support are key challenges to be addressed for better CREMA performance. Despite these constraints, local actors’ enthusiasm and willingness to engage more actively in the governance of their landscape constitute an opportunity for an improved implementation of the CREMA approach. We suggest that initiatives to strengthen the technical and financial capacities of governance bodies and raise awareness among the local population are necessary to improve the functioning and performance of CREMAs. In addition, actions to improve the livelihoods of local communities will enhance the mobilization and engagement of social groups in the implementation of the CREMA concept.

Environmental and Socioeconomic Impacts of Mineral Exploitation on Fisheries in Imo State, Nigeria

This study examines the environmental and socioeconomic impacts of mineral exploitation on fisheries in Imo State, Nigeria. The region, rich in natural resources, experiences extensive mining activities that disrupt ecological systems and local livelihoods. Data were collected from 200 respondents in ten riverine communities using structured questionnaires and analyzed through descriptive statistics, weighted scoring, sentiment scoring, and Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The findings indicate that mining operations severely impact fisheries ecosystems, with habitat destruction (97.0%) and environmental pollution (93.0%) emerging as the most critical effects. Mining activities disrupt food chains, deplete groundwater levels, and cause erosion and siltation, leading to biodiversity loss and ecosystem instability. Socioeconomic challenges include the loss of farming and fishing livelihoods (99.0%), water scarcity (92.5%), health risks (86.5%), and forced migration (90.5%). Increased crime rates (78.0%) and resource strain further exacerbate the vulnerabilities of host communities. PCA analysis revealed that habitat destruction and pollution dominate the impacts, while localized effects like erosion remain significant. Despite these challenges, 94.5% of respondents acknowledged the existence of survival strategies, such as economic diversification and environmental restoration. This study highlights the urgent need for sustainable mining practices and inclusive policies to mitigate environmental damage and enhance community resilience. It offers actionable recommendations for balancing economic development with ecological preservation, contributing to global efforts to protect biodiversity and support livelihoods in resource-dependent regions.

Woody species diversity and aboveground carbon stocks in agroforestry systems in Burkina Faso

In the semi-arid areas of West Africa, agroforestry systems (AFS) play a crucial role in livelihood support and climate change mitigation. Yet, in Burkina Faso, these ecosystems are insufficiently accounted for in national efforts to sequester atmospheric carbon dioxide due to the scarcity of data about their carbon storage potential. This study aimed to assess woody species diversity and aboveground carbon stocks in AFS across three climatic zones of Burkina Faso. Dendrometric measurements of 4733 individuals were carried out using a systematic sampling design in 180 farmlands sampled across the Sahel, Sudan-Sahel, and Sudan climatic zones of Burkina Faso, with 60 farmlands per climatic zone. Diversity indices were used to assess woody species diversity, dendrometric measurements were used to estimate aboveground carbon stocks of woody species using allometric equation. The findings showed a γ-diversity of 71 woody species belonging to 53 genera and 25 families across the three climatic zones. Species richness (S = 6.53), Shannon’s index and Simpson’s index (H = 1.26; D = 0.59) were highest in the Sudan-Sahel zone. However, the mean aboveground carbon stocks increased from the Sahel zone (2.3 to 3.4 Mg C ha−1) to the Sudan zone (6.1 to 8.1 Mg C ha−1). Carbon stock was positively correlated with stand density (0.56 < r < 0.61) and diversity (S, H, D) (0.3 < r < 0.41), highlighting the positive relationships between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. This study highlights the co-benefits associated with policies maintaining stand diversity and carbon storage in AFS as a mean to increase the resilience of these systems to changing environmental conditions.

Ecological assessment and sustainable utilization of plant resources in the periphery of George, Garden route area, South Africa.

Ecological assessment and sustainable utilization of plant resources in the periphery of George, Garden route area, South Africa.

Survey on Professional Development and Maintenance of Vocational Rehabilitation Practitioners in Japan

Vocational rehabilitation practitioners must recognize its significance and assume accountability. This study explored the perceptions of vocational rehabilitation practitioners in Japan regarding their professional development and obtained basic data for improving the vocational rehabilitation system in Japan. An online survey was conducted among practitioners at 336 Employment and Livelihood Support Centers for persons with disabilities, inquiring about their engagement with research, current educational pursuits, and training needs. In total, 155 practitioners responded to the survey. The results suggest that practitioners progressively refine their expertise as they accumulate experience. The study underscores the necessity of integrating research and practice, recommending the adoption of a knowledge translation framework to facilitate this process. In addition, effective use of online training is considered useful for establishing a training system. This data serves as a foundation for building training systems currently under consideration and provides insight into informal peer-to-peer training and involvement in professional associations.

Emotional and spatio-temporal dynamics of informal childcare: mother-employer and migrant care worker dyads in Istanbul

In this study, against the background of the global care chain, we focus on emotions and emotional labour in informal childcare work within households employing live-in migrant care workers in Istanbul, Turkey– a significant hub for migrant care work in the Global South. Using qualitative research methods, we conducted semi-structured interviews with mother-employer and care-worker dyads in eight households to explore how emotional and spatio-temporal dynamics of emotional labour in childcare are negotiated in the semi-private sphere of the care-receiving household. These interviews revealed two main findings. First, dyads navigate emotions (guilt, jealousy, stress, anxiety, fear, love, and affection) on unequal terms aligned with feeling rules of childcare, set by mother-employers, and contested kinning processes linking migrant care workers and mother-employers as quasi family. Second, these emotional labour and kinning processes are navigated spatio-temporally by live-in migrant care workers and mother-employers, who depend on each other for livelihood and childcare support. In this way, binary spaces and times of work and non-work, private and public, and feminine and masculine are blurred, highlighting the complex nature of care work. Based on these findings, we argue that amidst a deepening care deficit in and beyond Turkey emotions and emotional labour of informal childcare work are unevenly but jointly managed through reparative practices by live-in migrant care workers and mother-employers.

Climate change and flooding nexus: water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) and mental health implications in Fuveme, Ghana

Introduction: Climate change refers to long-term temperature shifts driven by anthropogenic activities, resulting in extreme global weather patterns. These events include increased flooding disasters exacerbated by rising sea levels, coastal erosion, and tidal waves in coastal communities affecting access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), where LMICs in Sub-Saharan Africa bear a disproportionate brunt of climate action. This study explored the implications of climate induced flooding disasters on Water, Sanitation, Hygiene, and Mental health in the Fuveme-Keta District of the Volta Region, Ghana. Methods: An ethnographic qualitative approach was employed to collect data among eleven, purposively sampled key stakeholders and household heads, who consented to be interviewed. In-depth Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed using ATLAS.ti, and thematically analyzed. Results: Perennial flooding and storm surges destroy drinking water sources and access points, hygiene amenities, and sanitation (toilet) facilities. There is anxiety at the hint of rainstorms and depressive tendencies due to the loss of livelihood, family members, and property. Self-comfort and family support were the main coping mechanisms. Conclusion: The community’s strong attachment to their ancestral home and the limited options for alternative livelihoods, pose significant challenges for adaptation and resilience. Climate-resilient WASH infrastructure, specific mental health interventions, and alternative livelihood support are needed to improve resilience.

Contribution of non-timber forest products to the livelihoods of households residing adjacent to Loita Forest, Kenya

The use and commercialization of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) for livelihood development and their adverse impact on forest ecosystems have received significant academic attention recently. To conserve forests and ensure continued livelihood support, it is essential to harvest NTFPs in a sustainable manner. Thus, efforts to conserve such resources must be preceded by understanding how communities interact with them. This study aimed to clarify the relationship between participation in forest conservation and income earned from forests. The primary data were collected via a socio-economic survey of 151 households residing adjacent to Loita Forest in Kenya. The population in the study area extracts NTFPs, such as firewood, natural medicine, building poles, and honey. There is a positive relationship between participation in forest conservation efforts and income earned from the sale of NTFPs. Thus, the Loita Community Forest is a crucial source of essential NTFPs for adjacent households’ subsistence. Therefore, these households should be encouraged to participate more in forest conservation efforts. Such endeavors would facilitate livelihood development of local communities and sustainable management of forests in Kenya.

Building community resilience to enhance Climate Smart Villages in the global south: A review

ABSTRACT The review assessed the contribution of resilience building initiatives towards development of Climate Smart Villages in the global south. SCOPUS was used for literature search gathering 134 journal articles. Results indicated that the resilience building concept emerged after realisation that natural hazards such as floods, fires and droughts have posed significant threats to livelihoods. The Climate Smart Village approach has its roots in Latin America, West Africa, East Africa and South East Asia. In these mentioned areas, the interventions were based on the prevailing agro-climatic conditions. The study concluded that a Climate Smart Village is an innovative platform that promotes development of context specific land management practices that transforms systems to effectively ensure food security and support livelihoods. The study develops a framework and recommends its adoption to ensure the successful initiation of a Climate Smart Village approach that best manage climate change impacts, especially in the resource-stressed global south.

Perception of TASAF Beneficiaries Over Productive Social Safety Net (PSSN) Services: A Case of Kinondoni Municipality, Tanzania

Social Safety Net Programs (SSNPs) are critical tools for poverty alleviation and enhancing household welfare in low- and middle-income countries. These non-contributory programs target vulnerable populations by addressing food security, health, education, and economic empowerment, with the goal of reducing poverty and socio-economic disparities. The Productive Social Safety Net (PSSN) under the Tanzania Social Action Fund (TASAF) is one such program designed to support Tanzania's poorest households through cash transfers, public works, and livelihood enhancement initiatives. Despite the program's extensive reach and quantitative successes, limited research has focused on understanding beneficiaries' perceptions of the PSSN services, which is crucial for evaluating program effectiveness and identifying areas for improvement. This study aims to analyze the perceptions of PSSN beneficiaries in Kinondoni Municipality, Dar es Salaam, to assess their satisfaction and the program's perceived impact on household welfare. Using a cross-sectional survey design, data were collected from 100 beneficiaries through questionnaires, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews. Both qualitative and quantitative analyses were conducted to examine socio-demographic factors, program participation, and beneficiaries' attitudes towards the PSSN services. Findings indicated a predominantly positive perception of the PSSN, with beneficiaries appreciating the cash transfers and public works components. However, challenges were noted, particularly concerning the accessibility and adequacy of services, and the need for more robust livelihood support. The study underscores the importance of incorporating beneficiary feedback into program design and implementation to enhance the PSSN's effectiveness in alleviating poverty and fostering long-term economic resilience in Tanzania. These insights can guide policymakers and program implementers in refining the PSSN, ensuring it meets the evolving needs of Tanzania's vulnerable populations and contributes effectively to the country's broader development goals.

Global chocolate supply is limited by low pollination and high temperatures

Cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) provides livelihoods for 5 million smallholder farmers, but the factors limiting cocoa yield are poorly understood. We present a global analysis of pollination, cocoa tree, plantation, and climate factors affecting cocoa yield, with experimental data from three major cocoa-producing countries: Brazil, Ghana and Indonesia. Hand-pollination increased yield by 20%, showing cocoa yield is limited by pollination, but not nutrients. Leaf litter and large cacao trees, measures of soil resource availability and access, increased yield by 9-19%. Cooler temperatures by 7 °C during the hot season increased yield by up to 31%, indicating substantial risks from climate warming. Agricultural production that enhances cocoa pollinator abundance, protects soils, and mitigates climate risks will be the most effective way to secure global cocoa production and support livelihoods into the future.

Towards sustainable livelihoods: A study of the contributions and challenges in tourism handicraft trade in Ghana

This study explores the dynamics of tourism handicraft trade in Ghana, shedding light on the contributions and challenges faced by individuals engaged in this economic activity. Drawing on the Sustainable Livelihood Framework and Principles of Pro-Poor Tourism, this study investigates how tourism handicraft trade serves as a multidimensional source of livelihood, impacting social, economic, and physical capital. Employing a qualitative research approach, this study collected data from 22 tourism handicraft traders in Cape Coast, Ghana, through in-depth interviews. This study reveals the transformative role of handicraft trade in advancing economic and educational opportunities and underscores tangible assets and financial resources as pivotal for sustainability. By embracing Pro-Poor Tourism principles, handicraft trade has emerged as an essential means of poverty reduction, livelihood improvement, and sustainable development, fostering social networks and cultural exchanges. However, persistent financial challenges necessitate external support, especially during off-seasons, financial stress, and increased costs. The study concludes with an emphasis on consistent stakeholders’ support, highlighting the need to navigate financial constraints and seasonal fluctuations to ensure the long-term sustainability of handicraft trade and livelihood support in the Cape Coast Metropolis and Ghana.

Getting the best of carbon bang for mangrove restoration buck

Mangrove loss has reduced its carbon (C) sink function and ecosystem services. To effectively allocate climate finance for mangrove restoration, a thorough assessment of restoration potential is necessary. Here we show a net loss of ecosystem service value (ESV) of 29.2 billion USD ($) due to land changes in mangroves from 1996 to 2019. The estimated mangrove ESV in 2019 amounts to $894 billion yr−1, mainly provided by regulating and provisioning services (57.4% and 19.7%). Over the next two decades, we project that the restoration of mangroves would necessitate an investment of $40.0–52.1 billion, yielding net gains in ESV of $231–725 billion. The global benefit-cost ratio (BCR) of mangrove restoration ranges from 6.35 to 15.0, demonstrating that such projects are highly cost-effective. Furthermore, an estimated of 19.4 Tg C can be sequestrated in mangrove soils based on a 20-year mangrove restoration program, which can generate $68.6–$236 million via blue C trading. Our findings highlight the significant opportunities for blue C restoration projects to mitigate climate change and support livelihoods.