Livelihood Systems Research Articles

Determinants of livelihood diversification in an integrated agricultural and non-agricultural livelihood system in Ghana

The diversification of livelihoods by households has been widely acknowledged as a way to overcome food insecurity and poverty challenges in developing countries. Diversification of livelihoods helps spread the risk among multiple livelihood earning activities to provide households with a range of their food needs all year round. By examining the integrated livelihood systems of 405 rural farm households in the Upper East Region of Ghana, empirical evidence is provided in this study using the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework to advance arguments in the literature for the creation of sustainable strategies that improve diversified livelihood systems. The mean diversification indices estimated were 0.45 for agricultural diversification systems, 0.32 for non-agricultural diversification systems and 0.59 for integrated agricultural and non-agricultural diversification systems. With the use of the Cragg two-step regression model, we demonstrate that the decision to diversify and the extent of diversification of rural livelihoods are distinct decisions and are influenced by distinct sets of factors. Similarly, for the three categories of livelihood diversification studied, the effect of these factors also differed. The results emphasize the significance of access to good road network, credit and market information in encouraging rural farm households to diversify their livelihoods. In the short term, improving access to credit and market information through community-based initiatives can provide immediate support to rural households. Communities should also organize local markets and cooperatives to strengthen their economic resilience. While government and stakeholders should focus on long-term infrastructure projects, these community actions can complement such efforts and contribute to achieving global and regional goals targeting food insecurity and poverty eradication.

Praktik Dagang di Pakan Serikat Koto VII Basambilan Koto, Sijunjung (1980-1998)

Abstract: This research aims to analyze how traditional markets shape local capitalist practices in Pakan Serikat Koto VII Basambilan Koto, Sijunjung, from 1980 to 1998. The research employs a historical method with four stages: heuristics, criticism, interpretation, and historiography. The research findings demonstrate that traditional markets have shaped local capitalist practices in Pakan Serikat Koto VII Basambilan Koto. These practices manifest in various forms, including trading systems, social relations, cultural exchange, and social change. The establishment of Pakan Serikat VII Koto has driven social change in the community, such as changes in livelihood systems and lifestyles. The research concludes that traditional markets play a crucial role in shaping local capitalist practices in Pakan Serikat Koto VII Basambilan Koto. Traditional markets serve not only as places for exchanging goods and services but also as venues for social interaction, cultural exchange, and social change. Keywords: Traditional market, Local capitalism, Pakan Serikat Koto VII Basambilan Koto, Sijunjung, 1980-1998

Sustainability of the livelihood system in Lerep tourist village, Semarang Regency

Sustainability of the livelihood system in Lerep tourist village, Semarang Regency

Differing Land Use Strategies and Effects in Preexisting Livelihood Systems and Natural Environments of Lower Didessa Valley, Western Ethiopia

The continuous encroachment of highland cultivators into the lower Didessa River Valley in west Ethiopia since the mid-20th century has brought environmental, economic, and social changes. This study aimed to depict land use changes and their subsequent impacts on preexisting livelihoods and the environment. The travelers’ records, structured interviews with the local communities, and various documents were collected and analyzed qualitatively. The study revealed that the intensified systems of surplus production since 1950 have remarkable and distinct historical political ecology features and impacts by displacing preexisting livelihood systems and reshaping the social and environmental settings in the valley. Thus, (re)considering policies and programs is important to realize sustainable development in the valley. Moreover, further multi-disciplinary research is necessary to understand land use systems and the ecological situations of the Mecha Oromo and Nilotes when planning interventions in the valley.

The IKN Project Invades Living Spaces: Evictions and Changes in the Livelihood System of Indigenous Communities

The IKN Project Invades Living Spaces: Evictions and Changes in the Livelihood System of Indigenous Communities

Transformative changes are needed to support socio-bioeconomies for people and ecosystems in the Amazon.

Current social-technical and political conditions threaten the integrity of the Amazon biome. Overcoming these lock-ins requires structural transformations away from conventional economies towards 'socio-bioeconomies' (SBEs). SBEs are economies based on the sustainable use and restoration of Amazonian ecosystems, as well as Indigenous and rural livelihood systems in the region. They include sustainable eco-tourism as well as diversified production and innovative processing of fruits, nuts, oils, medicines, fish and other products deriving from socio-biodiversity. Using a sustainability transitions perspective, we argue for multi-scalar policy changes to sustain, enhance and scale-out and scale-up SBE initiatives. To nurture niche SBE acitivities, we advocate for improvements in infrastructure, value chains and social organizations. To dismantle structural barriers, we call for an end to harmful subsidies, greater representation of marginalized communities in territorial planning, enhanced rural-urban and intersectoral linkages, international collaboration, shifts in demand, and changes in conservation and production narratives. Policies for SBEs must also use clear definitions, participatory processes and a multi-biome approach to avoid perverse outcomes.

Vertical Spatial Differentiation and Influencing Factors of Rural Livelihood Resilience: Evidence from the Mountainous Areas of Southwest China

Rural livelihood resilience (RLR) is significant for the sustainability of rural areas, farmers and agriculture. This research takes the mountainous areas of Southwest China as the study areas and integrates the buffer, adjustment and renewal capabilities to construct a RLR analysis framework and evaluation indicator system. The RLR of 234 sample counties was evaluated using set pair analysis, and the influencing factors of RLR were investigated using Geodetector. The aim is to scientifically analyze the vertical spatial differentiation and influencing factors of RLR and fully explore the risk-resistant potential of rural livelihood systems in mountainous areas. The results show that (1) From 2000 to 2020, RLR increases significantly, but the level is still low, and its structure shows a primary pattern of “buffer capability > adjustment capability > renewal capability”. (2) There is no significant negative correlation between RLR and terrain gradients, especially in the middle and low mountains. RLR in high mountainous areas is significantly lower than in low and medium mountainous areas, but the gap is narrowing. There are no significant gaps in RLR and various capabilities between low and medium mountain areas. (3) Economic development, non-agricultural industries and grassroots autonomous organizations are essential determinants for RLR. Economic development, grassroots autonomous organizations and transportation conditions are more important in low and medium mountain areas, while non-agricultural industries and medical conditions contribute more to high mountainous areas. (4) To enhance the RLR, policy recommendations should place a strong emphasis on extending the agricultural industry chain, improving rural production and living infrastructure and strengthening the supply of high-quality social public services. The findings can provide a scientific basis for governments to implement rural revitalization strategies and improve farmers’ well-being, as well as practical guidance for enhancing the risk resistance ability of underdeveloped mountainous rural areas.

Oil Palm Plantation Expansion and Population Problems: An Explanatory Factor for Deforestation in Indonesia

Deforestation in Indonesia remains a significant issue due to various factors. This article reveals the impact of demographic variables on deforestation, using oil palm plantation expansion as a case study. The study applies Hunter's model, considering population dynamics and intermediate variables, namely science and technology, institutions, policies, and culture. Through traditional literature review methods, demographic data and field research results from 2010 to 2020 were elaborated, focusing on Sumatra, Kalimantan, and Sulawesi. The findings underline that Indonesian rapid population growth drives high consumption rates. Additionally, the development of oil palm plantations is faced with high demand for CPO, policies that attach too much importance to investment, and agrarian deregulation. All these intermediate variables are visible through the agricultural expansion as a pattern of agricultural development. The massive expansion by private companies resulted in a change in the socio-ecological landscape. In addition, there are dilemmas in the villager's livelihood system, such as shifting traditional livelihood bases, livelihood dualism, the emergence of new vulnerabilities, and land grabs. In order to realize sustainable palm oil development, we suggest governance reforms at the global, national, and local levels.

Representasi Budaya dan Profil Pelajar Pancasila di Buku Pelajaran Bahasa Indonesia Kelas VII

This study aims to (1) describe the representation of culture in Indonesian textbooks grade VII, (2) describe the representation of Pancasila student profile in Indonesian textbooks grade VII. This research is a qualitative research and uses case study method with content analysis approach. The data source of this research is the seventh grade Indonesian textbook. The sampling technique was done by purposive sampling. Data collection was done by document analysis. The data validity test technique used was data source triangulation. The results of this study are, in the seventh grade Indonesian textbooks, cultural representations are found to be described through Koentjaraningrat's cultural elements in the form of language, technological systems, livelihood systems, social organization, knowledge systems, religious systems, and arts. Second, in the seventh grade Indonesian textbook, there is a representation of the Pancasila student profile which is divided into six dimensions, namely faith, fear of God Almighty; and noble character; global diversity; mutual cooperation; independent; critical reasoning; and creative. In the discussion, the six dimensions are then further divided based on the existing key elements

Characterising a diversity of coastal community fisheries in Kiribati and Vanuatu

AbstractUnderstanding what diversity of small‐scale fisheries translates to in practice, and what this means for management regimes seeking sustainability, continues to be a challenging undertaking. This is particularly so in the tropical Pacific Islands region, where small‐scale coastal fisheries play a significant role in domestic food and livelihood systems. A renewed regional policy focus on supporting coastal fisheries, combined with momentum built from a decades‐long ‘Pacific renaissance’ in community‐based fisheries management approaches, has increased resourcing and support for coastal fishery data collection and knowledge production. In this context, there is growing demand to explicitly characterise diversity and complexity of community‐based coastal fisheries to inform how national co‐management programs can adequately support the many communities within national constituencies. This study presents findings from a community‐based coastal fisheries monitoring programme implemented in ten communities across Kiribati and Vanuatu between 2019 and 2021. Findings illustrate the intra‐ and inter‐country diversity of contextual drivers, fishing practices, and fisher participation. We discuss the implications of this enhanced understanding of community‐based fisheries for applied co‐management practice in these two countries. In doing so, we add to a growing knowledge base about fishing practices in Pacific Island coastal communities and elucidate avenues through which to incorporate this knowledge into adaptive co‐management practice.

Climate Change and Social-ecological Vulnerability in the Himalaya: A Study of the Kaligandaki Basin, Nepal

This research examines the implications and opportunities for climate change adaptation in the Kaligandaki Basin, Nepali Himalaya. The study adopts a holistic approach to explain human-environmental interrelationships. The Sustainable Livelihood Approach and the system approach of analyzing Change-Impact-Response are integrated to construct a dynamic framework that assesses household and sub-regional social-ecological vulnerability. Findings suggest that climate-sensitive social-ecological systems of the Himalayas are highly exposed to both climate change and non-climatic stressors. Households are trying to adapt to rapid change; however, their adaptation knowledge is not sufficiently translated into actions. Consequently, food and livelihood systems are insecure, and social ecosystems in the Basin are highly vulnerable to change.

MENANAM DAN MENJUAL JAGUNG DEMI BERAS: PENGARUH PERUBAHAN KONSUMSI MAKANAN POKOK PADA KOMUNITAS ADAT JALAWASTU

The Jalawastu traditional community has had a culture of food security for centuries with white corn as the variety they cultivate for staple food. Today's reality shows that hybrid corn is a variety that has been commodified as the main agricultural product. People's behavior, on the other hand, shows that corn is now not the main choice as their staple food. The Jalawastu traditional community now uses rice as their main daily food rather than corn. Based on field research conducted in 2022, this article was prepared by analyzing several factors that have brought about economic and socio-cultural changes that have occurred over the last few decades in the Jalawastu Traditional Village. The influence of the market economy on agriculture in Jalawastu is allegedly strong in bringing about changes in their way of life and outlook on life that has actually been regulated through customary mechanisms. Apart from that, this article tries to raise any threats in realizing the food security and sovereignty of indigenous communities in Jalawastu. In the end, the author concludes that there are still efforts towards food sovereignty based on their traditional livelihood system even though there is a knowledge gap between generations regarding the symbolic value of corn.

Examining socio‐ecological transitions and new human–wildlife relations in farming landscapes of the Nepal Himalaya

AbstractWildlife invasion into farmlands is emerging as an acute problem in the Himalayas, threatening farm‐based livelihood systems of smallholder rural communities. The problem is severe in the areas where successful forest restoration has been achieved by community forestry programmes alongside massive outmigration. Such evolving dynamics have created new conceptual and empirical discourses on conservation, nature‐society relations and human‐wildlife interactions, as some wild animals have become pests for farming communities. Consequently, the historical co‐existence and relationships between subsistence communities and local ecosystems have been destabilized. By mobilizing the concepts of forest transition and agrarian transition, we explore these new and emerging relationships between the growing wildlife problem and deteriorating people's livelihood by examining the nature, extent and drivers of the new human‐wildlife interactions and provide critical insights towards effectiveness of current policies and practical responses.

Vulnerability to climate change of coastal mangrove-dependent communities in the Tana Delta, Kenya: a local perspective

Coastal mangrove-dependent communities face various risks due to climate change, thus rendering them vulnerable. This study explored the vulnerability of these communities in the Tana Delta in Kenya using an indicator-based vulnerability assessment framework to better understand their exposure, sensitivity and adaptive capacity. Data was collected through household surveys (n = 377), focus group discussions (FGDs), and key informant interviews (KIIs). The analysis revealed mean vulnerability indices at the sub-location level ranged from 0.850 for Kipini to − 0.913 for Kilelengwani and − 2.702 for Ozi. The statistically significant indicators of vulnerability were (i) exposure—high temperatures and rainfall changes; (ii) sensitivity—household numbers, head of household’s age, dependents’ education, and dependents’ employment; and (iii) adaptive capacity—ownership of assets, access to community infrastructure and services, condition/quality of houses, total income, and alternative sources of income. The findings highlight the need for adaptation strategies that ensure greater financial assets supported by education and skills enhancement to utilize existing opportunities. Attention to community infrastructure and services is crucial. Policy should focus on financial, physical, and human assets to reduce community vulnerability alongside the continued conservation and management of mangrove resources. The results will help policymakers in addressing the impacts of climate change and benefit households in the study area. These insights can be applied to regions with similar climate conditions and livelihood systems.

Livelihood Diversity of Rural Communities Without Legal Access to Forest Resources: The Case of Kerinci Seblat National Park in Bengkulu Province

Kerinci Seblat National Park in Bengkulu, Indonesia, was gazetted by the Indonesian government, and its overlaps with forests occupied by most indigenous communities made their farming activities in the area illegal. People were prohibited from accessing and expanding their farming areas in the national park, threatening their livelihoods. The livelihood diversity index (LDI) and livelihood asset index (LAI) were used to explore the livelihood systems of these communities. This study also examines the effect of livelihood assets on livelihood diversity and analyzes livelihood strategy choices using Giddens’ structuration theory. A quantitative survey combined with in-depth interviews was conducted in two villages with different land types: wetlands (rice fields) and drylands (farmlands). This study found that the communities diversified their livelihoods into eight types of livelihood strategies. Almost all livelihood indicators were different, and the differences in livelihood asset indicators affected the LDI. As a process of structuration, communities have diversified their livelihoods into farm (e.g., annual and perennial crops), off-farm (e.g., farm wages), and non-farm (e.g., services and government transfer) activities. Rural households have modified their social and physical structures to secure their livelihoods by optimizing agricultural intensification technologies or by seeking non-agricultural income. Households decide whether to specialize or diversify their livelihoods based on factors such as the area of cultivated land, number of crops cultivated, distance of the farming location from the house, total household income, non-farm income, and reciprocal relationships.

Impact of Family Livelihood on the Spatial Organisation of Indigenous Housing in Boshrouye, Iran

Indigenous housing has been created to cater to the cultural, social, and economic needs of society as well as its family livelihood. Boshrouye City, located in South Khorasan Province, Iran, has a special livelihood system with valuable examples of indigenous housing. The present study aims to investigate the effects of the family livelihood and its associated activities on the spatial organisation of housing. For this purpose, 20 samples of indigenous houses were selected non-randomly and investigated based on the space syntax theory. Plans of houses were analysed using UCL Depthmap software and then evaluated through Convex and Isovist map analyses. The research method employed was the interpretive method. The results of the study indicate that the model of family livelihood has a significant impact on the spatial organisation of housing in Boshrouye City. This model has employed physical means, including the creation of new spaces and changing the role and configuration of spaces to protect the privacy of occupants. This privacy is one of the cultural requirements of this region.

Blacksmith: Between history, culture, and economy

This research was aimed at describing the historical, cultural, and economic value of blacksmith activities. The research method used was a literature study (library research). Data collection techniques were carried out through collecting research results that had been carried out and published in reputable indexed journals, Google Scholar, etc. The research results showed that blacksmithing had historical value whose development varied in each region of the world. In Asia, especially Indonesia, the historical development of blacksmithing was estimated to have existed since the 7th century AD. This was based on findings on temple wall reliefs, inscriptions, and ancient manuscripts found as relics from the royal era. Meanwhile, the historical development of blacksmiths in Europe, Africa, and other Asian regions was quite diverse, having developed from 1150-1400 BC. The blacksmiths of Dokdak Village also had cultural values ​​that were very important to be passed on. This was based on data which showed that in blacksmithing activities there were cultural elements, namely the knowledge system, livelihood system, and equipment and technology systems used. Furthermore, Dokdak Village's blacksmith activities had economic value, because the carried-out activities could produce production goods that have economic value. Based on this, it is important to protect and maintain the livelihood of blacksmiths to pass on values ​​to the younger generation.

Plant growth promoters boost the photosynthesis related mechanisms and secondary metabolism of late-sown wheat under contrasting saline regimes

There is an imminent risk of higher crop failures owing to weather vagaries for agriculture-based livelihood systems, which are already fragile due to several challenges. The most important challenge is the encounter of crops against multiple environmental stresses under natural field conditions, the combination of these stresses poses complex effects on plant physiological and metabolic activities. To date, the combined effects of salt stress (SS) and late-sown (LS) on physiological and biochemical attributes have not been studied on wheat. A two-year field study was designed to evaluate the effect of plant growth promoters (PGRPs) to alleviate the individual SS, LS and combinations on wheat. The experiment was conducted for three factors, a) late sown and timely sown, b) saline and non-saline conditions and c) PGRPs treatments (thiourea (TU @ 1000 mg L−1), salicylic acid (SA @ 100 mg L−1), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2 @ 100 µM), water spray (H2O) and control). Data revealed that under stress conditions, especially under SS+LS stress plants increased the synthesis of secondary metabolites, enhanced heat dissipation, and showed strict control over the stomatal regulation and gas exchange attributes, all these mechanisms were tweaked to deal with all the stresses. In addition, SS+LS stress followed by SS and LS stress severely reduced the flag leaf area (FLA), chlorophyll pigment contents and chlorophyll fluorescence and carboxylation capacity. However, foliar treatments of PGRPs TU, followed by SA, H2O2, H2O and control improved the chlorophyll fluorescence, pigments contents, gas exchange indicators, and relative water content (RWC). Moreover, PGRPs application improved the FLA, pigment biosynthesis and carboxylation capacity that improved the synthesis of metabolites such as anthocyanin, niacin, flavonoids, phenolics, alkaloids, saponin and riboflavin, which acted as defensive compounds to preserve the photosynthetic capacity irrespective of stress treatments.

Livelihood vulnerability of coastal communities in context of the climate change: A index-based assessment

The livelihoods of coastal communities in Bangladesh are being significantly impacted by climate change and natural hazards, primarily due to their heavy reliance on climate-sensitive natural resources. This study assesses the vulnerability of coastal communities in Bangladesh using two approaches: the Livelihood Vulnerability Index (LVI) and the LVI-IPCC approach. Primary data obtained from household surveys were used to calculate the vulnerability indices, avoiding reliance on secondary data and climate models. The results show that Dhulasar and Dalbuganj unions are extremely vulnerable, with livelihood strategies, water, natural hazards and climate variability, and health being the major contributing factors. The exposure to natural hazards and climate variability is highest in Dhulasar and Dalbuganj, while Lata Chapli union exhibits the lowest adaptive capacity. Interestingly, the LVI and LVI-IPCC approaches yield opposite results, with Dalbuganj being extremely vulnerable and Lata Chapli being the least vulnerable. Exposure to natural hazards and climate variability, sensitivity to health, food and nutrition, water, and land, and adaptive capacity in terms of socio-demographic factors and livelihood strategies were found to influence vulnerability. The study suggests that policy measures should focus on reducing sensitivity, improving adaptive capacity, and addressing the specific needs of marginalized groups in coastal communities. Enhancing socio-demographic profiles, social networks, and diversification of livelihood activities are recommended for reducing vulnerability. Further research is needed to better understand and address the impacts of climate variability and change on coastal livelihood systems.

CULTURAL HERITAGE AND SUSTAINABLE RIVER MANAGEMENT: INCORPORATING LOCAL WISDOM IN SUBAYANG RIVER, INDONESIA

The Lubuk Larangan is a sustainable water resource management system that consists of a water system and a river. This study aims to explore the potential of cultural heritage and indigenous knowledge in relation to sustainable river management. The study was conducted in the villages of Gema and Tanjung Belit in the Riau Province, Indonesia. The data were collected through in-depth interviews, observation, and a review of the relevant literature. The collected data were analysed using descriptive qualitative analysis, which consisted of three stages: Data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. The results indicate that the water system’s cultural practices have played a significant role in preserving the ecosystem, sustaining natural resources, and preserving water quality in the Subayang River. This study contributes to the growing body of literature. It provides a deeper understanding of the role of local wisdom and cultural heritage in achieving long-term ecological and social sustainability. Several factors, including geographical conditions, livelihood systems, customary law, and leadership patterns, support the ecological behaviour of a community in managing river resources.