Livelihoods Framework Research Articles

Income impacts of rural household livelihood strategies: insights from Chongqing, Southwest China

ABSTRACT With China’s rapid economic development, rural livelihoods have undergone significant changes, with traditional agriculture increasingly replaced by non-farm employment opportunities. This shift has led some households into a ‘poverty trap’ characterized by reduced income and environmental degradation, hindering local sustainable development. Therefore, this study focuses on ethnic minority rural households in ecologically fragile and economically disadvantaged areas of Chongqing, southwest China, assesses their livelihood assets under the sustainable livelihood framework, and evaluates the impact of rural household livelihood strategy choices on income using the treatment effect model and logistic regression. The results indicate that the assets of ethnic minority households in Chongqing can be categorized into four groups: low assets-high savings, low assets-low savings, high assets-high savings, and high assets-low savings. Livelihood strategy choices significantly influence household income, with transitions from part-time agriculture to other livelihood types (excluding subsidized livelihoods) leading to substantial income gains for rural households. Specifically, shifting to full-time jobs, a combination of full-time and part-time jobs, or part-time jobs increases average household income by 2.656, 1.689, and 1.184 units, respectively. The study underscores the importance of tailoring income improvement strategies to the specific characteristics of household livelihood assets, providing insights for enhancing the sustainability of rural livelihoods.

How do improved lentil varieties affect farmers' livelihood status in central Bangladesh?

Lentil plays a crucial role in ensuring nutritional security for the majority of the people in Bangladesh. Different types of improved lentil varieties (ILVs) are being introduced in Bangladesh to enhance the production, productivity, and area coverage. This study aimed to explore the changes in the livelihood status of the ILVs adopters compared to the non-adopters in the central region of Bangladesh. This study constructed a livelihood assessment index (LAI) by adopting the sustainable livelihood framework (SLF) provided by the Department for International Development (DFID) using primary data collected from two hundred randomly selected respondents during March-April 2022. LAI scores of the ILVs adopters and non-adopters were 0.48 and 0.43, respectively, indicating better livelihood status of the adopters. Major changes were observed in the human, natural, and physical capital of the lentil growers. ILVs adopters drew a profit margin of 662.46 USD/ha, which was 298.24% higher compared to the non-adopters. Moreover, they realized a 47.32% and 6.75% rise in productivity and cost of production, respectively. Besides the positive impact on the livelihood status, ILVs adoption was remunerative from the agronomic and economic perspectives. To optimize the benefits of ILVs, strategies such as demonstrating their tangible advantages and providing agricultural input and output supports are crucial to expedite better adoption by farmers. Additionally, research is required for fitting short-duration lentil varieties in between the rice-based cropping patterns in Bangladesh.

Unravelling the Constraints Associated with Groundnut Marketing: A Comprehensive Review

This review identifies and analyzes constraints in groundnut marketing systems, particularly for smallholder farmers in developing regions. It proposes strategies to enhance efficiency, profitability, and sustainability, thereby improving farmers' livelihoods. A comprehensive literature review of academic journals, policy reports, and case studies identifies key constraints in groundnut marketing. The review utilizes a structured conceptual framework that encompasses supply chain structure, market dynamics, institutional and policy environments, socioeconomic factors and draws on theoretical foundations such as Transaction Cost Economics, Value Chain Analysis, Market Structure-Conduct-Performance Paradigm, Rural Livelihoods Framework, and Supply Chain Risk Management. The study also applied economic and supply chain management theories to groundnut marketing, emphasizing the relevance of Transaction Cost Economics, Value Chain Analysis, and the Market Structure-Conduct-Performance Paradigm. This theoretical framework can be adapted for other agricultural commodities facing similar constraints. The review identifies critical constraints in groundnut marketing, including fluctuating market prices, inadequate storage facilities, limited access to credit, lack of market information, and high transaction costs. These are exacerbated by poor infrastructure, fragmented supply chains, and socioeconomic barriers, indicating the need for holistic, context-specific interventions. The review suggests practical interventions including investment in infrastructure development, enhancing market information accessibility through digital platforms, fostering farmer cooperatives, and implementing price stabilization mechanisms. These measures can empower smallholder farmers, improve market access, and increase profitability. Policymakers, development agencies, and private sector stakeholders can leverage these insights to formulate targeted support programs for groundnut farmers.

A Simplified Integrative Approach to Assessing Productive Sustainability and Livelihoods in the “Amazonian Chakra” in Ecuador

This study integrates the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework (SLF) and the Sustainability Assessment of Food and Agriculture Systems (SAFA) to evaluate the sustainability and livelihood dynamics of the Amazonian Chakra system, recently designated as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS) by the FAO. Using data from 330 producers across three associations (Kallari, Wiñak, and Tsatsayaku) in the Ecuadorian Amazon, the study employed discriminant analysis to assess governance, environmental integrity, economic resilience, social well-being, and livelihood capitals. Results revealed significant disparities across associations in key sustainability dimensions. Kallari and Wiñak demonstrated stronger governance, environmental integrity and economic resilience, linked to mature organizational structures and effective governance mechanisms. In contrast, Tsatsayaku excelled in demographic diversity and larger landholdings but lagged in governance and environmental practices. Extreme poverty affected 82% of households, with Tsatsayaku having the lowest rate (69%) compared to Wiñak (89%) and Kallari (87%). Chakra income contributed significantly to livelihoods, accounting for 44% of total income in Kallari, 37% in Wiñak, but only 16% in Tsatsayaku, whose producers relied more on off-farm activities and livestock. The integration of SLF and SAFA methodologies offered a nuanced understanding of sustainability, highlighting the importance of governance, financial strategies, and environmental conservation in promoting resilience. Policies should prioritize participatory governance, market transparency, and credit access to address disparities and strengthen sustainability. These findings underscore the critical role of the Amazonian Chakra as a sustainable agroforestry system, providing economic and cultural benefits, while emphasizing the need for tailored interventions to enhance the sustainability of Amazonian producer associations.

Measurement and optimization paths of the multidimensional development levels of counties in the Yellow River Basin: based on the sustainable livelihoods framework

The Yellow River Basin (YRB) faces intense man-land conflicts. However, existing studies rarely focus on the comprehensive and multidimensional development levels in the YRB, and there is a lack of refined county-level studies, making it difficult to fully support the implementation of ecological protection and high-quality development strategy in the YRB. Under the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework, the spatial distribution, differences, and correlation characteristics of the multidimensional development levels of counties in the YRB are disclosed. This is achieved by comprehensively utilizing geospatial, socio-economic, and other multi-source data in combination with methods such as the entropy weight method, the Theil index, and spatial analysis. Optimal development paths are proposed with a focus on the development types of counties. The findings are as follows: (1) Counties in the YRB have a low overall multidimensional development level, presenting a spatial distribution pattern of “high in the east and low in the west” overall. In terms of each dimension, the average value ranking of lower reach > middle reach > upper reach is observed in each dimension; the exception is the financial dimension (with the ranking of middle reach > lower reach > upper reach). (2) Differences between counties in the development indices vary across different dimensions. The differences in the multidimensional development indices and in the development indices of each dimension (except for the natural dimension) are mainly attributable to differences between counties within each reach. Differences between reaches are non-significant. (3) The multidimensional development levels of counties in the YRB and their development levels in each dimension show strong spatial correlation. And significant counties are mainly identified as LL-type (clusters of low value areas) and HH-type (clusters of high value areas). (4) Depending on the measurement results and advantageous factors of the county multidimensional development index, counties are classified into four development types: weak development type, single-dimension-led development type, potential coordinated development type, and multidimensional coordinated development type. Based on this classification, targeted optimal development paths are proposed with a focus on the specific characteristics of different development types. The research findings can provide effective scientific support for ecological protection and high-quality development in the YRB.

Innovative and Cost Effective Water Harvesting and Value Addition in Agriculture for Sustainability: Case Study of Kitui and Wajir Counties, Kenya

The agricultural sector, especially in semi-arid regions like Kitui and Wajir Counties in Kenya, faces challenges of water scarcity and inconsistent agricultural yields due to erratic rainfall patterns. This study was underpinned by Sustainable Livelihoods Framework (SLF). The study assessed how water harvesting techniques contribute to improved water efficiency and agricultural productivity, while also examining the role of value addition in ensuring sustainability. Using a descriptive research design, the sample size for the study comprised of 25 farmers and 34 agricultural extension officers and county government officials. Data was collected using both structured questionnaire and Key Informant Interviews (KII). Quantitative data collected from farmers was analyzed with the aid of SPSS using both descriptive statistics and inferential analysis to assess effect of level of adoption of innovative water harvesting techniques on improvement in water efficiency and agricultural sustainability. The qualitative data collected was analyzed thematically through content analysis. The study's findings, were presented on tables and narrative form, giving analysis of the current state of water harvesting and value addition practices and their role in agricultural sustainability. The findings revealed that cost-efficient value addition practices had significant effect on agricultural sustainability in Kitui and Wajir Counties, Kenya, with an R-squared value of 0.584, indicating that these practices explain 58.4% of the variation in agricultural sustainability outcomes. Regression coefficients demonstrated a significant positive effect of value addition practices on sustainability, with a coefficient (B = 0.669, p-value = 0.000). The study concludes that cost-efficient value addition practices play a crucial role in improving agricultural sustainability by enhancing resource efficiency, market access, and profitability for farmers in these counties. In view of the findings, the study recommends that government and agricultural stakeholders should implement financial support programs, such as subsidies and grants, to alleviate the initial costs of adopting value addition practices.

Empowering Women Entrepreneurs in Jambi's Informal Sector: A Cultural and Sustainable Livelihood Framework Approach

Empowering Women Entrepreneurs in Jambi's Informal Sector: A Cultural and Sustainable Livelihood Framework Approach

Enhancing livelihood resilience through hybrid ecological compensation: evidence from Potatso National Park, China

Abstract Balancing biodiversity conservation and the socioeconomic well-being of ethnic minority communities presents a significant challenge in protected areas (PAs). Ecological compensation (EC) is a crucial policy instrument for improving the livelihood of affected residents, but its application in ethnic minority-dominant regions is complicated by cultural differences and fragile economic foundations. This study evaluates the impact of an innovative hybrid EC mechanism, integrating cash payment, employment support, and education incentive, on the livelihood resilience of ethnic minority groups and identifies the most cost-effective mechanism. Using field data from rural households in Potatso National Park, analyzed through hierarchical multiple regression and scenario simulations within the Sustainable Livelihood Framework, the study finds that: (i) hybrid EC mechanisms significantly improve overall livelihoods, with households receiving employment support and education incentive showing 0.074 and 0.052 higher average livelihood score, respectively (on a 0–1 scale); (ii) different EC types have varied effects across households; and (iii) hybrid EC mechanisms increase social benefits by 6.97%–37.65%, with only a 1.30%–20.15% cost increase compared to baseline scenario. The findings highlight the need for diversified and optimized EC policies to improve livelihood resilience and maximize cost-effectiveness in PAs.

Prediction and pattern recognition of the large-scale poverty-returning risks: empirical evidence from machine learning

Abstract How to effectively predict the risk of large-scale poverty-returning and realize prior targeted intervention are essential measures to prevent large-scale poverty-returning. In view of this, based on the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework, this paper employs machine learning algorithms to study the prediction and pattern recognition of large-scale poverty-returning risks using the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) and satellite remote sensing data. Our findings demonstrate a remarkable prediction accuracy rate of 91.23% for large-scale poverty-returning, employing the random forest algorithm. Notably, key contributing variables to this prediction encompass education, health, and government subsidies, highlighting the potential of supervised learning methods in predicting large-scale poverty-returning risk. Furthermore, the K-means clustering analysis reveals three discernible risk patterns within large-scale poverty-returning, including low-risk, three-risk, and five-risk patterns. The findings could provide scientific empirical evidence for the governance of different types of large-scale poverty-returning risks.

Breaking the Yoke: A Systematic Unmasking of Challenges to Sustainable Rural Development in South Sudan

South Sudan, a young nation grappling with the legacy of protracted conflict, faces significant challenges in fostering sustainable rural development. While the immense potential of its vast agricultural lands remains largely untapped, the persistent triple threat of insecurity, deficient infrastructure, and the absence of robust government policy actively hinders progress. The ongoing armed conflict, characterized by inter-communal violence and sporadic attacks, casts a long shadow over rural areas in South Sudan. Thus, I developed this mixed-method multiple-case study, grounded in the sustainable livelihoods framework, to explore challenges that hinder sustainable rural development in South Sudan. I collected data through document review, semi-structured interviews, and self-administered questionnaires with eight rural development experts and 101 respondents. Then, I thematically and descriptively analyzed the gathered data. Three themes emerged as the top challenges facing sustainable rural development: persistent insecurity, poor infrastructure, and a lack of government policy toward rural development. Key recommendations include establishing robust governance structures and comprehensive policies prioritizing rural development, investing in developing and maintaining rural infrastructure, and addressing underlying issues of conflict and political instability to create a conducive environment for sustainable rural development. The implications for positive social change include reducing hunger and facilitating access to essential services such as education, healthcare, employment, and economic prosperity.

Sustainable Livelihoods in Rural Uganda— Programmes, Projects, and Participants in the Face of Pandemics

This study examines institutions’ contributions to sustainable livelihood activities in rural Uganda, focusing on how these activities adapt in times of crisis and what resilience mechanisms might enhance recovery from disasters. Centred on the Kabuyanda sub-county selected for its vulnerability to frequent droughts and floods, this research employs the sustainable livelihoods framework to investigate institutional roles, community engagement, and the resilience capacity of developmental projects. Data was gathered through a household-level survey, targeting 400 representative households from the 26,000 in Kabuyanda, conducted in November 2021 via the online KoboToolbox platform. The household-focused sampling approach provided nuanced insights into governance processes and relationships from the perspective of governance recipients. Descriptive statistics, including frequency tables and graphs, were used to analyse the data. This study highlights how institutional support, beneficiary participation, and resilience-oriented project designs collectively foster durable livelihoods. The findings underscore the necessity of resilience focused strategies in sustainable rural development, providing critical insights for policymakers to align local and global recovery efforts during COVID-19.

Analyzing the adoption of nutrition-sensitive carp-SIS polyculture technology: evidence from a case study in Bangladesh

IntroductionSmall indigenous species (SIS) of fish are rich in micronutrients that are essential to combat the existing malnutrition in Bangladesh. However, their availability is constantly decreasing due to gradual environmental degradation making their availability irregular and hence expensive in the market. Integrating SIS with carps in homestead ponds is being promoted as a form of nutrition-sensitive aquaculture to enhance both production and consumption of these nutrient-rich species. Various improved pond management techniques (IPMTs) are suggested to boost the nutrition-sensitive carp-SIS polyculture.ObjectivesThis study examines the trends and factors influencing the adoption of IPMTs using the sustainable livelihood framework (SLF) approach. We address the following three key questions: (i) What are the trends in production and consumption of fish, in particular SIS from homestead ponds? (ii) Have farm households adopted or disadopted IPMTs over time? (iii) What are the determinants of adoption and disadoption of IPMTs?MethodsBased on primary data of 234 households from Barishal district from 2014 and 2022, we perform significance tests to compare project and non-project households in 2014 versus 2022 and apply fixed effects Poisson regression and fixed effects negative binomial regression models to identify household decisions to adopt the IPMTs.Results and conclusionQuantitative survey results indicate a significant increase in the production and consumption of SIS over time. In 2014, the project households exhibited adoption rates of 60% or more for various IPMTs such as stocking of fast-growing species, pre-stocking liming, pond dike construction, fertilizer application, stocking of high quality fish seeds, aquatic weed control, and turbidity management. However, by 2022, some of these IPMTs were disadopted by project households and only a few techniques, including providing sunlight exposure to ponds, pre-stocking liming, and supplementary feeding, were more widely used. Additionally, many non-project households also increased their adoption rates of IPMTs significantly. The fixed effects regression model shows that adoption is positively influenced by the number of household members participating in aquaculture, size of the pond, sole ownership of the pond and the number of years household has been involved in aquaculture. Follow-up activities such as monitoring and training of the project beneficiaries and government support are recommended to support long-term adoption of the IPMTs.

Quantifying farmers' Livelihood Efficiency, Regional Indicators and Its Influencing Factors: Implementing an Improved Sustainable Livelihood Framework

ABSTRACTResearch on sustainable livelihoods tend to emphasis on objective and macroregional aspects. However, there is space to expand research on the farmers' livelihoods in the context of poverty alleviation and rural revitalization development. This paper uses a field survey on farmers' livelihood efficiency, influencing factors and mechanisms of farmers' livelihood efficiency in the Qinba mountainous areas of southern Shaanxi China. Based on DEA and Tobit approaches, the authors investigate farmer livelihood efficiency and analyze the disparities according to the farm households' socio‐demographics descriptions. Findings of this study show that, livelihood efficiency is a new entry point of sustainable livelihoods for farmers, and currently, the overall livelihood efficiency of farmers in the study area is low, which needs to be further improved. The results also show that the willingness of environmental protection activities, village busses and government financial expenditure have a significant positive impact on the livelihood efficiency, while the abandonment has a significant negative impact on the livelihood efficiency of farmers. These factors have significant differences in the impact of farmers' technical efficiency and scale efficiency. The results further indicate that, utilization and conversion rate of the existing livelihood capital of farmers is low. Livelihood diversification should be stimulated to enhance “livelihood export” and its operation ability of livelihood capital accumulation. The study findings also propose that, there is a need of reform of dual paths to improve the efficiency of farmers' livelihood, and promote farmers' livelihood development with “wide path” and “wide choice.”

Complexities of Conflict: Climate Change, Elephants and Local Livelihoods in Lupane, Zimbabwe

The conflict between humans and wildlife can result in negative impacts on both parties and hinder conservation efforts. By predicting how conflict risks may change with a growing agricultural sector and human population under a changing climate, policymakers can effectively allocate resources for mitigating and conserving conflict-prone species and regions. This study investigated the drivers of human-elephant conflict in Lupane, Zimbabwe, emphasizing the role of climate change and variability. Using an ethnographic approach informed by the sustainable livelihoods framework and political ecology, it examined how changing climatic conditions, such as water shortages, rising temperatures, and diminishing grazing, exacerbate conflicts between humans and elephants. These challenges have led to increased human intrusion into elephant territories, driven by collapsing rain-fed agriculture and a need for diversification into forestry-based livelihoods. The consequences of this conflict have been severe, resulting in injuries, deaths, damage to crops and infrastructure, economic losses, and food insecurity for affected households. As human populations grow and the impacts of climate change become more pronounced, the risk and geographical spread of human-elephant conflict are expected to escalate. The study highlights the importance of understanding these dynamics to inform policymakers in resource allocation for conflict mitigation and conservation efforts. It also critiques existing institutional support systems for addressing human-elephant conflict, assessing their climate sensitivity. To enhance sustainability, the research advocates for integrating empirical data on human-wildlife coexistence into international conservation policies and developing comprehensive, long-term strategies at a transboundary level, particularly in the context of climate change. Keywords: Conflict, Climate Change, Elephants, Livelihoods, Conservation

Estimating weight for multidimensional health poverty using Delphi method and analytic hierarchy process: a case of China

BackgroundTraditionally, poverty assessment has relied on a single income criterion, which is inadequate in contexts where absolute poverty has been mitigated. This study developed a weighting scheme for the Multidimensional Health Poverty Index (MHPI) based on sustainable livelihood framework (SLF), aimed at enhancing the accuracy of poverty identification in China.MethodsA two-round Delphi process was used to determine the indicators of the index system. The weight of each indicator was calculated using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method. The multidimensional poverty index incorporates SLF’s five dimensions: financial, natural, physical, social, and human capital.ResultsThe initial 46 indicators formed an indicator pool for the Delphi questionnaire. Based on the final consensus of the expert panel, the Delphi consultation resulted in an index system comprising six first-level and 23 second-level indicators. The weight values of the first-level indicators (economic security, health status, education, social capital, healthcare utilisation, and living conditions) were 0.2715, 0.2593, 0.0855, 0.0657, 0.1812, and 0.1363, respectively.ConclusionThis study established a scientific and effective index to evaluate generate weight for estimating multidimensional health poverty in China. Economic security, health status, and healthcare utilisation are the most crucial aspects of multidimensional health poverty. Moreover, the results indicated that vocational training and social capital should be emphasised.

Livelihood Resilience Strategies to Climate Variability among Pastoralists in Longido District, Tanzania

This paper assessed the level of livelihood strategies practiced by Maasai pastoralists in Longido district, Tanzania. It focused on their resilience to climate variability. The main question that this sought to address was: How resilient are livelihood strategies to climate change and variability among the Maasai pastoralists in response to climate variability? This study employed the resilient theory by Holling and the DFID Livelihood Framework. The study used a mixed-method design, also known as a convergent parallel design. A multistage sampling technique was used to purposefully select wards, then villages, and then a simple random selection of the 373 households for the survey. This study purposively selected 21 key informants from traditional leaders, ward and village leaders, NGO officials, and livestock officers. While data gathered through interviews, observation and focus group discussions was analysed qualitatively. Data obtained through questionnaires was analysed quantitatively using IBM SPSS (version 20). The chi-square was used to test the association of the variables. Findings revealed that key strategies such as mobility, communal pooling, causal labour, livestock management, and others. Also, the role of education and sources of income were crucial in shaping resilience strategies. Household with more education were more likely to have reliable resilience strategies. The main challenge faced by Maasai pastoralists in building climate resilience strategies is increased variability in climate, in the form of frequent drought and unreliable rainfall. This paper recommends more efforts to understand and support these communities by blending their traditional strategies with technical ones for sustainable livelihoods

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.

Unlocking sustainability in China's small-scale fisheries: A case study of livelihood analysis in the Bohai Region

Small-scale fisheries (SSF) are a vital component of the global fisheries sector, significantly contributing to food security, livelihoods, and cultural heritage. In China, the SSF sub-sector is substantial, yet it is often overshadowed by large-scale fisheries (LSF), resulting in limited understanding and targeted management measures for SSF. This study uses the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework (SLF) to compare the livelihoods of SSF and LSF in China's Bohai Region, aiming to identify the sustainability challenges faced by SSF and explore potential improvement pathways. The results indicate that the overall livelihood assets of SSF are significantly lower than those of LSF. The failure to differentiate between these two sub-sectors in fisheries management may exacerbate this disparity, further marginalizing SSF. We recommend that China undertake immediate fisheries reforms and outreach efforts aimed at promoting the sustainability of SSF communities. Key strategies include strengthening property rights governance, establishing inclusive decision-making processes for SSF fishers, providing preferential policies and financial support for the most vulnerable SSF actors, and incorporating considerations of SSF's role within the broader socio-ecological system and its interactions with other components into management. Additionally, we suggest the development of a separate management plan for SSF to address their unique needs. This study enhances the understanding of China's SSFs, supports the implementation of SSF Guidelines in China, and offers insights into global SSF management.

PLANNING AND JOURNALING THE AGROPOLITAN PROJECT: A FOCUS ON INCOME ANALYSIS FOR POVERTY ALLEVIATION

Although Malaysias poverty rate has decreased, there are still people who suffer from extreme poverty, especially in rural areas. The agropolitan project under the Rural Mega Leap Program (PLMLB) is a program aimed at eradicating extreme poverty and expediting progress in rural regions. The achievements of agropolitan projects are evaluated through the extent to which they help participants to get out of extreme poverty and are measured using Poverty Line Income (PGK). However, PGK only takes into account income and consumption and does not take into account non-monetary aspects such as living conditions, basic facilities and so on. Therefore, this research intends to examinethe effects of the implementationof this project on the participants in eradicating poverty and towards a sustainable livelihood. Multidimensional Poverty Index (IKPD) is used to measure poverty in this study along with its applicationof PGK. A study using the Sustainable Livelihood Framework (KPL), was conducted at the Gahai Agropolitan Project in Lipis, Pahang, involved 45 participants. Research data was obtained through the distribution of questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS version 22 software and Microsoft Excel. Studies show that theproposed project is useful to eradicating poverty and contributing to sustainable livelihoods. Calculation of the Multidimensional Poverty Index (IKPD) shows that the individuals involved are not subjected to multidimensional poverty.In addition, the participants are also exempted from extreme poverty and experience increased income within five years of participating in the Gahai Agropolitan Project. From the aspect of sustainable living, the results of the study show that the participants experience high vulnerability. Analysis of asset ownership shows that the participants of theAgropolitan Project have good asset ownership. Analysis of the regression model of income determinants for the participants demonstrate that financial assets are an important factor affecting income. According to the findings of this study, there are several recommendations for policy implications to evaluate participants or non-participants of agropolitan projects, which is to consider the Sustainable Livelihood Framework (KPL) in rural development and use the Multidimensional Poverty Index (IKPD) as a complement to the PGK.

Designing a framework to analyze the impact of watershed development on socioeconomic development: integrating literature, theory, and practice

Watershed development initiatives have emerged as key tools for achieving sustainable rural development, especially in countries experiencing environmental degradation and resource constraints. Despite the increasing acknowledgment of the significance of watershed development interventions, there remains a dearth of comprehensive frameworks for evaluating their effects on the socioeconomic progress of communities, particularly concerning rural livelihoods and household food security outcomes. Hence, this study addresses this gap by developing a comprehensive impact analysis conceptual framework tailored to assess the impact of watershed development on socioeconomic aspects. This study designed the framework by incorporating existing theoretical perspectives (the sustainable livelihoods framework, political ecology, theory of change, and community-based natural resource management) and making essential adjustments. This novel conceptual framework offers a multifaceted approach to assess the socioeconomic impacts of watershed development projects, particularly on rural livelihoods and household food security. Employing a mixed methods approach, the framework sheds light on how interventions affect the livelihood assets and strategies of rural communities, ultimately influencing their food security and well-being. Furthermore, it examines how community involvement and national policy affect these efforts. By providing a holistic understanding of watershed development dynamics, this framework allows researchers and practitioners to assess impacts, identify trade-offs, and evaluate interventions. This informs policymakers about evidence-based interventions to promote sustainable socioeconomic development in rural communities.