Livelihoods Of Local Communities Research Articles

Functional Habitat Heterogeneity in Okavango Delta Landscapes: Implications for Conservation and Livelihoods of Local Communities

Functional Habitat Heterogeneity in Okavango Delta Landscapes: Implications for Conservation and Livelihoods of Local Communities

Understanding the impacts of waste disposal site closure on the livelihood of local communities in africa: A case study of the kiteezi landfill in Kampala, Uganda

Socioeconomic aspects have to be adequately included in developing closure plans of waste disposal sites to reduce the negative impacts of the closure on local communities. In this study, we evaluated the Kiteezi landfill for its role in generating livelihoods for the local community and assessed the potential socioeconomic effects due to its closure. Data were collected through interviews and focus group discussions with the informal stakeholders of the landfill's . The results indicate that the landfill is an important income source to large numbers of informal waste workers (IWWs): 13,600 UGX (3.7 USD) per day (range of 1500–125,000 UGX). Seventy-seven, 92, 92 and 65 % of the waste pickers, sorters, cleaners, and middle-persons respectively obtain their livelihoods solely from the landfill. The IWWs are the primary stakeholders and are projected to lose all their income upon landfill closure, yet they are a big part of the local community. They comprise 90% of the customers of the supporting businesses, the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) within 2 km of the landfill. Landfill closure is projected to cause short-term economic impacts on these SMEs, so they need to be informed in advance to make alternative plans. The IWWs are vulnerable and need to be adequately supported when landfills are closed. However, currently, there is no protection for them through legislation in African countries. Conversely, nearby households and farms stand to benefit from its closure since it has severely impacted the local area liveability, land value and overall quality of life.

Geographic Factors for Managing Cruise Ship Destination Port to Attraction Passenger Transfer in the Caribbean Region

Abstract. The Cruise Line industry (CLI) is working on plans to recover from the economic impacts of COVID-19. Along with the expected benefits of a post COVID19 surge in cruise tourism, destination ports have an opportunity to mitigate potential impacts that come with the tourist economy. In this study, we expand on our previous work on four CLI destination sites (two in the Caribbean and two meso-American) to a larger regional study area in the Caribbean Sea and investigate the sustainability of destination marine infrastructure and near port transportation resilience. Twenty- Eight destinations were analyzed in the study. All the CLI destinations ports in the study are considered mature for cruise tourism and have tourist attractions of interest (including historic, natural, shopping, and other areas with sociocultural authenticity), which can be reached during a one day ship visit. An analysis of the marine traffic and geographic settings provides a more complete picture on key parameters that can potentially impact the commerce and livelihoods of local communities near destination ports. The results of the study also provide potential solutions for mitigating these impacts. As a baseline for fully operational cruise industry in the Caribbean Sea, the 2019 cruise year was analyzed since it was the last full year without impact from COVID-19. This paper offers a wider empirical view of CLI impacts on the Caribbean region once the industry resumes to full capacity following the COVID-19 pandemic, and it presents results and recommendations to build a framework for continued study of CLI sustainability.

Protecting the future Arctic

Increasing ice melting in the Arctic circle is predicted to open many sea- and land-use opportunities, but these will impose additional threats and challenges to the already changing Arctic ecosystems and biodiversity as well as the livelihoods of local communities. This Voices asks: how can we anticipate and manage sea-/land-use impacts in the Arctic to protect people and nature?

Shea ( Vitellaria paradoxa C. F. Gaertn.) – the emergence of global production networks in Burkina Faso, 1960–2021 1

After Burkina Faso's independence, shea butter continues to be the key staple edible oil used by Burkinabe households although alternatives are now being placed in local markets. Shea (Vitellaria paradoxa C. F. Gaertn.) is primarily managed as a food tree crop for African consumers but has been promoted as a wild and abundant crop which gives African women cash and empowerment. New international demand for edible Cocoa Butter Equivalents (CBEs) from the 1960s onwards led to the introduction of several state-led efforts to regulate and control the shea trade through stabilization funds and parastatal marketing boards. These were abandoned after 1984, when cocoa prices collapsed and shea markets were liberalized. Increasingly since 2003, several leading Trans-National Corporations that manufacture CBEs are involved in sourcing shea kernels to meet the growing demands of the multi-billion-dollar confectionary and cosmetics industries. Burkina Faso and Ghana are two of the main exporting countries producing 60–75% of all international shea offtake. West, Central and East African women shea collectors and their associations have also managed, more recently, to meet the growing demand for 'hand-crafted' shea butter for the global personal care sector and new niches in the edible oil industry. Attempts to explain the radical transformation of shea supply chains in West Africa have focused on relatively recent events and actions detached from the broader historical context in which they are embedded. This paper adopts a broad periodization, stemming from the formulation of CBEs incorporating shea and palm stearin in the 1960s, and using a Global Production Network approach to understand the role and position of women shea producers and their associations at the intersection of global, regional, and local periodic markets. It challenges the assumption that global markets are necessarily a more viable alternative to reliance on local, domestic, or regional markets. The growth of global trade in shea kernels and shea butter has been accompanied by significant land cover and land use changes which has led to the progressive loss of trees, biodiversity, and other ecosystem services such as pollination and carbon sequestration. This presents new socio-economic challenges, including threats to local food and nutrition security, tenure rights and the livelihoods of local communities.

After-covid development of services in the framework of sustainable development

The COVID-19 epidemic has hit the world economy hard, leaving no industry without consequences. The travel and tourism industries have been hit hardest by partial and complete lockdowns around the world. Exit from the recession and recovery of the sector should take place in the format of a new normal. In the framework of this study, it was argued that another framework for the development of tourism and hospitality is sustainable development. The necessity of rethinking the industry in the direction of sustainability is substantiated in connection with nature conservation, reassessment of the socio-cultural environment, and the benefits of active participation in the economy and local development. Emphasis is placed on the need for a solution that is primary - rethinking or rapid recovery. Underlined, that sustainable tourism should have a positive impact by improving the livelihoods of local communities. The most important thing is the employment of locals in the tourism business. Ensuring their financial security is important, especially during periods such as the decline in tourists caused by the pandemic. Sustainable tourism is financially profitable and profitable for stakeholders.

Prevalence of sustainable and unsustainable use of wild species inferred from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Unsustainable exploitation of wild species represents a serious threat to biodiversity and to the livelihoods of local communities and Indigenous peoples. However, managed, sustainable use has the potential to forestall extinctions, aid recovery, and meet human needs. We analyzed species‐level data for 30,923 species from 13 taxonomic groups on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species to investigate patterns of intentional biological resource use. Forty percent of species (10,098 of 25,009 species from 10 data‐sufficient taxonomic groups) were used. The main purposes of use were pets, display animals, horticulture, and human consumption. Intentional use is currently contributing to elevated extinction risk for 28–29% of threatened or near threatened (NT) species (2752–2848 of 9753 species). Intentional use also affected 16% of all species used (1597–1631 of 10,098). However, 72% of used species (7291 of 10,098) were least concern, of which nearly half (3469) also had stable or improving population trends. The remainder were not documented as threatened by biological resource use, including at least 172 threatened or NT species with stable or improving populations. About one‐third of species that had use documented as a threat had no targeted species management actions to directly address this threat. To improve use‐related red‐list data, we suggest small amendments to the relevant classification schemes and required supporting documentation. Our findings on the prevalence of sustainable and unsustainable use, and variation across taxa, can inform international policy making, including the Intergovernmental Science‐Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, the Convention on Biological Diversity, and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species.

Sand and The City: The historical geography of sand mining in Jeneberang River and its relation to urban development in South Sulawesi

This exploratory research aims to elaborate the historical geography of sand mining in Jeneberang River and analyze its relation to urban development in South Sulawesi. This paper attempts to comprehensively explain and enrich the literature on Jeneberang start from physical setting of Jeneberang River to the history of Makassar and transformation of traditional houses to explain how sand perceived as a commodity and how sand mining has developed. We use a qualitative approach that emphasizes the interpretation of spatiotemporal morphology of sandbanks in Jeneberang River and investigate sand mining activities from time to time. The method consists of a study of Jeneberang historical literature, spatiotemporal analysis, in-depth interviews, and field observations. We find that sands have started to become a commodity since urban development began in South Sulawesi. With volcanic and marine sedimentary rocks dominate the region and the braided river morphology, Jeneberang River is rich of sand and gravel materials. The ‘modern’ architecture brought by the Dutch and South Sulawesi rebellion in 1950 has affected major transformation from wooden traditional houses to concrete-building houses, which indirectly affect the sand mining activities in Jeneberang. No more wooden and bamboo or palm leaves, but sand and gravel for concrete materials. In the current context, Makassar’s rapid urbanization and economic growth in have increased the demand of building materials from Jeneberang River. In addition, rapid urbanization has also been changed the livelihoods of local communities, especially in the suburb to cope with the urban development. Many people who previously work as farmers are now becoming sand miners because they perceive that sand mining is more profitable than agriculture.

The potential, utilization and management of forest biodiversity for the livelihood of local communities in Ratah Watershed, East Kalimantan Province, Indonesia

Forest biodiversity is crucial for the survival of local communities in Mahakam Ulu District, East Kalimantan Province, Indonesia, especially for the Punan Dayak, Bahau Bateq Hwang Lung Gelawang, and Bakumpai Dayak tribes who live in the Ratah Watershed area. For generations, local communities in the Ratah Watershed have had local wisdom to protect the resources in the forest around them. Unfortunately, various problems threaten the existence of forest biodiversity in the Ratah Watershed. The purpose of this study is to show the identification results of the potential, utilization, and management of biodiversity according to local communities in Mahakam Ulu District, East Kalimantan Province, and the threats faced. The data was obtained through interviews with key informants, FGDs, participatory mapping, and field observations with the people of Nyari Bungan Village, Long Gelawang Village, Danum Paroy Village, and Muara Ratah Village. The result of the study indicated that local communities in the Ratah Watershed find it more inconvenient to utilize forest resources because of the diminishing potential for biodiversity. The low level of welfare, unclear village boundaries, overlapping village areas with private companies (timber companies, oil palm) are the main problems. Conservation of biodiversity from forests in the Ratah Watershed requires the cooperation of various parties, especially in increasing community capacity in managing forest resources for better environment.

Development Strategies of the Bahari Jawai Marine Tourism Coast Area Based on Community Empowerment in Sambas Regency

Tourism is an important sector that can increase coastal country’s economies. The industry of tourism has been increasing in recent years and it can generate job opportunities, reduce outward migration, increase the income level, and improve the livelihood of local communities. This paper outlines the potentials and characteristics of natural and human resources as a proponent of the development of marine coast tourism based on community empowerment. This study aims to analyze the potential of resources and the suitability of tourism area which is supporting the attraction of tourists factor to come to Bahari Jawai beach and to develop a strategy for developing the marine tourism area of Sambas Regency based on natural resource potential, perceptions, participation, and aspirations of tourists and the community local. This research method is a descriptive method with the nature of a case study. Data collection was using observation and literature review and was analyzed with quantitative and qualitative analysis on each indicator. The development strategies in this study are 1). Strengthening marine tourism management; 2). Optimizing promotion and socialization on internet media; 3). Optimizing institutional roles in improving coastal security systems and health protocols; 4). Development of accessibility such as supporting facilities for coastal facilities and infrastructure.

The Evidence of Seagrass Environmental Support for Local People’s Economic on the South Coast of Lombok Island

The richness of marine biota associated with seagrass has many economic values and has been used by the community as a source of livelihoods such as fish, mollusks, bivalves, crustaceans, and echinoderms. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the contribution of seagrass and its surrounding environment as a source of livelihood for local communities in the study area. This research method uses observation, interviews, questionnaires, and in-depth discussions. Furthermore, the number of samples was determined by purposive sampling, 265 fishers, 128 local non-fishermen, and 125 tourism service providers. The analysis of the average income of respondents (fishermen) based on animal groups obtained from seagrass and surrounding areas is U$16167.5. Meanwhile, the average income of respondents (local non-fishermen) from seagrass areas, especially housewives, is US$3401.63/season (full moon and dead moon) at low tide. Furthermore, the average income of respondents from providers of tourist services (especially for snorkeling, diving, swimming, and transportation services) is U$19353.85/month. The conclusion is that seagrass conservation can be an economical solution for local communities in a global climate change situation.

Geomorphic change in the Ganges–Brahmaputra–Meghna delta

More than 70% of large deltas are under threat from rising sea levels, subsidence and anthropogenic interferences, including the Ganges–Brahmaputra–Meghna (GBM) delta, the Earth’s largest and most populous delta system. The dynamic geomorphology of this delta is often overlooked in assessments of its vulnerability; consequently, development plans and previous management investments have been undermined by unanticipated geomorphic responses. In this Review, we describe GBM delta dynamics, examining these changes through the Drivers–Pressures–States–Impacts–Responses framework. Since the early Holocene, the GBM delta has evolved in response to a combination of tectonics, geology, changing river discharge and sea level rise, but the dynamics observed today are driven by a complex interplay of anthropogenic interferences and natural background processes. Contemporary geomorphic processes such as shoreline change, channel migration, sedimentation and subsidence can increase flooding and erosion, impacting biodiversity, ground and water contamination and local community livelihoods. Continued human disturbances to the GBM delta, such as curtailing sediment supplies, modifying channels and changing land use, could have a more direct influence on the future geomorphic balance of the delta than anthropogenic climate change and sea level rise. In order to contribute to long-term delta sustainability, adaptation responses must therefore be informed by an understanding of geomorphic processes, requiring increased transdisciplinary research on future delta dynamics at centennial timescales and collaboration across all governing bodies and stakeholders.

Engaging Transformation: Using Seasonal Rounds to Anticipate Climate Change

Seasonal rounds are deliberative articulations of a community’s sociocultural relations with their ecological system. The process of visualizing seasonal rounds informs transdisciplinary research. We present a methodological approach for communities of enquiry to engage communities of practice through context-specific sociocultural and ecological relations driven by seasonal change. We first discuss historical précis of the concept of seasonal rounds that we apply to assess the spatial and temporal communal migrations and then describe current international research among Indigenous and rural communities in North America and Central Asia by the creation of a common vocabulary through mutual respect for multiple ways of knowing, validation of co-generated knowledge, and insights into seasonal change. By investigating the relationship between specific biophysical indicators and livelihoods of local communities, we demonstrate that seasonal rounds are an inclusive and participatory methodology that brings together diverse Indigenous and rural voices to anticipate anthropogenic climate change.

Connectivity conservation: The time is now

The theory and practice of connectivity conservation have matured, and we are now at the point where intentional, landscape-scale ecological networks are poised to play an indispensable role in the drive to protect and conserve at least 30% of the Earth’s lands and waters by 2030. Clearly, achieving the “30x30” goal is an urgent matter as a big step toward what nature needs. The stark conclusions of the latest IPCC report leave no doubt that the 2020s will be a decisive decade for the planet, and there is broad scientific agreement that the biodiversity and climate change emergencies must be met in tandem. For conservationists, this means scaling up both our thinking and our ambitions. While formal protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs; also referred to as “conserved areas”) form the bedrock of conservation, equally important are the connections between and among these areas. The featured theme papers in this issue of Parks Stewardship Forum explain recent advances in connectivity conservation, spelling out what has to happen to hit the 30x30 target, exploring how science and policy are aligning to support the livelihoods of local communities and human rights while contributing to global environmental conservation goals, and providing concrete examples of where and how landscape-scale conservation can be applied to meet the challenges of our time.

Ecological networks and corridors in the context of global initiatives

Ecological connectivity is defined by the United Nations Convention on Migratory Species to be “[t]he unimpeded movement of species and the flow of natural processes that sustain life on Earth.” To conserve these vital links within and across ecosystems and political boundaries, scientists, policymakers, and practitioners around the world are increasing and combining their efforts to provide consistent and focused solutions. The most recent Protected Planet Report reveals that 7.84% of terrestrial protected areas are connected to each other. This remains far short of the stated target of connecting the over 17% of the planet that is now officially protected in one way or another. Much more effort is also required to maintain, enhance, and restore ecological connectivity across the matrix of human uses outside of such areas. The importance of conserving ecological connectivity to protect biodiversity, increase resilience to climate change, and provide the host of other benefits that humans receive from nature is clear and actionable as science and policy align to support the livelihoods of local communities while contributing to global environmental conservation goals.

Contested forest management and the Nepalese Government’s forest policy

Community forest resources have huge potential for improving economic and social outcomes to enhance the livelihoods of local communities. The diversity of stakeholder power and preferences are vital but inconsistent in forest production, distribution management, access, utilisation, and stability among stakeholders at inter-community levels because of defective management of forest resources under existing forest policy. This study aims to find real-life problems of individual categories of stakeholders trying to achieve their preferences. We analyse the preferences and contested roles of the powerful, including forest specialists, and non-powerful actors, including poor, regular users (disadvantaged and socially weaker women). The data are from a random sample of 310 households and 31 Community Forestry User Groups (CFUGs) in Siraha, Saptari and Udaypur Districts, Nepal. We examine the linked Operational Community Forest Management Plan (OCFMP) that determines firewood and timber distribution to households. Descriptive analysis reveals that only 32.5% and 27.4% of households achieved their basic needs for firewood and timber, respectively. Non-powerful stakeholders received significantly less firewood and timber than powerful stakeholders. Econometric analysis indicates that greater per household forest area, age of household head, tree stand pole size and older handed-over and amendments OCFMP of community forestry are significant variables showing that end-user and disadvantaged households receive an inadequate amount of firewood and timber despite sufficient accessible harvestable amounts in the forest. Powerful society members include Executive Committee (EC) members who influence decisions to sell firewood and timber outside the CFUG. It is often assumed that when the prescribed conceptual model and OCFMP are implemented, economic and social, outcomes will flow to end-user households and support local and national development. We provide critical information to policy makers and managers for designing appropriate plans to improve CF economic and social outcomes that make for good CF governance.

Land-Use Change on Community Livelihoods in Tanjung Urban Village, South Purwokerto

<p class='IJASEITAbtract'>Land-use change is a condition when the land has changed in terms of its use. The factor that can affect land-use change is distance and long-stay of the community. Its distance could make a land-use change from the rivers and roads. Land-use change can affect the livelihoods of the local community. This study aimed to evaluate the way land is changed in Tanjung Village, from 2011 to 2017, and its impact on the livelihoods of local communities. At each predetermined sample point, we collected data by interview and direct observation. Determination of sample points using a buffer analysis on satellite imagery. Respondents were selected using the accidental sampling method. To illustrate how urban land functions have changed in Tanjung Village and analyze their impact on livelihoods using spatial descriptive comparative purposes. This research shows that there has been a land-use change in Tanjung Village that is influenced by a physical factor, which is the distance from the rivers and roads, not by a social factor, which is the long stay of the community. Distance from the river 0-100 meters serves as a buffer space ecosystem. Human activity and distance from the river are more than 100 meters the supply of irrigation water to the paddy fields decreases due to high pump costs that can affect the higher chance of land-use change. Land-use change also affects the livelihoods of the local community. 47% of the respondents claimed to have side jobs.

Effects of Decline in Fish Landings on the Livelihoods of Coastal Communities in Central Region of Ghana

Fishing along Ghana’s coast is the main livelihood for local communities, and it contributes significantly to their incomes. Most of them get employment, food security, and access to better health care through fishing activities. However, the fishing industry has been saddled with many challenges in recent times, which has led to low landings. This study aimed to assess the causes and effects of the decline in fish landings on the livelihood of coastal communities in the Central Region of Ghana. The systematic sampling technique was used to randomly select 200 households from four communities. A questionnaire was designed to elicit information from fisherfolk based on Likert scale estimation. In addition, time-series data of fish landings and imports for 51 years (1976–2017) was used in the analysis. The results from the study indicate that fish landings are declining, and this is affecting the income levels of fisherfolk. However, the impact of income decline on the female fisherfolk is lower as compared to their male counterparts. To mitigate against dwindling incomes, the fisherfolk have adopted livelihood diversification coping strategies. The key livelihood options identified in the communities are masonry, trading, and commercial driving. The fisherfolk mentioned overfishing, pollution, use of smaller mesh size nets, and unapproved methods of fishing as drivers of decline in fish landings. This study recommends that mandated institutions with oversight responsibilities in the fishing industry should be strengthened to enable them to conduct their functions effectively, so, they halt the decline in fish catch.

Assessing the potential for collaborative governance to support cumulative effects assessment in the Indigenous Cree territory of Eeyou Istchee, Canada

This paper explores the potential for collaborative governance approaches to support Cumulative Effects Assessment (CEA) in the Cree territory of Eeyou Istchee, located in Northern Quebec, Canada, where a long history of large-scale hydroelectricity development, mining and forestry activities have negatively affected wildlife populations, imposing burdens on the traditional food systems and livelihoods of local Indigenous communities. Drawing on key informant interviews with policy actors from government, non-government and private sector organizations working on Impact Assessment in Eeyou Istchee, the potential for more decentralized and networked approaches to regional wildlife monitoring and baseline data collection in support of CEA is considered. Results suggest a shared willingness to collaborate towards improving the overall regional environmental conditions and to generate long-term data on wildlife population and distribution. Challenges include the absence of essential supporting programs (land-use plans, regional environmental frameworks, lead monitoring agencies, designated funding), and high levels of distrust between proponents and NGOs which combine to suppress the initiation of collaborative governance processes as well as the potential utility of any regional monitoring program that might be established. The need for leadership to facilitate reciprocal knowledge flows among actors, build trust and enable long-term cooperative structures based on a shared vision and goal congruency is identified.

The importance of Ulu Sat Forest Reserve to socio-economic activity of local community

Kelantan state has rich natural landscapes and interesting geological features, which has excellent potential to be developed. Ulu Sat Forest Reserve is one of the important forest reserves that available in Kelantan. It functions as a water catchment area make it very significant to the local community nearby. The study’s aim is to explore the significance of Ulu Sat Forest Reserve to socio-economic of local community. The qualitative approach was executed via focus group discussion and in-depth interview technique with the leader and local communities. This study has found out that Ulu Sat Forest Reserve has played a significant role in the local community livelihood in the context of income resources, traditional medicine resources, water resources, and a preferable recreational place for family. Besides that, this article also discussed a brief background of the local community living near the Ulu Sat Forest Reserve. Discussion on the local community’s demographic is essential to understand their socio-economic activities related to Ulu Sat Forest Reserve. This study indicates that the local community is still dependent on the forest reserve ecosystem and services in their livelihood. The disturbance of the Ulu Sat Forest Reserve ecosystem will cause an indirect negative impact on the tranquillity of the local community.