Livelihoods Of Local People Research Articles

A Novel Method for Estimating Biomass and Carbon Sequestration in Tropical Rainforest Areas Based on Remote Sensing Imagery: A Case Study in the Kon Ha Nung Plateau, Vietnam

Forest ecosystems play a key role in sustaining life on this planet, given their functions in carbon storage, oxygen production, and the water cycle. To date, calculations of the biomass and carbon absorption capacity of forest ecosystems—especially tropical rainforests—have been quite limited, especially in Vietnam. By applying remote sensing materials, geographic information systems (GIS) facilitate the synchronized estimation of both biomass and ability of forest ecosystems to absorb carbon over large spatial ranges. In this study, we calculated the biomass of tropical rainforest vegetation in the Kon Ha Nung Plateau, Vietnam, according to four regression models based on Sentinel-2 satellite image data, forest reserve maps, and forest survey standard cell data (including 19 standard cells for 2016 and 44 standard cells for 2021). The results of the data comparison for the four biomass computing models (log-log, log-lin, lin-log, and lin-lin) demonstrated that the models with the highest accuracy were the lin-log model for 2016 (with a correlation coefficient of R2 = 0.76) and the lin-log model for 2021 (with a correlation coefficient of R2 = 0.765). Based on the analytical results and the selection of biomass estimation models, biomass maps were developed for the Kon Ha Nung Plateau area, Vietnam, in 2016 and 2021, with a predominant biomass value of 80–180 tons/ha (Mg/ha); furthermore, biomass fluctuations were analyzed for the period 2016–2021. Accordingly, the ability to absorb carbon and CO2 equivalents in this research area for 2016 and 2021 was calculated based on the estimated biomass values. In summary, we present a method for estimating biomass via four basic linear regression models for tropical rainforest areas based on satellite image data. This method can serve as a basis for managers to calculate and synchronize the payment of carbon services, which contributes to promoting the livelihoods of local people.

Diversity and management of homestead resources: The case of Sandwip Upazila, Chittagong, Bangladesh

Abstract Homestead resource utilization is widespread in Asia, while centuries of traditional approaches have been increasing throughout South Asia. Homestead resources are vital to maintaining sustainable life and livelihood of local people in Bangladesh and people in remote areas as coastal zones are mostly engaged with their homestead resources. The study was conducted in Sandwip Upazila (sub-district) of Chittagong district to assess the diversity of plant species, species richness, homestead management practices, and their contribution to the socio-economic condition of the rural households. Ninety household interviews were conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire following stratified sampling to fulfill objectives. A total of 57 tree species under 28 families, including timber, fruits, fuel wood, and multi-purpose tree species were found in the study area. Among the identified 57 tree species under 28 families, 49% are fruit species, while the mean value of Shannon-Wiener Index and evenness of species were 3.32 and 1.89, respectively. Also, the Species Richness Index for Maitbhanga and Sarikait unions was 15.20 and 15.36, respectively, while 52% of the respondents identified market or private nurseries as their source of planting materials. Besides, 71.11% of the respondents replied that protection measures are taken for protecting planting seedlings, while seedlings were used mostly for a better survival rate. Damaged by animals, storms, and pests were identified as most problems faced by households in homestead resource management. This study may help policymakers, including local communities to take proper necessary actions to ensure sustainable management of diversity of homestead resources in local areas of Bangladesh.

The diversity of wild Tampoi (Baccaurea, Phyllantaceae) and their potential to improve the livelihoods of local people in Aceh, Indonesia

Baccaurea are a group of tropical indigenous plants with a high potential of improving food security and public health, particularly in rural areas. The majority of them are found growing wild in the forest and have not been fully explored. Several reports also revealed that the increasing rate of deforestation in recent years, as well as the trend of decreasing knowledge among local people regarding wild species, pose a threat to their existence in nature. As a result, the aim of this study is to determine the diversity of Baccaurea and their relevance to local people in two districts: South Aceh and Southwest Aceh. The plant specimens were collected using an exploratory method, while information on their usage was obtained from literature studies as well as interviews with local people. A total of 9 species were found growing wild in the forests and farmland, such as Baccaurea brevipes Hook.F., B. deflexa Müll.Arg., B. lanceolata Müll.Arg., B. macrocarpa Müll.Arg., B. macrophylla Müll.Arg., B. parviflora Müll.Arg., B. polyneura Hook.F., B. racemosa (Reinw. Ex Bl) Müll.Arg., and B. sumatrana (Miq.) Müll.Arg. All the specimens have the potential to be a source of food, medicinal ingredients, and wood for construction.

Kearifan Lokal dalam Novel Ikhtiar Cinta dari Adonara Karya J.S Maulana

Literary work is an imaginative form of the author about the reality of the lives of local people. In the creation of literary works the authors photographed real life, including raising the local wisdom values of the culture of local people in the background of the story. Local wisdom should be kept and kept preserved, one of which explores the values of wisdom on cultural elements in the novel. The approach in this study is a qualitative speech with a descriptive method of analysis. The source of the data used is derived from J. S. Maulana's Endeavar Cinta from Adonara, with a study object of local wisdom reflected in cultural elements. The data is collected by the library study methods and the collection techniques are read, mark and classify. The data analysis method used is a descriptive analytical method.

Analyzing the multi-hazard coastal vulnerability of Matla–Bidya inter-estuarine area of Indian Sundarbans using analytical hierarchy process and geospatial techniques

In the current global climate change era, the Indian Sundarbans Delta (ISD) is severely exposed to multiple environmental disasters especially high-intensity tropical cyclones, storm surges and flood inundation. These disasters threaten the lives and livelihoods of coastal communities. To formulate a disaster risk reduction strategy, it is necessary to identify priority areas based on their level of vulnerability. Therefore, this research aims to assess the multi-hazard coastal vulnerability of the Matla–Bidya Inter-estuarine (MBI) area of ISD considering exposure, sensitivity, and adaptability. The coastal vulnerability was derived in this study based on a total of 26 indicators using the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) in combination with remote sensing data and geospatial techniques. To better understand the impacts of recent natural disasters, a field survey was conducted in each village from 2020 to 2021 to collect information directly from households regarding the effects of recent disasters on the different aspects of livelihoods. The present study found that the coastal villages in the Basanti and Gosaba Blocks located within the southern MBI are the most vulnerable due to coastal proximity, tropical cyclones, storm surges and flooding incidents. The high exposure and sensitivity cause potential effects on coastal environments and a lack of resistance to environmental disasters, leading to a considerable increase in coastal vulnerability. Local people's livelihoods are at risk in almost 33% of MBI villages. In contrast, villages in the northern MBI, in the Canning II Block are less susceptible to the effects of extreme events due to better resilience. This village-level multi-hazard vulnerability study helps to identify priority areas considering the vulnerability level of each village and accordingly proposed effective strategic planning for environmental and socio-economic resilience.

Contribution of Non-Timber Forest Products to Local Communities: The Case of Belete Gera Forest, Southwest Ethiopia

Forests provides non-timber forest products (NTFPs), which support the livelihoods of hundreds of millions of people worldwide. Studies on the contribution of NTFPs to local people's livelihood improvement and poverty alleviation have grown in popularity. However, information on the contribution of NTFPs to annual household income is limited. The purpose of this study is to assess the role of NTFPs in local peoples' livelihoods. The study employed a multistage sampling technique. A structured questionnaire was used to collect information during a face-to-face interview. Furthermore, key informant interviews and focus group discussions were used to collect data on major NTFPs and triangulate data from HHs surveyed. An interview was conducted with 181 households in and around the forest at random. The most important NTFPs extracted from the forest were forest coffee, honey, charcoal, Aframomum kororima, fuel wood, lianas, Rhamnus prinoides, and medicinal plants. According to the findings, after crop production, NTFPs were the second most important source of income, accounting for 28% of total household income on average. Household NTFP contributions vary by wealth category, with poor (46%) and medium (40%) households contributing more than rich (14%). In general, income from various NTFPs contributes significantly to the annual income of local households, providing an important incentive to conserve forest resources in a sustainable manner. Better policies and strategies are required to sustain local people's livelihoods while conserving forest resources.

Exploring Well-Being in the Work and Livelihoods of Local People During the 2011 Flood in Thailand

Thailand has faced many flooding crises, especially in 2011, which caused widespread damage to industrial parks and community zones. However, the negative consequences of flooding on the local people and workers in industrial zones have been little studied. This study focuses on the impacts of flooding after 2011 on the well-being of residents in industrial zones in terms of their work and livelihoods. Community-based research was used to explore the effects of floods on 647 respondents who worked in Rojana Industrial Park (N = 247) and those who lived around the park (N = 400). A questionnaire survey was conducted in February 2020. The results showed adverse impacts on the economy, accommodation, and well-being of both the local inhabitants and workers, whose monthly incomes and overtime jobs decreased significantly compared to before the disaster. However, local people suffered more from low incomes than workers of the company, as the employees’ work status was maintained during the crisis. Japanese company culture is investigated as a factor in the higher resilience and recovery levels of company employees than the Rojana community. In addition, the workers were evacuated to other accommodations until the company recovered, while locals remained in their flooded homes. In addition, most respondents reported that mental health impacts were more likely to affect their mental health. For effective recovery and flood risk management, the government should follow up on employment, accommodation, and livelihood after a sudden flood, especially for the local people. A greater understanding of community risk, community engagement, and awareness-raising activities can enhance readiness, response, recovery, and resilience in disaster management by government, businesses, and local communities.

Desain Edible Landscape, Bentuk Pertanian Kota Yang Meningkatkan Estetika Dan Ketahanan Pangan

Edible landscape is one of the multifunctional approaches in landscape planning specifically urban agricultural landscape planningbecause it can increase the beauty of the area and at the same time strengthen local food security, as well as other ecological, social and economic functions. Various choices of edible landscape designs are needed that take into account space limitations to support effective and efficient land use. The purpose of this paper is to provide several choices of edible landscape designs, especially for urban areas in improving aesthetics and food production. The research was carried out from mid-July to the end of August 2022. The data collection method used the documentation method through the collection of literature studies related to the edible landscape. The design method (design creation) is carried out through the stages of preparation, inventory, analysis, synthesis, concept generation, planning, and design (Saroinsong, 2022). Several designs were made to be an option or reference for the idea of developing an edible landscape in urban areas. To increase community support and involvement, the design took into account the limitations of land, the principle of multifunctionality, ease of cultivation and harvesting, and emphasized that the selection of edible plants is related to the daily lives of local people. The conclusion of this research is that the edible landscape design applies the concept of multifunctional land and approaches to community involvement and empowerment.

Traditional knowledge of land management in Maybrat District, West Papua Province, Indonesia: implication for agriculture development

Abstract. Sagrim M. 2022. Traditional knowledge of land management in Maybrat District, West Papua Province, Indonesia: implication for agriculture development. Biodiversitas 23: 4145-4152. Traditional concepts of land management have been part of the local people in Maybrat, West Papua, Indonesia for generations. On the other hand, the governments, either at central, provincial, or local levels, promote agricultural development to enhance the well-being of the community in Maybrat and Papua in general. Thus, it is interesting to look at whether traditional knowledge and practices of land management in Maybrat can be aligned with development policies enacted by the governments. This research aimed to investigate the traditional knowledge of land management in Maybrat District to support agricultural development using an application of the socio-cultural approach. A semi-structured interview was applied for data collection representing communities of 24 sub-districts in Maybrat District. In total, 200 informants were selected purposively to obtain perceptual knowledge of the land-use system. The results showed that the local people benefit from natural resources in terms of social prominence, ecological prominence, economic prominence, medicinal prominence, energy prominence, and construction prominence. Agriculture is the main land use in Maybrat where it supports the livelihood of local people, especially in terms of economic benefit. Furthermore, the local people in Maybrat have been conducting their local wisdom to preserve the natural resource by using the traditional concepts where the local people have realized the function of vegetated land. Hence, development programs in the agricultural sector promoted by the regional or national governments could accommodate the local knowledge in land management. Yet, assessing the biophysical factors is necessary to monitor the dynamic of land management to achieve sustainability in socio-cultural, economic, and ecological aspects.

PENGARUH HARGA DAN FAKTOR PSIKOLOGIS TERHADAP KEPUTUSAN PEMESANAN AKOMODASI MELALUI ONLINE TRAVEL AGENT

This study aims to identify the effect of price and psychological factors on accommodation booking decisions through the Airbnb application. Data collection in this research was carried out by observation, interview, questionnaire and literature study techniques. The data analysis technique used is descriptive quantitative analysis and multiple linear regression analysis. The results of this study are expected to reveal whether tourists who book accommodation through Airbnb are merely motivated by the desire to get accommodation at a low price. Are psychological factors consisting of variables of motivation, perception, learning, and attitudes related to the desire of tourists to learn new things such as knowing the lives of local people also influence tourists in booking accommodation via Airbnb. The results of this study are independent variables consisting of price variables (X1), perception variables (X3), learning variables (X4), attitude variables (X5) significantly influence the dependent variable, namely the accommodation booking variable (Y). Whereas the motivation variable (X2) which is related to the trend indicator of the use of technology to book accommodations anywhere and anytime has no significant effect in booking accommodations through Airbnb's Online Travel Agent.

Linking Pattern to Process: Intensity Analysis of Land-Change Dynamics in Ghana as Correlated to Past Socioeconomic and Policy Contexts

Spatio-temporal analysis of transitions in land cover is critical to understanding many ecological challenges, especially in environmentally vulnerable regions. For instance, in Sub-Saharan Africa, large-scale cropland expansion is expected due to the increasing demand for fuel, food, and fibre. Clearing land for cropland expansion is a driving factor in the degradation of natural ecosystems. We present a spatio-temporal analysis of land-cover change in Ghana’s Northern, Upper East, and Upper West provinces using Intensity Analysis on the periods from 1992 to 2003 and 2003 to 2015. The objectives of this study were to determine whether the intensity of land-use and land-cover (LULC) change is consistent between the two periods and to investigate the direction and extent of change for different LULC categories in northern Ghana. The methodology measures land-cover changes at the interval, category, and transition levels. The results suggest that the annual rate of land change was higher between 1992 and 2003 compared to that between 2003 and 2015. Furthermore, the category-level analysis reveals that the gains in the arable land and tree/forest-cover classes during both time intervals were higher than the uniform intensity. The transition-level analysis results indicate that most of the gains in arable land and tree/forest-cover came at the cost of semi-arid shrublands during both periods. There is also evidence of local increases in forest-cover, likely linked to afforestation policies established by the Ghanian government; however, overall, there has been a loss of natural habitat. The study provides data to improve our understanding of the magnitude and direction of land-cover change, essential for the development of policies designed to mitigate the impact of land-cover change on the livelihoods of local people and the environment at the national and sub-national levels.

American College Towns as a Road Map for Rural Community Colleges to Imprint Higher Education into Community

Rural community colleges are uniquely situated to physically and subtly embed educational imprints into the everyday lives of local people. This reflective article explores how the everyday characteristics of American college towns offer a potential road map for rural community colleges to structure educational imprints into the lifeblood of local towns. This road map is in service of building cultural ecosystems to positively shape the educational trajectories of local people in rural places. Drawing primarily on a multi-year research project that involved physically visiting 100 American college towns, I also draw on campus visits to hundreds of rural community colleges and thousands of small towns across North America to offer ideas related to embedded cultures and rural ways of knowing. The article concludes with specific examples of a few college town characteristics and practical steps for rural community college administrators to embed educational imprints into rural places.

The role of knowledge in supporting the revitalisation of traditional landscape governance through social innovation in Slovakia

AbstractIn this paper, we determine the role of knowledge in the development and consolidation of social innovation (SI) on the revitalisation of traditional farming in marginalised rural settings. We seek to address the following questions: (i) how the co‐production of knowledge in SI initiatives for the revitalisation of traditional farming might influence its development path, and (ii) how the networking of local and external actors accelerates knowledge co‐production and triggers the reconfiguration of social practices towards sustainability transformation. To answer these questions, we applied mixed‐method approach by investigating the example of SI initiative (the case of Vlkolínec UNESCO site in Slovakia). We conducted a focus group, semi‐structured and structured interviews, historical analysis and social network analysis with the actors involved in the SI. Based on the empirical results we revealed how mix of local and external knowledge and knowledge co‐production can enhance the development of SI through the networking of numerous local stakeholders, particularly science and policy representatives. This knowledge sharing and knowledge co‐production strengthened the development path of the SI in seeking to initiate effective measures for local people to return to traditional small‐scale farming, supporting traditional crafts, creating new green jobs and conditions for improving the quality of life for local people, and new services for sustainable tourism. Our results highlight the importance of external knowledge in the expansion of bonding social capital, and the establishment of a regional knowledge network of local and external actors to trigger SI in rural areas. The analyses reveal that multi‐actor networks that support knowledge exchange play an important role in SI development paths.

Interaksi Etnik Lokal dan Pendatang: Studi Tentang Perubahan Struktur Keluarga di Kota Bengkulu

This study aims to analyze the interaction between ethnic groups and changes in the family structure of the Minangkabau, Javanese, and local ethnic groups in Bengkulu City. This research uses a qualitative approach with an analytical descriptive method. The results of the study explain that: First, the interaction pattern carried out by each ethnic Javanese, Minang and local ethnic is an associative interaction, where the interaction that arises is the self-awareness of each ethnicity of the importance of the meaning of life interacting without having to contradict even though different ethnicity or ethnicity they come from. In fact, in the local people's life, even though they live side by side with multi-ethnic groups, there has never been friction or inter-ethnic conflict. Second, in the Minang ethnic there is a trend to change the kinship system from matrilineal to bilateral kinship system, as result there is also a shift in the role of the powerful and responsible from uncle to father who is in charge and responsible for the family. Thirdly, in Javanese, no fundamental change finding, but the change lies only in the calling of everyone in the family.

Environmental justice and the politics of coal‐fired thermal power in Vietnam's Mekong Delta

Coal‐fired thermal power has recently become one of the most pressing issues in Vietnam's development agenda. The country's economic development, industrialization and modernization, and population increases have put increasing pressure on energy demands. The Vietnamese government sees coal‐fired power as a way forward in ensuring energy security, which had led to the planning and construction of plants nationwide, particularly from 2016. Simultaneously, a growing anti‐coal power development movement argues that coal‐fired power adversely transforms local people's lives and livelihoods, and negatively impacts the ecological balance in plant locations. Through the lens of environmental justice, this paper examines the development of Vietnam's power sector with a focus on coal‐fired thermal power and its impacts on local livelihoods, food production and water resources. The paper argues that Vietnam's development of coal‐fired power is about much more than energy. It speaks to the state's rule over resources, and how this very process of power generation disproportionately affects local communities in the Mekong Delta.

THE BEHAVIOUR OF TRAVELLERS IN THE TRANSITION TO RESPONSIBLE TOURISM: THE CASE OF THE BALTIC SEA REGION

Changes in travellers’ behaviour are among the most significant issues in the recent revolution of the tourism industry. The perception of perceived value and quality lead to rethinking priorities and choices while travelling. The purpose of the article is to analyse the expression of travellers’ behaviour orientation towards the key elements of responsible tourism in the countries of the Baltic Sea Region. The findings of quantitative research, which has been carried out in the form of survey, reveal that the behaviour of travellers of the Baltic Sea Region confirms that responsible tourism has become a way of thinking. The transition to responsible tourism is primarily driven by tourism destination-related elements and the strength of the impact related to maintaining the quality of life of local people, redistributing the benefits of tourism for travel destinations, enhancing the value and distinctiveness of the travel destination product, and maintaining long-term attractiveness, within the capacity of the travel destination and efficient use of its tourism resources. It may be the direction towards more sustainable and responsible future of traveling.

The role of natural disasters in the semiotic transformations of culture: the case of the volcanic eruptions of Mt. Merapi, Indonesia

Abstract This study examines the entanglements of natural disasters and cultural changes from an ecosemiotic point of view. Taking the case of Mt. Merapi’s periodic eruptions and the locals’ interpretations of such constant natural hazards, it is based on empirical data gathered through longitudinal qualitative fieldworks on the local communities surrounding this volcano. In order to adapt to the constant natural hazards in their environment, disaster prone societies develop unique sign systems binding cultural and natural processes. This study shows that traditionally, unique sensorial-environmental sign systems have formed the basis of communication between human and environment, allowing the locals to perceive the eruption as a communication involving them and local environmental agencies. Recently, the eruptions have triggered the adoption of new livelihoods of local people, as well as the acceptance of new scientific signs for the interpretation of the activities of the volcano. The latter has been accompanied by significant cultural changes, including the adoption of the idea of progress and the transformation of the previous entanglements of local culture and its natural environment. The study concludes that natural disasters, entangled with ongoing social transformations, may play a fundamental role as triggers of semiotic change in a community. Such semiotic change can in turn modify the interpretation of the natural disaster itself, and in that way shift the way humans perceive and interact with their environment.

Decolonizing Sociology for Social Justice in Bangladesh: Delta Scholarship Matters

Sociology is one of the major disciplines to foster understanding and protection of the livelihoods of local people. For instance, the discipline can describe the linkage between the environment and people and the effects of environmental change on local groups of people in a Delta country such as Bangladesh. However, the imperial philosophy of modernity that dominates the discipline and which is evident in the Sociology department at the University of Dhaka (UofD) underscores a considerable distance between academic conceptualizations of local perspectives on issues such as climatic change and the actual views of the local people of Bangladesh. Grounded on this assertion, this paper explores a question: What are the challenges for Sociology to represent Delta people and protect their social justice? The paper depends on the content analysis of sociological practices at UofD: imperial modernity and climatic adaptation. The findings of the paper argue that Sociology has been failing to represent the local meanings of climatic change due to the domination of imperial conceptualizations of modernity. Climate finance conceptualized by a Western perspective, and Sociology, as a discipline, fails to represent locally contextualized meanings related to climate finance; thus, the marginalized groups of people are increasingly facing survival challenges responsible for climate apartheid. Only a decolonized Sociology can challenge this imperial domination and play an effective role in reducing the discipline’s gap of understanding of the local people and in promoting social justice in Delta Bangladesh.

Effects of conservation measures on crop diversity and their implications for climate-resilient livelihoods: the case of Rupa Lake Watershed in Nepal

Agrobiodiversity conservation is vital for achieving sustainability, but empirical studies on the effects of different practices or measures on crop diversity are rare. This study aims to estimate the effects of raising conservation awareness (RCA), building diversity blocks (BDB), and their combination on crop diversity among 240 randomly selected households surrounding the Rupa Lake Watershed in Nepal. Based on descriptive analysis and multiple regression models, the results indicate that the two single measures had no significant effect on the numbers of crop species and varieties grown by households in 2018. However, the combination of RCA and BDB had a significantly positive effect on the number of crop varieties, especially for grain and vegetable crops. Considering that these crops are essential in the daily lives of local people, the results indicate that a strategy that combines both awareness raising and on-farm conservation measures can generate higher crop diversity and better serve the climate-resilient livelihoods of people in mountainous areas.

ANTHROPOGENIC ACTIVITIES OF ILLEGAL MINE RESISTANCE TO THE ENVIRONMENT AND SOCIAL ECONOMIC DYNAMICS

This study aims to assess the anthropogenic activities of illegal mining on the environment and socio-economic dynamics at the location of gold mining without a permit in Madong Raya Village, Tanah Pinoh District, Melawi Regency. The research approach is qualitative with the aim of producing a descriptive analysis related to the data collected based on the construction of existing theories and literature. Field findings reveal that anthropogenic activities are still carried out by local communities in the defense of illegal mining and have an impact on environmental degradation and meet daily needs in financing families and the strength of interaction between residents in utilizing natural resources. Research data analysis was carried out in a descriptive way, namely the impact of illegal mining and social impacts society from anthropogenic activities causing prolonged degradation. Anthropogenic activities cause the decline in environmental quality and local people's livelihoods in meeting daily needs as well as developing community capacity and empowerment in a participatory, equitable, and environmentally friendly manner so as to create social and economic resilience as well as resilience to the effects of external changes by not carrying out mining activities. gold is illegal considering that there are casualties due to the mining