Natural Resource Management Practices Research Articles

Transformation of the Rural Nonfarm Economy During Rapid Urbanization and Structural Transformation in Developing Regions

This article reviews the past 25 years of empirical research on the rural nonfarm economy (RNFE) in developing countries; that literature has evolved in ways that track and mirror the rural transformation itself. Since 2000, rapid urbanization, structural transformation, and a sharp series of economic, climate, and disease shocks have influenced trajectories in the RNFE. It has grown to become, on average, the predominant source of income for rural households in developing countries. Both segments of the RNFE—activities linked to agricultural value chains as well as those unrelated to the agricultural sector—have grown. Understanding how each component of the RNFE influences rural incomes, employment, resilience, women, youth, and farming and natural resource management practices is, therefore, more important than ever.

Preface

The Second Edition of the International Congress on: Environment and Natural Resources: Challenges and Solutions (ENRSC2023) 30-31th, May 2023, Khenifra, Morocco About the ENRSC2023 Anthropogenic activities have progressed considerably over the last century, especially after the 1950s. The growth of the world population, industrialization, new technologies, the extension of agricultural activities at all levels due to the growing needs of the world population, the overexploitation of natural resources in different environments, etc., have been and remain the driving force behind an unbalanced model of development that has a negative impact on the environment and on natural resources. Indeed, the world is currently facing challenges at all scales, from micro- to macro-environmental issues. The serious challenges to be taken up are major concerning all physical environments - air, soil, and water. The degradation of habitats by various anthropogenic and/or natural activities has a direct impact on biodiversity and consequently on socio-economic development. The International Conference on Environment & Natural Resources: Challenges and Solutions allowed scientists from different universities and institutes to exchange and debate different themes on the environment and natural resources, their challenges, and probable solutions to reduce the environmental impact and suggest better natural resources management practices. Finally, the current global context proves to us, every day, that we must contribute each from one’s position to the mitigation of negative impacts, and that the urgency is to set up concrete and sustainable-integrated actions. After the success of the first edition of the International Congress: Environment and Natural Resources: Challenges and Solutions (ENRSC2021), the coordinating committee has decided to organise the second edition of the Congress 30-31th, May 2023. List of Congress Chairs, Keynote speakers, Organizing Committee, Scientific Committee and ENRSC2023 souvenirs are available in this Pdf.

Analysis of Natural Resources Contracts Related to Article 33 Paragraph 2 and Paragraph 3 of the 1945 Constitution

This article aims to identify challenges in the implementation of Article 33 of the 1945 Constitution in the context of the current global economy and offer a policy reform perspective to align natural resource management practices with the spirit of the constitution. Qualitative research methods are used by reviewing related scientific literature. The findings show a discrepancy between the principle of state control over natural resources and the practice of market liberalization. Key challenges include conflicts between state and market management, neglect of environmental conservation, and misalignment with global commitments to sustainability. To address these challenges, policy reforms are needed that integrate Article 33 principles in regulation, emphasize environmental sustainability, and be consistent with global commitments and public involvement in decision-making. This reform aims to ensure that the management of natural resources complies with the spirit of the constitution and provides maximum benefits for the welfare of the people and environmental sustainability. With these measures, Indonesia can more effectively align natural resource management practices with constitutional principles and achieve better welfare for the people and protect the environment.

Effects of extension service on the uptake of climate-smart sorghum production practices: Insights from drylands of Ethiopia

The promotion of climate-resilient practices (CRPs) requires the development of the capacity of farmers to adopt these practices owing to the knowledge-intensive nature of technologies. Extension services serve as a conduit for facilitating the conceptualization of CRPs and are instrumental in improving the resiliency and mitigation of climate change. We used a social-ecological framework and a multivariate probit model to analyze the drivers of the CRP uptake in moisture-stressed areas in Ethiopia, with a particular focus on extension services. Unlike previous studies that investigated a single technology, we considered a bundle of technologies. We focused on the use of two capital-intensive CRPs (drought-resistant seed and inorganic fertilizer) and four knowledge-intensive CRPs (minimum tillage, farmyard manure, water-saving technology, and crop residue retention). The role of extension services in promoting other CRPs beyond input and capital-intensive technologies was insignificant. Heterogeneity analysis revealed that the correlation between extension services and the adoption of other knowledge-intensive natural resource management practices holds irrespective of the proximity to the extension service providers. This finding highlights the need for targeted and tailored interventions that support farmers to address the challenges faced by them in moisture-stressed areas. Accordingly, we propose continuously improving the ability of the extension service providers to promote climate-change adaptation knowledge and practices. This should be accompanied by efforts to strengthen a pluralistic extension system, improve land tenure security, and decrease transaction costs for farmers through output market linkages.

Law Enforcement Role in the Management of Sustainable Natural Resources

This study aims to analyze the role of law enforcement in sustainable natural resource management. By examining the linkages between regulations, legal compliance, and their impact on the environment, this study strives to identify factors that influence the effectiveness of law enforcement and provide urgent recommendations to improve natural resource management practices. The study discusses the challenges, including limited resources and institutional capacity, legal complexity and inconsistency, the importance of support from local communities, and international cooperation in law enforcement. This research, conducted using the literature study method, gathers data and information from various academic sources such as journal articles, books, research reports, and relevant policy documents. The results of the literature research show that law enforcement plays a key role in ensuring the sustainability of natural resource management but is faced with various challenges, such as capacity limitations, corruption, and legal complexity. Community participation proves important in streamlining law enforcement, as policies involving local stakeholders are more likely to be accepted and followed. Better international cooperation and regulatory harmonization are urgently needed to address weaknesses in transnational law enforcement. There is a pressing need to implement a more integrated approach to law enforcement, which includes public education, institutional capacity building, and increased transparency and accountability in law implementation.

Determinants of adoption of multiple natural resource management practices: a case study from semi-arid tropics of Central India

Determinants of adoption of multiple natural resource management practices: a case study from semi-arid tropics of Central India

Natural resource governance and strategic economic resources: The perspective of Indonesia Raya Incorporated

The study aims to identify and describe the theory of economic development according to the thinking of Indonesia Raya Incorporated (IRI) in managing the interest of natural resources included in strategic economic resources. This study used a qualitative method through a grounded theory approach with constructivism and criticism as the interpretation approach. The data collected through the Focus Group Discussion (FGD) technique was processed using a componential analysis approach. The study results reveal the content of the main variables of economic development, namely the role and function of the government and state enterprises, namely State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) and Regional-Owned Enterprises (ROEs), related to the potential of managing natural resources and other strategic economic resources which are determinants of the economic strata of population or for improving the welfare of the people. These novel findings highlights the significance of natural resource governance and strategic economy, namely the IRI’s perspective on economic development. The theory and conception contribute to deepening knowledge previously proposed in IRI and Murakabi economics. So, this knowledge has implications for natural resources management practices by the government and corporate strategies within the body of SOEs and ROEs in Indonesia and the global world. This includes the possibility of strategies for national and multinational private companies whose main business positions are based on natural resources and strategic economics.

Comparative analysis of forestry systems in the United States and Turkey: Practices, technologies, and challenges

The current study provides a comprehensive comparative analysis of forestry systems in the United States (US) and Turkey, covering various aspects such as forest ownership, natural resources planning, fire management, technological applications, silviculture, forestry education and challenges faced by each country. The findings mainly stems from the author’s first-hand investigations, field observations, and experiences during a postdoctoral research period in the US from 2022 to 2024. Additionally, a variety of information sources, including US forest plans, publications from the US Department of Agriculture Forest Service, relevant peer-reviewed literature, and open-source data, was used in the work employing the verbal analysis method. While certain similarities emerge, particularly in technology utilization and the historical development of forestry education, significant disparities are evident in fire management strategies, land ownership structure, silvicultural practices, and forest planning approaches between the countries. These differences can be attributed to unique environmental and historical conditions, varying economic development levels, and distinct regulatory legislations. The outcomes of this study suggest that there are valuable forestry practices that each country can learn or adopt from the other, emphasizing the potential for mutual exchange and improvement in natural resources management practices.

Traditional ecological knowledge and natural resource management: Some examples from Bangladesh

Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) refers to the knowledge, innovations, and practices of indigenous and local communities around the world. As it includes proven technologies for particular situations, its adoption cuts research costs and time. This paper attempts to find out the scoping of some TEKs on different practices ranging from plain land agriculture, hill farming, agro-biodiversity management, open water fish conservation, disaster management, and other aspects in different situations in Bangladesh. It is an outcome of the authors’ field experiences in the study of local flora, plant uses, and natural resource management practices in the community and a review of related literature. Access to modern facilities, urbanization, and land use changes are now causing many threats to TEK. Documentation and codification of this knowledge and its uses for sustainable development are needed for the betterment of local farmers as well as the preservation of cultural heritage. The knowledge is always changing to cope with socio-cultural needs. So, a fusion of TEK and modern scientific knowledge can help solve the problems encountered in the sustainable management of natural resources. It also needs to be incorporated into school curricula and mainstreamed in the local-level natural resource management planning process. The best practices can also be adopted in natural resource management.

Natural Resource Conflict and Resolution Practice in Nepal

Natural resource conflict and management practices in Nepal have been significant due to the diverse geographical and ecological features as well as socio-economic complexities. Nepal is home to a wide range of natural resources which often become a source of dispute among different stakeholders. The paper explores the conflict associated to Natural resources which covers classes of interest group, disagreements, public protests, physical assaults, and the filing of cases in courts. It has been prepared by collecting data from primary and secondary sources when unstructured observation, focus group discussion and interview with respondent were conducted for primary data and books, journals were used for secondary data. The Balakhu village was selected purposively to study of condition, use pattern of natural resource in the village. Differences between rules and behavior, social relations, and the incompatibility of goals, actions and interactions framed in their specific context and time would be considered in analyzing resource conflict. Such conflict can be resolved by using formal practice of rule and regulation or law and using informal practice of traditional methods.

The Influence of Knickpoint Development and Channel Incision on Riparian Vegetation in Semi‐Arid River Corridors

AbstractHydrogeomorphic processes strongly influence riparian vegetation, but few studies have determined the influence of knickpoint development on these processes. We investigate the influence of knickpoint development and channel incision on flood inundation, channel morphology, and riparian vegetation on the Fremont River in Utah. We conducted topographic surveys (n = 30 transects) and plot‐based vegetation surveys (n = 336) in three 1 km‐long reaches with varying proximities to a human‐created knickpoint. We also developed 1D hydraulic models to assess flood inundation patterns. Our data indicate that knickpoint development affects riparian vegetation composition and abundance through its influence on geomorphic and hydrologic processes. The study reach located just upstream of the knickpoint (R2) had a deeper channel, flooded less frequently, and required higher flows to inundate the floodplain compared to the study reach located 5 km upstream of the knickpoint (R1). Overall mean vegetation abundance (percent cover) was higher in R1 (55.7%) than in R2 (30.1%), and R1 had more occurrences of wet‐adapted (facultative wetland and obligate) species than R2 (198 and 79, respectively). Vegetation in the human‐created abandoned meander reach near the knickpoint (R4) was predominantly dry‐adapted (upland) species. Cross‐reach comparisons and more than 3 m of incision in the knickzone since knickpoint creation indicate that knickpoint development has resulted in channel incision in R2, shifting its vegetation toward more dry‐adapted species reminiscent of the surrounding uplands. This work informs natural resource management practices for habitat in riparian ecosystems and can be applied to rivers in drier regions.

Evaluating green financing mechanisms for natural resource management: Implications for achieving sustainable development goals

China has made noteworthy strides in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including natural resource management. The country’s economic expansion has put more strain on its natural resources during Covid-19 pandemic, which has contributed to environmental deterioration, the extinction of species, and climate change. Consequently, green finance can create new opportunities for assisting natural resource management practices that support environmental, social, and economic sustainability. In order to realize the SDGs, this study employs a hybrid Fuzzy Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) approach based on the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Visekriterijumska Optimizacija i Kompromisno Resenje (VIKOR) to assess and prioritize important criteria, sub-criteria, and green financing mechanisms for natural resource management in China. Therefore, this study identified six criteria, eighteen sub-criteria, and six green financing strategies for promoting sustainable development and natural resource management methods in China. According to the Fuzzy AHP findings, financial sustainability (0.192), institutional feasibility (0.176), and environmental impact (0.171) are the most crucial criteria. While, the Fuzzy VIKOR findings reveal that carbon markets, green bonds, and green investment funds are the best financial solutions for reaching sustainable development and effective resource management practices in China. This research enables policymakers, investors, and other stakeholders improve sustainable development and natural resource management in China.

Natural resource management model under governance conflicts in Vietnam: A data-driven analysis

This study supplements the literature of natural resource management under governance confliction context that can reduce the conflicts, strengthen the institutional frameworks, contribute to better governance, more sustainable resource use, and provide better long-term outcomes for the society and ecological system. Governments have devoted great courtesy to the governance conflicting and volatility in a natural resource management structure; however, dealing with this problematic issue is rough. This study seeks to appraise a natural resource management model and its interrelationship under governance conflict in Vietnam. A hybrid of content analysis, fuzzy Delphi method, interpretive structural modeling, and fuzzy decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory is adopted. The results show that there are 22 valid criteria and grouped into five aspects as the hierarchical model, in which the political structure, societal incorporation, and institute externality are the causing aspects. The top importance criteria are indicated as co-management, decentralization, public participation, resilience, and sustainable development, bring such implication for natural resource management practice.

Indonesia’s Renewable Natural Resource Management in the Low-Carbon Transition: A Conundrum in Changing Trajectories

A paradigm shift is required to transform current natural resource management (NRM) in Indonesia’s decision to move into low-carbon development to achieve the greenhouse gas emission target. No study has been conducted to assess whether or not the current approaches are reliable in anticipating the conundrum of the new juncture. We reviewed 10 cases of NRM practices in Indonesia from 2019–2023 collected from the Scopus dataset by integrating the prisoner’s dilemma approach into the socio-ecological framework to analyze the practices and the anticipated gaps. Our finding revealed that socio-economic governance is the dominant view in interpreting the competition between personal and collective interests in NRM. Seeing NRM as an allocation problem and the excessive use of the legal normative approach in interpreting and addressing the problem are flaws in the approach. Combining the prisoner’s dilemma approach with the socio-ecological governance framework enabled us to address the flaws. Promoting polycentric governance that accommodates social trust, reciprocities, and socio-ecological beliefs and reduces uncertainties about ownership and the resources necessary to reduce defective behavior is a solution to transform the structure of the competition. Revising the socio-economic payoff into a socio-ecological value-oriented institution is the strategy to address the conundrum.

Preface

About the ENRSC2021Anthropogenic activities have progressed considerably over the last century, especially after the 1950s. The growth of the world population, industrialization, new technologies, the extension of agricultural activities at all levels due to the growing needs of the world population, the overexploitation of natural resources in different environments, etc., have been and remain the driving force behind an unbalanced model of development that has a negative impact on the environment and on natural resources. Indeed, the world is currently facing challenges at all scales, from micro- to macro-environmental issues. The serious challenges to be taken up are major concerning all physical environments - air, soil, and water. The degradation of habitats by various anthropogenic and/or natural activities has a direct impact on biodiversity and consequently on socio-economic development. The International Conference on Environment & Natural Resources: Challenges and Solutions allowed scientists from different universities and institutes to exchange and debate different themes on the environment and natural resources, their challenges, and probable solutions to reduce the environmental impact and suggest better natural resources management practices. Finally, the current global context proves to us, every day, that we must contribute each from one’s position to the mitigation of negative impacts, and that the urgency is to set up concrete and sustainable-integrated actions.List of Congress Chairs, Keynote speakers, Invited speakers, Editorial Committee, Organizing Committee, Scientific Committee are available in this pdf.

One health the future of rural health?

One health the future of rural health?

Morphometric analysis for sustainable development of natural resource management by using remote sensing and GIS techniques in Tikamgarh District, M.P., Central India

Study of morphometric parameters decides the suitable location and adjustable natural resource management (NRM) practices along with durability and sustainability. Morphometric study of a region provides the various geological, topographical and others parameters which supports during the design and implantations of various water conservation approaches. Garhkundar –Dabar (GKD) watershed having two parts as first treated watershed and second control watershed, located in Tikamgarh District of Madhya Pradesh, Central India was selected for this analysis. ArcGIS ver. 10.3 was used for analysis and found IVth order stream in treated watershed area of 850 ha (8.50 km2) and IInd order stream in control watershed area of 268 ha (2.68 km2). In treated watershed, 19 streams were found in first order while 12, 5 and 1 streams were obtained in second, third and fourth order respectively. Similarly, 6 and 4 streams were found in first and second order respectively in control watershed. This study conclude all aspects of morphometric parameters viz. linear, areal and relief which elaborate the geometric as well as topographic features to support and identified the best location for various conservation interventions and their implementation with a long sustainability. RS and GIS based morphometric analysis provides the way of replication of conservation practices and suggested for sustainable conservation treatment and watershed development.

Rethinking Human–Nature Relationships: Daoism’s Contribution to Transcultural Sociotechnical Imaginaries

Humans’ imaginaries toward nature have profound implications for environmental governance and natural resource management strategies. Driven by relentless technological advancement, such imaginaries have undergone a series of transformations. Through a phenomenological and social constructivist perspective, this article aims to explore and explain the dynamics of transcultural sociotechnical imaginaries found in the connection between Western posthumanism’s relational perspective on humans, nonhuman entities, and agency, on the one hand, and the emphasis on human–nature unity in the Chinese Daoist tradition, on the other hand. We argue that, by displacing an anthropocentric and Eurocentric frame, such transnational deliberation efforts grounded in a relational, geo-centered, and mediated frame offer planetary viewpoints to tackle the vast challenges currently faced by humanity. This discourse provides an alternative way of thinking to approach current environmental governance and natural resource management practices in the context of the increasing interconnectedness and cultural plurality of globalization. Hence, this article suggests exploring the potentials of the ideas of dwelling, landscapes, new ecologies, and mutual embeddedness suggested by Daoism and critical more-than-human geography at a local scale, which will pave the way for pragmatic pluralism and cultivate new attitudinal dispositions and capacity for systemic change. Key Words: Daoism, environmental governance, human–nature relationship, postenlightenment, sociotechnical imaginaries.

Helping feed the world with rice innovations: CGIAR research adoption and socioeconomic impact on farmers

Rice production has increased significantly with the efforts of international research centers and national governments in the past five decades. Nonetheless, productivity improvement still needs to accelerate in the coming years to feed the growing population that depends on rice for calories and nutrients. This challenge is compounded by the increasing scarcity of natural resources such as water and farmland. This article reviews 17 ex-post impact assessment studies published from 2016 to 2021 on rice varieties, agronomic practices, institutional arrangements, information and communication technologies, and post-harvest technologies used by rice farmers. From the review of these selected studies, we found that stress-tolerant varieties in Asia and Africa significantly increased rice yield and income. Additionally, institutional innovations, training, and natural resource management practices, such as direct-seeded rice, rodent control, and iron-toxicity removal, have had a considerable positive effect on smallholder rice farmers’ economic well-being (income and rice yield). Additional positive impacts are expected from the important uptake of stress-tolerant varieties documented in several Asian, Latin American, and African countries.

Principles or Practice? The Impact of Natural Resource Management on Farmer Well-being and Social Connectedness

Ensuring natural resource management (NRM) positively impacts the quality of life of a farmer is important to farmer mental health and persistence with adoption. Evidence suggests the well-being co-benefits of NRM are related to either ‘doing’ NRM practices or applying socioecological systems (SES) principles to guide NRM. We examine the relationship between a common NRM practice—tree planting, and farmer well-being, psychological distress, and social connectedness. Using hierarchical regression models, we test to see if these relationships remain with the addition of a measure of SES principles. Results show that while NRM practice was associated with improved social connectedness, only SES principles were associated with well-being. Neither NRM practice nor SES principles were associated with psychological distress. Both NRM practices and SES principles have the potential to positively impact farmers' lives and ensuring NRM programs have co-benefits to farmer well-being may help to encourage long-term engagement.