Rural Development Research Articles

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.

The Sustainability of the Therapeutic Cannabis Sector in Colombia

The medical cannabis industry in Colombia is recognized as an emerging industry, and the development of the regulatory framework stimulated the interest of entrepreneurs in creating companies for medicinal purposes. The objective of the work was to examine the key components of the sustainability of the therapeutic cannabis sector in Colombia. In this sense, the study with a mixed approach and analytical scope included a review of the theoretical aspects and regulatory framework. A statistical analysis was carried out to determine the perception of potential clients of the medicinal cannabis industry. A downward projection was found in the number of licenses granted. In conclusion, the therapeutic cannabis sector in Colombia shows promising potential, and its long-term sustainability requires addressing the gaps identified in the implementation of policies, improving social inclusion, promoting innovation for the development of high value-added products, and ensuring environmentally sustainable practices. From a social perspective, the industry promises to generate employment and boost rural development. Environmentally, the industry could contribute to reducing deforestation associated with illicit crops. The sustainability of the sector is an achievable goal, but it will require coordinated efforts in the regulatory, economic, social and environmental spheres to materialize its potential.

Excellence in the management of local action groups: an empirical investigation of critical success factors

PurposeThis study aims to evaluate the extent to which the criteria of the EFQM Excellence Model and the relationships between them are relevant in the management of rural territory development. Verifying this relevance is crucial as a first step to determine how the adoption of an excellence model could enhance the results of the local action groups (LAGs) in managing their territories. If successful, the benefits for the management of territorial rural development in Spain could be highly significant.Design/methodology/approachField data were collected through a questionnaire distributed to the managers of 253 LAGs in Spain during the first quarter of 2021. Hypotheses were formulated to evaluate the significance of the EFQM model in the outcomes achieved by LAGs. The data were analysed using partial least squares-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) and necessary conditions analysis (NCA).FindingsThis study validates all the formulated assumptions regarding the EFQM model, including the mediating role of process management in the impact of strategy and the technical team (people) on outcomes. Based on the obtained results, it can be concluded that the adoption of a model of excellence could increase the effectiveness of LAGs in managing the development of their territories.Research limitations/implicationsLike all research, this study has its limitations. For example, the data used responds to an indirect approach to the criteria of the EFQM model. Direct measurement of the criteria was not possible because there were no LAG evaluations with the EFQM model or any other model of excellence. Additionally, the LAG sample used does not equally reflect the reality of the different autonomous communities, which, together with the relatively small nature of the sample, does not allow comparisons of the autonomous communities. The age of the participants was not included in the analysis, so it was not possible to evaluate the effect that this variable could have on the results. There are LAGs in other EU countries as well. It would be interesting to see whether the results obtained in this study with Spanish LAGs are consistent with those in other countries. The study was conducted at the criterion level. It would be of interest to delve deeper into the subcriterion level in future work. Finally, this study was based on the EFQM 2013, while the most recent study was from 2020, which is a limitation. When the study was designed, there was not yet sufficient experience with the 2020 model. It will be interesting to see in future work the extent to which the results and conclusions obtained remain consistent with those of the 2020 model.Practical implicationsApproaches to tackling the problem of rural development have often relied on intuitive and practical trial-and-error methods in the implementation of public policies rather than on a solid and validated theoretical foundation. Therefore, verifying the relevance of the criteria and their interrelationships, intrinsic to models such as the EFQM 2013 model, in the context of managing rural territories, can greatly aid the management of these types of organisations.Social implicationsThe development of rural territories is a critical issue that remains unresolved in many countries. Failure to address this, or not doing so in a timely manner, has consequences for equity and migration to large urban centres. Enhancing the effectiveness of the LAGs can improve the living conditions of people in rural areas and contribute to the overall development of rural territories in Spain. This can simultaneously help mitigate the depopulation of rural areas.Originality/valueTraditional approaches to rural development have often relied on practical trial-and-error methods in implementing public policies. The decision to adopt an excellence management model for the development of rural territories hinges on the validity of criteria and their interrelationships, such as those intrinsic to the EFQM 2013 model, within the context of rural development.HighlightsThe EFQM model of excellence is applicable in managing the development of rural territories, although some relationships between criteria, such as the case of Partnership and Resources on Results, are affected by the context in which local action groups currently operate in Spain.This study applies PLS-SEM in the analysis of the relationships between criteria of the EFQM model in the context of managing the development of rural territories.

Assessing the Impact of Sustainable Independent Oil Palm Cultivation on Rural Development: A Case Study of Angkola Sangkunur Sub-District, South Tapanuli Regency

This study evaluates the impact of sustainable independent oil palm cultivation on rural development in the Angkola Sangkunur sub-district, South Tapanuli Regency, Indonesia. The research focuses on five key aspects: legal, technical cultivation, environmental management, labor, and institutional factors. Data was collected through a combination of primary and secondary sources, with primary data obtained via questionnaires distributed to a probability-based sample of 165 respondents. The analysis employed multiple linear regression to assess the influence of each aspect on regional development, with hypotheses tested using both F-tests and t-tests. The results reveal that the technical cultivation and institutional aspects exert a significant positive influence on rural development, underscoring the critical role of advanced agricultural practices and strong governance structures. While legal and environmental management aspects also have positive effects, their impact was not statistically significant, indicating that these factors may require further development or longer timeframes to manifest significant outcomes. Conversely, the labor aspect showed a negative but statistically insignificant effect, suggesting that the costs associated with implementing sustainable labor practices may pose challenges for smallholder farmers. This study concludes that enhancing technical capabilities and institutional frameworks offers the most immediate and substantial benefits for rural development in the region. However, a holistic approach that also addresses legal, environmental, and labor issues is essential for achieving long-term sustainability. The findings provide valuable insights for policymakers, stakeholders, and researchers focused on sustainable agriculture and rural development.

Advocating ‘eco-village’ for sustainable development: The dayalbagh way of life

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 120%; layout-grid-mode: char; mso-layout-grid-align: none; punctuation-wrap: simple; margin: 12.0pt 0cm 6.0pt 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 120%; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: black; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-fareast-language: JA;">India as a country has its identity deeply rooted in its rural culture. Whether we talk about agriculture, tradition, food, art, or music, the rural society of India has always proven itself a representation towards the national front. The Dayalbagh society in Agra city of Uttar Pradesh (India) is engaged to strengthen the nation’s roots through education, technology, sustainability, management, innovation, research, and most importantly, selfless service. The major potential for economic growth in India lies in the development of its rural areas. This article is an attempt to spot the outlook of a society that has its inception for the past 100 years and is continuously making efforts to glorify the message of sustainable development, environmental protection, and rural development through its effective plans in designing an eco-village-based society. Based on the narrative description approach, this article highlights the efforts and strategies employed by the Dayalbagh society to promote sustainable development, environmental protection, and rural development. The focus is on how society integrates education, technology, sustainability, management, innovation, research, and selfless service to achieve these goals. The Dayalbagh society’s initiatives have taken into consideration economic, social, environmental, and human aspects, demonstrating significant contributions towards sustainable development and rural empowerment. The philosophy and successful practices of the Dayalbagh society can inspire and guide others in developing action plans for effective environmental protection and sustainable rural development. By adopting such approaches, other organizations, decision-makers, and individuals can contribute to the overall growth and well-being of rural areas in India.</span></p>

Retain in the City, Return Flow, or Blind Direction: A Study on the Differentiation Mechanism of Migrant Workers’ Migration Willingness under the Background of China’s Strategy for Integrated Urban–Rural Development

Against the backdrop of urban–rural integration development in China, the government has further strengthened its support for rural migrant workers’ urban employment and entrepreneurship, as well as their urbanization. Nevertheless, influenced by the current urban–rural development environment and public policies, a portion of rural migrant workers have evolved into two distinct groups: those with clear intentions to settle in cities or return to their hometowns and those trapped in a “neither-nor” situation, who are unable to fully integrate into urban life or seamlessly return to the countryside. This study, based on field investigations conducted in 21 cities across seven major geographical regions in China, reveals a ternary differentiation in migration intentions among rural migrant workers: “Retain in the cities”, “Return flow”, and “Blind direction”. In advancing the urban–rural integration strategy, the “clearly-oriented” groups, choosing to stay or return, can serve as dynamic forces in reconciling resources between urban and rural areas, thereby fostering closer urban–rural ties. Conversely, the “aimless wandering” group, characterized by stagnation, confusion, frequent mobility, and recurrent unemployment, poses numerous negative impacts on urban–rural interaction and coordination, hindering the in-depth integration of urban and rural areas to some extent. Drawing upon the internationally recognized Push-Pull Theory and Social Integration Theory within the field of population migration, this study conducts an empirical analysis of large-scale sample data to explore the characteristic factors and formation mechanisms underlying the “staying”, “returning”, and “blind direction” intentions, with a particular focus on the internal dynamics shaping and evolving the “aimless wandering” group. Finally, grounded in the empirical findings, this study advocates a collaborative approach between the Chinese government and various sectors of society to address the issue by promoting employment guidance, enhancing security measures, and other initiatives that encourage rural migrant workers to either stay in cities or return to their hometowns. It aims to provide policy recommendations for a definitive resolution of the rural migrant worker issue during the crucial period of urban–rural integration development.

The Impact of Kano State Rural Development Policy in Kano South Senatorial District since 2023: An Assessment of Community Empowerment Initiatives Since 2023

This study analyzes the impact of community empowerment initiatives on the socioeconomic landscape of the Kano south senatorial district. Over the years, successive Kano state government has been implementing series of the rural development initiatives. Significant efforts have been directed towards fostering community empowerment in the Kano South Senatorial District. Preliminary findings from this study suggest that the rural development policy has yielded notable improvements in the provision of livelihoods, social cohesion, and enhancing economic opportunities within the communities of Kano South. Infrastructure projects have enhanced accessibility and connectivity, while vocational training programs have equipped residents with skills to engage in various income- generating activities. Moreover, the provision of improved healthcare services has contributed to better health outcomes among residents, leading to a healthier and more productive population. Agricultural support initiatives have also played a crucial role in enhancing food security and promoting sustainable farming practices. However, some challenges and areas needing improvement have also been identified, including issues related to sustainability, scalability, and long-term impact assessment of the community empowerment initiatives. Overall, this research provides valuable insights into the effectiveness of the rural development policy in Kano State, shedding light on the successes achieved and areas for further enhancement in empowering rural communities in the Kano South Senatorial District. The recommendation made through this paper could inform policymakers, academics, and development practitioners on the strategies that can be employed to bolster community empowerment efforts in other districts. Ultimately, the paper could contribute towards sustainable development and improved well-being for residents in rural areas.

Rural residential choices: unravelling the nexus of accessibility and preferences

ABSTRACT As rural residents increasingly migrate to urban areas to improve living conditions, employment, and education, closely examining the relationship between residential choices and accessibility becomes crucial. This study employs a Stated Preference Survey (SP) with an orthogonal experimental design and uses the Multinomial Logit Model (MNL) to explore the preferences of rural residents for accessibility in the built environment when choosing new residences, including potential disparities between residents on the urban fringe and those in suburban areas. The findings reveal a strong inclination among residents for proximity to essential services such as education, transportation, healthcare, markets, recreation, and amenities. Preferred residential locations include within a 2-kilometre radius of schools, 300 metres from bus stops, 500 metres from medical facilities, 2 kilometres from markets, between 500 metres and 1 kilometre from leisure facilities, and within 1 kilometre of supermarkets. Additionally, commuting time preferences vary, with rural residents favoring a 15-minute commute, peri-urban residents preferring 5 minutes, and distant suburban residents showing no clear preference for commute times ranging from 5 to 15 minutes. These insights carry significant implications for urban and rural planning and development.

Retraction Note: How does the green development program promote rural economy: energy and environmental effects in rural development of China

Retraction Note: How does the green development program promote rural economy: energy and environmental effects in rural development of China

Risk society and the challenge of sustainable rural development in the era of pesticides

This study addresses the issue of pesticides in agriculture from the perspective of risk society theory. Through a comprehensive literature review, the study explores the central concepts of the theory, such as manufactured uncertainty, individualization of risks, and the globalization of effects. Pesticides are an emblematic example of modernity's risks. Their widespread use, driven by the pursuit of high productivity, conceals dangers to human health, biodiversity, and ecosystems. The complex and often invisible nature of the impacts of pesticides makes it difficult for society to perceive the risks. This invisibility, combined with unequal access to information and the lack of transparency from the industry, exacerbates the problem. Methodologically, this article presents itself as an exploratory narrative literature review. The final considerations point to ecological-based agriculture as a promising path for building a fairer, more sustainable, and safer agricultural system. Furthermore, Ulrich Beck's risk society theory underscores the urgency of seeking sustainable alternatives for agriculture and public policies that promote social and environmental justice, focusing on agroecology and organic production. This is essential to building a fairer and more sustainable future for the next generations. Additionally, it is important to highlight the need to bring this debate into the realm of public security, as this area plays a crucial role in promoting more sustainable societies with fewer individual and collective risks.

Determinants of access to rural financing in the democratic republic of Congo: The case of Kongo central

This article aims to identify the determinants influencing access to rural finance, focusing on a sample of 500 family farms in Kongo Central. This study revealed that membership in a financial solidarity group and awareness of the existence of a local development committee significantly influences access to credit using Probit and Logit regression methods. This study highlights the importance of supply and demand factors in accessing rural finance. Key demand-related determinants include gender, marital status, sector of activity, household size and high levels of education. This research suggests strengthening policies aimed at increasing financial education and women's empowerment to improve access to financing. These measures could enable more individuals especially women to effectively access and use financial services. By addressing these determinants can help policymakers better design interventions to support rural development in this province. The results underscore the need for a holistic approach considering both supply and demand factors to improve financial inclusion for rural populations.

Sustainable land management and implications on incomes, food self-sufficiency and women

The adoption of Sustainable Land Management (SLM) practices among smallholder farmers remains low, particularly among women farmers. Understanding the relationship between assets, gender, and SLM adoption and how their interaction impinges on household food self-sufficiency and livelihoods is essential for developing gender-responsive SLM programmes that effectively promote sustainable livelihoods and address household food insecurity. This study examines the effects of asset type on SLM practices adoption, women farmers, and their implications on household incomes and food self-sufficiency. Data was collected through a cross-sectional survey of 761 households selected from 11 chiefdoms across six districts in Eastern Zambia. Analysis involved Structural Equation System framework and Propensity Score Matching techniques to examine relationships between SLM adoption, food self-sufficiency, and household incomes, considering various socio-economic factors. Results showed marital status and household size as significant demographics, with education positively correlating with household income and SLM participation (p < 0.05). Gender disparities persisted, with male-headed households having higher incomes. Labour allocation analysis revealed women’s involvement in labour-intensive tasks, while smaller farms showed higher income probabilities, supporting sustainable agricultural intensification. Social capital significantly influenced SLM participation, and access to financial capital. Livestock assets, land size, and crop diversity predicted food security, while male decision-making influenced food security and income. Incomes were higher for women participating in SLM projects. This study underscores the importance of SLM practices in influencing household incomes and food security, especially for women. Addressing gender disparities and promoting women’s empowerment in agriculture are crucial for achieving equitable and sustainable rural development. Policymakers can foster sustainable livelihoods in rural communities by prioritizing SLM and empowering women.

Beneficiaries in the EU framework programs for research and innovation («Horizon 2020», «Horizon Europe»), European structural and investment funds

Problem setting. Nowadays, the issue of obtaining funding for scientific research, scientific and technical (experimental) developments is increasingly important. This practice is common, for example, in the EU. Many sources are offered: EU Framework Programs for Research and Innovation, European Structural and Investment Funds, etc. However, to understand the financing procedure itself, it is necessary to have some knowledge, including regarding EU legislation. First of all, attention should be focused on the terms, because this is the foundation, the alphabet. One of them is the beneficiary. It is found in many EU legal acts, but does not always have a fixed definition. Analysis of recent researches and publications. The main goal of the program or fund is to receive project funding. Foreign scholars focus their research in this area (for example, Mario J. Al Sayah, Pierre-Antoine Versini, Daniel Schertzer, Olatz Ukar Arrien, Marta Enciso-Santocildes). This situation is due to the fact that they have more modern and updated research infrastructures than Ukraine. Terms remain beyond their attention. However, there are isolated works with only the mention of the term in the issue without any analysis of it (for example, Glybko S., Kokhan V.). Purpose of the research is to clarify the term «beneficiary» in the EU Framework Programs for Research and Innovation, European Structural and Investment Funds. Article’s main body. An attempt is made to conduct a comparative analysis of the considered term in the EU Framework Programs for Research and Innovation («Horizon 2020», «Horizon Europe») and the European Structural and Investment Funds. Each of them has its own EU legal framework. However, only Regulation (EU) № 1303/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 laying down common provisions on the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund, the Cohesion Fund, the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund and laying down general provisions on the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund, the Cohesion Fund and the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund and repealing Council Regulation (EC) № 1083/2006, defines the term «beneficiary». Regulation (EU) 2021/695 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 April 2021 establishing Horizon Europe – the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, laying down its rules for participation and dissemination, and repealing Regulations (EU) № 1290/2013 and (EU) № 1291/2013 refers to Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2018/1046 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 July 2018 on the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the Union, amending Regulations (EU) № 1296/2013, (EU) № 1301/2013, (EU) № 1303/2013, (EU) № 1304/2013, (EU) № 1309/2013, (EU) № 1316/2013, (EU) No 223/2014, (EU) № 283/2014, and Decision № 541/2014/EU and repealing Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012, which defines the term «beneficiary». The EU Framework Programmes for Research and Innovation («Horizon 2020», «Horizon Europe») contain definitions of the types of beneficiary. It is the target final beneficiary and beneficiary of the Accelerator. The possibility of achieving synergy between the specified programs and the European Structural and Investment Funds is being investigated, if there are already differences regarding the definition of the term «beneficiary». Conclusions and prospects for the development. The author states the following conclusions according to the obtained results: EU legal acts do not contain a single vision for the same term «beneficiary». We believe that it is necessary to review this situation in order to achieve the synergy established in the Regulations (EU).

AGRICULTURE CREDIT AND THE ROLE OF KISAN CREDIT CARD (KCC) IN INDIA

This research paper presents a comprehensive analysis of agricultural credit in India, focusing on the transformative role of the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme in empowering farmers. Through a review of literature and an examination of pertinent data from various government reports and international organizations, this study evaluates the evolution of agricultural credit, assesses the trends in credit disbursement, and explores the significant impact of the KCC on agricultural productivity, rural development, and financial inclusion. The analysis showcases the KCC's contribution in facilitating timely credit access, reducing dependency on informal credit sources, and enhancing financial accessibility for farmers across different banking institutions. Furthermore, this paper discusses policy implications and recommendations to augment the effectiveness of KCC and agricultural credit schemes in meeting the evolving needs of farmers and fostering sustainable agricultural growth. The insights drawn from this research aim to provide a nuanced understanding of agricultural credit dynamics and underscore the pivotal role of KCC in enhancing the livelihoods of Indian farmers. KEYWORDS: Agricultural credit, Kisan Credit Card (KCC), financial inclusion, rural development, farmers' empowerment, policy recommendations, sustainable agriculture

Liminality of Professional Identity and Caregiving Identity Among Women Professionals Working in Rural Development Nonprofits in India

Liminality of Professional Identity and Caregiving Identity Among Women Professionals Working in Rural Development Nonprofits in India

From sectoral policy change to cross-sectoral (dis)integration? A longitudinal analysis of the EU's forest and rural development policy

Policy integration (PI) is critical to address cross-cutting challenges like climate change and biodiversity loss holistically. In the European Union, forests are confronting increasingly adverse climatic conditions and numerous stressors that impact their biodiversity. Political efforts to counteract these trends are mainly channeled through funding from the rural development policy as a pivotal part of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). In contrast, forest policy is hardly institutionalized at EU level. This study employs process tracing using 65 EU forest and rural development policy documents, including legal acts, preparatory documents, communications, related working documents and evaluation reports, predominantly produced over the last 25 years. By doing this, it examines the development of sectoral policy changes over time and their implications for the cross-sectoral integration of EU forest policy into rural development policy as part of agricultural policy at EU level. Results suggest that the adoption of the EU Forest Strategy for 2030 represented a provisional paradigm shift in EU forest policy. This shift is characterized by a substantial reprioritization of policy objectives, transitioning from an emphasis on economic aspects to a more climate- and biodiversity-centric approach, alterations in supported policy instruments and the introduction of various new regulatory instruments. On the other hand, the CAP and its rural development policy remain characterized by a path dependent incremental change and the latest reforms hardly reflect ambitious forest policy objectives both from budgetary and content perspectives. The findings suggest that the latest seemingly decoupled developments within both policy areas have led to an emergence of forest policy fragmentation at the EU level.

The Implementation Result of Comparative Method in the Instruction of Rural Development for Political Students at the Faculty of Education, Souphanouvong University; Academic Year 2020-202

The Implementation Result of Comparative Method in the Instruction of Rural Development for Political Students at the Faculty of Education, Souphanouvong University; Academic Year 2020-202

Digital political participation for rural development: Necessary conditions and cultures of participation

There has been much enthusiasm around the use of digitally networked information and communications technologies to foster political participation. Given their potential to engage citizens in rural development via online tools and processes, there are particularly high expectations that these technologies will mitigate some disadvantages of nonurban places. Yet, even if these hopes are reasonable, there is little research on the enduring establishment of digital political participation for rural development. In response, our study centers on six exemplary regional case studies in Germany concerning the obstacles to and catalysts of digital political participation. The public administrators, members of associations, businesses, and nonprofits, and citizens we interviewed pointed to the importance of administrative infrastructures, tailored offers, and resourceful citizens. What these factors could, however, not achieve was a culture of participation that may inspire attitudes and lived practices. This has implications for understanding and facilitating digital political participation for rural development. By locating the incentives and barriers to civic engagement within a culture of participation, our work underscores the need for holistic, long-term endeavors to develop and encourage politically involved citizenship.

A Study on the Socio-economic Factors Influencing Women’s Involvement in SHG Programmes in Ambedkar Nagar District of Uttar Pradesh, India

In the present paper, an attempt has been made to understand the socio-economic conditions of the SHG members and factors determining women’s participation in the SHG programme, utilizing pre-structured and pre-tested schedules to collect information from Ambekar Nagar district. Employed proportionate random sampling as well as purposive technique, 120 respondents were selected from two blocks i.e., Akbarpur and Bhiti based on higher number of SHGs. The data were analyzed with the help of suitable statistical tools like percentage, mean and binary probit models, to find the factors that effect the women’s participation in SHG programme. Results revealed that 40% of the respondents were illiterate, with the remainder having varying levels of education, predominantly at the primary level. Family size was primarily medium (5-6 members), and landholdings averaged 1.4 hectares, reflecting a predominantly agricultural setting. Livestock ownership, particularly buffaloes and goats, contributed significantly to household livelihoods. The study employed a probit regression model to analyze the determinants of women’s participation in SHGs, with factors such as age, family size, landholding, education, and net non-farm income examined. The results indicated that age and net non-farm income were statistically significant in influencing participation, with older women and those with higher non-farm income being less likely to engage in SHGs. Conversely, larger family size positively impacted participation. The findings suggest that rural development initiatives should prioritize younger women, expand education opportunities, and promote farm-based income generation to enhance SHG participation and, consequently, women's empowerment.

Research on the Impact of Rural Tourism on Farmer’s Sustainable Livelihood and Coordinated Development (Case Study Jiwodu Village in Yangshuo, Guangxi)

Rural tourism is considered a viable strategy for achieving sustainable rural economic development and poverty reduction, offering significant economic, social, cultural, and ecological benefits. However, as an external force, rural tourism disrupts the livelihood capital and strategies of farmers, significantly influencing their sustainable livelihoods. This paper uses the sustainable livelihood analysis framework from a micro perspective to assess rural tourism's impact on farmers' livelihoods, particularly in Jiwodu Village, Guangxi, China. By categorizing farmers based on the proportion of rural tourism income in their total household income—Tourism-related, Tourism-dominated, and Tourism-exclusive livelihoods—the study constructs a farmer livelihood capital scale, employs a participatory assessment method, and compares changes in the five major livelihood capitals before and after rural tourism development, exploring farmers' perceptions of its impact.