Livelihood Security Research Articles

Assessing Composite Livelihood Security and its Determinants Among Rural Households

The study was conducted during 2022 in Lucknow district of Uttar Pradesh to analyze the livelihood security of rural households. Data was collected from 515 households through personal interview method using kobo collect. Landless and marginal farmers were more food insecure in the region. Forty four % of the households were food insecure. Composite livelihood security index was constructed using six domain indicators viz., habitat, health, economic, food, nutrition and social participation security. The weight for each domain indicator was derived from principal component analysis. The composite livelihood security index was 0.44 among the respondents. The livelihood security was high for medium farmers (0.46) followed by small farmers (0.45). Farming experience, social participation, livestock possession, income, calorie intake, body mass index and wealth significantly influenced the livelihood security. Lack of awareness on pest and disease control and poor price realization were the major constraints faced by the farmers. Technological, institutional and policy interventions are necessary to enhance their livelihood status.

Role of farmer’s clubs in diversification of agriculture and livelihood security

Role of farmer’s clubs in diversification of agriculture and livelihood security

Exploration of factors contributing towards livelihood security among fisherwomen (a study sponsored by ICSSR-IMPRESS, New Delhi)

Exploration of factors contributing towards livelihood security among fisherwomen (a study sponsored by ICSSR-IMPRESS, New Delhi)

Divulging the magnitude of socio-economic empowerment of dairy women in Eastdistrict of Sikkim

Farm women are responsible for sustainable food and livelihood security. A study was undertaken to measure the socio-economic empowerment of dairy farm women in East district of Sikkim with sampling size of 200 on the year 2021. An index was prepared for measuring the empowerment scores of farm women. The criteria for selection of farm women were based on possession of at least one milch cattle. The study revealed that,36.50 percent of the respondents possessed high empowerment scores, while 35.00 percent of the respondents possessed medium empowerment scores and only 28.50 percent possessed low empowerment score. There was a significant difference in the empowerment scores of socio-economic variables like, age, education, marital status, milk production per day (in lit), social status, farming experience in dairying, annual income through dairying and occupation. Young age category was having the highest empowerment scores with 81.48±1.16. Graduate and above category also possessed high empowerment scores with87.56±1.96. In the case of social status, Other Backward Caste had high empowerment score with 81.46±2.68. Respondents whose occupation was government service+ dairy farming possessed high empowerment scores with 89.10±2.37 while, medium annual income category had the highest empowerment scores with 76.80. Variables like, age, education, marital status, farming experience in dairying, family size, occupation had a significant association with the empowerment score. The study suggests suitable reform in extension service of the state which will mobilize the potential of dairy farm women to adopt sustainable dairy technology and create a means for additional income.

Exploration of factors contributing towards livelihood security among fisherwomen (a study sponsored by ICSSR-IMPRESS, New Delhi)

Exploration of factors contributing towards livelihood security among fisherwomen (a study sponsored by ICSSR-IMPRESS, New Delhi)

An analytical study on the impact of animal husbandry on economic upliftment of Munger and Samastipur districts

Livestock has played an indispensable role in the Indian economy. Animal husbandry is culturally and economically integrated into the society. Livestock is a source of protein, livelihood and draught power. Diverse enterprises like Apiculture, Sericulture, and Pisciculture have been reared traditionally for many years. Indigenous stock has higher resistant to diseases and can better adapt to climate change. They act as a buffer to crop failure and sudden monetary losses. Rearing a wide variety of animals like yaks, camels and Mithun apart from cattle, sheep and goat are unique characteristics of animal husbandry in India. Technological backwardness, financial constraints, and inadequate veterinary services are few issues that hinder the progress in the sector.Study was undertaken for identification of role of livestock towards sustainable livelihood of the two districts of Bihar. Livestock which play socially and economically very significant role in Indian agriculture and also have pivotal role due to providing multi-functional outputs like nutritive rich food and helps in supplementing family incomes vis-à-vis contribution to socio-cultural and livelihood security. In this paper the authors tries to identify and prioritize the socio-economic condition of farmers in generating livelihood from livestock production systems and social and economical impact of livestock on the farmer livelihood. From 38 districts of Bihar state, Munger and Samastipur was purposively selected and from that two blocks each were selected randomly. A total of 120 farmers were selected as sample respondents for the present study. Data was collected by interview schedule, personal observations and participatory rural appraisal tools i e transect walk, key informant interview, focus group discussion.

Agro-Pastoralists Viable Options towards Sustainable Climate Change Adaptation in West Pokot County, Kenya

Climate change and variability is one of the most important developmental and environmental challenges on sustainable agricultural productions threatening small scale agro pastoral community livelihoods. This study examines how the agro pastoral community respond to the current and future weather and climate risks and recommend viable options towards sustainable climate change adaptation by small scale agro pastoralist community in West Pokot County, Kenya. The study adopted mixed research design combining both quantitative and qualitative data sources using stratified, purposive and random sampling techniques. Primary data was collected from a sample of 384 household heads and validated through focused group discussions (FGDs), key informant interviews (KIIs) and general observations. Data collected on perception to climate change were coded and analysed using descriptive and qualitative content analysis. The study found that the community have a thorough knowledge and understanding of their environment with perceptions revealing degradation of the available natural resources largely due to deforestation arising from agricultural land expansion. Drought, deforestation, landslides, floods and soil erosion are some of the major events adversely affect crop and livestock and contribute to vulnerability presently and in the future. The viable options recommended to reduce the present and improve future weather and climatic risks are awareness creation, tree planting, good agricultural practices, government support and agricultural insurance. The findings are key in guiding state and non-state actors together with the community in local level decision making for the conservation and restoration of degradation hotspots towards sustainable management of natural resources, resilience building, poverty reduction, food nutrition and livelihood security.

Living with climate and state fragility in a “chaotic paradise:” securitizing livelihoods in the Philippines’ Cotabato River Basin

The Cotabato River Basin, located on the island of Mindanao in the Philippines, holds paramount importance for local communities and the national economy. However, over the past few decades, the region has been severely affected by the consequences of climate change, such as flooding and drought, along with long-standing socio-political conflicts that threaten livelihood security. This article analyzes the interplay between livelihood security, climate fragility, and state fragility to foster a more meaningful understanding of the impacts arising from historical fragilities and conflicts. The study findings reveal five significant effects of these fragilities on security: persistent flooding, changes in land use, river siltation, drought impact, and uncertainties stemming from violent conflicts. Through a detailed analysis, the article elucidates how the frequent exposure to these events has compelled communities to adapt by perceiving threats to their livelihoods as uncontrollable, thereby normalizing fragilities as an inherent aspect of everyday life. The study underscores the importance of temporal awareness and cultural understanding to comprehend the complexities of fragilities and conflicts. Integrating such awareness and experience makes refining approaches to strengthen livelihoods and mitigate community vulnerabilities possible.

WILL THE SECURITY CHALLENGES IN NIGERIA TRIGGER LOCAL GOVERNMENT REFORM?

Since the return to civil rule in 1999, Nigeria has been grappling with distress and persistent social, economic, and political challenges that are terrifically threatening the country’s corporate existence. Perhaps insecurity constitutes the most significant challenge to Nigeria’s stability. The spate and spectre of insecurity in the country, ranging from the Boko Haram/ISWAP, ethnoreligious crises, kidnapping, rural banditry, cattle rustling, farmers’/herders’ conflict, and the IPOB, had intensely questioned the capacity and capability of the levels of government to fulfil the very essence of the state, which is to guarantee peace, security of lives and livelihoods of individuals. Drawing on the assumptions of ungoverned spaces, the paper examined local governments' dwindled capacity to carry out governance functions, particularly in rural areas. Thus, the paper argues the essentials of bolder local government reform given the lapses in the existing structure as envisaged in the 1999 Constitution regarding the functions, status, finances, and relations between the local governments, states, and the federal government.

Mother's Dietary Diversity and Underweight among Under-five Rural Children in Three Major Agro-climatic Zones, Myanmar.

Children's growth is essential to nutritional status and population health. In 2015, 18.9% of under-five children in Myanmar were underweight, and only 25% of 6-23-month-old children had the minimum dietary diversity (MDD). We conducted this study to assess the association between mother's dietary diversity score (DDS) and underweight among under-five children. This study analyzed data from the "Livelihood and Food Security Survey," a cross-sectional study conducted in 2016 in rural areas in Chin State, Magway, and Ayeyarwady regions. It included 2029 under-five children and used underweight as an outcome variable. We calculated DDSs for mothers of under-five children using the MDD-women methodology. The prevalence of underweight and MDD were estimated. A multivariable binary logistic regression analysis estimated odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The overall prevalence of underweight was 26.3% (95% CI: 23.4, 29.3), and that of the mother with a MDD score was 29.2% (95% CI: 26.0, 32.8). Multivariable binary logistic regression analysis showed that the prevalence of underweight in children was higher if maternal MDD was not met (adjusted odds ratio = 1.41; 95% CI: 1.05, 1.89). The children's age, types of toilets, and region were independent predictors of being underweight. Underweight among under-five children and diverse food consumption among their mothers are critical public health challenges in rural Myanmar that require urgent action. Nutrition education for rural communities should focus on feeding children with locally available diverse foods.

Strengthening the livelihoods security through technological interventions by frontline demonstrations of papaya (Carica papaya L.) production in the Pali district of Rajasthan

Strengthening the livelihoods security through technological interventions by frontline demonstrations of papaya (Carica papaya L.) production in the Pali district of Rajasthan

Factors for Value Realization of Tomato, Onion, and Potato (TOP) under Operation Greens Using DEMATEL Method

Operation Greens Programme of the Government of India focuses on post-harvest management of Tomato, Onion, and Potato (TOP) crops, value chain development, and value realization of farmers’ produce, which helps in enhancing livelihood security. The study conducted during 2022-2023 focused on factors determining the value realization of TOP crops under operation greens. The data were collected using a semi-structured interview schedule, with 90 farmers for each crop i.e., Tomato, Onion, and Potato. The government policy initiatives under Operation Greens were the most important factor, which mutually affected the socio-psychological, market intelligence, and input supply for TOP cultivation. About 42 per cent of respondents perceived Government policy under operation greens as important for value realization and 37.40 per cent of respondents perceived support from grassroots level extension agencies as important. Improving government policies followed for Operation Greens would result in the overall betterment of farmers and the agricultural sector of India.

Unmet Healthcare Needs and Related Factors Among Immigrants: A Cross-Sectional Secondary Analysis of 2019 Korea Community Health Survey Data.

Immigrants in Korea face numerous difficulties in seeking medical services due to language and cultural differences. Providing medical services to them could be beyond the institutional capacity of the host country owing to factors such as, physical and psychological problems, social unrest, language barriers, and problems adapting to unfamiliar environments. According to Andersen's health service use behavioral model, we used a multifaceted approach to explore the factors influencing the unmet healthcare needs of immigrants in Korea from the Korean health system. This cross-sectional secondary analysis study used data from the 2019 Korea Community Health Survey of 3524 immigrants. Their unmet healthcare needs were calculated using a complex, weighted sample design. Group differences in categorical variables were analyzed using the Rao-Scott chi-square test. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the association between unmet healthcare needs and ageing factors. Overall, 262 (7.4%) of surveyed immigrants experienced unmet healthcare needs. Factors influencing unmet healthcare needs were being a woman (OR = 1.41, 95% CI = 1.03-1.94), national primary livelihood security receiver (OR = 1.44, 95% CI = 1.29-1.68), stress (OR = 1.34, 95% CI = 1.26-1.45), perceived health status (poor: OR = 2.35, 95% CI = 1.58-3.52), and perceived health status (moderate: OR = 1.62, 95% CI = 1.18-2.20). Policymakers could focus on these predictors when formulating policy strategies to reduce unmet health care needs. In addition, by effectively delivering services that meet the unmet healthcare needs of immigrants, their right to health is protected.

Everyday mobility and changing livelihood trajectories: implications for vulnerability and adaptation in dryland regions

Dryland regions are highly dynamic environments in which multiple pressures intersect, threatening livelihood security. Mobility is an integral feature in these environments and represents a key risk management strategy for people to respond to frequent livelihood shocks and stresses. Global environmental change scholarship has tended to articulate spatial and temporal change inadequately, portraying populations in a way that belies their socially differentiated and inherently mobile livelihoods. We explored the role of mobility as an ongoing, “everyday” adaptive response to changing environmental, economic, and social conditions. We draw on 21 Life History (LH) interviews to explore the drivers and outcomes of people’s mobility behavior in drylands of Ghana, Kenya, Namibia, and India. We present the adaptation option space (AOS) as a novel theoretical development to explore livelihood trajectories. Within our cases, we found that mobility was ubiquitous and facilitated changes to and exchanges within people’s risk profiles in three main ways: novelty (risks gained or lost), modification (risks attenuated or accentuated), and no change. Temporal analysis showed three broad trajectories in people’s lives set within broader structural constraints: upward, downward, and stable, depending on people’s abilities to manage their AOS. The analysis confirmed that the AOS was a useful heuristic to understand how people exert agency to respond to an array of converging risks while negotiating broader drivers of change. Moreover, the data demonstrated how compounding shocks had negative impacts on people, highlighting the value of temporally-sensitive approaches.

Improving profitability and livelihood security of marginal farmers in Kandi area of Jammu

Improving profitability and livelihood security of marginal farmers in Kandi area of Jammu

Adaptation for livelihood security in COVID-19 crisis among the urban poor in Bangkok, Thailand

Adaptation for livelihood security in COVID-19 crisis among the urban poor in Bangkok, Thailand

Sustainable Livelihood Security of Integrated Farming Systems Practicing Farmers through Different Enterprise Combinations in Andhra Pradesh

The present study described the sustainable livelihood security of integrated farming systems practicing 189 farmers through different enterprise combinations in Chittoor district of Rayalaseema region, East Godavari from Coastal region and Srikakulam from North Coastal region during 2020-21. Indicators under each dimension of sustainable livelihood security were selected by item analysis. Out of 52 indicators, finally 25 indicators of sustainable livelihood security were selected based on relevancy weightage and mean relevancy score. The results revealed that majority of the farmers practicing Integrated Farming System had permanent asset creation (54.50%), food and nutritional security (53.97%), economic security (53.97%), input recycling (52.38%), occupational security (51.32%), financial security (50.79%), environmental security (47.09%) and social security (42.33%). The overall sustainable livelihood security index was nearly half (47.62%) among the farmers in medium category. Most of the farmers were having medium and high sustainable livelihood security due to integration of more enterprises which enabled optimum utilization of available resources through recycling resulting in more income, employment, and more food security throughout the year.

Constraints experienced by the farm women of Kerala and Manipur in achieving livelihood security

Constraints experienced by the farm women of Kerala and Manipur in achieving livelihood security

Performance of the MGNREGA Programme in Telangana State: With Special Reference to Nalgonda District

The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) is a flagship programme by the government of India started on February 2, 2006. As per the scheme, each rural household gets 100 days of guaranteed employment (unskilled work) every year. Although the major objective of this scheme is to provide livelihood security for rural households, it also facilitates the creation as well as maintenance of rural infrastructure, employment generation and reduces migration to cities and towns for work. This paper is an attempt to overview the performance of MGNREGA on employment generation, migration, disbursement of payments, average income etc., in Nalgonda district. To perform the objective of the paper primary data and secondary data has been analysed. The finding of the study reveals that MGNREGA play an important role in employment generation, the gap between the registered candidates and employed candidates can be found and its impact on migration through the sample survey in the Nalgonda district.

Morpho-Physicochemical Studies Of Kusum (Schleichera Oleosa (Lour.) Oken): A Potential Multipurpose Tree Species

Kusum (Schleichera oleosa (Lour.) Oken) belongs to Sapindaceae family, is an underutilised multipurpose tree species. Kusum is also known as a lac tree through its cultivation for lac which gives livelihood security to lakhs of farmers. Botanically, kusum fruits are single-seeded and sometimes two-seeded berry, succulent yellow aril, dry indehiscent, apex pointed, hard-crustaceous, smooth, or slightly spiny. Pulp of kusum has a potential source of antioxidant properties. The present investigation was carried out to estimate physical and chemical properties of kusum at the laboratory of department of Fruit Science, Faculty of Horticulture, at Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur, Nadia, West Bengal during 2021-22. A set of 30 fruits with 10 fruits per replication were taken for this experiment. It was observed that average fruit weight (7.41g), fruit length (2.5cm), diameter (2.19cm), fruit volume (7ml), fruit pulp weight (2.93g), seed weight (1.35g), and peel weight (2.71g), seed length (1.69cm), diameter (1.38cm) and edible fruit percentage was 39.54%. The results showed that it contains an average of 20.07 °Brix total soluble solids, 0.33% titrable acidity, 14.28% total sugar, 8% reducing sugar, 5.96 non-reducing sugar, 142.5 mg/100g of pulp ascorbic acid and total carotenoid 1.35 mg/100g pulp. The result shows that kusum fruit is a promising food source with nutritional value. This fruit could fulfil the dietary needs of persons living in rural areas.