Livelihood Security Research Articles

Status of Livelihood Security of Dairy Households in Bundelkhand: A Comparative Analysis

Livestock is an integral part of Indian agriculture. Livestock will continue to play a key role in farming system even in the future. The present study was conducted in Bundelkhand region during 2018-19 to 2020-21 to find out the contribution of livestock to livelihood of dairy farmers of the region. Two districts for each state selected, then, two blocks from each district were selected randomly. Two villages from each block and 20 respondents from each village were randomly selected; thus, making the total sample size of 320 respondents for the study. Duncan’s Multiple Range Test was used for comparative analysis of livelihood security indicators for different category of farmers. Based on existing livelihood activities, the majority of the respondents in each category of farmer depend on farming for their livelihood followed by livestock rearing. Dominant livestock system pursued by marginal farmers was Buffalo+ Goat+ Sheep. Dominant livestock system pursued by small farmers was Buffalo+ Goat. Dominant livestock system pursued by semi-medium, medium and large farmers was cattle+ Buffalo. The results revealed that for more than 55 percent of the household’s income from livestock was the major contributor to gross income accounting for more than 50 percent of the gross income. In case of economic and social security, Small and semi-medium farmers were not significantly different, whereas, marginal, medium and large farmers were significantly different at the 5 percent level of significance. Small, semi-medium and medium farmers were not significantly different, whereas, marginal and large farmers were significantly different based on health, institutional and overall livelihood security at the 5 percent level of significance.

지역별 국민기초생활보장수급 독거노인 분포의 핫스팟 추적: 2020년 지역사회건강조사를 중심으로

The information of older adults living alone who receive the national basic livelihood security support is interpreted based on an integrated figure rather than considering the area-wide distinction due to the limited local municipal data. Therefore, this study explores the nationwide hotspot of older adults living alone who receive the national basic livelihood security support at a municipal level. A total of 250 municipal-level local governments across the country were analyzed from the 2020 Korea Community Health Survey. As a result of the hotspot analysis, the older adult beneficiaries of the national basic livelihood security support were concentrated in Jeonnam-province. The result of the study shows the distinctive regional distribution of older adults living alone who receive the national basic livelihood security support in the administrative districts. Thus, considering the distinct regional hotspots, different strategies must be implemented for each municipal level local government.

Livelihood diversification influence on socioeconomic wellbeing of Maasai women in Isinya, Kajiado County, Kenya

Livelihood diversification among the pastoral communities is currently a common occurrence due to changes in climate and human population. This study assessed the influence of business activities and wildlife tourism related activities on the socioeconomic wellbeing of Maasai women in Isinya, Kajiado County, Kenya. A stratified random sample of 279 women were selected from households in the study area and interviewed using semi-structured questionnaire in 2017. The data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics which involved simple linear regression model and Chi-square techniques. Four Focus Group Discussions were conducted for the household survey data while interview schedule was applied for key informants. The results showed that the wellbeing of the Maasai women were significantly (p<0.001) and positively affected by diversification into the business activities (β =0 451) and wildlife and tourism related activities (β =0 328). The study concludes that with the changing climate and reduction in land sizes owned by the pastoral communities, livelihood diversification towards business and wildlife activities would assist women to improve their standard of living. The study recommends diversification towards business and wildlife enterprises since they give individuals and households more capabilities to improve livelihood security and also to raise their living standards.

Smallholders’ Livelihood Resilience in the Dryland Area of the Yellow River Basin in China from the Perspective of the Family Life Cycle: Based on GeoDetector and LMG Metric Model

Farm households’ sustainable livelihoods in the dryland area of the Yellow River basin is an important guarantee of ecological protection and high-quality development for the Yellow River basin. However, farm households in this region have been facing frequent droughts, water resource shortages, severe soil erosion and other problems; their livelihood security has been seriously threatened. This study used a livelihood resilience framework to evaluate farm households’ livelihood resilience in dryland areas through the field survey data and identified the influencing factors of livelihood resilience using the GeoDetector and the Lindeman, Merenda and Gold method (LMG) from the family life cycle perspective. The results revealed the following points: (1) there were significant differences in livelihood resilience, adaptive capacity and anticipatory capacity at each stage of the family life cycle at a 5% significant level. (2) The top two variables of livelihood resilience were preparedness and planning, and substitutable assets, followed by household characteristics. With the evolution of the family life cycle, the impacts of family assets and basic service access on livelihood resilience showed a “U” trend. On the contrary, savings and safety nets showed an inverted “U” shape. (3) Both the GeoDetector and LMG metric models could identify the key influencing factors, but the variable importance rankings of the two models were different to some degree. Finally, based on the results of the analysis, this study proposed targeted policy recommendations for building livelihood resilience of farm households.

Application of fertilization in changing light adaptability and improving growth of Aralia elata (Miq.) Seem. seedlings under various light conditions in temperate forests

Non-timber forest plants have always played a significant role in livelihood security by providing valuable non-timber forest products, especially in less-developed countries. Artificial cultivation is a key approach to sustainably develop non-timber forest plants, for which, in-forest planting is vital. Light conditions in forests severely affect in-forest planting, and the growth of many plants may be restricted due to inappropriate light conditions. Thus, to fully and effectively utilize forest spaces with various light environments, fertilization, as an important practice to supply nutrients for promoting plant growth, was selected to mitigate light constraints in forests. Aralia elata (a valuable non-timber forest plant species) was chosen as the subject to explore the effects of fertilization on photosynthetic and morphological adaptation to light and the growth of in-forest planted seedlings by simulating different light environments. The results showed that the effects of fertilization on light adaptability (i.e., photosynthesis and leaf traits) of A. elata seedlings were limited; that is, only the variations in light-saturated photosynthetic net rate (PNmax), specific leaf area (SLA), and chlorophyll (Chl) content of A. elata seedlings between different shade intensities were noticeably affected by fertilization. Fertilization was positive for growth, and a half fertilization treatment (50 g per plot) was optimum for improving the growth of A. elata seedlings under light conditions of 0–75% shade intensities. These results can provide some practical references for the application of fertilization in in-forest planting and management of transplanted non-timber forest plant seedlings under various light conditions in the forests.

The impacts of long-term changes in weather on small-scale fishers’ available fishing hours in Nosy Barren, Madagascar

Small-scale fisheries (SSF) are highly susceptible to changes in weather patterns. For example, in Nosy Barren, Madagascar, SSF use traditional pirogues with handcrafted sails that rely on seasonal wind and sea conditions. As climate change is expected to increase the intensity and frequency of severe weather, it is important to understand how changes in weather affect SSF fishing efforts. Yet, a gap exists in the understanding of how changes in meteorological conditions affect small scale fishers. This study combines fishers’ meteorological knowledge of weather conditions that allow for small-scale fishing with long-term remotely sensed meteorological data to quantify how fishing effort, defined as available fishing hours, of SSF in coastal Madagascar has changed between 1979-2020 in response to long-term weather trends. Results show a significant decrease in available fishing hours over the examined time period. Particularly, we found that a decrease in available fishing hours between 1979-2020 with a loss of 21.7 available fishing hours per year. Increased adverse weather conditions, likely associated with climate change, could decrease fishers access to crucial resources needed for the food and livelihood security. Climate change adaptation strategies will need to account for changing weather impacts on fishing availability.

THE IMPACT OF DROUGHT ON LIVESTOCK IN AFGOI, LOWER SHABELLE - SOMALIA

Drought is generally an extended period of months or years in which precipitation is less than the annual average and results in severe water scarcity. For the Horn of Africa region, drought occurrence has become increasingly severe during the last decade, with rainfall totals of at least 50–75 % below normal encountered in most areas, amounts that are not sufficient to support crop and pasture growth for livelihood security (Nicholson 2014). The main objective of this study was to evaluate and measure the impacts of the drought on stock market, milk, fodder, and meat productivity, along with the major effects on the pastoralist’s daily life. Methodology adopted in this research was quantitative approach include questionnaire and data analysis procedure, this study was employ through explanatory research design. The purpose affecting the variables involves in this study and helped to achieve all the objectives of research. The study was conducted from the livestock sales and pastoralists, afgoye district livestock market. The researcher had selected 80 respondent(s) randomly from the population. The data analyzed was performed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 16. Result, The study clarified the reason related to poverty caused by drought in various households 46.3%. As well as The study indicated that responders 56.3% was agreed to provided feed supplements for livestock during drought while 3.8% of responders not agreed. Also The study proven that the (55%) of responders said the Shortage of rainfall experienced towards the end of 2016 and early 2017 resulted in degradation of grazing veld, while (1.3%) of responders said not resulted in degradation of grazing veld. Conclusion, The survey results and field observations indicated that the afgoye livestock market was seriously affected by drought particularly in dry seasons. According to responder`s understand towards the period of drought time, the study indicated the majority of people lose their jobs, particularly in the livestock sector. Recommendation, the study recommended to all shepherds to establish an alternative project to store water and fodder to benefit from it during the long drought. , also the study recommended the government, NGO`s in dealing with disaster management in Somalia are currently focused on either emergency health preparedness or post emergency relief. There is need for them to shift their mindsets from reaction and charity to anticipation and preemption.

Integrated agroforestry systems improve soil carbon storage, water productivity, and economic returns in the marginal land of the semi-arid region

Environmental crises, land degradation, and frequent crop failure threaten the livelihoods of millions of the populace in the semi-arid agroecosystems. Therefore, different combinations of annual crops with perennial fruit trees were assessed to restore the soil carbon, and enhance farm productivity and profitability in a semi-arid climate. The study hypothesized that the integration of perennial fruit trees with seasonal crops may enhance farm productivity, economic returns, and environmental sustainability. Integration of phalsa (Grewia asiatica) with mung bean (Vigna radiata) - potato (Solanum tuberosum) system recorded the highest system productivity (25.9 Mg/ha) followed by phalsa with cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) -mustard (Brassica juncea) systems (21.2 Mg/ha). However, Karonda (Carissa sp.) with mung bean - potato system recorded maximum net return (3529.1 US$/ha), and water use efficiency (33.0 kg/ha-mm). Concerning the benefit-cost (B:C) ratio, among the agroforestry systems, the karonda + cowpea - mustard system registered a maximum BC ratio (3.85). However, SOC density remained higher (9.10 Mg/ha) under the phalsa + cowpea - mustard and Moringa + mung bean - potato system (9.16 Mg/ha) over other systems. Similarly, phalsa + mung bean - potato system had the highest C sustainability index (27.6), carbon sequestration potential (0.6–0.67 Mg/ha/year), and water use efficiency (33.0 kg/ha-mm). Hence, the study suggested that the integration of short-duration leguminous and oilseeds with fruit trees offer a myriad of benefits and an efficient system for restoring the soil C without compromising the food and livelihood security of the rural populace in semiarid regions.

Beyond a generalized deagrarianization: Livelihood heterogeneity and its determinants in the Mixteca Alta, Mexico

In recent decades, rural livelihoods across the global South have increasingly turned away from farming. This process of “deagrarianization” is frequently seen as a uniform reaction to pervasive institutional and economic pressures against small-scale farming. Evidence at local scales, however, shows that households tend to adjust heterogeneously to such pressures, which challenges assumptions of uniform obstacles and/or motivations shaping deagrarianization. Studying this heterogeneity in livelihood adjustments and their drivers represents a key first step towards understanding the varying implications in terms of welfare and vulnerability for rural households. To that end, this paper investigates the manifestations and determinants of livelihood heterogeneity in the Mixteca Alta, a region in southern Mexico whose economy has shifted drastically away from agriculture over recent decades. Drawing on cluster analysis and machine learning applied to survey and secondary data, we show that this economic shift has actually unfolded in contrasting ways across households, with some diversifying across both agricultural and non-agricultural activities and others specializing in non-agricultural occupations. Much of this differentiation in livelihood strategies rests upon an unequal distribution of assets like land, education, and financial capital interacting with an uneven economic context in terms of road accessibility and aggregate poverty. By revealing the underlying conditions that enable and restrict occupational opportunities across households, our study emphasizes the need to move beyond one-size-fits-all interventions to enhance livelihood security in rural spaces.

Land-use and land-cover affect inland fish catch in two rivers of Central Africa

Land-cover change can affect inland fisheries, which underpin food security of millions of people worldwide. Removal of forests from very large floodplains has been found to decrease fish catch via loss of feeding and nursery habitat for fish. However, it is unknown if similar effects occur in smaller rivers with limited floodplain areas. Little is also known about the mechanisms by which land-cover changes affect inland fish catch. Here, we assessed land-use and land-cover (LULC) effects on fish catch, diet, and condition at sites in two medium-sized rivers of Cameroon, in Central Africa. We found that LULC explained 30% of the variation in fish catch, with the catch of five species being positively, and of two species being negatively, related to floodplain forests. The niche breadth of fish diets was higher in the river surrounded by forests than in the river surrounded by agricultural land. However, contrary to expectations, condition of the fish, as indicated by occurrence of diseases or deformities, eroded fins, lesions or tumors, was not related to LULC. Our results support the notions that floodplain forests support fish populations in rivers with limited floodplain areas in ways similar to that of rivers with large floodplains, and that LULC affects fish populations via changes in fish diets and instream habitat features (i.e., riparian canopy closure, water clarity, substrate heterogeneity, and habitat volume). These effects imply that prevailing changes in LULC threaten the food and livelihood security services provided by inland fisheries, highlighting the importance of policies that maintain native vegetation along riverbanks and in floodplain areas.

The Mechanism of Land Registration Program on Land Transfer in Rural China: Considering the Effects of Livelihood Security and Agricultural Management Incentives

The key to a smooth land transfer (including land transfer-out and transfer-in) lies in the cooperation between the land supply and demand parties. Existing studies explore how land registration programs affect land transfer from a macro level or from a micro level in a certain area, but little consideration has been given to the interaction and behavioral disciplines of stakeholders. This article aims at testing the possible mechanism of the land registration program on land transfer in rural China by bridging and extending concepts from peasant theories and by employing mediation models. The empirical results reveal that the land registration program has a significant positive impact on land transfer, which is an important path in order to overcome the cooperative dilemma between land supply and demand parties. Additionally, livelihood security inhibits the positive impact of the land registration program on land transfer-out. While agricultural management incentives promote the positive impact of the land registration program on land transfer-in. Furthermore, these findings contribute to a novel perspective for evaluating land registration programs and deepen the understanding that intricate driving factors behind the decrease in the land transfer growth rate can have in rural China.

Location-specific integrated farming system models for resource recycling and livelihood security for smallholders

The present investigation was carried out in a holistic mode to study the interactions among the integrated farming system (IFS) components and to develop and design a sustainable IFS model which is technologically sound, economically viable, environmentally benign, and socially acceptable for the middle Indo-Gangetic Plains. For efficient utilization of farm resources and to enhance the income per unit area of land, 10 IFS models have been developed at the farmers’ fields of Patna, Nalanda, and Vaishali districts of Bihar, India, during 2016–2021, involving components like crops, poultry, cattle, goat, mushroom farming, fishery, and duckery in different combinations. Out of 10 different integrations, three primary cropping systems prevailing in the state were undertaken and seven other components were integrated in a synergistic mode. Each system was allocated an area of 0.8 ha (2,000 m²), viz., (i) rice–wheat, (ii) rice–maize, (iii) rice–maize–moong (crop), (iv) crop + vegetable + goat, (v) crop + fish + goat, (vi) crop + fish + cattle, (vii) crop + fish + duck + goat, (viii) crop + fish + duck, (ix) crop + fish + mushroom, and (x) crop + fish + poultry. To sustain the productivity of soil health, inorganic fertilizers combined with organic wastes, obtained from various components of IFS, viz., recycled pond silts, poultry manure, duck manure, goat manure and cow dung as farmyard manures (FYMs), composted residues, and vermicompost were applied to crops grown under different IFS models. The nutrient content of manure increased manifolds after recycling as compost and vermicompost. Residue recycling revealed that integration of crops with fish and duck resulted in higher fish productivity and higher net returns (increased by USD13) in comparison to poultry dropping fed fishes. Due to the recycling of droppings, viz., poultry, duck, goat, cattle, and plant wastes, an additional quantity of 56.5 kg N, 39.6 kg P2O5, and 42.7 kg K2O was added to the soil during the study. Crop integrated with fish + duck + goat had the maximum rice grain equivalent yield (RGEY), net returns, and employment opportunity (467 man-days/year) from 0.8 ha of land, followed by crop + fish + poultry integration. The sustainability index (0.77) and net energy gain (95,770 MJ) were also found highest with crop + fish + duck+ goat integration indicating the optimum efficiency of all the farming system integrations for the region.

In the shadow of the mountain: the crisis of precarious livelihoods in high altitude mountaineering tourism

This article focuses on the crisis of precarious work/livelihoods that pervades the global tourism industry and prevents many from experiencing fair and just employment. Drawing on an ethnographic study of high-altitude mountaineering tourism in the Himalaya, we explore the various ways in which mountain workers are precarious, vulnerable, marginalised and often overlooked in the context of cross-border tourism practices. Drawing on concepts of justice and fairness we argue that the ongoing racial and social contours of colonialism give privileges to some bodies and not “Others,” entrenching precarity of vulnerable communities and workers. However, despite these unfavourable conditions, local workers are not without agency to shape their conditions and experiences. Mountain workers on Everest provide an example of how, despite their precarity, workers can self-organise and exercise their voice to secure more just and equitable work. Decent work, secure livelihoods, and equality are core features of the sustainable development goals and will only be achieved through collective action, solidarity from different tourism stakeholders and the realisation of fair and just employment practices for the most vulnerable communities.

Agricultural heritage systems and agrobiodiversity

Agriculture is one of the main human activities with direct and indirect effects on the environment. The abandonment of many traditional agricultural practices, mainly for their inability to meet the current requirements of industrial agriculture, has brought to unsustainable agricultural systems characterized by high external energy inputs and by a high fragility to environmental and political shocks. Therefore, sustainable agriculture is nowadays crucial for preserving the environment. Agricultural heritage systems are receiving increasing attention at the international level, as testified by the establishment of the Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) Programme by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The aim of the GIAHS Programme is, in fact, to identify and safeguard agro-silvo-pastoral systems resulting from the co-existence between humans and nature, which survived using traditional techniques are still providing many ecosystem services, while maintaining magnificent landscapes, wild and agricultural biodiversity, ancestral knowledge, and strong cultural and social values. These systems, based on sustainable practices, are still able to provide food and livelihood security, resources and services to local communities, but are also examples of adaptation and mitigation to climate change and to different and often difficult environmental conditions, as well as models of resilience and sustainability. In 2018 the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), together with the Department of Agriculture, Food, Environment and Forestry (DAGRI) of the University of Florence, developed a project called “GIAHS Building Capacity”, aimed at identifying agricultural heritage sites in different parts of the world. This Special Issue collects the results of investigations carried out in thirteen sites in Central and South America, Europe, Africa and Asia offering a wide an coherent perspective on agricultural heritage systems across the world. The papers included in the Special Issue proved that agricultural heritage systems, despite some vulnerabilities mainly due to socio-economic causes rather than to environmental ones, still provide different ecosystem services to local communities, including: food and byproducts supply, soil erosion protection, hydrogeological risk and deforestation defense, agrobiodiversity and biodiversity conservation, cultural landscape preservation, agro-tourism; at the same time they can be important for transmitting traditional knowledge to new generations and for the local identity. The GIAHS programme can play a key role in preserving traditional agricultural systems, and their related agrobiodiversity and ecosystem services, both in developing and developed countries. In fact, its aim is not limited to the conservation of these systems, but the whole Programme is based on the concept of dynamic conservation, as sustainable innovations are needed for the preservation of agricultural heritage systems and, therefore, for the future of rural areas and of rural communities. The research is part of the activities promoted by the UNESCO Chair on Agricultural Heritage Landscapes established at the University of Florence.

Promoting Climate Smart Agriculture through Policies and Schemes in India: Temporal and Strategic Overview

The challenges of climate change are now being experienced by all the countries in the world through higher average temperatures, variability in precipitation, rise in sea level and more frequent climatic extremes. Climate change is emerging as a major threat to the livelihood and food security of millions of people across the world. It directly affects the natural resources sectors and especially in developing countries the economies of the people depend on them. Thus it indirectly affects economic growth, income distribution, household welfare, food and nutritional security. In this dilemma, the concept of climate smart livelihoods or climate smart agriculture emerged as one of the doable solutions which seem to have potential to cope up with climate change impacts. Throughout the world and more particularly in countries most dependent on agriculture, the policies are framed and implemented to support large population on one hand and sustaining economy and food security on the other. India is one of countries where agriculture and allied sectors are the primary source of livelihood for more than 60% of the country’s population. Therefore, the Government of India (GoI) has introduced several policies, programmes and schemes to improve and strengthen Indian agriculture. Policies introduced in recent years focus on climate smart agriculture (CSA) practices. This article attempts to look into existing policies and programmes in agriculture and allied sectors to understand the perspectives in detail and analyse the outcomes aligning with the production, resilience and mitigation under the broad framework of CSA.

ANALYSING THE STATUS OF WATER RESOURCES AND THEIR CONSERVATION: KEY STRATEGIES FOR SUTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN MAHOBA DISTRICT OF UTTAR PRADESH (INDIA)

Water is one of the most important natural resources on the earth surface. It is the base not only for survival of human beings but to operate different types of activities for existence of biotic and abiotic eco-system. Although, water is abundant on the earth but the usable water is considerably very limited. The Mahoba district of Uttar Pradesh is water stressed district which is part of Bundelkhand region, known as a water deficit and drought prone region in the country. Therefore, water crisis is the main issue of the entire region. Due to the less annual rainfall, the availability of water resources is very limited in Mahoba district of Uttar Pradesh. Consequently, there is an urgent need to conserve and manage all type of water resources in order to quench the thirst of large population of the region and to operate different types of agricultural activities including tremendous anthropogenic activities for livelihood security and to feed millions of people. Hence, it is also very important to conserve and manage the water resources of the target area. By applying different types of methods and techniques including traditional and modern, we may not only conserve and manage the water resources of the region by involving local people, farmers, youth and women but also provide drinking water to the millions of people of the area as well as to irrigate farm lands. An attempt has also been made in the research paper to know the people’s perception for management and conservation of water resources.

Rural urbanisation and home gardening in southern Mexico: agrobiodiversity loss and alternative pathways

ABSTRACT In southern Mexico, the home garden has played a key role in the livelihood security of rural families and in the conservation of agrobiodiversity. This article examines how, as a dominant trend, rural urbanisation has reduced the dependence on home gardening as a livelihood strategy, with a consequent decline in agrobiodiversity. Drawing upon a mixed methods approach involving household surveys and life stories, the article contributes to a better understanding of long-term dynamics in the relationship between agrobiodiversity management and people’s livelihoods, and provides novel evidence on alternative pathways that allow households to maintain greater home garden agrobiodiversity.

Qi no tu i baba ni qwali (living down by the river): Impacts of flooding and mining on ecosystems and livelihoods

A vast ocean rich with resources to maintain a sustainable livelihood surround Pacific Island Countries and Territories. In Fiji, coastal resources are a primary source of food, medicine, income and other necessities for livelihood security. Human-induced climate change places growing pressure on the quality of coastal resources due to the increased intensity and frequency of natural disasters like coastal erosion and flooding. Anthropogenic activities like coastal mining of earth minerals further threatens livelihood security with cumulative pressure on the coastal environment and its resources. This paper discusses the compounding impacts of mining in the flood-prone community of Vanua Votua in Ba (Fiji). They currently witness the degradation of their coastal environment and its resources (iqoliqoli). The people of Vanua Votua have a cultural and spiritual attachment to their coastal ecosystem as indigenous custodians. However, they are limited in their ability to conserve and protect their iqoliqoli due to an unfair legal duality of national coastal governance structures and processes between the state and indigenous custodians. We found that a central issue of coastal mining, governance, and the people’s livelihood vulnerabilities, is Fiji’s Mining Act [Cap 146] and associated environmental legislations and policies that consolidate much of the coastal governance authority with the state. The Fiji Mining Act is currently under review. This paper provides a timely case study using the Sustainable Livelihood Approach and the Vanua Research Framework, outlining the need for current and future legislation to be nuanced and sensitive to the realities of the local context.

The Contribution of New Rice for Africa (NERICA) Farming to Livelihood Security of Smallholder Households in Migori, Kenya

Improved people's livelihoods have a great potential to solve food insecurity issues. The uptake and use of enhanced agricultural technologies have been identified as one of the best ways to improve yields of smallholder rural farmers leading to improved livelihoods and stable socio-economic growth. This adoption has been attributed to higher incomes, better nutritional conditions, access to food stability and prices, more employment opportunities, and improved payments for the rural poor. NERICA rice was one such agricultural technology introduced in many countries across Africa to enable smallholder farmers to achieve food security. Previous studies on NERICA adoption in Africa show mixed findings on its effect on rural livelihoods. The main objective of this study was to examine the influence of NERICA rice agricultural technology on the livelihoods of smallholder households in Migori. The study on agricultural technology adoption and livelihood is of great concern to many stakeholders in Kenya because previous studies report low adoption of agricultural technologies in rural households of smallholders whose livelihoods depend on farming and are food insecure. The study was carried out in Migori County. Multistage sampling was used by combining purposive and simple random sampling. Data was collected from 262 NERICA rice farmers selected using a simple random sample, 22 key informants were purposively selected and interviewed, and eight focus group discussions were conducted from purposively selected NERICA rice-farming villages. Quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS computer software. Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis, and the integrated data was triangulated and used to write this report. The findings revealed that the adoption of NERICA contributed to the livelihoods of smallholder farmers by increasing their incomes, creating food security and enhancing their social capital.

Sustainable livelihood security of small farmers improved through a resilient farming system in thesemiaridregion of India

AbstractImproving the farming system to attain the household level self‐sufficiency, land utilization efficiency and sustainable livelihood security depends on better socio‐economic and ecological aspects of the systems practiced by the small farmers in the semiarid regions of India. The higher sustainable livelihood security index (SLSI) in the integrated crops‐livestock system helps to restore economic and ecological sustainability. The aim of this study was to analyze how various modules of farming in different combinations have interacted with the diversification of existing systems. We used the ecological security index (ESI), economic efficiency index (EEI), and social equity index (SEI) to produce a SLSI of improved integrated farming system (IFS) compared with benchmark farming in semiarid regions. In this study, different existing IFS comprising of seven modules (field crops, dairy, goats, poultry, horticulture, fishery, and apiary) in different combinations were examined. Results revealed that 72.5% farmers preferred to integrate two modules, where as 95% of farmers adopted field crops + dairy (FC + D) in preference to other modules. The sustainability indicators: ESI (+43.3%), EEI (+16.0%), SEI (+11.6%), and SLSI (+6.0%) were improved in the FC + D farming system to a greater degree than other IFS module combinations. Similarly, improved IFS interventions also increased sustainability indicators over benchmark farming. Based on large scale household studies over 5 years, our findings suggest that the improved IFS succeeded in providing a wider array of livelihood security than existing practices. Hence, the paradigm shift from component approach to an IFS‐based resilient system, which is economically viable, environmentally sustainable, and socially acceptable, is needed for development of semiarid regions.