Socioeconomic Survey Research Articles

Social Demographic Dimensions of Contraceptive Use in the Land of Papua: A Cross-Sectional Approach

Background: The use of contraception is one of the efforts to prevent unwanted or mistimed pregnancies. Therefore, it has become a family planning program for motivating families to have ideal plans for pregnancies in time and with a desired number. However, although nationally, 58.7% of married women aged 15-49 years old used contraception in 2019, the percentage of contraceptive users remained the lowest in Papua, with only 13.7% of married women of the same age group using contraceptives in addition to 20% of the women having the unmet need for contraception. This study aims to analyze the determinants of the use of contraception in women of childbearing age in Papua Province.Method: This study employed data from the 2020 National Socioeconomic Survey (Susenas) with a cross-sectional approach. Respondents were 666,866 married women aged 10-54 years. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis were performed using SPSS with a 95% confidence interval (p < 0.05) to express statistical significance.Results: Residence, educational status, pregnancy, employment, age at first marriage, number of children, cell phone ownership, and health insurance were significantly correlated with contraceptive use (p < 0.001). Residence in an urban area, junior high school education, pregnancy, marriage at less than 20 years of age, having more than two children alive, and ownership of a cell phone and health insurance were associated with an increased chance of using contraceptive methods among married women of reproductive age in Papua. The chance to use contraception was the highest for married pregnant women of reproductive age, and the women, in this case, were 35 times more likely to use contraceptives compared to unpregnant ones.

Anxiety and depression among adults with haemophilia A: Patient and physician reported symptoms from the real-world European CHESS II study.

The physical pain and disability affecting many people with haemophilia A (PwHA) are known detractors from psychological wellbeing. While psychosocial support is considered a core tenet of the haemophilia comprehensive care structure, the extent to which mental health challenges are detected and monitored by the individuals treating haematologist remains relatively unexplored. To describe prevalence of anxiety and depression in a real-world cohort of adult PwHA and evaluate the congruence in reporting of anxiety or depression (A/D) between PwHA and their treating physicians. Data for PwHA without inhibitors was drawn from the European 'Cost of Haemophilia: A Socioeconomic Survey II' (CHESS II) study. Haematologist-indicated comorbidities of anxiety and depression were unified into a single A/D indicator. The EQ-5D-5L health status measure was used to characterise self-reported A/D, with individuals stratified into two non-mutually exclusive subgroups based on level of A/D reported (Subgroup A: 'some' or above; Subgroup B: 'moderate' or above). Of 381 PwHA with evaluable EQ-5D-5L responses, 54% (n=206) self-reported at least some A/D (Subgroup A) and 17% (n=66) reported at least moderate A/D (Subgroup B). Patient-physician congruence in A/D reporting was 53% and 76% for Subgroups A and B, respectively. Descriptive analysis suggested that individuals with physician- and/or self-reported A/D experienced worse clinical outcomes (bleeding events, joint disease, chronic pain). While adverse clinical outcomes appear to correlate with A/D, self-reports of moderate-severe symptoms occasionally lacked formal recognition from treating physicians. Cross-disciplinary surveillance of mental health issues could improve both psychological and clinical outcomes among PwHA.

Baobab trees population and economic contribution: Stems density, asset value and fruits value chains in Kilolo and Iringa Urban districts, Tanzania

The contribution of non-timber forest products to the economy is ignored and often undervalued due to their subsistence nature. The study focused on baobab trees aiming to understand the baobab population, its asset value across various land uses, and the contribution of baobab fruits to the economy. Kilolo District and Iringa Urban District were purposively selected due to the availability of baobab trees and activities involving baobab fruit businesses in the districts. A stratified random sampling was done to select four land uses, in particular, settlement land, farmland, grazing land, and village forest reserve land for a biophysical survey. Besides, a socio-economic survey was conducted employing key informants’ interviews, market and household surveys to collect data for the assessment of baobab fruit value chains. A total of 91 respondents were interviewed, specifically, 44 harvesters, 1 village wholesaler, 2 middlemen, 2 village retailers, 6 processors 22 urban retailers, and 13 baobab fruits consumers. The study observed 5.27±0.39 stems/ha of baobab trees in grazing land, farmland (3.88±0.73stem/ha), village forest reserve land (2.68±0.17stem/land), and settlement land (2.27±0.31 stem/ha). Also, the total biological asset value of baobab trees was highest in farmland (29.87±9.04 USD/ha) and lowest in settlement land (12.36±2.82 USD/ha). Total chain value added was highest for the baobab fruits value chain involving village wholesalers (1.17 USD/Kg) and lowest for the baobab fruits value chain involving village retailers (0.27 USD/Kg) because of limited value-adding activities in the latter chain. Limited access to market information, low prices, poor storage facilities, lack of capital, poor processing facilities, and seasonal availability of baobab fruits were challenges facing baobab fruits value chain actors. The study concludes that the population of baobab trees differs between land uses implying the potential threats to its existence, and the need for desirable strategies for its conservation and management. So far, baobab is only harvested from self-growing trees, so the study proposes domestication and commercialization of the tree species to raise communities' contribution to the economy.

Work and life: the relative importance of job quality for general well-being, and implications for social surveys

Abstract We investigate the relative importance of variations in job quality in accounting for variations in general well-being among employed people in Europe, the USA, Australia and South Korea. We find that the importance of job quality is everywhere of a similar magnitude to that of health, while both are far more important than other conventional determinants, including education, gender, marital status, parental status, age or household income. Job quality accounts for somewhat more of well-being’s variation among men than among women. Within the majority of European countries, the R2 for the variation accounted for ranges between 14 and 19%. The paper’s findings, alongside rising policy interest, support the allocation of a greater priority for job quality in general socio-economic and labour force surveys than hitherto.

Rural farmers’ perceptions of and adaptations to climate change in Sub-Saharan Africa: Does climate-smart agriculture (CSA) matter in Nigeria and Ethiopia?

The available literature has ignored farmers’ perceptions on the benefits and drawbacks of adopting climate-smart agriculture (CSA) in favor of focusing primarily on profitability and economic constraints. We use the Ethiopian Socioeconomic Survey (ESS) and the General Household Survey from 2018 and 2019 to compare Nigeria and Ethiopia, both of which have sizable rural populations to assess farmers’ climate change perception and their adaptation options in promoting CSA. We first hypothesize that farmers with high tolerance for risk and stable financial resources are more likely to adopt CSA techniques, relying on the adopter perception theory of agricultural innovations and technologies. We address potential selection bias using the Heckman selection model, and estimate our data using multinomial logistic estimator, as well as standard logistic regression for robustness checks. We find that in both Ethiopia and Nigeria, household income and plot size influence farmers’ adaptations to climate change mitigation practices. However, farmers with bigger plots who run the risk of massive production loss tend to adopt measures of coping with climate change. We show that in both Ethiopia and Nigeria, rural farmers’ adaptation decisions are heavily influenced by agricultural extension programs and community social networks. Overall, our work highlights the important role of income, farm size, and climate-related information for investing in climate-smart agricultural methods to curb food insecurity in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Efficiency Comparison of Floating, Ground, and Rooftop Solar Systems: Environmental and Social Impacts of Floating Solar Grids

The global fossil fuel shortage and environmental concerns underscore the imperative for transitioning to renewables. Developing nations like Sri Lanka are prioritizing green technologies, notably solar energy, to bridge the gap between current usage and its substantial potential. This study compares technical efficiency among floating, ground, and rooftop solar in Sri Lanka. Analyse local perceptions of floating solar. Assess the environmental impact and sustainability of floating solar systems in Sri Lanka. This study compares the energy production efficiency of floating solar, ground solar, and rooftop solar systems in Sri Lanka. This study compares the technical efficiency of floating, ground-mounted, and rooftop solar systems. Kilinochchi, chosen for floating solar, a nearby ground solar site facilitates a direct comparison, and Mass Vidiyal in Kilinochchi represents rooftop solar. The study strategically gathers data from inverters to assess performance metrics. The goal is a representative analysis, minimizing solar irradiance variations for accurate comparisons. Conducting a literature review to analyse the environmental impact of floating solar systems, drawing insights from past published research papers, and A socio-economic survey was conducted among the local community to assess the socioeconomic viability of a proposed floating solar plant near Chandrika Lake. The survey considered factors such as job creation, local employment opportunities, skill development, and alignment with national energy policies. Floating solar systems were found to have the highest energy generation capability and efficiency, followed by rooftop solar systems, while ground-mounted solar systems had lower energy output. The advantages of floating solar systems over ground-mounted systems were significant (43.69% advantage) and outperformed rooftop solar systems (30.81% advantage). According to the survey, stakeholder engagement and mitigation measures were identified as crucial, considering concerns related to water quality, safety, fisheries, agriculture, and the aesthetic value of the lake This study highlights technical efficiency, socioeconomic viability, and environmental impact of solar systems in Sri Lanka, emphasizing responsible deployment. While floating solar exhibits energy efficiency, addressing altered water flow and aquatic habitat concerns through mitigation measures is crucial for sustainable implementation.
 
 Keywords: Solar energy, Floating solar, Environmental impact, Social impact, Renewable energy

Hilsa fisheries in India: a socio-economic analysis of fishers in deltaic Ganga region of river Hooghly

Hilsa (Tenualosa ilisha) is a premium table fish in the eastern and some parts of the north-eastern region of India, especially for the Bengali community, contributing uniquely to the societal and economic significance of artisanal fisheries of the country. The major distribution of the fish species in India lies in the Bhagirathi–Hooghly component of the Ganga River system. The aim of the study was to examine if traditional Hilsa fisheries in India are sustainable as the livelihood of artisanal fishers in light of the socio-economic conditions of Hilsa fishers in West Bengal. Structured socio-economic surveys were conducted with 402 fishermen from the upper stretch of river Hooghly to its lower stretch (300 km) in West Bengal during 2020–2021. The average monthly income of the Hilsa fishers in the lower stretch of river Hooghly (Godakhali) (₹25,000–30,000/USD 301–361) was higher than that in the upper stretch at Farakka (₹10,000–15,000/USD 120–180). However, fish species other than Hilsa are generating significantly higher returns for 56% of fishers in the Hooghly district; 40% of Hilsa fishers in South 24 Parganas and Murshidabad (Farakka) districts are engaged in non-fishery activities for livelihood. There are significant differences between Hilsa fishers with other fisheries as secondary occupations and those with non-fishery activities as secondary occupations in terms of socio-economic characteristics. These imply that Hilsa fisheries are profitable as a continued traditional livelihood, but it alone is not sufficient enough to support the livelihood of the artisanal fishers. This indicates the threatened economic sustainability of the Hilsa fisheries sector at present. Considering the high market demand for Hilsa in the eastern and north-eastern regions of India and the market complexities, more significant investments need to be channeled into the Hilsa fisheries of the northern Bay of Bengal region. Such investments encompass a wholesome approach, including more governmental initiatives for conservation and management.

CONTRIBUTIONS OF WOMEN IN RURAL DEVELOPMENT: CASE OF WOMENS GROUPS IN THE PREFECTURE OF KISSIDOUGOU, GUINEA

This work aims to determine the role that women play in the rural development process in the prefecture of Kissidougou. The activities took place in Kissidougou prefecture from July 16 to October 25, 2023.To better understand this study we adopted the following methodology:Consultation of executives, archives and documents and socio-economic surveys. To this end, our surveys focused on: 240 women surveyed using the direct interview method, including 168 women belonging to groups formed, i.e. 6 women per group and 72 women working individually.From the data collected we arrived at the following results: 1. The annual income of women from all activities combined amounts to 221,479,000 GNF or $25,840 with a total expense of 177,064,570 GNF equivalent to $20,659 or a net profitability of 25.08% 2. The annual expenses of a female farmer increased from 385,200 GNF ($45) to 700,600 GNF ($81.8) or a variation of 82%, that of crafts 422,200 GNF ($49.3) to 710,200 GNF ($83) for a variation of 68% and those of traders from 643,400 GNF ($75.1) to 979,100 GNF ($114.23) for a variation of 52% 3. A change in mentalities for development 4. An increase in the purchasing power of women thanks to the increase in income and their strong application in family expenses (food, health care, schooling, clothing, housing, etc.), purchase of livestock, means travel and house construction. 5. Better management of the family budget and improvement of the conditions of members and non-members of groups. However, it should be noted that despite the efforts made by womens groups for rural development, there is still a lot to do in the sense that the groups are so far confronted with certain problems which are among others: 1. Insufficiency of areas specific to women farmers, inputs, seeds and materials 2. Insufficient infrastructure and craft equipment 3. Insufficient working capital and difficulty in selling finished products. 4. To remedy this problem, in the process of perpetuating the groups it is necessary to adopt the legislative, financial and administrative measures necessary to create an environment favorable to the entrepreneurial spirit of women and their participation in active life. Based on these observations and the testimonies of some women interviewed, we can say that women play a leading role in direct or indirect rural development and in improving family living conditions.

PERCEPTIONS PAYSANNES DES EFFETS DE LA SALINITE DU SOL SUR LES CULTURES MARAICHERESDANS LA REGION DE TAHOUA AU NIGER

Vegetable crops production is one of the main activities of the population in Tahoua region but which is threatened by land degradation, particularly by soil salinity.The main objective of this study was to evaluate farmers perception of effects of soil salinity on irrigated vegetable crops production in the Tahoua region.The study, conducted on two sites in Tahoua region, namely Bagga and Kehehe, was based on socio-economic surveys of 200 vegetable crops small-farmers.The results of this study showed that 84% of surveyed farmers on sites of Bagga and Keheheclaimed to have observed signs of soil salinity in their plotswhich they mainly appreciatedby whitish spots on soil or by blackishhard layer on soil surface. According to 38% of surveyed farmers, this soil salinity has a natural origin while 33.7% of these surveyed farmers affirmed that irrigation water is the cause of soil salinity in the cultivated plots.According to these surveyed farmers, soil salinity reduces crop yields because of limited growth of vegetable crops and also crops become very sensitive to drought and attacks of diseases and pests.Farmers practices to managing of soil salinity in cultivated plots according to surveyed farmers were mainly water ponding and surface drainage often coupled with plowing, apply of manure, use of plants salt-tolerant plants.Thus, this study confirmed the existence of soil salinization degradation on sites of vegetable crops production in Tahoua region that farmers are well aware of threat to their productive potential.Future studies can be conducted both to characterize and prevent the salinization of irrigated soils and to implement effective solutions for soil salinity remediation in irrigated systems in Tahoua region and in all regions of Niger.

Regional disparity in age-related disability: toward healthy aging in Indonesia

Purpose: Maintaining functional ability and minimizing age-related disability of older adults are required to promote healthy aging. A supportive physical and social environment, in addition to individual variables, has a role in reducing the risk of age-related disability. Infrastructure development differs between Java-Bali and outer Java-Bali regions. This study aims to determine the extent to which the disability of older adults in Java-Bali and outer Java-Bali regions. 
 Methods: This study is cross-sectional, using data from the 2020 National Socio-Economic Survey (SUSENAS) with 122.344 Indonesian older adults aged 60 and over. Disability is the outcome variable. The explanatory variable is regional disparity (Java-Bali and outer Java-Bali regions), which refers to where the older adults live. In addition, the control variables include age, sex, marital status, educational level, employment status, leisure activity, household wealth status, and self-rated health status (SRHS). A multivariate logistic regression statistical analysis is performed. 
 Results: The outer Java-Bali region has a slightly greater prevalence of older adults with age-related disability than the Java-Bali region, with 28.8 and 22.9 percent, respectively. However, older adults living in the outer Java-Bali region are 1.63 times more likely (OR 1.63; 95% CI (1.58-1.68)) to have disability than those living in the Java-Bali region. Other socio-demographic variables are significantly associated with age-related disability. 
 Conclusion: Living in the Java-Bali region increases the risk of age-related disability. Infrastructure development in the outer Java-Bali region needs to be improved so that older adults can experience healthy aging.

Could the minimum wage policy reduce food insecurity among households of formal workers in Indonesia?

BackgroundPrevious studies have concluded that minimum wages increase workers' wages. However, whether this effect will continue to improve households' food insecurity is an interesting question, especially in Indonesia, where food insecurity is still a public policy challenge. This study explores the ongoing impact of minimum wages on household food insecurity in Indonesia, leveraging data from the National Socioeconomic Survey (2017–2019) and provincial-level variations in minimum wages. The study employs unconditional quantile regression to provide nuanced insights by analyzing three food insecurity indicators: per capita calorie intake, per capita consumption of vegetables and fruits, and food diversity. We also investigate potential mechanisms driving the link between the minimum wage and food insecurity.ResultsThe study revealed that the real minimum wage reduced food insecurity, especially at specific distribution points. Significantly, the effect on per capita calorie intake was observed in lower deciles. The impact on dietary diversity was observed up to the seventh decile. However, the minimum wage increase did not significantly improve the consumption of nutritious foods like fruits and vegetables, except for the top deciles. The study confirmed that the minimum wage's impact on food insecurity operated through wage increases, particularly in the bottom-to-median wage distribution within the manufacturing sector.ConclusionsThe study concluded that the minimum wage policy ameliorated household food insecurity indicators in specific distribution segments. Our results support the effectiveness of government policies in increasing the minimum wage as a viable approach to mitigating food insecurity among formal worker households, especially within the manufacturing sector. However, additional policies targeting the lower end of the per capita calorie intake distribution are necessary, as the minimum wage was recognized to have no impact on this group.

THE DETERMINANTS OF REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH CARE BEHAVIOR IN ADOLESCENT: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Background: The quality of reproductive health during adolescence determines the quality of reproductive health in adulthood. The 2018 National Socioeconomic Survey found that 11% of adolescents were married before the age of 18, and 0.56% were married before the age of 15. Adolescent reproductive health issues continue to increase every year. Purpose: The study aims to analyze the determinants of reproductive health care (RHC) behavior in adolescents. Methods: This study is an analytic observational research using a cross-sectional design. The research was conducted at SMPN 20 Kupang City in 2022. The sample size are 82 students selected using a random sampling technique. The research variables are the characteristics of respondents, health literacy, parental support, teacher support, perceived vulnerability, seriousness, benefits, barriers, cue to act and RHC behavior. Bivariate data analysis used chi-square, and multivariate data analysis used logistic binary regression. Results: The results show that 57% of the respondents have a deficient reproductive health care behavior. The most dominant variable influencing RHC behavior was living with parents (PR= 4.86; CI= 1.22-19.27). Adolescents who live with their parents are 4.86 times more likely to do RHC compared to adolescents who do not live with their parents. Conclusion: These findings recommend the importance of optimizing the role of parents as peers in providing RHC education for adolescents. Parents who do not live with their children have to pay attention and remind their children to keep doing RHC.

Sexual orientation based health disparities in Chile.

Numerous studies from Europe and North America have documented sexual orientation-based health disparities, but due to data limitations, very little is known about the health of sexual minorities (i.e., lesbians, gay men, bisexual individuals, and other non-heterosexual populations) in developing countries. This research note uses newly available nationally representative data from the Chilean Socio-Economic Characterization Survey (CASEN) to explore sexual orientation-based disparities in self-rated health, health insurance coverage, and healthcare utilization in Chile. Our findings indicate that sexual minority respondents report worse self-rated health and greater health care utilization, and that sexual minority men are more likely to have private health insurance relative to heterosexual men. These findings are important in facilitating continued efforts to reduce health disparities in Latin America.

Watershed Management for Sustainable Livelihoods: Integrating Local Pond Ecosystems in Malda, West Bengal

This research article explores the intricate relationship between watershed management, local pond ecosystems, and sustainable livelihoods in the Malda district of West Bengal. The study investigates the potential of integrating local pond ecosystems into watershed management strategies as a means to enhance economic prosperity, ecological resilience, and community well-being. Through a multidisciplinary approach, combining ecological assessments, socioeconomic surveys, and participatory engagement, the research aims to provide insights into the synergies that exist between watershed management practices and the sustainable livelihoods of the local villagers. The research methodology involves field studies encompassing hydrological analysis, biodiversity assessments, and community consultations, aimed at understanding the dynamics of local pond ecosystems and their interconnectedness with the broader watershed. Special attention is given to the diverse ecosystem services provided by these ponds, such as water provisioning, nutrient cycling, and supporting aquatic biodiversity, and how they contribute to the overall resilience of the watershed. The findings of this study are expected to contribute valuable information for policymakers, environmental practitioners, and local communities in Malda district, offering a comprehensive understanding of how the integration of local pond ecosystems into watershed management plans can foster sustainable livelihoods. The article discusses potential strategies for optimizing the co-management of these resources, balancing the ecological health of the ponds with the socioeconomic needs of the local population. Ultimately, this research aims to provide a blueprint for sustainable watershed management practices that prioritize the conservation and utilization of local pond ecosystems, fostering a harmonious balance between ecological integrity and the livelihood aspirations of the communities in Malda, West Bengal.

The impacts of college educational satisfaction and helpfulness of career support on life satisfaction among Korean youth: The mediating role of mental health.

This study aimed to investigate the structural relationships between college educational satisfaction, the helpfulness of career support, and mental health, and how these factors influence the life satisfaction of late adolescents and young adults. The study utilized data from 550 Korean individuals 18-24 years of age who have experienced going to college, collected in the "2021 Youth Socio-Economic Reality Survey" conducted by the National Youth Policy Institute. Data analysis was conducted with SmartPLS 3.0 software, using a structural equation model with the partial least squares method. The mediating impact of mental health was validated using bootstrapping. The study yielded several key findings. First, college educational satisfaction, the helpfulness of career support, and mental health all exerted a significant and positive influence on the life satisfaction of young people. Second, college educational satisfaction was found to significantly positively affect youth's mental health. Third, mental health was identified as playing a significant positive mediating role in the connection between college educational satisfaction and the life satisfaction of young people. The study underscores the importance of enhancing mental health, alongside improving college educational satisfaction and career support, to boost the life satisfaction of young people. Suggestions based on these findings are discussed.

Exploring the determinants of energy poverty in Indonesia’s households: empirical evidence from the 2015–2019 SUSENAS

This study explores the determinants of household-level energy poverty in Indonesia by using highly granular, household-level socioeconomic data on Indonesia from the 2015–2019 National Socioeconomic Survey (SUSENAS). This study utilizes two distinct methods to assess energy poverty in Indonesia with regard to accessibility, aiming to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the issue. Using logistic regression with the combination of district-level fixed effects and interactions between regional and yearly terms, this study finds that, in general, the likelihood of a household being under energy poverty is negatively associated with household expenditure, dwelling size, family size, full-time employment status, and the marital status and educational attainment of the household head, while the associations with other determinants, such as the gender of the household head and LPG and electricity prices, are positive. These associations between the incidence of energy poverty and households’ socioeconomic and demographic variables, as well as the prices of modern and alternative energy, are in parallel with the findings from other similar studies that have been conducted in other developing countries or regions. Furthermore, this study finds some substantial variations in the estimation results for Java and outside Java.

Farmer perception, knowledge and management of the scale insect pest complex infesting crops and trees in Coastal Kenya

Scale insects and mealybugs (Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha: Coccomorpha) are serious plant sap-sucking pests affecting a wide range of cultivated crops and tree species. The insects are highly diverse and can have devastating effects on yields due to lack of farmer awareness and inappropriate management practices. Recent alien mealybug invasions in Kenya include among others, papaya mealybug (Paracoccus marginatus), a highly invasive pest that is spreading quickly. Farmer experience with diverse crop pests can support development of a successful pest management strategy and contribute to reduced impacts on both crop yields and agro-biodiversity. This socio-economic survey was carried out in three coastal counties of Kenya (Mombasa, Kilifi and Kwale) to establish the impact of scale insect and mealybug pests on farmer livelihoods and to document the perception, knowledge and management practices used by smallholder farmers. Data from oral interviews using ODK were administered to respondents and analysed using Excel and GENSTAT. It emerged that 26% of the respondents were familiar with scale insects and 51% with mealybugs, respectively. Of these, 78.13 % and 94% acknowledged having encountered scale insects and mealybugs, respectively, on their farms. The farmers confirmed that scale insect pests affected a high diversity of crops and trees. About 56% of the respondents used pesticides to control the pests while 25% did not apply any management strategy. The remaining 19% practiced cultural control methods such as field sanitation and intercropping with less susceptible crops. Pesticides were reported to be moderately effective (41-70%) at controlling scale insects and mealybugs. Other management options reported by farmers included farm hygiene, the use of high-pressure water jets, and applications of ash and bio-pesticides such as home-made neem extract. Based on the findings, it is recommended that capacity building for farmers and input providers be undertaken to enhance the knowledge of scale insect and mealybug pest biology, symptoms of crop and tree attack, host ranges and management practices. Additonally, training on the use of low-risk pest control products and innovative control methods should be undertaken to reduce the impact of the pest on crop production and agro-biodiversity. Keywords: Farmer knowledge, management, mealybugs, scale insects and socio-economic survey.

Seguridad alimentaria en familias de Yurimaguas, Perú: Características y factores asociados

Food security is sufficient access to safe and nutritious foods to satisfy nutritional needs and personal preferences, and to lead a healthy and active life. Objectives. To determine food security in 160 households of human settlement of Yurimaguas district, Loreto department, Perú and factors associated with it. Methods. The selected households had among their members at least one child under 18 years of age and an unmet basic need, which for all of them, did not have the sewage service. In these households, the Latin American and Caribbean Food Security Scale (ELCSA) was applied, consisting of 15 items and a sociodemographic and socioeconomic survey. The households were classified as food secure, or mildly, moderately or severely food insecure. Results. Among households, 3.1% were classified as food secure and 96.9% as food insecure (78.8% as mildly insecure, 16.9% as moderately insecure and 1.2% as severely insecure). Food- insecure households had a greater number of minors, mothers with a lower educational level and the daily expenditure in food was lower in comparison with food-secure households. Conclusions. A very high percentage of the households surveyed in the study area were food insecure, although mostly mild. Associated with the number of minors in the home, the mother's education and daily spending on food purchases.

Economic Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Its Association with Socioeconomic Factors in the Wof-Washa Natural State Forest, North Shewa Zone, Ethiopia.

The Wof-Washa Natural State Forest (WWNSF) in Ethiopia harbors remarkable biodiversity but faces threats from local communities, climate change, and a lack of awareness regarding its preservation. Although numerous studies exist, the economic value of the forest's ecosystem services (FESs) has been largely overlooked. Thus, the purposes of this study were to identify FESs, estimate their total economic value, and assess challenges with possible strategies for sustainable forest management. The research employed Google Earth to estimate forest area and socioeconomic surveys with field visits to gather data from 368 participants for analyzing the FESs, monetary values, and challenges with possible strategies. Analyses included descriptive statistics, total economic valuation (TEV), and an ordinary least squares regression model. The study revealed that the WWNSF provides crucial provisioning services (timber, honey, water, and firewood), regulating services (soil erosion control and climate change mitigation), and supporting services (soil formation and nutrient cycling). The forest's annual contribution to sampled households averaged $1152.30, with regulating and cultural services valued at $14,112 and $622.00, respectively. The study also revealed that male-headed households, larger families, and those having limited farmland and off-farm income depended more heavily on the forest. Therefore, farmland scarcity, settlements, and tree harvesting for firewood, timber, and agricultural tools, as well as the lack of employment opportunities, were the main challenges encountered in the study area. This suggests that despite degradation and reduction in size due to human pressures, the WWNSF remains a significant source of socioeconomic and ecological benefits, supporting local livelihoods and biodiversity. To ensure the forest's restoration, prioritizing community participation, promoting family planning, providing alternative income opportunities especially for youth, and balancing resource use with conservation efforts are possible strategies that should be taken into account.

DETERMINANTS OF POOR FARMING HOUSEHOLDS IN SOUTH KALIMANTAN PROVINCE IN 2023

South Kalimantan Province is one of the provinces in Indonesia that makes the agricultural sector a vital sector in its economy. According to BPS (2023), 48.86 percent of poor households in Indonesia have the main source of income in the agricultural sector. For this reason, it is necessary to measure poverty in agricultural households to provide input in overcoming poverty problems in the agricultural sector. By utilizing data from the March 2023 Socio-Economic Survey (Susenas) and two analysis methods, namely descriptive and binary logistic regression, this study aims to obtain an overview of the characteristics of agricultural households and identify what socio-demographic factors affect the poverty status of agricultural households. Based on the results of Susenas data processing in March 2023, 40.96 percent of agricultural households in South Kalimantan Province were obtained. The agricultural households are dominated by the plantation subsector which reaches 46.26%, followed by rice and palawija agriculture (32.50%), fisheries (10.59%), horticulture (4.94%), livestock (3.47%) and forestry and other agriculture (2.24%). The results of this study also show that agricultural households are dominated by those who live in rural areas, the head of the household is male, the average age of the head of the family is 45 years to 55 years, the last education below junior high school, the number of household members is 3 to 4 people, owns land and the head of the household has an agricultural business. Using the Poverty Line (GK) cut off point of each district/city, of the 3,400 agricultural households, 1.59% were poor, while 98.41% were not poor. The results of the binary logistic regression analysis show that the variables that have a significant effect on the poverty status of agricultural households in South Kalimantan Province in 2023 are the classification of regions, the gender of the head of the household, the age of the head of the household and the number of household members.