Livelihood Research Articles

RURAL POVERTY AND LIVELIHOOD CHALLENGES AMONG ADOLESCENT GIRLS IN NSIT ATAI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, AKWA-IBOM STATE

This study examined the problem of rural poverty and how it affects the livelihood of adolescent girls in Nsit Atai Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. Survey research design was used to elicit the opinion of 27 adolescent girls drawn from the three clans that make up the Nsit Atai local government area. In-depth interview method was used for data collection, while the qualitative data derived from the field were content analyzed. The sustainable livelihood approach provided theoretical direction for the study. Findings from the study revealed that the educational pursuit of adolescent girls is hampered in their bid to search for livelihood as most of them miss class lessons in search of food. Furthermore, they are exposed to maltreatment and abuse, particularly from those who engage them as 'house helps'. The study therefore recommends among others, the need for the Akwa Ibom State government to enforce regulations regarding its policy on free and compulsory education beyond urban centers to cover rural areas where adolescent girls are used during school hours for economic activities as a means of livelihood. This is necessary because it will help them to concentrate on acquiring knowledge in school, and as well, boost their capacity to compete favorably when opportunities come their way in the future.

Development of infrastructure and its impact on sustainable livelihood resilience in the rural areas of the Rarh region in India

ABSTRACT Infrastructure and sustainable livelihood resilience (SLR) are two major dimensions of regional development, particularly in rural areas. However, in most research, researchers and policymakers have often emphasized and focused on a limited range of infrastructure, primarily highlighting economic growth. The influence of different types of infrastructure on SLR capacity remains uncovered. To address this research gap, this study explores the regional variation and causal relationship between infrastructure and SLR in the rural areas of the Rarh region in India. The study also examines how SLR correlates with different types of infrastructure. In the first stage of the analysis, all datasets were normalized to calculate indices for different types of infrastructure and livelihood capitals. A hot spot analysis was then performed to identify clusters of infrastructure and SLR. In the final stage, principal component analysis was used to determine the components of the infrastructure that significantly influence SLR. Additionally, primary field investigations were also conducted to validate the findings derived from the statistical analysis. The study’s findings indicate wide spatial variation in infrastructure development and unequal capacity for SLR. Moreover, bivariate analysis reveals a positive correlation between SLR and all sub-indices of infrastructure. Overall, the study demonstrates a cause-and-effect relationship between infrastructure and SLR, with improvements in infrastructure leading to the latter’s enhancement.

The Implementations and Strategies of Learning Based on Ecoliteracy in Boarding Schools in Reaching SDG for Classy Education

Objective: This research discusses strategies and implementation of ecoliteracy-based learning in Islamic boarding schools. It shows that ecoliteracy-based learning is needed to develop life skills that can be applied in social life. Theoretical Framework: Ecoliteracy is understanding and applying environmental knowledge and awareness in everyday life. Ecoliteracy learning includes the implications of ecological knowledge, socio-political knowledge, knowledge of environmental problems, cognitive abilities, and environmentally responsible behavior. Method: The method used in this research is qualitative with an exploratory descriptive design. Data was obtained using observation techniques, interviews, documentation studies, and focused group discussions. Results and Discussion: All schools where this research was conducted have implemented the Independent Curriculum, consisting of 61.1% at the independent learning level, 22.2% at the independent change level, and 16.7% at the independent sharing level. Research Implications: The implementation of ecoliteracy-based learning in Islamic boarding schools has been implemented by 1) providing reading materials with natural and environmental themes, 2) providing assignments to compose texts with environmental and natural themes, 3) using nature as a learning resource, 4) getting used to activities carried out in the context of building a character who cares about the environment through daily routine activities, such as class pickets, clean Friday activities, the habit of community service, recycling plastic waste into eco-bricks, 5) example from school principals and teachers, 6) motivation and an invitation from school principals and teachers to students to maintain and maintain a clean environment, 7) schools provide adequate infrastructure, such as trash cans, hand washing facilities, etc. Originality/Value: In implementing ecoliteracy-based learning, as many as 72.2% of teachers have provided ecology-oriented texts in their learning. Ecoliteracy learning can make a positive contribution to a sustainable life in an Islamic boarding school-based school environment to realize quality education. Ecoliterate learning is a strategy for realizing SDG quality education.

Factors influencing market value of agricultural land and fair compensation

The current research focuses on reviewing the relevant factors responsible for developing a farming community in India. A significant segment of the Indian population depends upon agriculture. For the development of the economy, there must be proper formulation and execution of relevant policies. A review of related studies was conducted to find the dominant variables responsible for developing farming communities and providing sustainable livelihood to farmers. The review brings out some significant variables, and the importance of those variables is justified by the network analysis of how the keywords are used in research. The collective approach of reviewing related studies and keyword analysis helped frame a framework for achieving sustainable livelihood amongst agriculturalists. The current study constructs valuable discernment associated with the facets that need to be concentrated on in ripening the farming sector of the Indian economy. Moreover, the current examination requires an empirical investigation of the variables accentuated in the present contemplation based on a review steered.

Parametric insurance for climate adaptation in fisheries and aquaculture

Abstract Ensuring resilience and adaptability of the seafood sector in the face of accelerating climate change involves risk management and risk reduction. In a world where climate patterns are rapidly evolving, innovative financial instruments have a role to play in managing environmental risks and reducing exposure to these risks through climate adaptation. Here, we consider the application of parametric insurance—when a predetermined amount is paid out based on parameters chosen based on expected losses associated with extreme events. We offer insights into its utility, implementation, and limitations. We emphasise the role of ocean forecasting in developing and pricing parametric insurance products to help mitigate and adapt to climate-related risks in aquaculture and fisheries. Forecasting is essential for anticipating changing environmental conditions at a range of spatial and temporal scales and thus informing decision-making regarding resource allocation and adaptation strategies. Through both climate-aware insurance policy design and the provision of education, capacity-building programs, and financial support for industry transition, parametric insurance has the potential to help seafood producers navigate the challenges posed by climate change. Use of parametric insurance can facilitate a managed retreat from vulnerable or non-viable areas to more sustainable alternatives or livelihoods by reducing climate risk in a measured environment. This approach can also contribute to the long-term resilience of seafood industries and coastal communities while protecting the health of marine ecosystems.

The Impact of Shifting from Subsistence to Cash Crops on the Livelihoods of the Soliga Tribe in India

Efforts to protect and conserve nature are essential worldwide. However, in many protected forests, local communities have lived for centuries, relying on the environment for food, income, shelter, and cultural practices. Conservation regulations often impact their livelihoods. This study examines the challenges and opportunities for sustaining the livelihoods of Soliga tribe farmers in Biligiri Ranganatha Swamy Temple (BRT) Tiger Reserve, South India. A participatory workshop with five researchers and 25 diverse farmers (male, female, young, and old) discussed: a) current agricultural and livelihood practices; b) key drivers of land-use changes; and c) necessary actions for sustainable livelihoods. Findings showed that shifting from traditional subsistence crops to cash crops like coffee, pepper, and floriculture reduced food availability but increased cash income. Non-timber forest products such as honey, berries, nuts, and firewood significantly supplemented household needs. Challenges included low coffee yields due to disease and poor soil, changing rainfall patterns, limited land, and wildlife crop damage. The forest conservation policies enforced during the recent decades have limited their access to resources and traditional lands, affecting their food security and economic stability. Additionally, limited access to education and employment opportunities restricts their social and economic mobility. Ongoing research and support are needed to enhance sustainable farming techniques such as mulching, composting, intercropping, integrated pest management, and controlling Lantana spp. to achieve resilient farming systems.

Redesigning short food supply chains for sustainable livelihoods and economies worldwide: a review of contributions from the British Food Journal

PurposeShort food supply chains (SFSCs) have been extensively researched for their environmental and economic implications. However, these are now confronted with shortcomings such as supply chain resilience (SLR) and societal livelihood (SL) hindering growth. The purpose of this study is to revisit and critically analyze existing SFSC literature, with a focus on SLR, SL, sustainability and human-centricity elements, to propose redesigning attributes for SFSCs in the era of Industry 5.0.Design/methodology/approachThe systematic review scope is confined to the SFSC domain with an analysis of contemporary articles published in the British Food Journal (BFJ). The meta-data and research papers are sourced from the Scopus database and the VOSviewer software is used for the analysis. The thematic, diversified geographies and method-wise investigation bring theoretical insights toward building sustainable and resilient SFSCs.FindingsThe study findings could serve as a fitting theoretical framework to redesign the SFSCs for resiliency, sustainability and societal aspects of the economy, environment and human livelihood, respectively. The results also discuss the prior accomplishments and elaborate on avenues for future research.Research limitations/implicationsEmphasizing recent trends, challenges, policy design, conceptual framework and future research directions for the SFSC domain, considering SLR and SL, has extended the literature in line with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.Practical implicationsThis study offers comprehensive guidelines to the concerned stakeholders for redesigning the SFSCs by linking sustainability, resilience and societal livelihood dimensions.Originality/valueThe study derives comprehensive insights into how redesigning SFSCs has contributed to more sustainable and resilient food systems worldwide over 2 decades. It extends the BFJ’s literature body by establishing the linkages between SLR and SL concerning human-centric SFSC.

Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration and Community Development: An analysis of Impact in Selected Countries

Purpose: This paper explores the relationship between community development and Farmer-Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR) as a strategy for resource conservation and community empowerment. It highlights how FMNR contributes to ecological sustainability and rural household livelihoods in selected countries in West and East Africa, including Niger, Ghana, Mali, Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya. Methodology: A content review of FMNR practices was conducted, focusing on their adoption, spread, and impact on community development. The analysis emphasized economic empowerment, ecological sustainability, best practices, challenges, and mitigation strategies. Findings: The study found that FMNR enhances community livelihoods by promoting sustainable natural resource use and reducing environmental degradation. It strengthens community capacity for resource management and supports rural economic development. However, challenges such as land fragmentation, technological gaps, and limited adoption were noted. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: To scale up FMNR, stakeholders should prioritize community training, strengthen institutional frameworks, and provide policy support for sustainable resource management. Addressing technological and socio-economic barriers is essential to maximize FMNR's potential in improving livelihoods and achieving ecological sustainability.

Livelihood Enhancement through Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration in Central Rift, Kenya

Over the past few decades, there has been pressure to meet basic needs by citizens in developing countries as a result of conventional livelihood sources to support such provisions which have gradually dwindled for a variety of reasons, key among these being land degradation, climatic changes and land sub-division. Alternative and sustainable livelihoods for poverty reduction and enhanced income for households are desirable for adoption. This paper discusses the effect of the application of Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR) in Kenya’s Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL) regions by Word Vision (WV) on food security, household income and livelihood enhancement. Case studies of farmers’ success stories supported by WVK are presented. Further, the paper outlines the roles of stakeholders in the implementation of the strategy and associated benefits to farmers in three counties of Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet and Nakuru. A discussion of the relations between poverty, income and household food security in relation to SDGs 1 and 2 is presented. Major findings from the study include; FMNR has contributed to improved food security, from 42.6% in 2018 to 73.6% in 2021 (31%). Increased household income was reported from 25.2% in 2018 to 52.5% in 2021, representing a rise of 27.3%. Emerging alternative livelihood sources include beekeeping, mango farming and processing, poultry, pasture seed production and coffee farming. The paper concludes that the implementation of FMNR in the Central Rift is still small scale and majorly aided by World Vision Kenya in the three Area Development Programmes (ADPs). The adoption of FMNR as a livelihood enhancement strategy in arid and semi-arid areas to enhance food security, improve household income, reduce poverty and support environmental conservation efforts is recommended.

Factors Affecting Growth and Success of Green and Sustainable Entrepreneurship: An Empirical Study of Indian Startups

Green entrepreneurship is about building businesses that balance environmental care with profit-making. In India, many start-ups are leading projects in areas like clean energy, waste management, and sustainable agriculture. These businesses are growing in response to rising environmental awareness and changing consumer preferences. Green entrepreneurs thus play an important role in reducing pollution, creating jobs, and promoting sustainable lifestyles. Their work encourages eco-friendly habits and reshapes supply chains to minimize environmental harm. As they drive both social and economic value, green start-ups contribute to building a more sustainable future for India. This study examines the factors that influence the growth and success of green entrepreneurship in India. The study will look at what is needed by these initiatives to thrive and succeed. This will help policymakers and other organizations to take the necessary steps. A sample of 223 people involved in Indian sturt-ups were surveyed to explore the factors that affects the growth and success of green and sustainable entrepreneurship and found that Consumer Demand, Competitive advantage, Collaboration and Networks and Corporate and Social Responsibility (CSR) are the factors that affects the growth and success of green and sustainable entrepreneurship

Having Faith in the Sustainable Livelihood Approach: A Review

This review paper focuses on the development and application of the Sustainable Livelihood Approach (SLA), especially regarding its limitations, both in terms of its formulation and link to theory as well as practice. The SLA has proved to be a popular approach, not least because it is holistic and ‘people-centered’, and forces a requirement that livelihoods, along with their vulnerability and institutional contexts, are well understood before interventions are designed and implemented to help the community. However, its theoretical underpinning has been questioned, and some have pointed to the weak representation of important dimensions such as power, including its link to globalization, and culture, with the latter including faith. This paper explores the various ways that these issues have been addressed by using faith as a lens, and makes a case for a ‘Sustainable Living Approach’ (SLivA) to provide a stronger dovetailing with the capabilities/functionings approach of Amartya Sen. However, there is a trade-off between the complexity of frameworks and their practicability, and more work is needed in this area, especially in terms of the potential contribution of technologies such as very-high-resolution Earth Observation, machine learning, and artificial intelligence.

Evaluating Natural Feed for Crayfish Farming: Economic and Ecological Benefits

Crayfish is an aquaculture commodity that has high economic value, with growing international market demand. However, the growth of these lobsters tends to be slow, both in terms of body length and weight, which is often caused by limited quality feed and high production costs. The use of alai feed, such as silkworms and other organic materials, can be a solution to improve cost efficiency and support more optimal lobster growth. In addition, natural feed offers ecological benefits by reducing water pollution and organic waste, as well as supporting the sustainability of local ecosystems. This approach also has the potential to reduce the risk of disease in lobsters, as natural feed is more in line with their biological diet. By improving production efficiency and supporting sustainable livelihoods, it is an environmentally and economically sound solution for the aquaculture sector.

Perancangan Website Preloved

The emergence of the trend to purchase preloved items as a cost-effective alternative to meet needs, particularly among students and young people, is driven by a sustainable lifestyle. The aim of this study is to develop a web based application that is easy to use, secure, and cost-efficient for managing and purchasing second-hand goods. To support the application design, data collection methods were employed through observations of similar platforms and literature reviews.These features include the ability for sellers to upload items, for buyers to search and purchase goods, and a review and rating system. To ensure that transaction processes run smoothly and are well-organized, a database design was developed. This application not only provides practical solutions for users but also contributes to reducing waste from the fashion industry, supporting a modern lifestyle.

Government carbon reduction policies and the shift to green lifestyles: The role of innovation, incentive, driving and economic effect.

This paper evaluates the impact of government efforts on the promotion of green lifestyles in realizing carbon emission reduction, a critical issue for achieving sustainable development. From the perspective of government policy, it examines the theoretical mechanisms through which government's attention to carbon reduction influences and catalyzes shifts in residents' adoption of green lifestyles. Employing an individual fixed-effects model, it conducts an empirical analysis to evaluate the influence of government's carbon reduction attention on the transformation of residents' environmental behaviors. Additionally, it investigates the transmission pathways through which these government actions affect green lifestyles changes and it also examines the moderating role of economic effect in this process. Our findings reveal that governmental emphasis on carbon reduction significantly fosters the adoption of green lifestyles among residents, with which innovation, incentive and driving effect serves as different mediating factors. Moreover, the degree of marketization exhibits a positive moderating effect. We further analyze regional heterogeneity, noting that governments in western and northern regions have a more pronounced effect on promoting green lifestyles transitions. Overall, this study can offer valuable insights into the policy mechanisms that can accelerate societal green transformation and enhance efforts to reduce carbon emissions.

Recurring crises, resilient workers? Biographical-relational resources in worker livelihoods

The impact of shocks and crises on workers and workers’ crisis coping strategies are issues of global concern and have generated a rich literature on resilience and sustainable livelihoods. Drawing on insights from social reproduction theory and biographical-narrative research, we draw lessons for the resilience literature from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on workers in a high-outmigration area of Eastern Europe. The area had some of the highest mortality and lowest vaccination rates in the European Union and is heavily dependent on remittances from work in German, Italian, and British agriculture, construction, and cleaning and care services. We use biographical interviews to show how respondents’ coping capacity builds on previous experiences of crisis and on social relationships and care arrangements at work and home, which are both sources of support and vulnerability; and we discuss why young workers in sectors deemed ‘essential’ during the pandemic were particularly vulnerable. By showing how care arrangements translate into both support and pressure, our findings speak to global debates about resilience and its costs for workers in high migration areas and beyond.

Establishing Strategic Management Framework to Implement CSR in the Food Industry: a Sustainable Livelihood Approach

Establishing Strategic Management Framework to Implement CSR in the Food Industry: a Sustainable Livelihood Approach

How do improved lentil varieties affect farmers' livelihood status in central Bangladesh?

Lentil plays a crucial role in ensuring nutritional security for the majority of the people in Bangladesh. Different types of improved lentil varieties (ILVs) are being introduced in Bangladesh to enhance the production, productivity, and area coverage. This study aimed to explore the changes in the livelihood status of the ILVs adopters compared to the non-adopters in the central region of Bangladesh. This study constructed a livelihood assessment index (LAI) by adopting the sustainable livelihood framework (SLF) provided by the Department for International Development (DFID) using primary data collected from two hundred randomly selected respondents during March-April 2022. LAI scores of the ILVs adopters and non-adopters were 0.48 and 0.43, respectively, indicating better livelihood status of the adopters. Major changes were observed in the human, natural, and physical capital of the lentil growers. ILVs adopters drew a profit margin of 662.46 USD/ha, which was 298.24% higher compared to the non-adopters. Moreover, they realized a 47.32% and 6.75% rise in productivity and cost of production, respectively. Besides the positive impact on the livelihood status, ILVs adoption was remunerative from the agronomic and economic perspectives. To optimize the benefits of ILVs, strategies such as demonstrating their tangible advantages and providing agricultural input and output supports are crucial to expedite better adoption by farmers. Additionally, research is required for fitting short-duration lentil varieties in between the rice-based cropping patterns in Bangladesh.

Elevating rural women’s empowerment: a case study on the impact of the sustainable livelihood scheme on extreme poverty in Bihar, India

Elevating rural women’s empowerment: a case study on the impact of the sustainable livelihood scheme on extreme poverty in Bihar, India

Thermal liners engineering using carpet industry’s 100% waste wool and acrylic fibers; A sustainable life cycle with energy preservation

Thermal liners engineering using carpet industry’s 100% waste wool and acrylic fibers; A sustainable life cycle with energy preservation

The Influence of Lohas and Consumer Effectiveness on Organic Food Purchase Intention: Trust as a Mediator

A sustainable lifestyle has evolved since COVID-19, influencing the growth of organic food consumption in Indonesia. This growth is driven by various factors, primarily related to health and environmental concerns. This study aims to analyze the organic food purchasing intentions of Bali residents using the variables of LOHAS Consumption Tendency (LCT) and Perceived Consumer Effectiveness (PCE), with trust as a mediating factor. The Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) is applied to formulate the hypotheses. A quantitative method is employed, with data collected through questionnaires distributed to the target respondents. The total sample consists of 205 respondents aged 18 and above, residing in Bali. SEM-PLS is used for data analysis, revealing that LCT and PCE positively impact organic food purchase intention, LCT and PCE positively impact trust, and trust has a positive effect on organic food purchase intention, serving as a mediator between LCT, PCE, and organic food purchase intention.