Sustainable Livelihood Development Research Articles

An Empirical Assessment of Diversity in Fish Species: Case Study of Madhubani District, India

Sarisab Pahi Chaur is a wetland sites in the Madhubani district, Bihar has rich fish diversity. The present investigation was undertaken the status of fish diversity and seasonal impacts on them in Sarisab Pahi Chaur of Madhubani, Bihar. A total number of 29 species representing 17 families of 9 orders of class Actinopterygii were identified from Sarisab Pahi Chaur wetland, the various species of order Cypriniformes 49% and Clupeiformes 16% dominated in the wetland followed by order Siluriformes 15%, Perciformes 12%, Channiformes 6%, Symbrachiformes, Beloniformes, Anguilliformes and Mugiliformes respectively. In present investigation species diversity of fishes of Sarisab Pahi Chaur, ranged between the lowest 0.943 June, 2021 and the highest 1.346 May, 2022. Species evenness (J) of fishes of Sarisab Pahi Chaur, varied from the lowest 0.787 July, 2021 and the highest 0.933 March, 2022 during the investigation period. Species richness (d) of fishes of Sarisab Pahi Chaur, varied from the lowest 6.603 June, 2021 and the highest 12.411 May, 2022. The value of Shannon-Wiener diversity, Species richness and the Evenness in different months are the different value which is depends upon the fish density and physico-chemical parameters of water of wetland. The paper takes into account to explore the importance of wild variety in fish seed production and its support in sustainable livelihood development.

Impact of horticulture on the sustainable livelihood development of smallholders: a SPAR-4-SLR & future research agenda

Purpose. The perishable nature of the horticulture (fruits, vegetables, and flowers) industry makes it more complex to study. The higher return and nutritional benefits compared to traditional agricultural products expand the research scope for the stakeholders’ sustainable benefit. Nevertheless, despite limited research, this study explicitly examines additional facets of smallholder development beyond the traditional economic, social, and environmental dimensions. Methodology / approach. To fill this knowledge gap, we comprehensively reviewed 73 articles published between 2013 and 2022 in international scientific journals with an SJR (Scimago Journal & Country Rank) Q1 ranking. We followed the “Scientific Procedures and Rationales for Systematic Literature Reviews” (SPAR-4-SLR) protocol to identify different aspects of smallholders’ development. Literature from Web of Science and Scopus databases was analysed and organised using the TCCM (Theory, Context, Characteristics, and Methodology) framework. Results. The study identified important factors like infrastructure, commercialisation, market access, marketing, credit, policies, information, intervention, training, technology, and collaboration that could uncover crucial economic, political, social, psychological, ecological, cultural, physical and nutritional aspects of development in general. The study also suggests that implementation Agriculture 4.0 through advanced technologies like IoT, AI, and vertical and bio-fortification practices can help in sustainable livelihood development in horticulture. Originality / scientific novelty. The limited or lack of comprehensive studies on smallholders’ sustainable livelihood development with different dimensions makes this research a bridge to identify other dimensions instead of only focusing on the horticultural sector’s economic, social, and ecological aspects. It uses the Agricultural Innovation System and Farmer First theories, stating that the farmer is the first priority and must collaborate and interact to implement technology and innovations for smallholder livelihood development. Practical value / implications. This research will help in decision-making regarding smallholders’ livelihoods in all eight dimensions at all levels of government, private and other stakeholders, suggesting a triple-helix model.

Has the poverty alleviation resettlement projects achieved just transition in Nujiang Prefecture of Southwest China?: A way to achieve SDGs

From 2016 to 2020, China successfully assisted 9.6 million people below poverty line, making a making a substantial contribution to both the UN-defined Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the global effort to reduce poverty. The literature reveals a focus on resettlement justice concerning livelihood transformation, re-siting, and public participation. However, a dearth of scholarly perspectives exists regarding migrants' comprehensive satisfaction indicators of just transition, particularly on sustainable assessment. Therefore, the study regards migrants as “customers” of PAR projects and assesses the degree of realization of a just transition of resettlement through their satisfaction. A multilayered comprehensive evaluation model is being formulated using the survey data of 515 migrants residing in three county-level cities in Nujiang Prefecture of southwest China. The results show that there is an increase in satisfaction with the impact of PAR on the migrant households' income, material assets, housing conditions, infrastructure, natural environment, children's educational level and ethnic cultures. Moreover, satisfaction with migrants' employment stability, social networking level, and the succession of local customs decreased. The results help to show that the PAR project does affect various aspects of migrants' lives, as well as contributing to the SDGs of social, economic, and environmentally sustainable development. The construction of a sustainable assessment system oriented to the combination of different dimensions of migrants' satisfaction and importance can help reduce the inequalities that may arise from the project. Boosting migrants' overall satisfaction is the most significant factor to consider when developing robust policies to increase poverty alleviation achievements and promote sustainable livelihood development.

Examining the links between household livelihood resilience and vulnerability: disaster resettlement experience from rural China

Livelihood status of rural households is the focus of disaster resettlement research. Influenced by various factors, rural households face multiple environmental and social pressures after relocation, and the study of livelihood resilience and vulnerability provides a new framework for research into the livelihoods of relocated households. There has been a call for more quantitative evidence about the links between livelihood resilience and livelihood vulnerability in the context of disaster resettlement. This study uses data from a sample of 657 individuals from the relocation area of Ankang prefecture in southern Shaanxi, China. The resilience of rural household livelihood systems is quantified in terms of two dimensions of general resilience and specific resilience using the spatial vector method from systems engineering. The IPCC framework was used to measure three dimensions of livelihood vulnerability: exposure, sensitivity, and adaptability, and a threshold regression model was applied to investigate the impacts of livelihood resilience on livelihood vulnerability. Results show that: (i) livelihood vulnerability of relocated households (−0.042) was significantly lower than that of local households (0.091), while relocated households in the process of livelihood reconstruction had a certain degree of vulnerability risk. (ii) there is a significant threshold effect of livelihood resilience on livelihood vulnerability of rural households. (iii) increasing livelihood resilience significantly reduced the degree of vulnerability of rural households, and the marginal effect of general resilience on livelihood vulnerability shows a decreasing trend. Specific resilience has a positive influence on livelihood vulnerability before it exceeds the threshold, but the effect disappears above the threshold of resilience. (iv) The threshold value of livelihood resilience of local households (0.5039) is generally lower than that of relocated households (0.6548), and relocation does improve the ability of rural households to resist uncertainty risks. It is necessary for local governments to formulate more targeted policies to reduce the livelihood vulnerability of rural households and thereby promote sustainable livelihood development.

A Proposed Typology of Farming Systems for Assessing Sustainable Livelihood Development Pathways in the Tien Shan Mountains of Kyrgyzstan

In Kyrgyzstan, most farming systems focus on animal husbandry, which depends on mixtures of crops and pastures around settlements and higher-elevation summer pastures. These farms face the problems of insufficient fodder production and pasture degradation due to overgrazing, resulting in low productivity of livestock and reduced household incomes. The spatial diversity of farms often hampers the development of interventions aimed at improving crop and animal productivity, as well as sustainable grassland management, while the absence of a comprehensive and systematic classification system that effectively encompasses the diverse range of livelihood strategies within farming systems presents a significant obstacle to the advancement of initiatives promoting sustainable livelihoods. This study aimed to develop a consistent typology of smallholder farms in the Tien Shan using multivariate analysis. By analyzing data from 235 farm-households and evaluating key classification variables, we identified two distinct farming systems, upper mountain farms and lower mountain farms, based on socioeconomic and agro-ecological characteristics. Our typology considers elevation, grazing period, cultivated area, and off-farm income and better captures the diversity of farming activities and household income compared to current classification models. These findings will inform and tailor policies and interventions suitable for enhancing sustainable livelihoods in Kyrgyzstan’s mountain farming systems.

The Contribution of Agricultural Marketing Co-operative Societies to Farmers’ Livelihoods in Mvomero and Kilombero Districts, Tanzania

Collective action through Agricultural Marketing Co-operative Societies (AMCOS) is a significant tool for improving smallholder livelihoods; hence, contributing to farmers’ economic development. AMCOS provides a favourable atmosphere for an effective government aid scheme, farm input supply, and mobilization of funds from external support services organizations. However, farmers are facing many challenges, such as inadequate access to agricultural credit, market linkage, information, inadequate technologies, and underperforming markets. There are mixed findings on whether or not agricultural cooperatives improve members’ livelihoods. Therefore, this study evaluated the contribution of AMCOS to members’ livelihood outcomes and constraints for sustainable livelihood development. A total of 340 respondents were interviewed. The findings showed that AMCOS members had higher outcomes in some livelihoods than non-members of AMCOS. In addition, AMCOS contributed to members’ income and some of the assets. Lastly, stakeholders pointed out inefficient service delivery, inadequate skills of co-operative managers, and district co-operative officers’ interference in AMCOS business, which deprived members of co-operative autonomy, as constraints facing AMCOS to enhance sustainable livelihoods for members. Therefore, the study recommends that AMCOS management improve service delivery and plan for continuous staff development. Also, District Co-operative Officers should observe co-operative principles and values in executing their duties.

Does financial inclusion promote sustainable livelihood development? Mediating effect of microentrepreneurship

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the impact of financial inclusion in promoting sustainable livelihood among indigenous women entrepreneurs. Moreover, the study has also examined the mediating role of microentrepreneurship between financial inclusion and sustainable livelihood.Design/methodology/approachStructure equation modeling has been used to analyze the mediating effect of microentrepreneurship between financial inclusion and sustainable livelihood development. In total, 598 samples of indigenous women across the Sundargarh and Mayurbhanj districts in Odisha are used for the statistical data analysis in the study.FindingsThe results showed that financial inclusion has direct and indirect effect on promoting sustainable livelihood among indigenous women. The results also highlighted that microentrepreneurship significantly mediates the relationship between financial inclusion and sustainable livelihood.Practical implicationsThe Government of India should formulate policies on financial inclusion by reviewing the findings of this study. In addition, to increase the base of microenterprises and the achievement of sustainable livelihood in rural regions, more focus should be given toward the promotion of inclusive finance among indigenous women in India.Originality/valueThe present idea has not been discussed or explored earlier among the indigenous communities in the Indian context. So, the study will benefit the marginalized groups of women in promoting their livelihood sustainably.

The commercialization of timber bamboo in Nepal: A SWOT-AHP analysis

Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) have the potential to support sustainable livelihood development and forest conservation. Among NTFPs, bamboo has gained popularity as a potential substitute for wood-based timber. In Nepal, bamboo is a culturally and ecologically important plant distributed across major ecological regions. Despite its potential, the current use of bamboo in Nepal is limited. To address this, we conducted a study using expert interviews, a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis, and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to identify the key factors necessary for the successful commercialization of bamboo in Nepal. Our findings highlight the importance of local employment, marketing infrastructure, research and development, and product quality and delivery. Overall, the Nepalese bamboo industry shows high potential for development, with strengths and opportunities outweighing weaknesses and threats. Our study identifies four areas for improvement to support the commercialization of the Nepalese bamboo industry i) integrating traditional knowledge into innovative supply chains, ii) improving policy support, iii) building capacity in bamboo harvesting and management, and iv) utilizing community forestry networks to grow bamboo. Our results have implications for policymakers and industry stakeholders looking to develop sustainable and profitable bamboo industries in Nepal and beyond.

Development of novel tasar cultivation zones and conservation of vanya silkworms in ecologically-restored sites within degraded mined-out areas of Purnapani, Odisha

Aim: The aim was to develop tasar cultivation zones by introducing diverse tasar host plant species at mined out sites undergoing ecological restoration for generating sustainable livelihood option for local tribals. Methodology: The site selected for vanya sericulture was an integral part of ecologically restored 250 -acres limestone/dolomite mined out area of Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL).Tasar cultivation zones were developed by planting saplings of host plant species viz, Terminalia tomentosa (Roxb.) ex DC., Terminalia arjuna Wright & Arn., Terminalia belerica (Gaertn) Roxb, Ziziphus mauritiana Lam., Terminalia chebula Retz. and Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels. These cultivation zones are currently scattered among nine forest communities that were developed by growing saplings of more than 260 native species of trees and shrubs, besides ground vegetation, using ecosystem approach. Women self-help groups were formed and trained in rearing of tasar silkworms as well as making tasar-based products to ensure continuous practice of tasar silkworm culture at these novel cultivation zones. Results: During early ecological stages of ecosystem redevelopment through restoration of the habitat, it was observed that wild tasar moths laid eggs and silkworms spun cocoons, albeit in very small quantity, indicating suitability of foliage as food for larvae. In the year 2019-2020 alone, an estimated one lakh cocoons were produced from DFLs procured from CTRTI, Ranchi,and sent to the market/stored as seed cocoon. The average income per member of self-help group from sale of tasar cocoons was Rs 7, 855 (INR) annually. Interpretation: The restored ecosystems in the limestone/dolomite mined-out areas of SAIL at Purnapani serve as an excellent model for conservation of Tasar gene pools and sustainable livelihood development that can be replicated elsewhere. Hence, this practise can serve as an excellent model for replication elsewhere. Key words: Biodiversity, Ecological restoration, Livelihood, Mined out areas, Self-help group, Tasar silkworm

Impoverishment Persistence in Hydropower Dam-Induced Resettled Communities: A Sociological Investigation on Livelihood and Food Security in Vietnam

The widespread development of hydropower dams has led to involuntary displacement, which has become a significant global issue. In Vietnam, around 70,000 households were displaced in 2020, causing uncertainty and social disruption. The aim of this study is to analyze the effects of resettlement on the livelihood and food security of displaced households, explore the underlying challenges and causes of these effects, and recommend policy implications for sustainable livelihood development and poverty alleviation. This study conducted a decade-long sociological examination of three displaced communities in Thua Thien Hue province, Vietnam. Our research reveals that resettled households are unable to regain their former standard of living due to the loss of cultivated land and restricted access to public property, which exacerbates food insecurity. Unemployment, illiteracy, and low income further perpetuate poverty. These findings highlight the deficiencies in current policies and planning approaches and call for implementing socially responsible resettlement processes guided by principles of equity. Addressing the inequalities arising from displacement and enabling affected communities to participate in growth is economically justified and morally imperative.

A coupled and coordinated analysis in livelihoods of poverty alleviation migrants from a just transition perspective

IntroductionFrom 2016 to 2020, China resettled 9.6 million poor people for the purpose of poverty alleviation. While this policy achieved the goal of eliminating absolute poverty, it also caused massive displacement and problems related to achieving a “just transition”. This study considers the “coupled coordination model” of resettlement, and examines livelihood capital and livelihood stability, from the perspective of “just transition”.MethodsThis study is based on survey data gathered in Lanping County, Yunnan Province from 235 resettled people that belong to “ethnic minority groups directly-entering-socialism”, making use of the livelihood capital assessment index system of farm households which is based on China's poverty alleviation resettlement policy and background-established a “coupled coordination degree model” which coordinates and combines livelihood capital and livelihood stability analyzes how accumulation of livelihood capital affects livelihood stability.ResultsResults indicate that (1) resettlement and supportive measures increased the coupling and coordination of migrants' household livelihood capital and livelihood stability.; (2) This type of coupled coordination led to a change from “dysfunctional decline type” to a “transitional development type”, thus reflecting “just transition”; (3) Although livelihood capital had an important positive impact on the coupling and coordination of migrants livelihood coupling and coordination, different livelihood strategies influenced livelihood coupling and coordination in different ways.DiscussionThis requires that government decision makers focus on facilitating a “just transition” as migrants become urbanized citizens. Disposing of natural resources such as farmland for migrants, promoting the implementation of land circulation policies, considering the contribution of different types of livelihood capital to different families, improving the precision of employment training, and promoting sustainable livelihood development.

Pengembangan mata pencaharian alternatif berkelanjutan: diversifikasi produk ikan air tawar di Kampung Boha Dan Pachas Distrik Muting Kabupaten Merauke

ABSTRACT Merauke Regency is an Autonomous Regency located at the eastern end of Indonesia which is directly adjacent to Papua New Guinea (PNG). This region has the peculiarities of both its ecology and its people. Muting District is one of the areas in Marauke which has the potential for freshwater fish because it is located in the Bian Lake wildlife reserve. Together with partners the Peat and Mangrove Restoration Agency of the Republic of Indonesia (BRGM) as a consortium partner of the Indonesian Forest Management Community (KOMHINDO) in 2022 to obtain funding for a vocational campus which involves three universities, namely the University of Papua, Musamus University and Halu Oleo University. One of the objectives of this activity is the Teaching Factory for the development of sustainable alternative livelihoods based on fisheries and forestry resources for poverty alleviation. This activity was centred in Boha and Pachas Villages, Muting District, Merauke Regency, South Papua. The results of the Training and Productive Economic Development Program for Local Communities Based on Fisheries and Forestry Resources are in the form of fish product diversification in the form of making fish sauce, meatballs and empek-empek. The participation of the UMK groups from Pachas and Boha villages was very enthusiastic and took part in the training which is expected to be used as a source of community economic income in the future. Key words: Kedaireka; Matching fund; Merauke; UNIPA

Are we hunting bats to extinction? Worldwide patterns of hunting risk in bats are driven by species ecology and regional economics

Bats are routinely neglected in conservation, often regarded as uncharismatic and constantly maligned despite their provision of economic and ecosystem services. Yet many species are threatened, and while the loss of roosting and foraging habitat has been explored, the impacts of hunting on species survival are less well understood. Here, we analysed the hunting risk of 1320 bat species (of 1400 known) from around the world and explored the association between ecological traits and socioeconomic variables. Globally, at least 19 % of species are threatened by hunting. Large-bodied bats with narrow distributions are at increased risk of hunting, particularly in tropical regions. Multiple threats, such as habitat loss and modification, are likely to exacerbate the pressures experienced by hunted species. Furthermore, accessibility to bat habitats and low-income drive bat hunting in developing countries. With the global economic recession and the need for economic recovery following the pandemic, hunters may rely more on wildlife for subsistence and pose a threat to both biodiversity and public health. Achieving the balance between economics and conserving biodiversity is challenging due to socioeconomic factors, and the complex interplay of different forms of threat. Therefore, interventions to reduce bat hunting activities should include greater investment to facilitate sustainable livelihood development in the rural economy, and elevating public knowledge about bat ecosystem services, and their potential role in the transmission of zoonotic diseases.

Livelihood resilience and livelihood construction path of China's rural reservoir resettled households in the energy transition

The construction of reservoirs has led to difficult livelihood transitions of resettled households after relocation and resettlement, resulting in a series of socioeconomic problems. How to scientifically integrate regional resource advantages and improve the livelihood resilience of resettled households has become an important problem to be solved to prevent and resolve social equity and justice risks and sustainable livelihood development. Taking Xiangjiaba Hydropower Station (Yunnan Reservoir area) as an example, the evaluation index system was constructed from the three dimensions of buffer capacity, self-organization capacity and learning capacity, the gray correlation degree method was used to evaluate index system, and the clustering method was selected to screen the indices that have a great impact on livelihood resilience. On this basis, the comprehensive index method was used to calculate the livelihood resilience, and the contribution degree model was used to identify the main contribution factors of livelihood resilience and to explore the path of livelihood construction to improve the livelihood resilience of resettled households. The results showed that (1) the level of livelihood resilience of resettled households was not high as a whole, in which the self-organization capacity was the strongest, the buffer capacity was the second strongest, and the learning capacity was the weakest; (2) there were differences in the livelihood resilience of resettled households who choose different livelihood modes. Among them, buffer capacity, learning capacity and livelihood resilience were characterized by wage operation type > part-time balanced type > agricultural operation type > subsidy dependent type, while self-organization capacity was characterized by agricultural operation type > part-time balanced type > wage operation type > subsidy dependent type. (3) The main contribution factors of the livelihood resilience of resettled households who choose different livelihood modes are similar. The number of laborers, participation in social organizations, skills training opportunities and 11 other main indices promote the formation and development of livelihood resilience from different dimensions. (4) The livelihood of resettled households should follow the construction path of “identifying transition capacity, clarifying resource advantages, strengthening livelihood support, and promoting livelihood reorganization” to promote the comprehensive improvement of livelihood resilience, ultimately achieving sustainable livelihood and high-level welfare. The livelihood resilience of resettled households is a continuous and dynamic development process, therefore, it is necessary to further improve the dynamic monitoring and evolution process of livelihood resilience, incorporate the impact of diverse data. This is also an important breakthrough in the study of livelihood resilience.

Solutions for sustainable livelihood development for fishers in the buffer zone of Hon Cau Marine Protected Area, Binh Thuan province

Choosing a sustainable livelihood model for residents in the buffer zones of protected areas is a central task and the key to the success or failure of protected areas. This study investigates and assesses resource and livelihood issues of people in Hon Cau Marine Protected Area, Binh Thuan province. In addition, the study also surveys, collects information and evaluates the competitiveness in the aspect of marine ecotourism of the study site and tourist attractions of the same type. The survey results show that there are two economic directions that can be developed to support the livelihoods of people in the buffer zone: tourism and aquaculture. In particular, when analyzing and evaluating the competitive advantages of local fishermen in the field of tourism and aquaculture, the results of the SWOT analysis show that aquaculture is a favorable and suitable direction for the economy, qualifications and experience of fishermen to replace inshore fishing livelihoods. The area's marine ecotourism has low competitiveness and low job-creation capacity. Therefore, the research team proposes that localities should prioritize investment in technology and financial transfer for people in the buffer zone in the field of high-tech aquaculture to transform livelihood models for affected people, directly from the protected area's fishing ban.

Interdependence between community participation and sustainable livelihood development: community perspectives on heritage conservation in Macao

ABSTRACT Extensive research has explored and emphasized the initiatives of both community participation and sustainable livelihood development in the contemporary world. However, studies on the interdependence of these two areas are limited, especially on the conditions and channels that facilitate community participation and the influence of community participation levels on different dimensions of sustainable livelihood. To explore the fundamental relationships among these growing important topics in the agenda of sustainable development goals, this paper proposes a conceptual framework linking all of the interrelated components by consolidating valuable insights from representatives of key community groups in the world heritage and tourism destination of Macao.

Livelihood vulnerability of pastoral households in the semiarid grasslands of northern China: Measurement and determinants

Livelihood vulnerability assessment has become an important policy tool for identifying groups in need of immediate intervention. Based on survey data covering 427 households in the Hulunbuir Grasslands in northern China, an indicator-based livelihood vulnerability assessment system (LVAS) was established by combining the sustainable livelihood framework and the exposure–sensitivity–adaptation framework, which described the livelihood vulnerability of households across the household life cycle in terms of the dimensions of exposure, sensitivity, and adaptation. A multiple linear regression model was used to identify the key variables that determine livelihood vulnerability. The results show that the livelihoods of pastoral households in the Hulunbuir Grasslands are moderately vulnerable overall, with a high level of exposure, a medium level of sensitivity, and a low level of adaptive capacity. As the household life cycle progresses (from the starting period to the empty-nest period), the adaptive capacity of pastoral households gradually decreases, and their livelihood vulnerability increases. The variables that most exacerbate the vulnerability of pastoral households’ livelihoods in this region are policy–ecological risks, climate–disaster risks and socioeconomic risks, and the main ways to reduce vulnerability are to improve these households’ productive capital, diversify their sources of livelihood, and improve their access to information. The results of the study provide empirical support for similar settings in different regions worldwide that aim to achieve a “win–win” situation of ecological conservation and sustainable livelihood development.

Beekeeping Livelihood Development in Nepal: Value-Added Opportunities and Professional Support Needs.

Beekeeping contributes to poverty reduction in many developing countries, and in addition, provides pollination services for sustainable crop production. In Nepal, management practices associated with beekeeping are poorly characterized, and so the potential for this sector to further contribute to livelihood development remains unclear. This study sought to examine and identify factors associated with production efficiency and financial profitability of beekeeping with the aim of enhancing economic gains for Nepali beekeepers. Our study included a sample of 150 respondents from more than twenty commercial beekeeping districts across the Terai and mountainous regions of Nepal. Profitability of beekeeping with the European honeybee (Apis mellifera) Linnaeus, 1758 (Hymenoptera: Apidae) and the Asian honeybee Apis cerana Fabricius, 1793 (Hymenoptera: Apidae) was quantified and disaggregated according to several variables, including hive-derived products produced, marketing strategy employed, number of beehives managed, and postharvest management practices. Our results showed that the different types of management practices adopted (such as number of beehives kept, colony multiplication, supplementary feeding, month of honey harvesting, and marketing approach) significantly influenced the productivity and economic profitability of beekeeping. Our results also revealed that professional supports, such as the availability of subsidies and training, were key factors to enhance productivity. As a whole, this study provides insight into the biological factors and management practices associated with higher economic returns from beekeeping. This work can help guide policymakers and professional support agencies to expand commercial beekeeping for sustainable livelihood development in Nepal and beyond.

Literacy matters in sustainable livelihood development among refugee adults in South Africa

Background: Political and economic upheavals in the current millennium globally have displaced millions of people, making cross-border and forced migration a reality. Many refugees are forced out of their countries and flee to other countries to find new languages with which they are not familiar. South Africa as a signatory to the 1954 UN Convention on refugees and stateless persons accepts refugees (asylum seekers) from all over the world. The displaced persons are mostly illiterate in English and the indigenous languages of their new settlement countries.Objectives: The study was set up to investigate the socio-economic value of literacy in the lives of refugee adults in South Africa. Hence, in this article, literacy refers to the ability to read, write, calculate, communicate and function in any language with a basic understanding in one’s environment.Method: This ethnographic qualitative study used interviews, observations and focus group meetings to explore how literacy matters in the sustainable development of entrepreneurial activities among the refugee adults and youths in South Africa. The study is grounded in Paulo Freire’s critical pedagogy theory and has some implications for adult literacy throughout the developing world where millions of adult refugees find themselves vulnerable.Results: The study revealed that refugee adults learn functional literacy in English and other 11 local South African languages informally as communication skills for the survival of their small businesses and for social and economic use in their ‘adopted home’. They find it difficult to get employment in the formal sector and often use their ingenuity to create their own jobs for survival and livelihoods in informal trade and entrepreneurship.Conclusion: The article concludes that within the public adult learning interventions by the Department of Basic Education, where literacy programmes are offered, refugees should be encouraged and supported in attending formal classes to deal with their livelihoods and small businesses for survival.

ECD centres as change catalysts in sustainable rural livelihood development: Griekwastad, South Africa, as case study

ECD centres as change catalysts in sustainable rural livelihood development: Griekwastad, South Africa, as case study