Sustainable Livelihood Strategies Research Articles

Sustainable Livelihood Approach for Supporting Aquaculture Households Amid Structural Shifts in Sidoarjo Regency

This study examines the role of the Sustainable Livelihood Approach (SLA) in supporting aquaculture households in Sidoarjo Regency as they adapt to structural shifts driven by industrialization and urbanization. The research analyzes how sustainable livelihood strategies enhance the economic stability of pond-based households impacted by land-use change. Using a quantitative approach with descriptive analysis, the study employs Structural Equation Modeling Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS) to evaluate the influence of key variables. Conducted in Kalisogo Pond Village, the study uses purposive sampling based on criteria such as economic reliance on aquaculture and sector experience. Data were gathered through questionnaires and analyzed for model validity and reliability. Findings indicate that the SLA significantly bolsters pond households’ adaptive capacity to structural shifts. Income diversification through non-aquaculture activities enhances economic stability and reduces dependence on pond farming. Social capital further supports households by strengthening local community networks. The study underscores the importance of institutional backing and microcredit access for aquaculture households. Policymakers and financial institutions are encouraged to support sustainable adaptation measures. These findings offer valuable insights into the SLA’s application amid structural changes in industrialized coastal regions.

Rural transformation and sustainable livelihood approaches under regional environmental policies: Evidence from two villages in the Yangtze River Delta metropolitan region, China

AbstractHasty and often uncontrolled urbanization and industrialization in metropolitan regions have pressured fragile rural ecosystems and large‐scale rural livelihoods in China. Through in‐depth observation and face‐to‐face interviews with key insiders in the villages of China's largest metropolitan region, the Yangtze River Delta, findings show that environmental policies in this region have profoundly influenced the local institutional processes and rural transformation. Through the lens of a modified sustainable livelihoods approach (MSLA), two institutional processes in formulating livelihoods strategies have stood out from case villages—state sponsorship exemplified by Yu village and grassroots entrepreneurship exemplified by Daxi village—and achieved sustainable livelihood outcomes in both collective level and household level. In particular, state‐sponsored development in Yu village was strongly supported by local leadership and trust between local cadres and villagers. In contrast, grassroots entrepreneurial development in Daxi village emphasized rural entrepreneurs' self‐learning and self‐governance capacities. As such, we argue that making sustainable livelihood strategies is not a unidirectional process like top‐down or bottom‐up, albeit multifaceted alternatives intertwined with dynamic institutional processes for collectives and households in rural areas. Ultimately, we call for more vivid and in‐depth case studies to nuance regional geography and its contextual attributes in further sustainable livelihood research in rural areas.

Enhancing Rural Livelihoods and Empowering Youth Through Agripreneurship: An Analysis of the Comprehensive Rural Development Programme in QwaQwa, Free State, South Africa

Agricultural production has long been a cornerstone of livelihoods in rural areas, providing essential resources and economic stability to communities worldwide. In recent years, there has been growing interest in the role of agriculture as a sustainable livelihood strategy for youth in these regions, especially in Africa, where the youth make up most of the population. This paper explores the impact of agricultural projects under the Comprehensive Rural Development Programme (CRDP) on improving the livelihoods of rural communities and empowering youth in Qwaqwa (Phuthaditjhaba), Free State. It investigates the programme’s impact on youth skills development, access to resources, and entrepreneurial opportunities, as well as identifying opportunities and challenges youth face within the context of the CRDP. This paper followed a case study design with a qualitative approach to describe, compare, evaluate, and identify patterns or cause-and-effect relationships between the various variables. Findings indicate that most CRDP-trained youths use their skills for household purposes, and some become job creators. However, there is also evidence that the trainees need additional support to increase production and market participation. The paper recommends that youth in rural and peri-urban areas require further interventions from governmental and non-governmental agencies to support strategies for increased production and job creation, which will, in turn, improve their livelihoods to meet the SDGs.

The COVID-19 pandemic and dynamics of livelihood assets in the Kwahu South District of Ghana: determinants and policy implications

ABSTRACT The debate on the changes in livelihood assets as a function of health shocks remains inconclusive, thus spurring attention from scientists and development practitioners across the globe. This paper analyses COVID-19-induced changes in the livelihood assets of rural households in Ghana. While content analysis was employed in qualitative data analysis, the quantitative data set was analysed using a binary logistic regression model. The analyses led to the following conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic led to a more significant decline in financial assets than social assets. Although several socio-economic factors determine changes in the livelihood assets of households, the assets base of migrants was disproportionately affected by the pandemic. Further, women were disproportionately affected since market access restrictions significantly affected their income and savings and, consequently, their ability to buy farm necessities. These results suggest the need to emphasise the resilience of financial assets in times of pandemics, especially for migrants. This study provides new insights to inform the sustainable livelihoods framework, emphasising pandemics and changing livelihood strategies. Studies to uncover the coping strategies of migrants in the context of health shocks are required to complement this position.

Unlocking the sustainable livelihoods strategy for forest communities in the southern slope of Mount Slamet, Indonesia

Mount Slamet in Central Java Province, Indonesia, boasts significant biodiversity potential, yet communities on its southern slope grapple with poverty. This study delves into sustainable livelihood strategies for these communities. Employing participatory rural appraisal methods engages residents in identifying issues and devising solutions. Findings advocate for agrosilvopasture as a viable livelihood, blending crop farming, silviculture, and animal husbandry to balance environmental preservation with economic advancement. Additionally, the study underscores the importance of capacity-building within local communities, emphasizing skill and knowledge enhancement. By advocating community engagement and offering multifaceted sustainable livelihood strategies, this research enriches the discourse on sustainable development for forest communities residing on the southern slope of Mount Slamet.

Changing Waves: Maritime Community Cultural Responses to the Anthropocene in Tambak Lorok, Semarang

Climate change rooted in the Anthropocene significantly impacts global ecological changes, including coastal ecosystems. As a coastal city, Semarang City experiences various phenomena related to the Anthropocene caused by humans, or anthropogenic, which affects coastal activities, including aspects of the community. Tambak Lorok community is among the communities most affected by anthropogenic threats. Therefore, Tambak Lorok fishermen continue to build resilience in running their livelihoods. This research used a mixed method through the Sustainable Livelihood Approach (SLA). Quantitative approach in the form of survey data collection on the Joint Business Group (KUB) representative is carried out, while a qualitative approach is used to delve into and understand the context of SLA further. The results show that the Tambak Lorok fishing community’s livelihood system can be analyzed through five capital assets: human capital, social capital, natural capital, physical capital, and financial capital. These five aspects get a variety of physical, social, and intervention vulnerabilities that create resilience and culture in the intersection. The KUB, as a representative of the fishing community, strengthens their sustainable livelihood in three ways: changing their fishing gear sustainably, diversifying income to FAD, and utilizing other alternatives outside fisheries sector. All of these alternatives to livelihood were achieved through collaborative governance with various policies and institutions as a sustainable livelihood strategy.

Les déterminants de la réussite des initiatives exogènes de la diversification des moyens de subsistance des communautés de pêcheurs

The study conducted in Madagascar explores on the diversification of livelihoods in Madagascar was carried out to identify the determining elements of the livelihood strategies of fishing communities and to bring out the relevant points of intervention to move the system towards sustainable livelihood strategies. The study was carried out in two stages: first, investigations were undertaken in three areas (Toliara-Sud, Ambaro Bay and Belo sur Tsiribihina) in order to assess the livelihood strategies of fishing communities following the theoretical framework advocated by Ashley and Carney (1999). Secondly, more in-depth investigations were carried out on four projects aimed at the sustainable livelihoods of fishing communities, to draw lessons from their implementation while taking into account the contexts in which they were carried out. The study of the diversification of livelihoods in fishing communities in Madagascar first made it possible to highlight the vulnerability of coastal communities. We are in the presence of a population that corresponds to the typology of the poor described by Dissou et al. (2000): generalized poverty at the level of the five forms of Capital according to the concept of "capability" mentioned by Sen (1985, Gondard-Delcroix and Rousseau 2004). We are also in the presence of a very vulnerable population due to its strong dependence on natural resources and a very low diversification of its means of subsistence. Also, the population's only recourse is to develop survival strategies to the detriment, as usual, of natural capital. Lessons learned from the implementation of the four projects reviewed highlight the importance of both entry points and the performance of exit plans. The entry points evoke the need for participation, the determinants of which turn out to be, first, the superposition of the immediate, often economic, needs of the population and the “deferred” needs for the sustainability of natural capital. Active and effective participation also happens to be dependent on respect for the power and decision-making structure actually in force at the local community level. The performance of exit plans depends on the degree of completion of the institutionalization of the structures supporting the participation of local communities. During the examination of the targeted projects, one notices in a notorious way, on the one hand, the quasi absence of an approach by typology which constitutes the base of the approach by the sustainable means of subsistence. On the other hand, it was also noted the failure of an appropriate monitoring-evaluation system which would have allowed any effective and efficient capitalization.

Sustainable Livelihood Strategies of the Van Gujjars in Upper Yamuna River Basin

The nomadic pastoral community of the Van Gujjars in the Upper Yamuna River Basin presents a unique case study that illustrates the intricate relationship between human livelihoods and environmental dynamics. This abstract introduces a research endeavor that seeks to explore the sustainable livelihood strategies employed by the Van Gujjars to adapt to their changing socio-economic and environmental contexts. The Van Gujjars, a nomadic pastoral community with a rich history deeply intertwined with the forests and mountains of the Upper Yamuna River Basin, have developed distinctive livelihood strategies that harmonize their traditional practices with contemporary challenges. This research aims to uncover the multifaceted ways in which the Van Gujjars sustain their livelihoods while navigating the complexities of modern development and environmental conservation.

Adaptive Sustainable Livelihood Strategies for Climate Change Adaptation in the Lake Chad Region

Adaptive Sustainable Livelihood Strategies for Climate Change Adaptation in the Lake Chad Region

Availability and access to Livelihood capital assets for development of sustainable Livelihood strategies of fishermen: A case study of Manchar Lake Pakistan

In developing nations with an abundance of natural water resources, fishing is a major source of income. When distributing resources between fisheries and other sectors, and preserving competitiveness in the fisheries industry, access to livelihood assets continues to be a key factor. However, vulnerability of livelihood assets and other economic and social variables have been severely affecting fishermen's livelihood. This article examines livelihood income vulnerability in the context of capital assets and the effects on local fishermen's livelihood and well-being. A survey sample size of 532 rural households based on a descriptive research design was used. Financial capital, human capital, social capital, and natural capital all made an enormous contribution to the earnings of fishermen and household heads in the Manchar Lake basin. The use of multiple regression analysis enabled new insights into how the livelihood assets characteristics affected their household income choices. The main objective of this investigation is to see whether access of livelihood capital assets affect local fishermen's livelihood income in the Manchar Lake basin. In the coastal belt of the Manchar Lake basin, resource acquisition plays a critical role in eradicating poverty. For the fishermen in the Manchar Lake basin, the current regime could further prioritize investing in fish trading infrastructure and improving essential facilities like social networks, education, skillsets, improved technology, and credit facilities in order to raise the livelihood income of fishermen and either reduce or alleviate poverty. These findings provide insight into fishermen's entry and exit for those who are planning livelihood shifts, and offer recommendations on how to overcome the constraints faced by the fisheries industry. Furthermore, insight into livelihood sustainability in order to improve the quality of life and income of fishermen domestically and nationally is also suggested.

Response and Adaptation of Farmers’ Livelihood Transformation under the Background of Rural Transformation: Evidence from the Qinling Mountains, China

Adaptation provides a new perspective for the study of farmers’ livelihood transformation and sustainability. This research aimed to explore the influencing factors of different types and adaptation of farmers’ livelihood transformation during rural transformation. Based on summarizing the response of farmers’ livelihood transformation during the rural transformation process in the Qinling Mountains of China from 1990 to 2018, this research constructed an evaluation index system for the adaptation of farmers’ livelihood transformation. Through questionnaires and interview surveys and based on the classification of farmers’ adaptive behavior, the research measured the adaptation index of different types of farmers’ livelihood transformation during different rural transformation periods and analyzed the factors affecting the types and the adaptation of farmers’ livelihood transformation. The results showed that: ① From 1990 to 2018, the livelihood transformation of farmers in Shangzhou District of Qinling Mountains mainly experienced changes from the farming + the working oriented to the synthetic type + the working oriented. ② From 1990 to 2018, the adaptation index of farmers’ livelihood transformation increased significantly in growth. From 1990 to 2009, the adaptation index of farmers’ livelihood transformation of working oriented and synthetic type was relatively high and concentrated. The distribution of the adaptation index of farmers’ livelihood transformation in 2010–2018 was relatively scattered. ③ Farmers with richer social networks tended to choose comprehensive and diversified livelihoods. Farmers with richer financial and natural capital were more likely to choose non-agricultural livelihoods. Leadership potential and social network, livestock, income status, and actual cultivated area were the key variables that have been influencing the adaptation of farmers’ livelihood transformation in Shangzhou District since 1990. The research results contribute to the optimization of sustainable livelihood strategies for farmers in the Qinling Mountains of China and provide case references for the study of livelihood transformation of farmers in underdeveloped mountainous areas worldwide.

Understanding vulnerability and sustainable livelihood factors from coastal residents in Taiwan

The sustainability of Taiwan’s coastal areas is vulnerable to human-caused and natural environmental changes, placing the income stability and the livelihoods of coastal residents at risk. In response to the challenges of coastal sustainability, this study examined the relationship between the vulnerability context and respondents’ perceptions of livelihood factors using the sustainable livelihoods approach (SLA) to understand the differences between the perceptions of coastal residents in multiple clusters. The findings are expected to facilitate decision-making in relation to sustainable livelihood issues, enhance the resilience of coastal areas to environmental changes, and increase attention on appropriate policy development and the future investment of resources. We recruited 410 coastal residents as respondents for a questionnaire survey. Through exploratory factor analysis (EFA), cluster analysis, analysis of variance, and cross analysis, we explored the typology of the respondents and the differences in their perceptions of livelihood factors. The EFA results revealed that the respondents valued five livelihood factors, namely context, supporting benefit, network, productivity, and autonomy. Next, by using the segmentation technique, we determined the typology of the three resident clusters and the differences in their perceptions of livelihood factors. On the basis of these findings, we propose that the key to the sustainable livelihood strategy is livelihood diversification, which can improve livelihood resilience. Thus, we assert that using the SLA as a method of strategic planning for coastal areas can facilitate the development of suitable countermeasures. Future studies are recommended to translate livelihood capitals into the aforementioned five livelihood factors to serve as a research basis.

Feasibility of Artificial Reefs to Local Livelihood Sustainability

This research examines the feasibility of utilizing artificial reefs as a means to enhance local livelihood sustainability in coastal communities. The study investigates the potential socioeconomic impacts of artificial reefs on local communities of the Southern part of Eastern Samar and explores their effectiveness in supporting various aspects of livelihood, including fisheries, tourism, and ecosystem services. Through a combination of field surveys, stakeholder interviews, and economic assessments, the research assesses the opportunities and challenges associated with implementing artificial reefs as a sustainable livelihood strategy. The findings highlight the potential benefits of artificial reefs, such as increased fish populations, enhanced tourism activities, and improved coastal protection, which can contribute to the socioeconomic well-being of local communities. However, the study also acknowledges the need for careful planning, community engagement, and long-term monitoring to ensure the successful integration of artificial reefs into local livelihood systems. Hence, by providing recommendations for policy-makers, practitioners, and community stakeholders to maximize the feasibility and positive outcomes of artificial reefs in promoting local livelihood sustainability.

Prosperity with Sugar: A Strategy for Sustainable Livelihoods for Coconut Sap Farmers in the Pendekar CSR Program

This article aimed to describe the sustainable livelihood strategy of coconut sap farmers in the PT Pertamina Patra Niaga Fuel Terminal Maos CSR Program of Karangsari Sap Tappers /Penderes Badeg Karangsari (Pendekar) in Karangsari Village, Adipala District, Cilacap Regency. The method employed in this study was qualitative with a theoretical approach to CSR, empowerment, and sustainable livelihoods. Informants in this study were determined by purposive sampling, which included 5 farmers and members of the Nira Cahaya Sejahtera Cooperative. The primary data was gathered through observation and interviews. while secondary data were obtained from CSR reports, related journals, and mass media which were then reduced and categorized based on certain themes and validated through triangulation. The results of this study indicate that 1) Coconut sap farmers in Karangsari Village already have the basic capital to survive by utilizing natural resources, specifically coconut trees which grow abundantly in Karangsari Village with a total area of 20 hectares. 2) The company provides assistance with five assets, including natural capital, human capital, financial capital, social capital, and physical capital in the coconut sap farmer empowerment Pendekar Program. 3) the SROI value for the Pendekar Program received by the company was 1: 2.33.

The impacts of artisanal and small-scale gold mining on rural livelihood trajectories: Insights from Ghana

Rising gold prices, together with other challenges faced by smallholders, mean rural people in sub-Saharan Africa are increasingly taking advantage of ASGM's low barriers to entry and engage in artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) to make money on a regular basis. Yet, adequate knowledge on the impact of ASGM's emergence on rural livelihood trajectories is lacking, particularly for emerging ASGM communities. Understanding the long-term dynamics of community livelihoods as small-scale mining emerges is important to inform the design of appropriate sustainable rural livelihood policies. Existing scholarship has predominantly examined livelihood snapshots rather than exploring how present livelihood outcomes have emerged over time, and for whom. Guided by the sustainable livelihood framework, this paper uses a household questionnaire survey, oral history interviews, focus group discussions and transect walks to investigate livelihood trajectories in three farming communities engaged in ASGM in Atiwa West district, Ghana, from the early 1990s up to 2021, focussing particularly on changes since the rise of ASGM in 2010. Three distinct livelihood trajectories emerge — consolidation, fluctuation, and marginalisation — reflecting the different pathways followed by rural households. In this constrained, yet shared resource space, ASGM's emergence has benefitted the farmers turned miners and enhanced their livelihood outcomes. But it has had damaging consequences for livelihoods dominated by subsistence farming so that more rural people find themselves locked into poverty, due to competition for arable farmlands with ASGM appealing as a more lucrative option in the short term. Findings evidence the differential and unintended consequences of livelihood adjustments. They highlight the urgent need for well-targeted policies and sustainable livelihood strategies in farming communities where ASGM is emerging to provide effective linkages between rural livelihoods, agriculture, and mining, and address growing inequalities in livelihood trajectories posed by ASGM's emergence.

STRATEGY ON SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOOD COMMUNITY AFTER IMPLEMENTATION CONSERVATION PARTNERSHIP IN NATIONAL PARKS BANTIMURUNG-BULUSARAUNG

The livelihood system is an effort to make a living carried out by an individual or household to live by utilizing the resources they have. From the change in the status of the area, namely from a protected forest to a national park, the community experienced a decline in the livelihood system so the government issued a program for community empowerment as well as forest area conservation through a conservation partnership permit. The purpose of this study is to analyze sustainable livelihood strategies based on available assets or capital. This research method uses qualitative and quantitative analysis through 3 stages, namely the input stage, the matching stage, and the decision stage. The results showed that from the conservation partnership villages, namely Labuaja, Rompegading, Barugae, Patanyamang, Mattampawalie, Patanyamang and Wanua Waru, had the highest assets and capital. From the analysis of internal and external factors, the most influential on this livelihood system is the external factor with a score of 4.26. After analyzing these factors, the SWOT analysis shows that the community's livelihood system is in the Growth-Oriented Strategy (Quadrant I). QSPM analysis shows that the four emerging strategies are survival strategy, consolidation, and accumulation and shows that the highest strategy with a score of 0.72 is the running strategy. The conclusion is that the sustainable livelihood strategy that is considered the most capable of improving the community's livelihood system in this conservation partnership permit is a strategy.

Determinants of rural households’ livelihood diversification strategies: In the case of north Wollo zone, Amhara National Regional State, Ethiopia

Diversifying rural livelihoods plays a significant role for rain feed-dependent economy of the rural households like in Ethiopia. Hence the objective of the study was to investigate the determinants of rural households’ livelihood diversification strategies choice in north wollo zone of Ethiopia. A multi-stage stratified random sampling technique was used to select 384 rural household heads as a sample in study areas. Primary data was collected from sample rural household heads using an interview schedule. Multivariate Probit Model was employed to identify the factors influencing the rural household heads’ decision to choose livelihood strategies. The model result showed that agriculture livelihood strategy was positively and significantly associated with male headed household, land holding, cooperative membership, and participation in rural productive safety net program; while it is negatively and significantly affected by distance to market. Non-farm livelihood strategy was positively and significantly affected by dependency ratio, education level, total income, and remittance; while it is negatively and significantly affected by the sex of household head and participation in rural productive safety net program. Off-farm livelihood strategy was positively and significantly influenced by sex of household head; while it is negatively and significantly affected by the land holding, total livestock unit, cooperative membership, credit use, participation in rural productive safety net program. Therefore, the study recommends that local government should attempt to promote the above significant determinants of rural households’ livelihood diversification strategies choice to build more profitable and sustainable livelihood strategies.

Toward sustainable rural livelihoods approach: Application of grounded theory in Ghazni province, Afghanistan

Through the implementation of policies, the sustainable livelihood strategy has been a strategic method for increasing rural economies and harmonizing political, sociocultural, economic, and environmental development. One of the important and critical techniques for attaining sustainable development is the ability to empower and create capacity among the poor in rural areas. Therefore, the aim of this study was to recognize and design a sustainable livelihood approach in the northern villages of Andar District, Ghazni province in Afghanistan. This study employed purposive sampling and snowball sampling techniques to gather data. In this study, data analysis was carried out using ATLAS.TI program in three steps including axial coding, open coding, and selective coding. Based on the research, solutions for achieving a sustainable way of life include industrializing rural areas, employing solar energy, improving rural housing, maximizing the efficiency of production factors, growing native poultry in house yards, and growing eugenic dairy cows. Rural industrialization has the consequences such as creating diverse job opportunities, reducing dependence on the agricultural sector, reducing living costs, strengthening handicrafts, improving earning methods, and increasing poultry and farm products. This study is significant because the people of the studied villages were in a poor livelihood situation and this research provides numerous suggestions to improve their livelihood. In the present study, a complementary approach to sustainable livelihood has been identified and designed. Therefore, governmental and non-governmental organizations should take effective steps to reduce livelihood challenges and improve access to sustainable livelihood in the studied villages.

Evaluation and Strategic Response of Sustainable Livelihood Level of Farmers in Ecological Resettlement Area of the Upper Yellow River—A Case Study of Liujiaxia Reservoir Area, Gansu Province

The level of sustainable livelihoods, as a yardstick for measuring the social development of migrants, is of great importance to the sustainable development of the region. Based on the analysis of the policy logic of ecological protection and high-quality development in the Yellow River basin, this paper constructs a "ternary" system model and evaluation index system for sustainable livelihoods of farm households in the ecological resettlement areas of the upper Yellow River, and proposes that the harmonious relationship between the three basic dimensions of economy, society and environment is the key to evaluate the sustainable livelihood level of farm households in ecological resettlement areas. Based on the comprehensive evaluation index to assess the comprehensive development level of ecological resettlement areas, we introduced the coupling coordination degree and constructed the coordinated development degree model of "economic-social-environmental" system to characterize the sustainable livelihood level. Through the data of 1116 questionnaires and in-depth interviews in the ecological migrant resettlement area of Liujiaxia reservoir in the upper reaches of the Yellow River basin, the sustainable livelihood status and spatial distribution differences of farm households in 14 townships in the region were evaluated, and the validity of the indicator system was empirically tested. Finally, sustainable livelihood strategies for farm households in the ecological resettlement areas of the upper Yellow River are proposed for the economic, social and environmental dimensions, and the indicator system is further revised. The evaluation system can not only advance the research paradigm of sustainable livelihood assessment for farmers in ecological migrant resettlement areas but can also be widely guided and applied to the sustainable development of ecological migrant practices in China.

Understanding Sustainable Livelihoods with a Framework Linking Livelihood Vulnerability and Resilience in the Semiarid Loess Plateau of China

Regional climate is complicated and unpredictable in the context of global climate change. Farmers on the Loess Plateau, who rely on agriculture and natural resources for subsistence, are one of the groups feeling the early effects of climate change. Their vulnerability is determined by their degree of connection with the natural environment. Frequent droughts on the Loess Plateau have severely challenged farmers’ livelihoods, although some actions have been taken to adapt to these changes. To enable farmers to find sustainable livelihood strategies in challenging natural conditions, we established a research framework to link livelihood vulnerability and resilience and applied it to Jiaxian County, a specific research area in the Loess Plateau of China. To validate previous research, we studied the fluctuation trends of farmers’ livelihood vulnerability and livelihood resilience in the past 30 years and the interrelationships between these two trends and their influencing factors. The results are as follows: since 1990, livelihood vulnerability has been polarized; however, moderate vulnerability has always been dominant. Livelihood resilience shows a trend of continuous enhancement. The relationship between livelihood vulnerability and resilience is complex, and the direction of change between the two can be both similar and different. The topography, arable land conditions, soil quality, and irrigation conditions in different areas impact vulnerability and resilience, and the degree of impact is different in different periods. Farmers’ livelihood strategies depend on their cognitive decision making and livelihood assets, which are critical vulnerability and resilience factors. Most farmers in the study area have undergone significant livelihood strategy changes, while some maintain their original livelihood strategies. These findings provide policy implications for reducing vulnerability, enhancing resilience, and helping smallholder farmers find sustainable livelihood strategies to avoid poverty traps.