Livelihood Sustenance Research Articles

Surface water dynamics of Lake Chad Basin (Sahelian Africa) based on daily temporal resolution Earth observation time series

ABSTRACT Water availability is vital for the sustenance of livelihoods in the Lake Chad Basin. However, the daily and seasonal dynamics of open water bodies are not well understood. This study aims to (1) analyze the daily and seasonal dynamics of water bodies, (2) estimate changes in surface water area extent including trends and change points, and (3) assess the connection between surface water extent and seasonal rainfall variation. To achieve this, we used the Global WaterPack and ERA5-Land daily aggregated datasets. We employed time series decomposition, trends analysis, and temporal lag correlation in our analysis. The results showed strong seasonal patterns of natural lakes compared to reservoirs/dams. Between 2003 and 2022, Lake Chad averaged 2,475.64 km2. The Northern pool of Lake Chad exhibited significant fluctuations, remaining below 600 km² between 2005 and 2012, from 2016 to 2019), with less than 350 km2 lasting only for a few days annually. The Southern pool averaged between 2,200 and 2,400 km2, except during drought years (2006–2007), specifically between the days of the year to approximately 66, and days 301–365/6. In Lake Fitri, the yearly maximum and minimum water extents were observed between days 1–59 and 305–365/6, and between days 60 and 304, respectively.

Analyzing Human-Centric Wireless Energy Harvesting for Sustainable and Resilient Energy Systems

Discussions around wireless communications and energy harvesting in the literature are elitist and techno-centric. There is a need for more studies on a human-centric approach that simplifies the concept and links energy harvesting with human empowerment and well-being. Also, studies so far on the implementation of wireless energy harvesting in rural settlements have been scanty despite the important role wireless communication plays in social interactions and financial transactions within rural communities. The challenge of little awareness of the human sustainability impact of WEH is impeding stakeholders’ advocacy and advancement of wireless energy harvesting (WEH) despite its real and perceived benefits. So far, research efforts as reported in the literature are less than proportionate to the potential of WEH. Apart from providing sustainable energy for wireless devices and networks, its generation of nonelectric renewable energy is a huge plus for ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all as contained in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG 7). Given the astronomical growth in the use of wireless devices globally, more research studies are needed to create more awareness for massive WEH advocacy. This study uses a model-driven approach to simplify and highlight critical aspects of WEH such as wireless body area network, sources of non-electric renewable energy sources, green energy (environmental protection), intermittent nature of renewable wireless energy sources, and research directions. Also, the application of WEH for the sustenance of lives and livelihood in rural economies is examined using the rural community of Adum-Aiona in Nigeria as a case study. It is expected that the information provided will create more awareness and foster further discussions around the human-centric angle of WEH even as advances in technology continue to be made.

EVALUATION OF CROSS RIVER NATIONAL PARK AS A CATALYST FOR COMMUNITY LIVELIHOOD SUSTENANCE, NIGERIA

This research focused on evaluation of Cross River National Park as a catalyst for community livelihood sustenance, Nigeria. Interviews and Focus Group Discussions were used to obtained primary data. Reconnaissance survey was conducted for one month in the National park to assess the situation on ground and with the aid of a check-list. The Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient was used to analyzed the data obtained from the study. Results findings shows that the current programs aimed at the development of the park's management were insufficient. To mitigate tensions between the park management and the communities, it is imperative to explore alternative livelihood options, with livestock rearing emerging as a viable avenue. This approach would provide the communities with improved economic opportunities.

Yak Herding as the Main Source of Livelihood: Examining Challenges and Opportunities of Highlanders in Bhutan

Yak farming is the mainstays of nomadic herders’ economy in Bhutan. However, it has declined over the years despite diverse government interventions. Rapid socio-economic development and access to economic opportunities further hindered yak farming culture rather than helping to maintain highlanders’ livelihood. The study was carried out in four gewogs, Chhoekhor, Sephu, Merak and Sakteng, that depends on yaks for their living. Questionnaire based semi-structured interview was conducted to identify the main challenges and opportunities of yak herding within the different regions and examined the cost-benefit of herding yaks within the premises of nomadic herder’s livelihood sustenance. The study revealed that yak farming generates sufficient income to support the herders’ livelihood even though the profit margin was minimal. Around 90% of herders earned cash income from yaks. Dry cheese was the main revenue generator of Chhoekhor and Sephu, while fermented cheese earnt the highest income in Merak and Sephu. Yaks not only serve as the primary source of livelihood but also acts as a catalyst to generate additional income by gaining access to natural resources such as Cordyceps and herbal medicines. However, increased wildlife depredation on yaks and inadequate pastureland coupled with poor modern amenities threatened yak farming. The findings showed a declining trend in total yak population and number of yak-owning households particularly in Chhoekhor and Sephu compared to Merak and Sakteng. The future of yak farming in Bhutan is uncertain, but there is potential to address the challenges and ensure its continued importance to Bhutanese highlanders.

Morbidity Cost and Willingness to Pay for Healthcare Insurance among Wheat Farmers in Jigawa State of Nigeria

The study determined the costs of morbidity and farmers' willingness to pay for health insurance in the Jigawa State of Nigeria using a cross-sectional data collected from 284 farmers through a multi-stage sampling technique. Using an easy-route cost approach, a well-structured questionnaire coupled with interview schedule was used for data collection. Besides, the collected data was then analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Empirically, the majority of farmers utilised an accumulation strategy for livelihood sustenance, alongside enterprise diversification – which acted as a catalyst in increasing their stocks and consumption outcomes, thus smoothing their income and consumption. However, financial and, at worst, physical livelihood capitals posed challenges that affected farmers' livelihood assets in the study area. Furthermore, malaria emerged as the major health issue affecting livelihoods; consequently, slightly over half of the sampled population agreed to the notion of a social health insurance scheme for a healthy livelihood. However, this inclination was largely influenced by the overlooked or nearly neglected social learning aspect of extension service delivery. Therefore, as a method to reduce public capital expenditure on healthcare for livelihoods in the study area, the study recommends that policymakers expand the healthcare scheme to include the farming community, going beyond formal organisations, thereby enhancing farm family livelihoods specifically and overall economic growth and development in general. Nonetheless, enhance institutional factors, alongside social extension, financial and infrastructural facilities are recommended.

- Invited Review - Pig production in Africa: current status, challenges, prospects and opportunities.

Pig production is one of the viable enterprises of the livestock sub-sector of agriculture. It contributes significantly to the economy and animal protein supply to enhance food security in Africa and globally. This article explored the present status of pig production in Africa, the challenges, prospects and potentials. The pig population of Africa represents 4.6% of the global pig population. They are widely distributed across Africa except in Northern Africa where pig production is not popular due to religio-cultural reasons. They are mostly reared in rural parts of Africa by smallholder farmers, informing why majority of the pig population in most parts of Africa are indigenous breeds and their crosses. Pig plays important roles in the sustenance of livelihood in the rural communities and have cultural and social significance. The pig production system in Africa is predominantly traditional, but rapidly growing and transforming into the modern system. The annual pork production in Africa has grown from less than a million tonnes in year 2000 to over 2 million tonnes in 2021. Incidence of disease outbreak, especially African swine fever is one of the main constraints affecting pig production in Africa. Others are lack of skills and technical know-how, high ambient temperature, limited access to high-quality breeds, high cost of feed ingredients and veterinary inputs, unfriendly government policies, religious and cultural bias, inadequate processing facilities as well as under-developed value-chain. The projected human population of 2.5 billion in Africa by 2050, increasing urbanization and decreasing farming population are pointers to the need for increased food production. The production systems of pigs in Africa requires developmental research, improvements in housing, feed production and manufacturing, animal health, processing, capacity building and pig friendly policies for improved productivity and facilitation of export.

Prospects of crop insurance for sustenance of farmers' livelihood during GM cotton crop failure in Indian Punjab

Purpose Despite the susceptibility of cotton crops to pest attacks in the Malwa Region of Indian Punjab, no crop insurance policy has been implemented there– not even the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), which is a central scheme. Therefore, this paper attempts to gauge the likely impact of the PMFBY on Punjab cotton farmers and assess the changes needed for greater uptake and effectiveness of PMFBY.Design/methodology/approach The authors have conducted a primary survey to conduct this study. Initially, the authors compared the costs of cotton production with the returns in two scenarios (with and without insurance). Additionally, the authors have applied a logistic regression framework to examine the determinants of the willingness of farmers to participate in the crop insurance market.Findings The study finds that net returns of cotton crops are conventionally small and insufficient to cope with damages from crop failure. Yet, PMFBY will require some modifications in the premium rate and the level of indemnity for its greater uptake among Punjab cotton farmers. Additionally, using the logistic regression framework, the authors find that an increase in awareness about crop insurance and farmers' perceptions about their crop failure in the near future reduces the willingness of the farmers to participate in the crop insurance markets.Research limitations/implications The present study looks for the viability of PMFBY in Indian Punjab for the cotton crop, which can also be extended to other crops.Social implications Punjab could also use crop insurance to encourage diversification in agriculture. There is a need for special packages for diversified crops under any crop insurance policy. Crops susceptible to volatility due to climate-related factors should be identified and provided with a special insurance package.Originality/value There exist very scant studies that have discussed the viability of a central crop insurance scheme in the agricultural-rich state of India, i.e. Punjab. Moreover, they do not also focus on crop losses accruing due to pest and insect attacks.

Microfiber pollution from Dhobi Ghats (open air laundry centers) and commercial laundries in a north Indian city.

In regions like Southeast Asia, Dhobi Ghats-traditional open-air laundromats-hold cultural significance and provide livelihoods to many people. These centers are near the riverbanks for easy access to water for washing. These Dhobi Ghats are among major sources of microfibers (MFs) in the waterbodies. However, there is no ample data that confirms their level of MF release into the waterbodies. This study reports for the first time the prevalence of microfibers (MFs) in wastewater from Dhobi Ghats in a North Indian city and comparatively assess them with the MF pollution from commercial laundries. A mean microfiber concentration of 3204 ± 270 MFs/L was observed in the discharged effluents of Dhobi Ghats, while a concentration at 36,923 ± 389 MFs/L was observed in effluents from commercial laundries. Pertinently, microfibers measuring less than 75µm dominated in effluents of commercial laundries, accounting for 53% of the total. Conversely, microfibers within the 75-150-µm range were present in effluents of Dhobi Ghats, constituting 52%. Spectroscopic analyses by FTIR showed polyester and polyamides as the main polymers released from Dhobi Ghats. Ecological risk assessment demonstrated a potential environmental risk from the MF pollution from Dhobi Ghats and commercial laundries. The study also proposed a mitigation framework prioritizing both environmental protection and the sustenance of local livelihoods for reducing the microfiber pollution by the Dhobi Ghats.

SOCIAL FORESTRY ENCOURAGE ECO-CONSERVATION, CULTURAL IMPORTANCE AND TRADITION FOR TRIBAL UPSHOT

Indian forest and forestry was enhanced with various new steps. Community development, forest regenerations, forest management ushers a new way of live and livelihood sustenance. Forest was first priority for the socioeconomic pursuit to maintain economic upliftment for the people at large. India is a multi-ethnic society where people practices their traditional wellbeing with eco-conservation which encourage cultural importance. Social forestry encourages the management of forests for the benefits of local people. It emphasises on various aspects of which very few are- forest management, forest protection, and afforestation of deforested lands with the objective of improving the rural, environmental, and social development along with community protection. Every species of the forest bears a traditional approach with cultural values. Human existence could have been impossible if the forest was denuded. Environmental conservation is need to overcome the battle of global warming, climate change, loss of medicinal value of the natural species. It's a practice that paves the way for protection, conservation, manage the natural resources to encourage personages in adherence with social sway.The present investigation was peered into the Khagra Beat, Hijli Range of Kharagpur Forest Division with the involvement of people surrounded by way of social forestry explorations, plantation of Sal Trees to protect environment with traditional engagement of the local people which enhance cultural value orientations, encourage involvement of personages to adhere social see-saw.

Association between Education and Gemstone Mining Practices of Artisanal and Small-Scale Miners in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan

Artisanal and Small-Scale mining (ASM) is ubiquitous throughout Gilgit-Baltistan (GB). It is a major source of livelihood sustenance for thousands of individuals who are directly or indirectly working as ASMs. This essay considers the association between the educational background of 300 ASMs and four scenarios, viz., (1) whether they are allowed to do mining in areas other than their villages, (2) whether they allow a non-GB person to do mining in their area, (3) whether ASMs have the right to sell mined gems to someone other than the shareholders at a price offered by the shareholders, and (4) whether they allow fellow villagers in their established mines while they are not working there. Using the Chi-Square test of association, we find a non-significant association between the educational background of ASMs and the first three scenarios listed above: the test results stand as χ2 = 0.109, χ2=0.063, and χ2=0.087 for the three scenarios, respectively. We found a significant association of χ2=0.000 concerning the final scenario, viz., whether respondents would allow fellow villagers to mine in their established mine or not.

Women in Pandemics and Sustainability of African Rural Communities

Covid-19 pandemic mitigation measures in the global South, particularly African developing countries like Nigeria were inadequate to alleviate socioeconomic effects of the pandemic on the livelihood and survival of rural communities. Rural women dominate the informal sector and have been active in agriculture, food security, health, nutrition, home management, traditional elderly care, and micro and small-scale enterprises. Whilst the effects of the pandemic on Nigerian rural women have been measured, the contribution of rural women to the sustainability of agrarian rural communities in the country have not been studied. This paper explored the role of women in supporting their families and communities for the sustainability of rural communities and challenges they faced as they serve as buffers for the survival of their families and sustenance of livelihood in rural communities during the pandemic. The paper adopted qualitative phenomenological research design. A sample of 30 rural women were drawn from Gbara Village, an agrarian rural community in Sagamu Local Government, Ogun State, Nigeria through convenience sampling and purposive sampling techniques. Semi-structured Interviews, focus group meetings, and documents were used as data sources and descriptive analysis was used to analyses the demographic characteristics of the respondents. The qualitative results were analyzed through content analysis and eight themes emerged. There were responses on contributions of rural women to the sustainability of Gbara Village during the pandemic in agriculture and food security value chain, health and nutrition, home management, traditional elderly care, and rural entrepreneurship. The paper also found that rural women were confronted with socio-economic challenges of gender inequalities, illiteracy, and limited access to technology to enhance their role as change agents in rural communities during the pandemic. The study suggested that the government, organized private sector, development agencies, non-governmental organizations, research institutions, and civil society organizations should priorities and fast-track the attainment of gender equality and women education to empower rural women and increase their capacity for socio-economic transformation of rural communities in Nigeria.

Impact of Climate Change on Gravity Flow Drinking Water Resource in the Upper Kosi Watershed, Lesser Himalaya

In the age of climate change, the hydrological cycle is the most sensitive cycle which is being adversely affected. The natural water sources such as natural springs, rivulets, rivers etc of non-glacial fed watershed in Uttarakhand are drying and dying steadily disturbing society’s economy, and environment and creating threat on livelihood and ecosystem of the region. The basic goal of the current paper is to evaluate the impact of climate change on the gravity flow drinking water resource of the study area, Lesser Himalaya, Uttarakhand. For this objective, the hydrometeorological data is analyzed in this paper. The meteorological data, i.e., mean temperature (y = 0.059x + (-) 102.07) and average annual rainfall (y = 2.759x + (-) 4546.41) shows an increasing trend while the hydrological data shows a decreasing trend over the time. The study shows that in spite of an increasing trend in the annual rainfall pattern, the groundwater resource has been depleted significantly in the study area caused by change in rainfall rhythm which has disturbed the water recharging capacity of soil into the aquifers and the baseflow discharge of the gravity flow sources. Due to all these changes, the baseflow water discharge capacity of gravity flow sources have perturbed badly which is imposing threat on drinking water supply in the villages of the study area. At present, there are 93 gravity flow drinking water schemes in the study area. On an average, the baseflow water discharge of these schemes at their establishment year was recorded 40.11 l/m which has decreased to 23.46 l/m in 2018. Thus, on an average, about 16.65 l/m baseflow water discharge capacity of each scheme has been decreased since their establishment year. These data shows that how alarmingly the baseflow water discharge capacity at the sources of gravity flow schemes is depleting in the study area. Therefore, the study suggests a water source rejuvenation program for the sustenance of water sources, livelihood and ecosystem of the region.

INDIAN FOREST ACT AND POLICIES: BE AT VARIANCE WITH SOCIAL LEGITIMACY

Indian woodland is a rich source of natural phenomenon, which maintains a gracious eco-balance and environmental potentiality. Ancient time scale to the present era Boscage is fulfilling needful action/desire, sourcing and supplying an enormous quantity of natural objects. So, the symbiotic relationship with the Copse area becomes a necessity for all life forms based on Indian woodland. There were many foreign invasions over the Indian Woodlands, of which The British invasion was remarkable, they were alluring India in the early 18th Century and permanently took charge of India as British India in 1760, ushering in monopolizing absolute supremacy over the Indian Boscage, they initiated a rule and finally an Act as Indian Forest Act 1865. The Indian Forest Act was amended in 1878 and finally enacted in 1927. Post independence India declared itself a Sovereign Democratic Republic State, but the Act remains the same. The Indian Forest Act is a piece of legislation enacted by the British Indian government in 1927. Its primary purpose was to consolidate and amend the laws related to forests, the transit of forest produce, and the duty levied on timber and other forest produce. The act aimed to regulate and manage forests in India, addressing issues such as forest conservation, protection, and revenue generation. The Forest policies were based on Scientific Management of the Forest, incepted since the 18th Century. The Policy guidelines were formulated to keep in view all aspects of the Forest that were practiced and emphasized factors like socio-economic, rural development, and environmental development as prime factors. Concessions were comprehended and extruded for the forest dwellers especially the Tribes in connection with livelihood sustenance. In this context, the 1894 policy of pre-independence, 1952, 1988 and 2018 policies of postindependence are mentionable for the same. The present sequel has been emphasized on the entire ambit of the tribal communities basically who are the forest dwellers since time immemorial. Collection of minor forest produces and uses thereof to maintain livelihood sustenance as offertory which executes a degree of dependence on the forest at the present day. Inclusion and exclusion determine the positivity of policy guidelines and practices that encourage the sustainable development of forest dwellers.

Assessment of the Potential of Non-timber Forest Products in Livelihoods’ Sustenance of the Flood Proximate Communities of the Indus Basin, Pakistan

Flood-proximate communities are the most affected from the destructions caused by floods occurring almost every year in Pakistan. The people in these areas, due to frequent natural calamities, usually have poor economic conditions. These communities mainly rely on conventional income-generating strategies i.e. agriculture, fishing, daily wages etc. But due to natural disasters, these methods end up yielding the least profit, thus different means of income-inducing strategies are needed to explore for the community’s sustainable growth. The current study focuses on the potential of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) in the region of D I Khan in supporting the livelihoods of the inhabitants. The research utilized a mixed method approach (blend of quantitative and qualitative) through a semi-structured questionnaire aiming to assess the livelihood sustenance of flood proximate communities through NTFPs. A total of 150 respondents were randomly selected from 05 administration units, tehsils. The results revealed that communities in non-flooded areas (NF) used collecting NTFPs mostly for construction material whereas those in flooded areas (F) used it for construction as well as utensil making (F:41 %; NF: 39%; P<0.05; c2: 0.812). Both groups were involved in harvesting and using shrubs such as S. munja, T. latifolia, N. ritchiana, S. sesban and T. dioca and trees such as E. camadulensis, V. nilotica, and D. sissoo for firewood and cottage industry. Both groups were significantly different in meeting their livelihood needs such as their income source and meeting household expenses efficiently (F: 48%; NF: 100 %; P<0.01; c2: 12.03). The present study concludes that the NTFPs sector in flood-proximate areas has been neglected as a profitable income strategy for sustainable livelihood of the poor in this region.

English

Small-Scale Gold Mining (SSGM) is a way of life for many individuals living in mineral-rich but poverty-stricken areas of Africa. The sector provides many households with much needed income for their livelihood sustenance. Although the literature on SSGM have brought some consensus on environmental issues surrounding the sector, limited attention has been directed at health and safety issues associated with the small-scale gold mining processes.  This paper contributes to fulfilling this gap. Based on a case study, the paper discusses the health and safety issues associated with each stage of the small-scale gold mining process. Mixed methods approach was used to gather relevant data and information through field observations, focus group discussions with miners, interviews with key informants, and content analysis of secondary data. The miners seem unaware of safe operating procedures and the health implications of the mining processes. Although formal regulations exist, there is lack of official oversight and monitoring of SSGM activities. Policy implications from the study are discussed. They include educating small-scale gold miners to raise health and safety awareness, and decentralizing permitting, monitoring and oversight responsibilities to local governments and institutions.   Key words: Galamsey, artisanal, small-scale mining, health and safety issues.

Development of a successful IFS model for livelihood sustenance of small households of Uttar Pradesh

An experiment was conducted at research farm of ICAR-Indian Institute of Farming Systems Research, Modipuram, Uttar Pradesh during 2016–17 to 2018–19 to develop integrated farming systems (IFS) model which has diverse commodities/components, viz. crops (1.04 ha), dairy (2 Murrah buffaloes and 1 Gir cow), horticulture (0.22 ha), fishery (0.1 ha), mushroom (0.02 ha), poultry (10 birds), vermicompost unit (0.02 ha), kitchen garden (0.002 ha) and boundary plantation with fruit trees (200 m in running length). The total productivity of all cropping sequences surged up to 124.96 tonnes/1.04 ha/year when yields of the whole system were transformed into sugarcane equivalent yield (SEY). Gross and net returns from crop components of IFS model were obtained in the extent of `282×103/1.04 ha/ year and `199×103/1.04 ha/year and B:C ratio 3.37. The overall farm product of all components in the form of SEY was 246.95 tonnes/1.5 ha/year and 164.63 tonnes/ha/year. Similarly, gross return from involving all components of IFS model was erected at `777×103/1.5 ha/year and `518×103/ha/year and net return `491×103/1.5 ha/year and `328 × 103/ha/year with B:C ratio of 3.37 for the entire IFS model. Given total availability of farm-based waste (19950 kg/ year) was recycled within the system in the form of compost, vermicompost (VC), crops residues, litter falls, weeds and green manure (GM). As regards to livelihood security, the IFS approach had adapted to meet the homegrown family needs of cereals, pulses, oils, fruits, milk, meat, eggs and vegetables.

Clean drinking water solution for rural India: Portable sip-up

Ceramic water filters (CWFs) have been used in India due to their low expense, ease of manufacture, and livelihood sustenance features. However, the use and throw character of such systems has not been achieved. The purpose of this study is to develop and investigate the portable CWF variant named Sip-up, which can be attached to any commercially available bottle-based containers. These are porous functional structures made of a distinct volume fraction combination of salty clay, sawdust, and marble powder wet mix, formed into cylindrical shapes and baked at 650°C. The influent and filtrate water samples were analyzed. After filtration, the pH, on average, significantly improves from 8.2 to 7.4. The TDS level, conductivity, and salt content have been reduced by 8.43%, 6.89%, and 5.83%, respectively, which conforms to the WHO limits. A 99% reduction of E. Coli bacteria through CWF was also observed. This portable water filter will be accessible to the people at the lowest economic pyramid.

Whose Knowledge? Examining the Relationship between the Traditional Medicine Sector and Environmental Conservation Using a Stakeholder Analysis: Perceptions on Warwick Herb Market Durban South Africa.

The South African traditional medicine sector is estimated to accommodate millions of citizens, despite it being informal. The existence of such a healthcare system embodies the dual system of both primary and traditional healthcare, with some preferring one and others utilising both systems. The gathering, harvesting, and selling of medicinal plant and animal species have inevitable environmental effects. The paradox between biodiversity conservation and livelihood sustenance is eminent in South Africa’s contemporary environmental legislation. The purpose of the study was to highlight and examine the dynamics between prominent stakeholders involved in biodiversity conservation and the traditional medicine sector. The stakeholder analysis and political ecology approach were adopted and applied respectively to guide the study. The study was conducted in 2020 and a questionnaire was used to capture the realities and experiences of prominent stakeholders in the biodiversity sector. Common legal mandates such as the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD); Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES); the National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act No. 10 of 2004; Threatened or Protected Species (TOPS) regulations; and the KwaZulu-Natal Nature Conservation Ordinance 15 of 1974 are used to control and enforce legislation by biodiversity stakeholders. The main findings of the study are as follows: (a) Traditional Health Practitioners (THPs) do not have adequate training and knowledge on the environmental and legal aspects of their system; (b) Biodiversity stakeholders are treated with violence and hostility when they attempt to enforce legal mandates at the Warwick Herb Market; (c) There is a significant gap in communication and co-operation between municipal officials and biodiversity stakeholders. There is evidently, a need for environmental educational initiatives and improved methods of enforcement and communication between biodiversity stakeholders, municipal officials and THPs.

Community Access to Livelihood Sustenance Resources in Protected Areas: A Case Study of the Makao WMA, Tanzania

Local community bordering protected areas bear conservation costs like crop damage, injury and loss of land despite the conservation benefits and tourism attractions situated within their localities. This paper examines the extent to which community adjacent to protected areas access subsistence resources in Makao WMA. The study was conducted in Makao Wildlife Management Area in Jinamo, Mwabagimu and Makao villages, in Meatu District, Tanzania. The data were collected from 281 heads of households using a survey design within a mixed approach. A random number generator was used to generate a random number of households to be surveyed in each study village. The study found a limited access to subsistence resources as local communities are restricted to access land for agriculture, livestock grazing, settlements, firewood, wood for charcoal production, building poles and grasses; hence limiting their livelihood supports. The study results show that limited access to subsistence resources in protected areas may, in the long-run, results to resource-use conflicts in wildlife management areas. This study recommends local community capacity building programs that enable local advocacy for sustainable wildlife conservation and ensure resources access.

Complex interactions between benefits, ecosystem services and landscape dynamics: A synthesis of Lake Malombe, Malawi

AbstractAfrican inland freshwater lakes experience a high level of exploitation, as evidenced by a decline in biodiversity, food production and rising poverty. Lake Malombe in Malawi provides the best example of this situation. The lake catchment is severely degraded and faces profound biodiversity losses. Households in the catchment are caught in a vicious cycle of poverty. Management decisions regarding Lake Malombe involve choices that reflect opportunity costs among the complex socio‐ecological interactions that are often unnoticeable. Ecosystem managers unintentionally make decisions that diminish the value of some critical ecosystem services (ESs), while enhancing others. The present study used geospatial and participatory approaches to explore complex interactions between benefits, ESs and landscape dynamics. The study findings indicate the ecosystem provisioning services (EPSs) are the main livelihood sustenance vehicle for Lake Malombe's local population. The increased cultivated land from 52,932 to 78,983 ha and decreased forest land from 56,235 to 8585 ha between 1989 and 2019 are linked to EPSs changes at the expense of regulatory, supporting and cultural ecosystem services. The findings of the present study suggest an important need to balance the opportunity costs among the complex ESs dynamics and landscape transformation as a means of achieving management policy efficiency while at the same time also avoiding adverse outcomes from human activities.