Livelihood Vulnerability Research Articles

Does farmers' adoption of green production technologies help mitigate household livelihood vulnerability? ——Based on China land economic survey

Does farmers' adoption of green production technologies help mitigate household livelihood vulnerability? ——Based on China land economic survey

Impact of Drought on Farmers’ Livelihood Vulnerability: A Case Study of County-level Units in Western Jilin Province, China

Impact of Drought on Farmers’ Livelihood Vulnerability: A Case Study of County-level Units in Western Jilin Province, China

Climate change adaptation strategies adopted by pastoralists in rangelands in Golestan province, Iran

Climate change is a serious challenge to pastoralism in rangelands. Adaptation strategies adopted by pastoralists can reduce their livelihood vulnerability to cope with adverse effects of climate change. This study was done to investigate the adaptation strategies of pastoralists in the north of Golestan province, Iran. Data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire. The statistical population consisted of 200 pastoralists from 3 pastoral units, of which 127 individuals were sampled using stratified random method. The results showed that 33.1% of the pastoralists had moderate adaptability to climate change. They had more adaptive capacity in cost saving and improving savings, health and veterinary services, and use of technology. The pastoralists’ adaptability to climate change was enhanced with increasing age. Large and less-educated pastoralists had more adaptability compared to small and well-educated ones. Pastoralists who had jobs other than animal-husbandry and who participated in educational and extension courses on climate change had more adaptability to climate change. Pastoralists owning agricultural lands and local knowledge in dealing with climate change were also more adaptable to climate change. The results of the study can be used to strengthen pastoralists’ adaptability to climate change to reduce their livelihood vulnerability.

Analysis of vulnerability, its drivers, and strategies applied towards reducing the pastoral and agro-pastoral livelihood vulnerability to climatic shocks

In recent decades, the global climate has changed mainly due to human-induced causes and realizing their manifestations in the forms of extreme events such as droughts, floods, heat stress, and variability in rainfall. Arid and semi-arid ecosystems are sensitive to changes in climate variability, including the Borana zone. This study was therefore initiated to assess how vulnerable pastoral and agro-pastoral livelihoods are to climate change, as well as to estimate the effects, and pinpoint potential response measures that could be implemented in the study area. Data were gathered by surveys, focused group and expert group discussions. The quantitative data were analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics, while the qualitative data was analyzed using thematically organized content analysis. The findings indicate that there is high degree of climatic risk to the livelihoods of both pastoralists and agro-pastoralists (− 0.37). The ability of pastoralists to adapt in comparison to agro-pastoralists is largely determined by numbers of factors, including inadequate livelihood strategies, poor access to social safety networks and services, knowledge and communication gaps, and availability of water resources. The area was extremely susceptible to the effects of climate change, which led to disaster. The primary outcome, which also affects other sources of income, is the loss of livestock (97%) which is followed by food shortages (91%), decreased income (84%), feed scarcity (83%), water scarcity (80%), and crop failure (79%). Managing livestock, taking advantage of social capital, storing hay and crop residue, and destocking animals during the period of severe drought were the main strategies used to reduce the vulnerability and enhance the adaptive capacity. Furthermore, despite the government’s numerous efforts to lesson enduring vulnerabilities and their effects, progress has not been encouraging because of lack of proactive action when faced with emergences. Hence, in order to decrease vulnerability and increase adaptive capacity, policymakers and development practitioners should collaborate proactively and develop area-specific adaptation strategies. These might include income diversification, increased access to water and pasture; installation of easily accessible market channels; and establishment of early warning systems that assist community preparation and resilience.

From vulnerable to resilience: an assessment of small-scale fisheries livelihood in South Malang of Indonesia

The livelihoods of small-scale fisheries in South Malang of Indonesia are being notably influenced by ecosystem degradation and climate change. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the vulnerability of small-scale fisheries in South Malang of Indonesia using the livelihood vulnerability index. The livelihood vulnerability was estimated using five major components and 20 sub-components. The data were obtained from small-scale fisheries in South Malang of Indonesia through questionnaires directed to the respondents using simple random sampling. The findings indicate that two main components (livelihood strategy and climate variability and natural disaster) were included in high vulnerability, while another two main components (sociodemographic and social network) were categorized as moderate vulnerability. The sensitivity components, including access to water, electricity, and health) were perceived as low vulnerability. Based on the findings of this study, it recommends that policymakers need to develop policies and campaigns regarding climate awareness and adaptation strategies by small-scale fisheries.

Livelihood Vulnerability to Climate Change in Makueni County, Kenya

Livelihood Vulnerability to Climate Change in Makueni County, Kenya

Sustainable Livelihood Strategy for Red Onion (Allium Ascalonicum L.) Farmers in Pajeng Village, Gondang District Bojonegoro Regency

The main commodity that is favored by the people of Pajeng Village, Bojonegoro Regency is shallots, because apart from being able to be cultivated in both the rainy and dry seasons. There are sustainability obstacles which has an impact on the sustainability of shallot farming. Therefore, an appropriate livelihood strategy is needed for adaptation to improve livelihoods for sustainable survival. Livelihood Vulnerability Index and descriptive analysis were used to answer the research objectives. Meanwhile, SEM-PLS analysis to answer the next research objective is to analyze livelihood assets, livelihood risks, livelihood strategies and welfare of red onion farmers. The level of mastery of livelihood assets is in the medium category with an index value of 2.08. The highest asset control is physical capital at 2.34 and human capital at 2.22. The level of vulnerability of the livelihood assets of shallot farmers is in the medium category with an LVI vulnerability index value of 0.49. The highest vulnerability value for financial capital is 0.71, while the livelihood asset with the lowest vulnerability for physical capital is 0.37. Livelihood risks have a significant effect on livelihood assets, livelihood strategies and welfare.

A food product development project with humanitarian character: an exploratory study

Vulnerable livelihood groups, such as the Fulanis in Guinea-Bissau, are affected by the consequences of inequality, as they lack access to healthy food, a healthy environment and adequate primary health care. Coordination between sectors can be key to building resilient food and health systems by integrating and scaling up preventive and emergency nutrition services, especially in the context of malnutrition. In 2021, a cashew-based food product was launched in Portugal in partnership with an NGO and a Portuguese food retailer. This study aims to explore the development and marketing of the product with humanitarian objectives, assessing its impact on the different stakeholders of the project. A mixed methodology was applied, combining the evaluation of consumer behavior, assessed through self-reported electronic questionnaires and in-depth interviews with the actors involved in the project. According to the retailer group stakeholders, a great opportunity for the future lies in developing new products with a humanitarian character. The results show that consumers are indeed interested in buying a product associated with a humanitarian cause, and that the product “100% Cashew Nut Butter” has a favorable consumer acceptance in terms of sensory attributes. The long-term nature of the project and the financial return were cited as strengths by all NGO stakeholders involved, but all stakeholders agreed that innovation was needed to sustain donations. Thus, this may be a cyclical process: businesses can create demand through product development, while management and consumers, in turn, drive demand. These findings can be used to improve the design of future projects that might use this as an example.

Climate Change Vulnerability of Livelihoods of People Residing in Kaski District of Nepal

This study assesses the climate change vulnerability of livelihoods across altitudinal gradients in the Kaski district of Nepal. A sample of sixty-five households from four different communities in municipalities (Annapurna rural municipality and Machhapuchchhre rural municipality) was selected through random sampling and surveyed at various elevations. The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) approach and the Composite Index Method (CIM) were employed to evaluate and determine IPCC-VI. To derive Adaptive capacity, Sensitivity, and Exposure, the components such as Social Demographic Profile (SDP), Social Networking (SN), Livelihood Strategies (LS), Health (H), Water (W), Food (F), Natural Disaster and Climate Variability (ND CV) were used. The trend of the temperature and rainfall were analyzed and it was found that the mean annual maximum temperature is increasing at a rate of 0.036°C per year and the annual rainfall is decreasing at 14.532 mm per year. Among the communities, Melache (2210m), in Annapurna Rural Municipality exhibited the highest vulnerability (IPCC-VI: 0.118), whereas Hudu (1490m) showed a lower vulnerability index (0.025). In Machhapuchchhre Rural Municipality, Dhampus upper region (1660m) displayed moderate vulnerability (IPCC-VI: 0.043), with the Dhampus lower region (1360m) showing the least vulnerability (-0.011). So, all the communities demonstrated intermediate vulnerability levels indicating a need for tailored adaptation strategies across the elevation levels. Effective adaptation efforts could improve community resilience by addressing local climate challenges, ensuring sustainable livelihoods, and reducing future vulnerability risks.

Livelihood Vulnerability to Climate Change of Casava Smallholders in Central Highlands of Vietnam

This study utilized the Livelihood Vulnerability Index (LVI) within the IPCC framework (LVI-IPCC) for cassava farming households in the central highlands of Vietnam. Data were gathered from a household survey (364 households) in Krong Bong and Ea Kar districts, Dak Lak province, in-depth interviews (22 key informants) and two focus group discussions. By analyzing variations in LVI components and conducting a Poisson regression analysis, the results revealed that cassava farming households in the studied areas exhibited moderate vulnerability to climate change and variability. Variations in vulnerability levels were observed between the two districts, with disparities found across sensitivity, exposure, and adaptive capacity. Differences in LVI were also evident between the Kinh and ethnic minority groups and between the poor and non-poor farming households, primarily attributable to variations in adaptive capacity. Key determinants of household livelihood vulnerability included the intensity of climate risks, the frequency of extreme climate events, market risks, environmental shocks, land slope, land area at risk of flooding, climate change knowledge, transportation means, market linkages, access to credit, and income diversification. The study further proposed strategies for local authorities and relevant agencies to enhance climate change resilience among cassava farming households.

Diagnosis of the Livelihood Vulnerability from Selected Resettlement Farms in Matabeleland, Zimbabwe

Burgeoning evidence suggests that rural households face a range of stressors and shocks. Using a qualitative strand, the study examines the drivers of livelihood vulnerability in selected farms in Matabeleland, Zimbabwe. Results insinuate that socioeconomic and historical contingencies are the overriding determinants triggering rural livelihood vulnerabilities to poverty. Erratic rainfall, lack of financial and social capitals in particular, had practically heightened livelihood vulnerabilities to shocks. Livelihoods diversification is used to reduce losses from rain-fed farming, improve the quality of life and manage risk more effectively. The evidence of growing susceptibility also highlights how urgent it is for local communities and government agencies to work together to lower the risk associated with climate change. Specifically, creative and reasonably priced solutions that link dry lands and urban markets are required. The results are useful in developing interventions such as crop diversification and rural income-generating opportunities. Changing climate and livelihood policies for improved well-being and resilient communities should take into consideration the major components responsible for vulnerability along with other environmental, socioeconomic and demographic drivers.

Livelihood vulnerability assessment among the agrarian indigenous communities of Sundarban Biosphere Reserve in India for building resilience and adaptation.

Indian Sundarban Biosphere Reserve (ISBR) is a vulnerable Southeast Asian region. The negative effects of climate change were putting tremendous pressure on this region. However, a dearth of literature focused on the vulnerability and adaptation to climate change among the tribal agrarian community in ISBR. Against this backdrop, this study aims to ascertain different tribal community's perceptions of vulnerability and adaptation preferences through a mixed-method approach and measure the determinants of agricultural livelihood vulnerability. Using a multi-stage random sampling technique and with the help of a pre-structured survey schedule in ISBR, this study involved 300 randomly selected respondents in the interview and focus group discussion. This study applied the IPCC framework to evaluate the integrated livelihood vulnerability to climate change in the ISBR. This study measured the determinant factors underlying vulnerability using ordered probit regression and focus group discussions. This study measures vulnerability as a function of adaptive capacity, sensitivity, and exposure. For the integrated livelihood vulnerability index, 44 indicators under 9 main categories were chosen. 36.52% of rural livelihoods in the southern and southeastern part of Indian SBR were highly vulnerable due to high exposure to flood, riverbank erosion, frequent cyclone, high sensitivity to inadequate access to basic amenities, and low adaptive capacities due to poor livelihood security and poor socio-economic condition. On the other hand, the northern portion of the region exhibits low to moderate vulnerability because of low exposure, low sensitivity, and strong adaptive capacity. Results suggest that the limited adaptation capacities of the tribal household, such as inadequate infrastructure and low-income opportunities, are the primary reasons for livelihood vulnerabilities. This approach can be applied at different scales in other regions of India and other developing countries.

Livelihood vulnerability of rural households to climate variability and change: An agroecological system-based approach in northwestern Ethiopia

Ethiopia is widely acknowledged to be extremely vulnerable to climatic variability and change. Its agricultural sector, which is particularly susceptible to risks associated with rainfall variability, represents a major source of vulnerability. Household livelihood vulnerability varies across different agroecological zones (AEZs). This research aimed to investigate farmers' susceptibility to climate variability and change in northwestern Ethiopia. A total of 405 households from three AEZs (lowland, highland, and midland) were chosen through simple random sampling. Focus group discussions and key informant interviews were also conducted to complement and validate the numerical data. To assess the household vulnerability levels, the social, economic, and environmental indicators were aggregated, and the LVI and LVI-IPCC index were employed. The study's findings indicated significant variation in livelihood vulnerability indices, profiles, and indicators across agroecological zones (AEZs). The midland AEZ exhibited low exposure, higher adaptive capacity, and low vulnerability, while the lowland AEZ showed higher vulnerability, weaker adaptive capacity, and greater exposure compared to the midland and highland AEZs. The LVI-IPCC analysis corroborated these findings, with values of 0.128 for the midland AEZ, 0.168 for the highland, and 0.180 for the lowland. The variation is due to differences in agroecological and socioeconomic factors among households. The results indicate the necessity of implementing adaptation strategies specifically tailored to the agroecological systems in the study area. Such an approach is essential for effectively reducing vulnerability among households engaged in mixed crop-livestock agriculture. Adaptation measures developed from these assessments are both applicable and relevant to local conditions, as they are grounded in the community’s long-term realities.

Vulnerability of small-scale farming livelihoods under climate variability in a globally important archipelago of the Global South

In recent decades, the pace of change in social-ecological systems has accelerated. The adverse effects of climate variability and extreme events put increasing pressure on rural small-scale farmers' households whose livelihoods depend on nature. However, socioeconomic, political, and institutional changes also affect this group, responsible for producing at least a third of the world's food. This study assessed the influence of climate variability on the spatial distribution of the social-ecological vulnerability of small farmers' livelihoods within a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS) in southern South America. Data were collected through a questionnaire-based survey of 100 small-scale farmers' households, selected via stratified random sampling. Climate variability and extreme event data spanning 30 years were included, with spatial and temporal resolutions of 1 × 1 km and one year, respectively. Through an indicator-based approach, the study identified 17 vulnerability indicators across Exposure, Sensitivity, and Adaptive Capacity components. The Livelihood Vulnerability Index (LVI) for small-scale farming in the Chiloé Archipelago was calculated at the household level, following the IPCC vulnerability assessment framework and the Sustainable Livelihoods perspective. The findings reveal that LVI values for small-scale farmers ranged from 0.28 (least vulnerable) to 0.54 (most vulnerable). Principal Component Analysis indicated that agricultural extension support, supplementary income, social relations, and ownership of agricultural equipment enhance local adaptive capacity. Spatial autocorrelation analysis revealed clustering in exposure, sensitivity, adaptive capacity, and vulnerability patterns. The finding suggests that extension interventions should strengthen vulnerable households' adaptive capacity by supporting rural livelihood diversification.

Cryospheric changes and livelihood vulnerability in Lahaul Region of North-Western Himalaya, India

Cryospheric changes and livelihood vulnerability in Lahaul Region of North-Western Himalaya, India

Impact of agricultural extension services on rice productivity and profitability in Bangladesh

Agricultural extension services play a pivotal role in promoting sustainable agriculture, particularly in developing countries where many farmers are resource-poor. Enhancing farmers’ profitability and productivity is essential to meet the increasing demand of a growing population. This study aims to examine the impact of agricultural extension services on the profitability and productivity of rice farmers in Bangladesh. The analysis uses unbalanced panel data from the International Food Policy Research Institute’s Bangladesh Integrated Household Survey for 2015 and 2018. The Mann–Whitney U test was used to assess whether the differences between the participant and non-participant groups were statistically significant. Additionally, a probit regression model is used to identify the determinants of participation in agricultural extension services. The findings reveal that participation is positively influenced by access to subsidies, distance to market, occupation and livelihood vulnerability. The impact of agricultural extension services on farm productivity and profitability is assessed using difference-in-difference and random effect generalized least squares models. The results show that agricultural extension services significantly contribute to both farm profitability and productivity. This suggests that governments should intensify and monitor the delivery of agricultural extension services, particularly focusing on the timely provision of support resource-poor farmers.

Agriculture, Livelihood and Vulnerability: A Case Study of the Char Dwellers in Bankura District, West Bengal

This paper examines the livelihood vulnerabilities and coping strategies of char dwellers through a field study conducted in Mana Char. The analysis of their responses underscores the complexities of perceived agrarian threats and vulnerabilities of the Char inhabitants. It also suggests the need for re-examining the narrative of environmental risk and vulnerability within which chars are usually viewed. This study emphasises the component of subjectivity in perceiving agrarian threats. In doing so, it puts across the subtle differences in conceptualising agrarian threats in a char ecology and argues for ruling out the possibility of any generalisation regarding the environment of char and the operability of social life in it.

Climate-induced coastal occupational vulnerability and livelihood insecurity: Insights from coastal Bangladesh

The livelihoods of the fishing communities residing in the geographically vulnerable coastal zone are constantly threatened by escalating coastal disasters. The communities face persistent challenges, including livelihood failure, poverty, high exposure and sensitivity, and lower adaptive capacity, yet little attention has been paid to comprehending their multifaceted livelihood vulnerabilities amid climate-induced disasters. This study bridges that gap by employing several techniques to address the challenge. It adopts a mixed-method analysis and investigates the Livelihood Assessment Index (LAI), Livelihood Vulnerability Index (LVI), and Climate Vulnerability Index (CVI) to assess the livelihood vulnerability of fishing communities residing in the new and old fishery ghats (riverside locations where fishing-related activities take place) in Chattogram district in southern Bangladesh. Findings reveal that the fishing communities experience higher exposure levels and moderate vulnerability in the face of escalating climate-induced disasters. The overall LAI indicates a relatively low level of livelihood satisfaction, suggesting potential challenges or deficiencies in aspects contributing to well-being. Despite socioeconomic and demographic similarities, as LVI values present, the exposure varies between the two study locations. Both locations are characterized by moderate sensitivity, while the new fishery ghat showed slightly higher adaptive capacity, contributing to greater resilience. The CVI values indicated higher vulnerability for the new fishery ghat fishing community, suggesting increased challenges related to climate-induced threats, and the old ghat community exhibited lower vulnerability, showcasing better resilience to disasters. Factors influencing livelihood vulnerability include limited access to education and healthcare in the new fishery ghat, while the old fishery ghat benefits from better provisions, communication, and social networks. The study advocates for context-specific decision-making and targeted interventions to support vulnerable fishing communities in coastal zones globally, emphasizing the need for improved social safety nets and alternative livelihood options. Addressing these occupational vulnerabilities is crucial for long-term development in climate-risk countries like Bangladesh.

Livelihood vulnerability assessment of slum dwellers in Rajshahi, Bangladesh: Capital indices-based approach

Livelihood vulnerability assessment of slum dwellers in Rajshahi, Bangladesh: Capital indices-based approach

Sustainable livelihoods following an extreme event: Post‐earthquake practices of the Tibetan community in Jiuzhaigou World Heritage site, China

AbstractUnder the guidance of a sustainable livelihoods framework and using qualitative research methods, members of Tibetan communities in Jiuzhaigou World Heritage site were interviewed following an earthquake. Based on grounded theory and methods, the core elements, connotation and impact relationships concerning the sustainable livelihoods of Tibetan residents after an extreme event were extracted. A framework comprised of livelihood capital, livelihood vulnerability, institutions and systems, livelihood intentions, livelihood strategies, and livelihood outcomes, was developed to examine the effects of an earthquake on livelihoods at a World Heritage site in western China. The elements of this framework better reflect China's conditions and regional characteristics, which leads to different meanings and logical relationships in the composition of sustainable livelihood elements. It was found that the institutions and organizational systems of the heritage site and the livelihood intentions of the community members shaped the use of livelihood capital, thereby influencing livelihood strategies and livelihood outcomes. Cultural capital is important in the reconstruction of livelihoods and for the diversification of tourism.