Search Results (77)

Rapid economic development in the past four decades in China has brought about significant consequences for people’s livelihoods. Healthy social mobility is fundamental for equality of opportunity, economic vitality, and socioeconomic sustainability. This paper examines the intragenerational livelihood mobility of urban residents in recent decades based on a case study in Guangzhou City and Foshan City, Guangdong Province, Southeast China. Longitudinal livelihood trajectory surveys have been investigated to gain research data. The primary determinants of livelihood mobility were also elucidated through analysis of muti-logistic regression. The results show that five livelihood trajectories are summarized based on their vertical movements in social status. The results further indicate that class polarization exists in urban residents’ mobility. 48.2% of respondents have experienced upward mobility, and 33.6% of them have even stepped over social classes. Meanwhile, the livelihoods of the others remained unchanged or suffered downward mobility. Respondents with male gender, better educational attainments, positive personality, and lower hierarchies of first occupations are associated with a higher probability of upward mobility. These results suggest that wealth redistribution among different social groups should be implemented to promote the benefits of economic growth being shared more broadly, and ultimately to boost socioeconomic sustainability. Full article

The rapid growth of on-demand services in Sub-Saharan Africa has intensified reliance on internal combustion engine (ICE) motorcycles for last-mile delivery, with Cape Town exemplifying both the opportunities and challenges of this trend. While motorcycles provide affordable and flexible mobility, their disproportionate emissions, high operating costs, and exposure to volatile fuel prices create pressing economic and environmental concerns. This paper investigates the implications of electrifying Cape Town’s last-mile delivery fleet by modelling the operational dynamics of 39,005 delivery trips performed by 385 motorcycles. Using empirical data, the study simulates fleet electrification under two battery-swapping scenarios—daytime swapping only and a hybrid swapping plus overnight charging model—while testing unmanaged and managed charging strategies. Results show that downsizing the fleet could reduce system resources by more than 50%, lowering capital and grid burdens, with managed charging offering long-term operational savings. Managed charging approaches, particularly off-peak balancing and solar-following, successfully mitigate grid strain and enhance solar utilisation, though they demand larger battery pools, a trade-off quantified by a techno-economic analysis. Crucially, pairing electrification with decentralised solar generation demonstrates the potential for a resilient, net-zero system insulated from load shedding. The findings provide a transferable framework for African cities to decarbonise urban logistics while safeguarding rider livelihoods and grid stability. Full article

This study explores the readiness of Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) in Mexico, specifically grocery stores, to implement the Virtual Value Chain (VVC) through Information and Communication Technologies for Development (ICT4D). A mixed-methods approach was used, combining diagnostic tools, structured surveys, and interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and machine learning to identify digital adoption patterns. The results indicate that limited technology adoption remains the main obstacle to VVC integration. Significant associations were found between digital engagement and the age and educational level of store managers. Key digital gaps persist in inventory control, supplier coordination, and demand forecasting. Although machine learning models did not significantly outperform baseline predictions on willingness to adopt technology, the findings emphasize the potential of targeted training and accessible mobile solutions. The study proposes a new diagnostic and predictive framework to assess VVC readiness in low-resource contexts. It shows that ICT, when strategically aligned with business operations and paired with adequate training, can enhance sustainability and livelihoods. Although the study is limited to one geographic area and one business sector, it offers a foundation for scaling similar initiatives. The findings support context-sensitive strategies and capacity-building efforts tailored to the realities of MSEs in emerging economies. Full article

Rapid urbanization in developing countries has widened the gap between urban and rural development, due to inefficient land markets and weak institutional systems in rural areas. China’s innovative “Urban–rural Construction Land Linkage” policy was designed to address this imbalance by encouraging rural land consolidation and creating a transferable development rights mechanism. While this approach has shown potential in improving the utilization efficiency of existing construction land and continuously supplying urban development space, concerns remain about its actual benefits to villagers and rural development, with some arguing it disrupts traditional livelihoods and favors government interests over rural needs. To respond to this debate, this study investigates two core questions: first, does China’s transferable land development rights (TDR) program genuinely improve rural welfare as intended; second, why does the theoretically preferred self-organized governance model sometimes fail in practice? To address these research questions, this paper develops a new analytical framework combining the IAD framework of Ostrom with the hierarchical institutional framework of Williamson to examine three implementation approaches in China’s TDR implementation: government-dominated, market-invested, and self-organized models. Based on case studies, surveys, and interviews across multiple regions, this study reveals distinct strengths and weaknesses in each approach in improving villagers’ lives. Government-dominated projects demonstrate strong resource mobilization but limited community participation. Market-based models show efficiency gains but often compromise equity. While self-organized initiatives promise greater local empowerment, they frequently face practical challenges including limited management capacity and institutional barriers. Furthermore, this study identifies the preconditional institutional environment necessary for successful self-organized implementation, including clear land property rights, financial support, and technical assistance. These findings advance global understanding of how to combine efficiency with fair outcomes for all stakeholders in land governance, which is particularly relevant for developing countries seeking to manage urban expansion while protecting rural interests. Full article

Island settlement landscapes exhibit distinctive characteristics, and investigating their spatio–temporal differentiation features and formation mechanisms is crucial for effective landscape conservation. This study selected Qida Village, Beigang Village, and Jingsha Village in Fuzhou City, Fujian Province, China, as representative cases. It constructed an integrated evaluation framework termed “livelihood transformation–two dimensional expansion–three dimensional form” and systematically analyzed the spatio–temporal differentiation characteristics and driving mechanisms of island settlement landscapes under the context of livelihood transformation by integrating multi-source data. Research findings indicate that livelihood transformation significantly affects both the horizontal expansion and vertical evolution of settlement landscapes. Aquaculture-based villages demonstrate a high expansion rate (15.10%) and pronounced vertical differentiation (building height difference ratio of 13.30) due to industrial agglomeration. Tourism service-oriented villages, influenced by policy regulation, exhibit low architectural style heterogeneity (0.35) and a harmonized skyline. Villages experiencing significant out-migration show a high housing vacancy rate (64.70%) and reduced spatial compactness (0.13) due to population decline. The livelihood model drives landscape differentiation through the “population mobility–economic investment–land use” pathway, where capital accumulation and policy constraints emerge as key determinants of spatial form heterogeneity. This study provides a solid theoretical foundation and methodological support for the differentiated governance of island settlement landscapes. Full article

We document and analyze an emblematic case study of non-indigenous peasant autonomy and re-peasantization in Sa Kaeo province in the Issan region of Thailand, using a mostly qualitative, single case-study methodology. The Kok Edoi autonomous community, whose members engage in community forest management and increasingly in agroecological farming, was founded more than twenty-five years ago as the product of a land occupation by landless peasants associated with the national Thai social movement, the Assembly of the Poor (AoP), which is part of the global peasant movement, La Via Campesina (LVC). Partially inspired by opportunities given to the community and to AoP by LVC to learn and gain inspiration from Latin American experiences such as the Zapatistas in Mexico, Kok Edoi autonomy exemplifies how the exchange of social movement knowledge and experience can help shape and strengthen local struggles, and it is also suggestive of autonomy as an alternative pathway of resistance and sustainable development in Thailand. We review the literature on territorial autonomy, re-peasantization, and community forestry and autonomy in Thailand and the world. Situating Kok Edoi in Thai history concerning policies and conflicts around land and forests, we examine the type, dimensions, and facets of autonomy and re-peasantization present in Kok Edoi to demonstrate how these factors contribute to the community being considered an emblematic case of peasant autonomy, peasant land occupation, peasant management of and livelihood derived from natural resources, more autonomous alternative markets, collective accumulation, and political training and mobilization that contributes to a class-based national movement. This is novel in an academic literature that has to date focused principally on indigenous autonomy, largely in Latin America. Full article

Exploring the impact of national park construction on county-level livelihood and well-being holds significant implications for enhancing social livelihood. This study treats Wuyishan National Park Construction (WNPC) as a quasi-natural experiment, utilizing panel data from 138 counties (2011–2023) to construct a county-level livelihood and well-being index through the CRITIC weighting method. Kernel density estimation and the Theil index are applied to depict the spatiotemporal dynamics of WNPC. Moreover, the difference-in-differences model and mediating effect model are employed to assess the impact and mechanisms of WNPC on livelihood and well-being. The results reveal that, in the period 2011–2023, livelihood and well-being scores ranged from 0.1329 to 0.4565, indicating considerable scope for improvement. Over time, inter-county disparities narrowed, displaying a spatial pattern of “higher in the east and west, lower in the middle.” Overall disparities remained pronounced, driven chiefly by within-region variation, and Jiangxi displayed notably larger internal gaps than Fujian and Zhejiang. Benchmark regressions confirm that WNPC significantly improved livelihood and well-being, with robust results according to multiple tests. Mechanism analysis indicates that WNPC enhances livelihood and well-being by promoting population mobility and improving infrastructure. Heterogeneity analysis suggests that compared to industrial counties, WNPC has a stronger positive effect on the livelihood and well-being of agricultural counties. Based on this, it is suggested that WNPC promotes population mobility and improves infrastructure construction. This study provides a scientific basis and decision-making reference for achieving high-quality construction of national parks and enhancing livelihood and well-being. Full article

This study investigates the gendered nexus between climate change, food insecurity, and conflict in Plateau State, Nigeria. This region in north-central Nigeria is marked by recurring farmer–herder clashes and climate-induced environmental degradation. Drawing on qualitative methods, including interviews, gender-disaggregated focus groups, and key informant discussions, the research explores how climate variability and violent conflict interact to exacerbate household food insecurity. The methodology allows the capture of nuanced perspectives and lived experiences, particularly emphasizing the differentiated impacts on women and men. The findings reveal that irregular rainfall patterns, declining agricultural yields, and escalating violence have disrupted traditional farming systems and undermined rural livelihoods. The study also shows that women, though they are responsible for household food management, face disproportionate burdens due to restricted mobility, limited access to resources, and a heightened exposure to gender-based violence. Grounded in Conflict Theory, Frustration–Aggression Theory, and Feminist Political Ecology, the analysis shows how intersecting vulnerabilities, such as gender, age, and socioeconomic status, shape experiences of food insecurity and adaptation strategies. Women often find creative and local ways to cope with challenges, including seed preservation, rationing, and informal trade. However, systemic barriers continue to hinder sustainable progress. This study emphasized the need for integrating gender-sensitive interventions into policy frameworks, such as land tenure reforms, targeted agricultural support for women, and improved security measures, to effectively mitigate food insecurity and promote sustainable livelihoods, especially in conflict-affected regions. Full article

Peat fires are a major hazard to human and animal health and can negatively impact livelihoods. Once peat fires start to burn, they are difficult to extinguish and can continue to burn for months, destroying biomass and contributing to carbon emissions globally. In areas with limited accessibility and periods of thick haze and fog, these fires are difficult to detect, localize, and tackle. To address this problem, thermal infrared cameras mounted on drones can provide a potential solution since they allow large areas to be surveyed relatively quickly and can detect thermal radiation from fires above and below the peat surface. This paper describes a deep learning pipeline that detects and segments peat fires in thermal images. Controlled peat fires were constructed under varying environmental conditions and thermal images were taken to form a dataset for our pipeline. A semi-automated approach was adopted to label images using Otsu’s adaptive thresholding technique, which significantly reduces the required effort often needed to tag objects in images. The proposed method uses a pre-trained ResNet-50 model as a backbone (encoder) for feature extraction and is augmented with a set of up-sampling layers and skip connections, like the UNet architecture. The experimental results show that the model can achieve an IOU score of 87.6% on an unseen test set of thermal images containing peat fires. In comparison, a MobileNetV2 model trained under the same experimental conditions achieved an IOU score of 57.9%. In addition, the model is robust to false positives, which is indicated by a precision equal to 94.2%. To demonstrate its practical utility, the model was also tested on real peat wildfires, and the results are promising, as indicated by a high IOU score of 90%. Finally, a geolocation algorithm is presented to identify the GNSS location of these fires once they are detected in an image to aid fire-fighting responses. The proposed scheme was built using a web-based platform that performs offline detection and allows peat fires to be geolocated. Full article

Urban green spaces (UGSs) play a pivotal role in sustaining the livelihoods of urban dwellers. This study sought to explore the impact of UGSs on livelihoods in Bulawayo and Johannesburg cities. A mixed-methods approach was used to develop a nuanced understanding of the nexus between UGSs and the livelihoods of the residents. A questionnaire survey (n = 658) with 329 participants from each city and 20 interviews were used to gather and generate data. Twelve types of UGSs were identified, with a relatively large proportion of the participants recognizing informal recreational areas as the common type of urban green space (UGS) in both cities. Domestic gardens, cemeteries, parks, woodlands, institutional green spaces, street trees, wastelands, commonages, and green roofs were other green spaces in both cities. Economically, job opportunities emerged in areas such as selling wares, photography, and the collection of firewood and wild fruits for sale. Likewise, farming activities and property values increased. Socially, they were valuable recreation and leisure spots for picnicking, dog walking, dating escapades, mental and spiritual wellness as well as education. Environmentally, UGSs were special in terms of medicinal provisions and aesthetics. However, urbanization and encroachment are undermining the extent of livelihood benefits. Therefore, it is imperative to revitalize UGSs by instituting robust partnerships and collaboration between government agencies, mobilize resources and expertise, value addition to existing UGSs, rigorous education to promote better appreciation, inclusion of the locals in the design process so that green spaces meet their needs and priorities, and establishing effective maintenance and management systems that ensure sustainability of UGSs. Full article

Managing land-use activities sustainably in mountainous regions requires addressing the interconnected impacts of geophysical, socioeconomic, cultural, and geopolitical stressors. This complexity is exemplified in roadbuilding across highland Asia, where insufficient planning, incomplete environmental impact assessments (EIAs), and governance gaps often result in lasting “toeprints”—subtle yet significant unintended consequences. Drawing on specific case studies within Yunnan, China; Central Asia’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI); and the Kedarnath Disaster in India, this perspective highlights the risks of rapid infrastructure development without holistic, long-term planning and explores the underlying issues of these problems. While mountain roads enhance connectivity, mobility, and short-term economic prosperity, they frequently impose environmental and social costs that offset their intended benefits. Poorly designed roads in the mountains of northwest Yunnan and Central Asia have triggered landslides, sedimentation, habitat fragmentation, and disruptions to local livelihoods and cultural practices. In contrast, road improvements to the remote Kedarnath Temple in the Himalaya led to the overcrowding of religious pilgrims who were killed and stranded during a major flood and sediment disaster in 2013. These case studies emphasize the need for transdisciplinary research, community engagement, and regulatory frameworks that integrate disaster risk reduction, climate resilience, and sustainability for the benefit of all stakeholders. By aligning infrastructure projects with robust planning frameworks, development practitioners and policymakers can better balance economic, environmental, and social priorities, minimizing unintended impacts while fostering resilient and equitable outcomes in fragile mountain landscapes. Full article

Extreme climate events are increasing in severity and frequency and affecting the livelihood of pastoralists. Understanding these impacts is crucial for developing effective management strategies. Thus, this study examines the effects of drought on livestock production and market dynamics in semi-arid Ethiopia and explores the adaptation strategies employed by Borana pastoralists. Both the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) and Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) were used to calculate indicators of drought severity between 1993 and 2022. Surveys were also conducted in 244 selected households. In addition, focus group discussions and field observations were conducted to investigate the adaptation practices of Borana pastoralists to drought. A line graph was used to illustrate the relationship between the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) and livestock market prices. The study found extreme drought in 1985, 2000, and 2011, with the most severe to moderate dryness occurring in the Arero, Elwaya, Dubuluk, Guchi, and Yabelo areas. The study found that severe droughts are increasing, affecting pastoralists’ livelihoods. The recurring drought led to a shortage of feed and water, which resulted in the starvation and death of livestock and jeopardized the livelihoods of pastoralists. In addition, the decline in milk production and falling market prices are said to have had a negative impact. Diversification of livelihood sources, mobility of livestock to seek out forage and water resources, and diversification of herd composition to take advantage of varying drought tolerance have been the usual long-term adaptation strategies of Borana pastoralists. Given the multiple negative impacts of climate change, development interventions in pastoral and agro-pastoral areas of Ethiopia should focus on proactive measures to reduce the impacts of climate change on livestock production. Full article

Behavioral changes are critical for addressing sustainability challenges, which have become increasingly urgent due to the growing impact of global greenhouse gas emissions on ecosystems and human livelihoods. However, translating awareness into meaningful action requires practical tools to bridge this gap. Mobile applications, utilizing strategies from human–computer interaction (HCI) such as gamification, nudging, and persuasive technologies, have proven to be powerful in promoting sustainable behaviors. To support designers in developing effective apps of this kind, theory-based design guidelines were created, drawing on established theories and design approaches aimed at shaping and encouraging virtuous user behaviors fostering sustainability. To make these guidelines more accessible and enhance their usability during the design phase, this study presents their transformation into the SBAM card deck, a deck of 11 design cards. The SBAM cards aim to simplify theoretical concepts, stimulate creativity, and provide structured support for design discussions, helping designers generate solutions tailored to specific project contexts. This study also evaluates the effectiveness of the SBAM cards in the design process through two workshops with design students. Results show that the cards enhance ideation, foster creativity, and improve designers’ perceived self-efficacy compared to the exploitation of the same design guidelines information presented in traditional textual formats. This paper discusses the SBAM cards design and evaluation methodology, findings, and implications, offering insights into how the SBAM design cards can bridge the gap between theory and practice in sustainability-focused mobile app development. To ensure broader accessibility, the SBAM cards have been made available to the public through a dedicated website. Full article

An important way to realize urban–rural integration and regional coordinated development is to attract labor forces back to rural areas. Most of the existing studies consider the impact of individual factors on population migration, they lack a systematic framework to analyze the combined impact of different factors on rural return migration. Furthermore, in practice, the interaction within the rural social ecosystem as an important driver of return migration is always ignored. Using data from 131 villages in 14 cities in Guangxi, China, combined with the Coupled Infrastructure System framework and the sustainable livelihoods framework, this paper analyzes the comprehensive impact of internal components of the rural social ecosystem on return migration. Qualitative comparative analysis is used to identify four condition combinations that can effectively promote return migration and five condition combinations that make return migration vulnerable. The main conclusions are as follows. First, high-level public infrastructure providers are an important driving factor for labor return to rural areas, and a substitution effect exists between them and livelihood capitals. Second, sufficient human capital and social capital are crucial for return migration, highlighting the importance of the structure of rural members and the collective atmosphere. Third, natural capital and economic capital emphasized by previous research are not key conditions for forming a high level of return migration. Fourth, the vulnerability of return migration is mainly caused by the decline of social capital, the loss of public infrastructure providers, and excessive dependence on economic or physical capital input. To attract return migration, rural areas need to pay attention to the integration and synergy of multi-dimensional capital and public infrastructure providers, and special emphasis should be placed on the cultivation of public leadership to promote the enhancement of human capital and social capital. This paper provides a more comprehensive and instrumental analytical perspective for understanding and promoting rural return migration. While deepening the understanding of the dynamic relationship between rural social ecosystem and labor mobility, it also offers policy insights for developing countries to achieve integrated urban–rural development. Full article

Climate change is an irreversible crisis that urgently calls for social transformation to protect human livelihood and environmental stability. Establishing awareness, building environmental literacy, and citizens’ mobilization are the steps toward sustainable change in giving a legacy of hope to future generations. This research explores major psychological and social drivers of pro-environmental behavior, considering the influence of HEXACO personality traits, climate anxiety (CCW), and social media engagement (SMI) on sustainable consumption (SC) and climate action intentions (CCI). Our findings revealed th eco-guilt (EGQ) and environmental empathy (EE) are immediate drivers for climate action, while long-term nurturance of eco-grief (ECOG) leads to engagement, supporting the notion that different emotions uniquely contribute to pro-environmental intentions. In terms of personality predictors, HEXACO’s traits of emotionality (E), honesty-humility (HH), and openness (O) are revealed to be significant, with emotionality also moderating the relationship between eco-grief and climate change action. The results reveal that connectedness to nature (CTN) and moderate levels of climate anxiety synergistically promote sustainable consumption intentions, while demographic factors such as gender, education levels, and exposure to social media moderate these intentions. Females also show a higher level of climate action intention in response to eco-guilt and eco-grief, while individuals with higher levels of education are more responsive to climate-related social media content, increasing their sustainable consumption behaviors. In exploring such interactions, this study aims to add to the understanding of what drives people toward valued environmental behaviors and, in turn, to inform effective climate advocacy, education, and personality-driven strategies to promote environmental engagement. Full article