Search Results (67)

In the rapid development of rural tourism, multiple disturbances, such as capital reorganization, uneven resource distribution, and the marginalization of farmers as the main body, have emerged. This has led to the dual challenges of increased vulnerability and insufficient resilience of farmers’ livelihood systems in the face of risk shocks. Based on survey data of the “Agri-Tourism–Commerce–Culture Integration” demonstration zone in China, this study integrates the Pressure–State–Response model into the analysis of livelihood resilience and constructs a “vulnerability–adaptability–recuperability” tri-dimensional framework. Through methods such as the entropy weight method, the synthetical index method, grey relational degree analysis, and the obstacle degree model, this study measures the levels of different livelihood types of farmers in each dimension of livelihood resilience and their influencing factors. The research findings indicate that the overall livelihood resilience of farmers in the study area was at a medium level, with vulnerability making the most significant contribution, reflecting that the current livelihood system is dominated by risk resistance. Different types of farmers exhibit heterogeneity in resilience, with tourism-oriented farmers showing the highest resilience and agriculture-oriented farmers the lowest. However, tourism-oriented farmers also display the most prominent vulnerability, revealing the tension between short-term efficiency enhancement and long-term risk diversification in single livelihood strategies. Key factor analysis reveals that vulnerability correlates most strongly with livelihood resilience. The most correlated indicators are the price increase rate, proportion of migrant workers, and neighborhood trust in the vulnerability, adaptability, and recuperability dimensions. Diagnosis of obstacle factors reveal that loan accessibility, land resource dependency, and agricultural risk perception rank as the top three common obstacles, with tourism-driven farmers exhibiting higher obstacle degrees than other farmer categories. These findings not only validate the empowering effect of rural tourism on farmers’ livelihoods but also reveal the different livelihood strategies chosen by various farmers. Based on the results, this study proposes policy recommendations of “common optimization + individual adaptation” to enhance farmers’ livelihood resilience. This is conducive to transforming external support into farmers’ endogenous resilience capabilities and provides a useful reference for achieving the deep integration of rural tourism and farmers’ livelihood systems. Full article

Climate change has profoundly impacted human development, with disasters serving as a prominent manifestation of its effects on societies. While disasters impose significant disruptions on agricultural production and rural livelihoods, they may also create a “window of opportunity” for rural development by motivating farmers to enhance their adaptive capacities through social learning and collective action. Existing research on disaster impacts predominantly focuses on individual decision-making under assumptions of full rationality, with limited systematic attention to collective action among rural households. Furthermore, studies examining collective action rarely address how external ecological systems influence such behaviors. To address these gaps, this study employs survey data from 419 households across 80 villages in Guangxi, China, revealing two critical findings: (1) disasters exert a significant positive effect on farmers’ participation in response-focused collective actions but a notable negative impact on their engagement in prevention-focused collective actions; and (2) these relationships are mediated by shifts in farmers’ risk perception levels. Building on these insights, this study proposes strategies to strengthen farmers’ collective action by enhancing risk perception and fostering collaborative governance mechanisms between governments and local communities. These measures aim to improve the effective provision and equitable allocation of disaster-response resources, thereby bolstering rural resilience. Full article

Climate change and variables pose a significant risk for agro-pastoral production systems, where mixed crop–livestock production is a primary livelihood strategy. Therefore, this study aims to analyze agro-pastoralists’ perceptions of climate change, the perceived impacts on their production systems, and the adaptation strategies used by mixed crop–livestock producers in the lowland areas of Ethiopia. Data was collected using household surveys, focus group discussions (FGDs), and key informant interviews. A survey was conducted in three major mixed crop–livestock producer woredas (Teltale, Yabello, and Gomole) with a total of 396 respondents. A multi-stage sampling approach was used for selecting the sample household for the study. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and a chi-square test. The study found that agro-pastoralists perceive climate change as a significant threat to their livelihoods. The results revealed that 95.9% and 91.4% of respondents across the three woredas perceived a decline in rainfall and increased temperatures, respectively. The most widely adopted adaptation strategies were livelihood diversification (96.4%), livestock diversification (89.3%), and crop diversification (70.4%). Notably, Teltale had the highest adoption rate of crop diversification, while Yabello exhibited a higher prevalence of non-farming activities. The findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to enhance adaptive capacity, improve access to climate-smart technologies, and strengthen capacity for climate adaptation in mixed crop–livestock systems. This study contributes to climate risks, their impacts on their production systems, and the adaptation strategies for designing targeted interventions that enhance the resilience of mixed crop–livestock production systems in the face of climate change. Full article

Tourism has emerged as a critical economic pillar for many island communities worldwide, transforming their socio-economic structure and land use strategies. However, intensifying typhoons and other extreme climate events pose escalating risks to these communities, demanding adaptive transformations in disaster knowledge systems and risk management strategies. Local disaster knowledge (LDK), as a place-based knowledge system, plays an essential role in shaping adaptive responses and enhancing resilience within these communities. This study investigates the structure and dynamic adaptation paths of local disaster knowledge amid the shift toward tourism-based communities. Using a qualitative approach, this study conducted an in-depth case study on Shengsi Island, China. The findings reveal that LDK exhibits a three-layered structure: deep-intermediate-surface layers. Beliefs constitute the deep core, while social cohesion, risk knowledge and perception form the middle mediating layer. The surface practical layer encompasses early warning systems, anticipatory measures, structural measures, and livelihood adaptation strategies. The interaction among the three layers constitutes the endogenous dynamics driving knowledge adaptation, while macro-level disaster governance and tourism development act as exogenous drivers. Together, these mechanisms facilitate two adaptive pathways: policy-guided structural transformation and tourism-led practical adaptation. This study advances theoretical understanding of LDK by exploring its dynamics in transforming communities, with a framework that can be extrapolated to other disaster risk contexts. It also provides policy-relevant insights for developing disaster resilience and sustainable land use policies in island communities experiencing tourism transformation. Full article

Climate change threatens global food security, highlighting the necessity for Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) to enhance agricultural resilience and sustainability. Yet low adoption among farmers highlights gaps in understanding adoption barriers. Existing models often overlook the dynamic, multi-layered nature of farmers’ decisions. This study introduces the Multidimensional Dynamic Decision Analysis Framework (MDDAF), which integrates Sustainable Livelihoods Framework, Diffusion of Innovations, and Behavioral Economics, and applies it to conservation agriculture in Northeast China’s black soil region. We conducted 125 semi-structured interviews (100 farmers, stage-mapped into six groups; 20 leaders of agricultural socialized service organizations; 5 technical experts) and analyzed transcripts in NVivo using a hybrid deductive–inductive approach. Findings show stage-specific barriers: superficial knowledge and fragmented perceptions in awareness; traditional norms and social stigmatization in evaluation; biosecurity risks, ecological mismatches, and land tenure disputes during decision-making; economic constraints and policy inconsistencies during implementation; and operational failures, incomplete practices, and climate-driven volatility at confirmation. Priority implications are as follows: professionalize service provision; safeguard bundle fidelity and manage climate risk; reduce context and tenure risks; and counter misbeliefs via complement-focused demonstrations, diverse opinion leaders, and targeted training. MDDAF thus links dynamic, stage-specific barriers to actionable interventions, supporting more effective CSA scale-up. Full article

Farmers’ perceptions of environmental change are a key trigger for livelihood behaviors. However, it remains unclear how these perceptions become specific livelihood strategies through internal psychological processes. To address this, this study constructs an analytical framework. It integrates multidimensional environmental perceptions, risk aversion, and livelihood strategies. Particular focus is given to the mediating role of risk aversion in the link between perception of environmental change and livelihood strategy. The proposed mechanism is tested using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The findings indicate that farmers pursue both adaptive and defensive livelihood strategies. They balance security with development opportunities. Perceptions of ecological transition and market volatility significantly affect both adaptive and defensive strategies. Perception of social dynamics mainly influences adaptive strategies. The perception of policy adjustment has no significant effect. Risk aversion mediates these relationships. It strengthens defensive behaviors while promoting adaptive actions, showing its dual function in risk management and proactive adaptation. These findings underscore the complexity of decision-making in rural areas. They elucidate how environmental perceptions shape risk awareness and responses to livelihoods. This offers insights for policies aimed at enhancing rural resilience. Full article

Urban flooding has significantly impacted the livelihoods of households and communities worldwide. It highlights the urgency of focusing on both flood preparedness and adaptation strategies to understand the community’s perception and adaptive capacity. This study investigates the levels of risk perception, flood preparedness, and adaptive capacity, while also exploring the inter-relationships among these factors within the context of urban flooding in Malaysia. A quantitative approach was employed, involving a structured questionnaire administered to residents in flood-prone urban areas across Greater Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. A total of 212 responses were analysed using descriptive statistics, categorical index classification, and Spearman correlation analysis. The findings indicate that residents generally reported high levels of risk perception and preparedness, although adaptive capacity exhibited greater variability, with a mean score of 3.97 (SD = 0.64). Positive associations were found among risk perception, flood preparedness, and adaptive capacity. This study contributes to the existing knowledge by providing evidence on community resilience and highlighting key factors that can guide flood management policies and encourage adaptive planning at the community level. Full article

The changing climate poses a significant challenge to the dairy industry, particularly in Punjab’s Faisalabad region, a central milk production hub. Rising temperatures and humidity exacerbate heat stress, endangering rural livelihoods. This study quantifies the impacts of these climatic stressors on milk yield, evaluates smallholder farmers’ perceptions of climate risks, and projects future losses to guide adaptive policymaking. By integrating Likert-scale surveys of 450 dairy farmers with advanced panel regression models (including fixed and random effects) and a dynamic panel generalized method of moments (GMM) approach for forecasting, we analyzed eight years of milk production and climate data (2017–2024) under IPCC scenarios (+2 °C, +10% humidity). The results revealed significant declines: a 1 °C temperature increase reduced milk yields by 1.72 L per month (p < 0.01), while a 1% rise in humidity decreased output by 0.59 L per month (p < 0.01). Compounded losses under combined stressors reached 2.25 L per month, with hotter regions (Faisalabad’s semi-arid zone) experiencing the steepest declines. Farmers’ perceptions are closely aligned with empirical trends, identifying heat humidity interactions as the most critical risks. To mitigate these losses, adaptive strategies such as heat-resistant cattle breeds, humidity-responsive cooling systems, and targeted financial support for smallholders are critical. This study connects farmers’ insights with econometric modeling to provide practical strategies to enhance resilience in Punjab’s dairy sector. Full article

The main objective of this article is to assess the potential of financial innovations as a tool for strengthening the resilience of the agricultural sector in Poland, with particular emphasis on the role of mixed financing, and to identify factors influencing farmers’ propensity to implement these innovations. Our attention is focused on mixed instruments represented by a combination of grants with loans or credit. This research is based on a critical literature study method, a logistic regression model, and a direct survey method using a structured questionnaire survey. The results show that the implementation of an innovative financial instrument combining a grant with a loan or credit has the potential for development. It is perceived by farmers as a reliable and attractive way of financing. The propensity to utilise this instrument has been demonstrated to increase significantly among farmers for whom agriculture is the main source of livelihood and who have previous experience with credit. The influence of farmers’ perceptions of insurance as a risk management tool, as well as the age of farmers, is also a critical factor in this analysis. Less interest in this financing option is characteristic of farmers with traditional, extensive agricultural production. Our research identifies market trends, contributes new data, and provides an understanding of the impact of different factors on the propensity to use an instrument combining subsidies with a loan or credit, providing new insights into complex decision-making mechanisms in agriculture. The results of the research can be useful for policymakers and financial institutions to better tailor innovative financial product offerings to farmers’ needs. Full article

Conservation strategies that use sustainable use of natural resources through green-labelled markets generally do not recognize the legal sale of wild meat as appropriate due to potential overexploitation and zoonotic disease risks. Wildlife hunting is important to the livelihoods of rural communities living in tropical forests for protein and income. Wildlife management plans in the Peruvian Amazon permit hunting of wild meat species for subsistence and sale at sustainable levels, that include peccaries, deer, and large rodents. These species have fast reproduction making them less vulnerable to overhunting than other species. This study assessed the sustainability of a wildlife management plan. Populations of species were estimated using camera traps and distance transect surveys, and sustainability analysis used hunting pressure from community hunting registers. Interviews were conducted to understand hunters, perceptions of the management plan. Long-term time-series showed increases in collared peccary (3.0 individual/km² to 5.41 individual/km²) and white-lipped peccary (3.50 individual/km² to 7.00 individual/km²) populations and short-term time series showed a decline in paca populations from 8.5 individual/km² to 3.01 individual/km². The unified harvest analysis showed permitted species populations were greater than 60% of their carrying capacities and hunted at less than 40% of their production, which shows sustainable hunting. The wildlife management plan achieved its general objective of sustainable hunting and improving livelihoods. The broader question is whether sustainable wildlife use plans that allow Amazonian communities to sell limited amounts of wild meat can be a way to change illegal wild meat trade to a legal, green labelled trade with added value. Full article

The Eastern Cape Province of South Africa is largely rural, with agriculture as the main livelihood for many households. However, the province has a semi-arid climate and reliance on rain-fed agriculture, which makes the region highly vulnerable to climate-related risks, particularly droughts. Smallholder farmers, who play a crucial role in food production and local economies, face significant challenges due to limited access to resources like irrigation, modern technology, and financial support, exacerbating their vulnerability to climate variability. These droughts cause severe losses in agricultural productivity, threatening food security, increasing poverty, and driving rural migration. Despite the potential benefits of adaptation strategies, many farmers lack the tools and knowledge to effectively cope with the increasing frequency and severity of droughts. This study examines how smallholder farmers in South Africa’s Eastern Cape Province perceive, experience, and cope with drought risk and its food and nutrition security implications. Using structured questionnaires, the authors collected data from 160 smallholder farmers and employed statistical analysis techniques, including a multinomial logit model. The study found that smallholder farmers understand drought risk but continue to face high vulnerability to adverse effects such as water scarcity, crop failure, increased disease incidence, and rising temperatures. Socioeconomic and institutional factors significantly influenced the adaptation strategies chosen by smallholder farmers. This study suggests that a combination of localized and modern adaptation approaches, supported by various institutional, policy, and technological interventions, is essential to enhance the resilience of these farmers. Specifically, localized strategies such as using traditional water management systems and crop diversification were effective in addressing region-specific climate challenges. At the same time, modern approaches like climate-resilient crop varieties and early-warning systems provided broader, more scalable solutions. Institutional support measures, such as access to climate information and extension services, policy interventions promoting sustainable practices, and technological advancements in irrigation and seed technologies, were key factors in improving adaptive capacity and reducing vulnerability. There is an urgent need to provide comprehensive support and empower farmers to adapt effectively, protect their livelihoods, and contribute to broader food security and poverty reduction efforts. This study highlights the importance of understanding and addressing the perceptions and experiences of smallholder farmers facing drought risk to ensure sustainable food production, income generation, and poverty alleviation. Full article

Conflicts between human populations and Nile crocodiles are widespread with crocodiles posing significant threats to fisherfolk and riverine communities across r-Saharan Africa. Hundreds of deadly attacks take place annually, and mortality rates may range from 50% to 100%. Attitudes and perceptions towards crocodiles were studied using structured questionnaires among fisherfolk along the River Nile and the Sudd wetlands in South Sudan. Local communities used crocodiles for their meat and skin/leather trades. The meat is regarded to enhance longevity, sexual potency, and protection against witchcraft. Crocodiles are perceived as a main threat to lives and livelihoods as they restrict people’s freedom of movement along water bodies, attack livestock and humans, and devastate fishing equipment. To assess whether responses were influenced by the intensity of crocodile threats, published data on fatal crocodile attacks on humans and livestock were analysed using Generalised Linear Models (GLMs). This analysis indicated a direct link between the number of crocodile attacks and human attitudes. Crocodiles were generally feared and hated, and there was the agreement of the need to destroy breeding habitats. However, some attitudes were complex and nuanced as highlighted by the agreement of local communities on the need to destroy Nile Crocodile breeding habitats on the one hand and the need to establish crocodile sanctuaries as the the preferred strategy to mitigate risks and conflict on the other hand. There is a need for the creation of a crocodile sanctuary in the Sudd wetlands to minimise the risks of illegal hunting and to buffer the increasing pressure on crocodiles due to human population growth and economic upturn after the civil war. Full article

Smallholder farming is an important livelihood strategy for rural households in developing countries. Climate change and variability threaten the sustenance of livelihoods and hinder efforts to eradicate poverty and food insecurity. Although perception studies on climate change and coping mechanisms have been conducted in KwaZulu-Natal Province, little has been done on livelihood analysis. This study uses the Sustainable Livelihood Framework for livelihoods analysis of smallholder farmers in the uMkhanyakude district of KwaZulu-Natal Province in South Africa. Survey data were collected from a sample of 400 smallholder farmers in two local municipalities of the district, using a stratified random sampling procedure. Focus group discussions were used to augment survey data. Descriptive statistics were generated to analyse quantitative data, while qualitative data were analysed through thematic analysis. This study found that climate change significantly eroded livelihood assets, posing a threat to the well-being of smallholder farmers. Persistent drought has led to poor crop and livestock productivity, compelling households to rely heavily on food purchases. These findings underscore the urgent need to safeguard the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in the face of climate change. This study recommends that policymakers should focus on policies that enhance the resilience of livelihood assets for farming communities to minimise climatic risk. Full article

The adoption of effective coping strategies is crucial for successful adaptation to the impacts of climate change in the dairy sector. However, little attention has been paid to understanding the perceived constraints and motivations toward such strategies. A survey was conducted among 104 dairy farmers from three semi-arid regions of South India. The aim of the survey was to explore the dairy farmers’ perception of climate risk, how it impacts their dairy farming system, the coping strategies they employ, and the barriers they face when implementing these strategies. The survey also investigated the factors that facilitate the adoption of adaptation measures. The results indicate dairy farmers in the region perceive drought, pests and diseases, and high temperatures as the major risks associated with climate change, which has resulted in decreased dairy income, animal health problems, reduced fertility, and food intake problems for their cattle. In response to climate variability, dairy farmers have adopted various coping strategies. The most important strategies include buying livestock insurance, keeping low debt obligations, and growing drought-tolerant grass varieties. However, most farmers face significant constraints in adopting these and other strategies including a lack of climate forecast data, the high cost of adaptation activities, and weak institutional support. On the other hand, the key enabling factors that support the adoption of these strategies include milk production security, suitable feed growing conditions, and family interest. Most importantly, the study found that certain factors such as age, education, number of earning family members, annual milk production, monthly cattle expenses, and landholdings significantly influenced dairy farmers’ strategies for adapting to climate change. The study recommends that providing timely climate forecasts, implementing improved policies such as vaccination and cattle health services, and establishing strong institutional support systems can help dairy farmers become more resilient to climate change and protect their livelihoods. Full article

Edible insects can diversify diets, improve livelihoods, contribute to food and nutrition security, and have a smaller ecological impact. The European Union has categorized insects as novel food, and recently, in 2021 and 2022, two species, Tenebrio molitor and Acheta domesticus, were authorized for commercialization. The acceptance and perception of food risk derived from insect consumption vary depending on factors impacting insect consumption acceptability, including neophobic tendencies, gender differences, familiarity, and gastronomic perceptions. The aim of this work was to evaluate the perception and acceptance of edible insects by exploring these factors. This study was carried out on higher-education students from universities in Valencia (Spain). The students recognized insects’ high nutritional value, particularly protein content, and had varying levels of knowledge about specific nutritional components. In terms of labeling and marketing, removing health and sustainability benefits from packaging can improve consumer responses. Most respondents prefer clear labeling of insect derivatives, quality certification seals, and complete information about insect content. Students consider marketing and knowledge to be significant influencers of insect consumption. In summary, this text highlights the multifaceted nature of insect consumption acceptability. These insights offer valuable perspectives on insect consumption dynamics. Full article