Search Results (278)

Ruminant livestock production plays a crucial role in the agricultural systems of Sub-Saharan Africa, significantly supporting rural livelihoods through income generation, improved nutrition, and employment opportunities. Despite its importance, the sector continues to face substantial challenges, such as low feed quality, seasonal feed shortages, and climate-related stresses, all of which limit productivity and sustainability. Considering these challenges, the adoption of natural feed additives has emerged as a promising strategy to enhance animal performance, optimise nutrient utilisation, and mitigate environmental impacts, including the reduction of enteric methane emissions. This review underscores the significant potential of natural feed additives such as plant extracts, essential oils, probiotics, and mineral-based supplements such as fossil shell flour as sustainable alternatives to conventional growth promoters in ruminant production systems across the region. All available documented evidence on the topic from 2000 to 2024 was collated and synthesised through standardised methods of systematic review protocol—PRISMA. Out of 319 research papers downloaded, six were included and analysed directly or indirectly in this study. The results show that the addition of feed additives to ruminant diets in all the studies reviewed significantly (p < 0.05) improved growth parameters such as average daily growth (ADG), feed intake, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to the control group. However, no significant (p > 0.05) effect was found on cold carcass weight (CCW), meat percentage, fat percentage, bone percentage, or intramuscular fat (IMF%) compared to the control. The available evidence indicates that these additives can provide tangible benefits, including improved growth performance, better feed efficiency, enhanced immune responses, and superior meat quality, while also supporting environmental sustainability by reducing nitrogen excretion and decreasing dependence on antimicrobial agents. Full article

Since the end of the Civil War, Cambodia has pursued economic development to enhance livelihoods, particularly in rural areas, where land is a critical resource. Previous studies have indicated that the country has changed land use and land cover. However, they have not explained how these changes can improve the livelihoods of local communities, thereby mitigating their negative impacts through an asset-based approach. Battambang Province, in the northwestern region, was the battleground until political integration in 1996. Since then, the province has been home to immigrants exploring the lands for livelihood. Thus, this study aims to examine agricultural livelihoods in the villages of Dei Kraham and Ou Toek Thla, located west of Battambang Town. These were selected because of their common characteristics. Adopting a quantitative approach and a sustainable livelihood framework, this study employed stratified random sampling to select 123 families for interviews across three population subgroups: old settlers, new settlers, and young settlers. In situ information was collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using Kruskal–Wallis tests to assess the livelihood assets underlying the physical, natural, human, financial, and social capital. The statistical analysis results reveal no significant differences (p-value = 0.079) in livelihood assets between the strata at the village level. Meanwhile, significant differences were observed in physical, human, and financial capital between old and young settlers when examining the subgroups (p-value 0.000). The extent of the land resources held by old settlers was associated with household income and livelihoods related to agriculture. Based on livelihood asset scores, nearly half of the new settlers (0.49–0.5) and a quarter of the young settlers (0.47) are vulnerable groups requiring support. The youth will soon face an uncertain future if they do not prioritize education. Full article

The livestock sector is a significant contributor to the economy and rural livelihoods, but it is exposed to high risk across the supply chain, which is detrimental and needs to be addressed for sustainable development. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the major risk mitigation strategies (RMSs) and associated factors that affect their adoption. This study conducted a comprehensive literature review to identify the eight major RMSs and prioritized them through an analytical hierarchical process (AHP). Thereafter, a multivariate probit (MVP) model was developed to identify the factors affecting the adoption of major RMSs. The primary RMSs are livestock insurance, vaccination of livestock, and advisory/extension services. Further, the multivariate probit regression analysis shows that ‘age’, ‘social category’, ‘economic status’, ‘educational level’, ‘income level’, ‘the total number of animals’, and ‘perceived risk of foot and mouth disease’ are significant factors that influence the adoption of RMSs. This study’s findings will be useful for livestock supply chain partners to mitigate the risks along the livestock supply chain. This research will also help policymakers to develop policies/plans for incorporating these RMSs by considering the influencing associated factors. Full article

Studies examining the role of chikanda orchids in bolstering rural livelihoods coupled with the associated socio-economic intricacies remain absent, especially in African settings. This study examined the contribution of chikanda orchids in supporting rural livelihoods, taking into account socio-economic influences through a case study of the Mwinilunga District of northwestern Zambia. The study employed a mixed methods approach using 303 semi-structured questionnaires, complemented by three focus group discussions and nine in-depth interviews. Study findings showed that revenue generated from chikanda orchid sales supported rural livelihoods and served a crucial function in addressing food scarcity challenges. Income derived from chikanda orchid sales accounted for 30.8% of total household income and exhibited an income equalization effect of 8% among households. Participation in harvesting chikanda orchids exhibited a significant correlation with gender (χ² = 6; p < 0.05) and marital status (χ² = 8; p < 0.05). This study showed the significance of chikanda orchids in supporting livelihoods, including socio-economic influences, particularly for poorer households that exhibit vulnerability to food deficits. Consequently, the need to develop effective chikanda orchid management strategies that are locally tailored and acknowledge the socio-economic intricacies associated with the chikanda orchids trade is fundamental. Full article

Oil palm cultivation plays a critical role in rural livelihoods in Indonesia, yet previous research has often overlooked systematic institutional differences among smallholders. This study aims to analyze disparities in assets, strategies, and livelihood outcomes among three oil palm smallholder typologies—ex-Perkebunan Inti Rakyat (PIR) transmigrant smallholders who received land through government transmigration programs, independent smallholders who cultivate oil palm without formal partnerships, and plasma smallholders operating under corporate partnership schemes—in Central Mamuju Regency, West Sulawesi. A descriptive quantitative approach based on the sustainable livelihoods framework was employed, using chi-square analysis of data collected from 90 respondents through structured interviews and field observations. The results show that ex-PIR smallholders possess higher physical, financial, and social capital and achieve better income and welfare outcomes compared to independent and plasma smallholders. Independent smallholders exhibit resilience through diversified livelihood strategies, whereas plasma smallholders face asset limitations and structural dependency on partner companies, increasing their economic vulnerability. The study concludes that differentiated policy approaches are necessary to enhance the resilience of each group, including improving capital access, promoting income diversification, and strengthening institutions for plasma smallholders. Future research should expand geographical scope and explore factors such as technology adoption, gender dynamics, and intergenerational knowledge transfer to deepen understanding of sustainable smallholder livelihoods in tropical plantation contexts. Full article

Balancing ecological conservation and rural livelihoods in protected areas remains a global challenge, particularly under strict land use regulations and economic development constraints. Territorial spatial planning (TSP) in an ecological function area (EFA) faces constraints such as land use restrictions, ecological redlines, and economic development limits. This study investigates how ecological land resources influence farmers’ incomes in ecological function areas (EFAs), with a focus on the moderating role of advanced livelihoods (ALI). Using an integrated Fixed-Effects–SVM–Genetic Algorithm framework, we quantify nonlinear policy-livelihood interactions and simulate multi-scenario governmental interventions (e.g., ecological investment, returning farmland to forest/RFF) across Beijing’s EFA, which can obtain the key findings as follows: (a) Ecological land resources have a significant positive effect on farmers’ incomes due to production-manner adjustment guided by governmental green strategy and corresponding TSP in an ecological restoration area of an EFA, while they have a non-significant impact in the core ecological reserve areas on account of the strict environmental protection restrictions on economic activities. (b) Differences in financial support between lower and higher economic development zones can bring about adverse impact results on farmers’ incomes in an EFA. (c) ALI significantly amplifies the positive impact of ecological land use on farmers’ incomes, demonstrating its critical role in bridging ecological and economic goals. (d) Sensitivity analysis results under RFF, targeted government investment, and ALI can maximize income gains through policy interaction from the government and farmer sides jointly. The above obtained results are beneficial to balance ecological protection and economic interests of farmers’ sustainably in an EFA. Full article

The subtropics are affected by severe climate change, which may induce heat stress in animals. Moreover, the region is significantly seasonal; hence, mitigating climate risks and implementing climate adaptation measures are necessary. Sustainable Development Goals 1, 2, and 13 call for no poverty, zero hunger, and climate action. These are the most severe problems affecting food security in the modern world. Food security refers to a situation in which all people have physical, social, and economic access to sufficient, proper, and healthy food that satisfies their dietary requirements. Nevertheless, the projected increase in the human population implies a greater demand for employment opportunities; hence, developing countries are building more industrial areas. The burning of fossil fuels in various industries potentiates climate change and environmental pollution. It is predicted that the ecological temperature will increase by almost 2.3–4.8 °C by 2100 due to climate change. Agriculture and animal products remain vital in Africa as drivers of the economy and transformation for sustainable livelihood and development. Sheep production has long been used as a source of income and livelihood and provides jobs for people who live in rural areas. It is also sometimes used for ritual ceremonies and to pay penalties to local authorities. Nevertheless, sheep have been identified to be sensitive to heat stress, characterized by low reproductive performance, low microbiota quantities, and poor general health. There are different strategies for mitigating heat stress; however, many smallholder farmers have limited access to education and lack the financial support required to incorporate artificial shade and plant trees for shade to limit heat stress. In this review, we aim to understand the effects of environmental heat stress on sheep production and reproductive performance. Based on this review, it can be concluded that heat stress can threaten food security if not addressed, especially for farmers who depend on sheep rearing. As a result, future studies are recommended to understand different adaptation methods that can be used to mitigate the heat stress effect on sheep productivity, reproductivity, and general health. Full article

Climate risk has emerged as a pressing global challenge, significantly undermining livelihood capital, income stability, and living standards among vulnerable populations. Leveraging balanced panel data from the China Household Finance Survey (CHFS) spanning 2013–2019, this study employs a binary Logit fixed-effects model to examine how climate change risk affects farm households’ multidimensional relative poverty, with particular attention to the moderating role of digital financial inclusion. The findings demonstrate that climate change risk significantly exacerbates multidimensional relative poverty among farm households, while digital inclusive finance effectively mitigates these adverse impacts. Notably, subdimensional analysis reveals that the depth of digital financial usage exerts the strongest influence. In addition, there is heterogeneity in this moderating effect, with digital inclusive finance having a more significant mitigating effect on multidimensional relative poverty in rural households in the central region, with middle and higher incomes, as well as with high digital literacy. This study provides valuable insights into the use of financial instruments to mitigate climate risks, improve the climate resilience of rural populations, and strengthen multidimensional approaches to poverty governance. Full article

The interaction between rural household livelihood strategies and land use behavior constitutes the core of the human–land relationship in a region, especially in protected area villages with high ecological sensitivity that require the integration of social–economic and ecological benefits. This study, grounded in the concept of sustainable livelihoods, utilizes survey data from 399 households in the Chang-Zhu-Tan Green Heart Ecological Protection Zone. By employing the entropy method to calculate indicator weights, a coupling coordination degree model is constructed to analyze the coupling degree, coordination degree, and spatial differentiation patterns between household livelihood strategies and land use behavior. The findings reveal that (1) there is a coupling relationship between household livelihood strategies and land use behavior in the protected area, characterized by moderate coupling coordination. (2) Agricultural sideline households exhibit the highest degree of coupling coordination. The sideline activities of these households not only enhance income but also exert positive impacts on the ecological environment while they are engaged in agricultural production. (3) There is a significant spatial differentiation in the coupling coordination degree of different types of households in the protected area: it increases with the distance from the urban center, with higher values in the central areas than in the peripheral regions. The results of this study provide a basis for understanding micro-level land use changes and guiding household land use behavior, as well as offering theoretical and practical references for improving sustainable livelihoods of households in the study area, promoting rural revitalization, and implementing ecological protection policies. Full article

Honeybees provide a variety of services and products that are beneficial to humans, including pollination, honey, propolis, and other harvested products. In South Africa, it is believed that honey harvesting from wild (unmanaged) honeybee (Apis mellifera L.) colonies is widely practiced. However, there is limited knowledge regarding this practice. Using structured questionnaire surveys and site visits for validation, we aimed to (1) confirm the practice of honey harvesting and ascertain the extent to which it is practiced; and (2) quantify the economic benefits of this practice to communities’ livelihoods. We found that honey and other products (i.e., brood and pollen) harvesting from wild honeybee colonies is still a common practice among the rural communities of selected areas within the Vhembe District, which was confirmed by 44% of the respondents. These products are either consumed by the harvesters or sold, helping to generate total household incomes ranging from R500.00 ($26USD) to R2000.00 ($112USD) South African Rands (ZAR), which contribute towards offsetting various household costs. Although the overall population and health status of the wild honeybees in the area is unknown, the survey respondents (29%) indicated that they are generally healthy. From these findings, we were able to establish a good level of dependence on wild honeybee colonies by rural communities for income generation, albeit at a small scale. Given the wide array of pressures on insect pollinators, particularly honeybees, from factors such as habitat loss, climate change, pests, pathogens, and pesticides, our findings serve as a strong basis for considering protection and preservation mechanisms for these populations. These could be accommodated under various local and provincial conservation efforts, especially those preventing habitat loss. Full article

Employment is the most significant source of livelihood and the foundation of social stability. The rapid development of the digital economy and rural e-commerce has continuously injected new kinetic energy into the comprehensive revitalization of the countryside and provided new possibilities for farmers’ employment. Comprehensively improving the quality of farmers’ employment is an important tool for promoting farmers’ income and solving the problems of rural development at this stage. Using panel data from 30 provincial-level administrative regions in China (2011–2020), this paper examines the impact of rural e-commerce development on rural employment quality in the context of the digital economy and analyzes its underlying mechanisms. The findings show that the development of rural e-commerce can promote the employment quality of farmers by improving the industrial structure. The digital economy plays a negative role in the process of the development of rural e-commerce promoting the employment quality of farmers, but the education level of farmers plays a positive role in it. Therefore, it is recommended to start with farmers’ education by gradually improving their literacy, enhancing their internal drive, and then promoting the positive effect of rural e-commerce development on the quality of farmers’ employment, which is more effective than relying on the external support of the digital economy. In addition, the development of rural e-commerce has a significant positive impact on the employment quality of farmers in the eastern, middle, and western regions of China, and has a greater impact on the middle and western regions than on the eastern region. The possible contribution of this paper lies in the systematic study of the relationship between the digital economy, rural e-commerce development, and the employment quality of farmers and the underlying mechanism. Moreover, this study also analyzes the unique influence and boundary conditions of China’s reality, which provides important reference and empirical evidence for promoting the development of rural e-commerce, improving the quality of rural employment, and promoting rural revitalization. Full article

With the rapid development of China’s rural economy, rural collective economic organizations have played a significant role in increasing farmers’ income and promoting rural revitalization. This study aims to explore the impact of farmers’ participation in skills training organized by rural collective economic organizations on their livelihood capital and the underlying mechanisms. Using tracking survey data from rural households in Chongzhou City, Sichuan Province, in 2023, the paper employs empirical analysis methods, including OLS and mediation effect analysis. The results show that participation in skills training organized by rural collective economic organizations enhances farmers’ livelihood capital. The effectiveness of public service delivery by village committees, the network role of farmers’ cooperatives, and the linkage effect of leading agricultural enterprises in driving rural development act as mediating factors. Additionally, the impact of skills training on farmers’ livelihood capital varies according to household characteristics and the attributes of the rural collective economic organizations involved. Therefore, this paper proposes the following policy recommendations: (1) Further strengthen the public service and resource allocation functions of the village committees. (2) Support and optimize the operating entities such as farmer cooperatives and leading agricultural industrialization enterprises. (3) Address the training needs of different groups and enhance the focus and support of grassroots governments for skills training in collective economic organizations. Full article

This article examines the relationship between environmental income dependence and household vulnerability in rural settings. Using household-level livelihood data from the Poverty Environment Network (PEN) dataset of Nepal, we construct a household vulnerability index and analyze its relationship with environmental dependence, measured as the share of environmental income in total income, while controlling for other variables. The findings reveal that higher environmental dependence significantly increases household vulnerability. In contrast, household debt helps mitigate vulnerability by providing financial support and enabling productive investments. However, high dependency ratios and exposure to shocks exacerbate vulnerability by limiting income generation and destabilizing livelihoods. Policy measures such as promoting economic diversification and social safety net programs could reduce environmental dependence and mitigate household vulnerability in rural Nepal. Furthermore, providing timely access to credit during hardships and addressing unforeseen shocks could enhance household resilience. Full article

Although cocoa production addresses the livelihoods of several rural households, there is a global concern about its negative impact on the physical environment. How does this trade-off play out in different farming systems? This paper examined the social and environmental trade-offs and synergies of organic and conventional cocoa farming systems. Using the ‘SMART Farm-tool’ and principal component analysis approach, data collected from 398 cocoa farmers in five communities in the Atwima Mponua District of Ghana were analysed. We found that social and environmental trade-offs in the organic cocoa farming system are labour-related (EV = −0.38). The social and environmental trade-offs in the conventional cocoa farming system are health and safety and biodiversity-related (EV = −0.64). The organic farming system recognises indigenous knowledge in promoting biodiversity conservation and land degradation reduction (EV = −0.57). There can be more synergy than trade-off in both systems if support for capacity building and credit is provided and indigenous knowledge sharing is prioritised among low-income and vulnerable farmers. In this way, the labour conditions, biodiversity conservation, and health and safety-related concerns will be addressed. Addressing labour concerns in organic cocoa farming involves improving efficiency and working conditions. Strategies include training programs for organic techniques, introducing technology for tasks, and adhering to fair labour standards. This ensures labour concerns are addressed across the supply chain. Full article

One of the important distribution areas of stone pine (Pinus pinea L.), a native tree species of the Mediterranean Basin in Türkiye, is the Kozak Basin. Pine nut production plays an important role in the livelihood of the rural people of the Kozak Basin. However, in recent years, as a result of mining activities, climate change, and damage caused by the alien invasive species, the western conifer seed bug (Leptoglossus occidentalis Heidemann 1910 (Hemiptera; Coreidae), the decrease in cone and seed yield in the basin has reached significant dimensions. This process has caused the local people’s income sources to decrease. In this study, land use and land cover (LULC) changes and population changes in the Kozak Basin were discussed during the process, where changing forest land functions, especially economic effects, triggered vulnerable communities due to various factors such as climate change and insect damage. LULC classes of the Kozak Basin and their changes in three time periods are presented using the maximum likelihood method. In addition, the exponential population growth rates of the local people in three different time periods were calculated and these rates were interpolated in the spatial plane with a Kriging analysis. In conclusion, the responses of vulnerable communities to the cone and seed yield decline in the Kozak Basin are manifested by LULC changes and migration from the basin. Therefore, in the management of P. pinea areas, the creation of regulations within the framework of sustainability understanding regardless of ownership difference, stakeholder participatory approach management, close monitoring of ecological events occurring in the basin, awareness of vulnerable communities, and alternative livelihoods can be supported. Full article