scholarly journals Subsistence Agriculture as the Basis of Rural Livelihoods in Msinga Local Municipality, Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa

2021 ◽  
Vol 76 (1-3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mfundo Mandla Masuku
Keyword(s):  
Rural Communities ◽  
Rural Economy ◽  
Rural Livelihoods ◽  
Subsistence Agriculture ◽  
Sustainable Livelihood ◽  
Agriculture Sector ◽  
Local Municipalities ◽  
Development Data ◽  
Local Municipality ◽  
Market Opportunities

ABSTRACT Subsistence agriculture is recognised as a livelihood contributing to food security for households in rural communities. The sustainable livelihood approach is employed in this study, based on its strength and optimistic orientation to grant rural people an opportunity to improve their environment, economic standing, and social development. Data were collected from 180 households using a questionnaire analysed with the SPSS software. The subsistence agriculture sector still lacks adequate governmental support for effective operations to enhance rural livelihoods. Assisting subsistence farmers should improve productivity. The study recommends that the local municipalities should establish a marketplace that would be used as a sales point for community members and local emerging farmers to ensure an effective distribution of agricultural products. This would play a significant role in solidifying the return of the rural economy by increasing farm productivity and complimenting market opportunities.

scholarly journals Participatory Livelihood Analysis as an Alternative Method for Agricultural Extension Needs-Assessment: Case of a Rural Community in Kenya

2020 ◽  
pp. 173-187
Author(s):  
Joseph Kipkorir Cheruiyot
Keyword(s):  
Rural Communities ◽  
Needs Assessment ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Agricultural Extension ◽  
Livelihood Strategies ◽  
Analysis Approach ◽  
Sustainable Livelihood ◽  
Agriculture Sector ◽  
Natural Land

The well-being of the rural population globally has been associated with the performance and resilience of the agriculture sector. The sector continually requires new needs-based knowledge and technologies. It has become necessary to empower the rural communities through a wider bottom-up system that directly addresses their needs. This paper explores the application of little-used Participatory Livelihood Analysis for the adoption and up-scaling of its use in the assessment of agricultural-extension-needs for disadvantaged rural communities. It presents a case study of a village perceived by Agriculture stakeholders as disadvantaged in Nandi County, Kenya. Using a case study design and a participatory livelihood analysis approach, the descriptive study analyses the pentagon of resources (Natural/Land, human, social, physical and financial) based on the sustainable livelihood framework. It identifies livelihood strategies, constraints and opportunities for improvement on the performance of the livelihood strategies. The study observed that the Participatory Livelihood Analysis approach was an effective method in the assessment of agricultural-extension-needs of disadvantaged communities in relatively remote locations. Further trials of the approach in similar socio-economic contexts for use in needs assessment are recommended.

Sustainable Rural Livelihoods

2020 ◽  
pp. 354-377
Author(s):  
Biljana Petrevska ◽  
Aleksandra Terzić
Keyword(s):  
Rural Communities ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Rural Livelihoods ◽  
Agricultural Activity ◽  
Sustainable Livelihood ◽  
Economic Issues ◽  
Tourism Activity ◽  
Social Empowerment ◽  
The Village ◽  
Sustainable Rural Livelihoods

The study examines the concept of resilient societies that are emerging recently by opening the question of social empowerment and willingness to cope with uncertainties. It presents a comprehensive review on the issue of real contribution of tourism based economies within rural communities. The study evaluates the basic preconditions for tourism related activities in sampled rural areas in North Macedonia and Southern and Eastern Serbia, being particularly vulnerable in terms of social and economic issues (aging, poverty, migration and depopulation). The concept of ‘sustainable rural livelihoods' is further enlightened, and many recommendations are noted. Generally, rural tourism should be focused on providing additional financial input, but also seek a way to attract tourists in periods with low agricultural activity. The vitality and prosperity of the village itself does not rely on tourism activity only, but rather on the natural resources and human capital, thus providing sustainable livelihood for the residents.

Proposal for Improving Records Management Practices of Traditional Institutions in Ga Molepo, South Africa

Mousaion ◽  
10.25159/2054 ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
pp. 46-67
Author(s):  
Mahlaga Johannes Molepo ◽  
Linda M. Cloete
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Rural Communities ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Records Management ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Record Keeping ◽  
Local Municipalities ◽  
Management Procedures ◽  
Traditional Institutions

The way in which an institution treats its records is crucial for its survival in a rapidly changing society. The purpose of the study was to investigate the records management practices and challenges faced by traditional institutions of leadership and governance in Ga Molepo, Limpopo, South Africa. The researcher employed a cross-sectional survey in order to quantitatively examine the challenges faced by members of traditional councils. A researcher administered questionnaire was used as a data collection tool to study a stratified sample of 35 members from an estimated population of 350. The findings revealed patterns and trends of non-compliance with records management standards and guidelines. Although there were sporadic cases of record keeping, a greater number of respondents revealed that traditional institutions lack the facilities, equipment, education and trained/skilled personnel to apply correct records management procedures in their daily administration of their traditional communities. The main value of the study is to create awareness of records management as one of the neglected areas in traditional institutions – which are by current legislative arrangement, the closest form of leadership and governance for rural communities in light of their relationship with local municipalities and the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs.

scholarly journals Delineating Smallholder Maize Farms from Sentinel-1 Coupled with Sentinel-2 Data Using Machine Learning

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (9) ◽  
pp. 4728
Author(s):  
Zinhle Mashaba-Munghemezulu ◽  
George Johannes Chirima ◽  
Cilence Munghemezulu
Keyword(s):  
Machine Learning ◽  
Food Security ◽  
Rural Communities ◽  
Machine Learning Algorithms ◽  
Support Vector ◽  
Subsistence Agriculture ◽  
Smallholder Farms ◽  
Main Driver ◽  
Sentinel 2

Rural communities rely on smallholder maize farms for subsistence agriculture, the main driver of local economic activity and food security. However, their planted area estimates are unknown in most developing countries. This study explores the use of Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 data to map smallholder maize farms. The random forest (RF), support vector (SVM) machine learning algorithms and model stacking (ST) were applied. Results show that the classification of combined Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 data improved the RF, SVM and ST algorithms by 24.2%, 8.7%, and 9.1%, respectively, compared to the classification of Sentinel-1 data individually. Similarities in the estimated areas (7001.35 ± 1.2 ha for RF, 7926.03 ± 0.7 ha for SVM and 7099.59 ± 0.8 ha for ST) show that machine learning can estimate smallholder maize areas with high accuracies. The study concludes that the single-date Sentinel-1 data were insufficient to map smallholder maize farms. However, single-date Sentinel-1 combined with Sentinel-2 data were sufficient in mapping smallholder farms. These results can be used to support the generation and validation of national crop statistics, thus contributing to food security.

DAMPAK BADAN USAHA MILIK DESA (BUMDES) TERHADAP KESEJAHTERAAN MASYARAKAT DI DESA TUTUR

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 131
Author(s):  
Khumaidi Khumaidi ◽  
Siti Zaynab
Keyword(s):  
Rural Communities ◽  
Rural Economy ◽  
Complex Problem ◽  
Business Development ◽  
Qualitative Approach ◽  
Depth Interview ◽  
New Business ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Village

Badan Usaha Milik Desa thereafter called BUMDes is an alternative to improve the rural economy. Unfortunately, however, the position of BUMDes had not been governed completely in existing legislation. Another more complex problem is that in choosing an appropriate enterprise for establishing BUMDes. This study aims to describe the impact of BUMDES on the welfare of rural communities. BUMDES is one of the programs to strengthen the role of the region.This research was conducted using a qualitative approach and used in-depth interview and observation techniques. The results of the study have shown that BUMDES has had an impact on the village economy. BUMDES has an impact on community business development in Tutur Village. In addition, BUMDES encourages people to start a new business according to the potential of the community. The impact of other BUMDES is to improve the level of children's education and improve public health

scholarly journals Enhancing rural livelihoods in Tanza-nia : A small-holder farmers’ perspective

2017 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 68 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abel Kinyondo ◽  
Joseph Magashi
Keyword(s):  
Economic Growth ◽  
Poverty Reduction ◽  
Agricultural Sector ◽  
Rural Livelihoods ◽  
Sustainable Livelihood ◽  
Extension Services ◽  
The Past ◽  
Small Holder Farmers ◽  
The Government ◽  
Small Holder

Poverty reduction has been a difficult milestone for Tanzania to achieve despite recording remarkable economic growth over the past decade. This is because the attained growth is not inclusive, in that sectors contributing to this growth employ fewer people. Given the fact that agriculture continues to employ the majority of people in Tanzania, efforts to improve livelihoods should necessarily be geared towards transforming the sector. It is in this context that using a sample of 3,000 farmers from 13 regions of Tanzania; this Tanzania, this study set out to examine challenges facing farmers and their respective solutions following the sustainable livelihood framework. Findings show that improving farmers’ livelihoods would entail concerted efforts by the government to avail to farmers, quality and affordable seeds, fertilizer, agricultural infrastructures, subsidies, extension services, markets, information alert, affordable loans, and areas for pastures. This implies that the government needs to allocate enough funds to the agricultural sector if farmers’ needs are to be met. We note, however, that government’s allocation to the sector has alarmingly generally been exhibiting a declining trend for the past four years. It is against this background that we strongly recommend that the government rethinks its position and prioritize the agricultural sector in its budget.

scholarly journals Systems analysis – complex interactions of factors that influence the sustainability of access to improved water services in a rural municipality in South Africa

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Calvin Sambo ◽  
Aidan Senzanje ◽  
Mutanga Onisimo
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Rural Communities ◽  
Rural Livelihoods ◽  
Water Services ◽  
Critical Factors ◽  
Rural Municipality ◽  
Effect Relationship ◽  
Complex Interactions ◽  
Limited Budget ◽  
Relationship Of

Abstract Limited understanding of the complex interactions of factors that influence the sustainability of access to improved water services poses a threat to rural livelihoods. The study assessed the complex interactions of the factors using a network approach. The assessment was to understand the complex interaction of the factors resulting from their cause-effect relationship that influence the sustainability of access to improved water services in a rural municipality of South Africa. The results highlighted that limited budget, limited or no water supply and improper operation and maintenance were critical factors resulting from the cause-effect relationship of other factors that influenced the sustainability of access to improved water services in the study area. We conclude that critical factors with a cause-effect relationship can influence the sustainability of access to improved water services. As a result, this deprives rural communities of the benefits derived from accessing improved water services. We recommend the use of the findings by the relevant authorities responsible for water services provision to inform planning, management, policies to address challenges identified to contribute to sustainability of access to improved water services.

Ecological Governance and the Sustainability of Rural Household Water Conservation Systems in the Savannah Region of Ghana

2022 ◽  
pp. 1-46
Author(s):  
Prosper Bazaanah
Keyword(s):  
Rural Communities ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Water Conservation ◽  
Rural Livelihoods ◽  
Domestic Water ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Gender Inclusion ◽  
Ecological Governance ◽  
And Gender

This chapter examined the link between ecological governance and water conservation as sustainable pathways for enhancing rural livelihoods in the Savannah Region. Designs adopted were post-positivist and cross-sectional. Probability sampling techniques were used to sample 450 household and official respondents. Questionnaires were administered, while descriptive statistics and chi-square test were utilised to analyse the data. Findings showed significant relationship between conservation initiatives, finance, rehabilitation/maintenance, and gender inclusion and domestic water conservation. Therefore, with commitment to maintenance, funding, and gender inclusion in water decisions, there is the likely for water to be locally sustainable in rural communities of the region. Democratic, decentralised, and participatory approaches to ecological governance and empowerment of the local communities are recommended as essential preconditions for achieving ecologically self-governing communities and sustaining domestic water systems in the rural areas of the region.

scholarly journals Technological Intervention in Agriculture Development

2017 ◽  
Vol 14 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 86-97
Author(s):  
Rajan Binayek Pasa
Keyword(s):  
Rural Economy ◽  
Family Income ◽  
Local Development ◽  
Local Level ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Agriculture Sector ◽  
Self Employment ◽  
Technological Intervention ◽  
Agriculture Development

Agriculture sector is the single largest employer in the world. Even in Nepal, agriculture sector provides net employment to 60 percent people. In this contexts, this study highlighted importance of technological intervention in agriculture development. However, focus was given to assess socio-economic situations of the farmers and impact of modern technological interventions. In so doing, the survey was conducted in Lele Village of Godavari Municipality. The respondents were randomly selected 152 sample households using modern/traditional agriculture technologies. The necessary primary data collected through households’ survey questionnaires, observation and informal communications whereas secondary data generated from published/unpublished books, journals, inter/national reports and local level profiles. The study found that modern technological intervention has been fostering commercial farming activities in Lele village and increased family income, creating self-employment and generating rural economy in particular and supporting to the rural development process in general. Further, local development stakeholders need to provide technical/financial supports to the farmers for mounting intervention of modern agriculture technology in Lele village. The finding of the study has possibility to replicate in similar situation throughout the country.Nepalese Journal of Development and Rural StudiesVol. 14 (Joint issue) (1&2), 2017, Page: 86-97

scholarly journals Tracing livelihood trajectories: Patterns of livelihood adaptations in rural communities in eastern Nepal

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
pp. 57-80
Author(s):  
Phu Doma Lama ◽  
Per Becker ◽  
Johan Bergström
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Rural Communities ◽  
Climatic Factors ◽  
Sustainable Livelihood ◽  
Economic Changes ◽  
Mountain Communities ◽  
Rural Livelihood ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Political Economic

Mountain communities are adapting their livelihoods to a complex combination of social, political and economic changes and associated risks. Despite recognition of adaption in response to multiple changes in sustainable livelihood and critical climate change literature, risks attributed to biophysical effects of climate change have increasingly assumed importance. Consequently, diversification is promoted as an adaptive approach to reduce such risks. However, understanding livelihood adaptation from the vantage point of climate change alone might lead to a limited understanding of non-climatic factors also shaping it. This paper proposes understanding adaptation through analysing long-term livelihood changes and using society rather than climate change as a conceptual starting point. It argues that such an approach has better potential to highlight a broader range of dynamic drivers operating over decades and to inform contextually grounded rural livelihood adaptation policies. Changes are traced in the overall livelihood trajectories among four rural communities in Nepal, in living memory, to understand the role of adaptation in shaping it. Qualitative life narratives were collected and complemented by key informant interviews, field observations and the analysis of official documents. The findings suggest that livelihoods have shifted not only from subsistence towards income generation but also from engagement in diverse livelihood sectors towards specialisation; the opposite of the advocated diversification. The role of political, economic, social and cultural processes within and outside the community has been prominent in shaping this trajectory.

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