Aug 2026· Asian Journal of Agricultural Extension, Economics & Sociology· Vol 44, pp. 72-87· 0 citations
Abstract
Aims: This study compared the socio-economic characteristics, livelihood capital assets, livelihood strategies, and livelihood outcomes of sandbar and non-sandbar farmers in the char areas of northern Bangladesh.
Study Design: Cross-sectional comparative study.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in Kaunia Upazila of Rangpur District, Bangladesh. Data were collected from October to December 2024.
Methodology: A total of 247 farmers, including 195 sandbar farmers and 52 non-sandbar farmers, were selected using stratified random sampling. Quantitative data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire, complemented by focus group discussions and key informant interviews. Livelihood conditions were assessed using the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework. Descriptive statistics and independent-samples t-tests were used for data analysis.
Results: Sandbar farmers had significantly higher annual household income (BDT 529.47 ± 350.74 thousand), farm size (0.91 ± 1.10 ha), farming knowledge (28.09 ± 5.47), and social participation (12.63 ± 2.60) than non-sandbar farmers (P < 0.05). Human capital (P = 0.026) and social capital (P = 0.003) were also significantly higher among sandbar farmers, whereas natural, physical, and financial capital did not differ significantly. Resource-use typology showed that 99.2% of respondents depended primarily on natural resource-based livelihoods and 86.6% practised diversified livelihood strategies, with greater diversification among sandbar farmers. Although sandbar farmers recorded higher mean food security and environmental sustainability scores and a larger proportion of households in the high food security and high sustainability categories, these differences were not statistically significant (P = 0.161 and P = 0.109, respectively).
Conclusion: Compared with non-sandbar farmers, sandbar farmers demonstrated stronger livelihood assets. However, because this cross-sectional study identifies associations rather than causal effects, the findings should be interpreted cautiously. Strengthening extension services, technical support, access to quality inputs, credit, and market linkages may facilitate wider adoption of sandbar farming in the char areas of Bangladesh.
This study assessed livelihood security among diversified farmers across three agricultural settings in northern Bangladesh. A total of 348 households were selected using a multi-stage sampling technique. Data were collected through structured interviews and analysed using means, frequencies, percentages, chi-square tests, and analysis of variance. Livelihood security was measured across seven components comprising 35 items, assessed on a three-point continuum. The results revealed notable regional variation in livelihood security. Upland farmers scored highest in terms of habitat ( = 8.67), education ( = 7.57), health ( = 7.98), and environmental security ( = 8.90); Charland farmers presented relatively greater financial ( = 7.56) and social security ( = 7.71); and Barind Tract farmers showed relatively higher food security ( = 8.64). Overall, most farmers (85%) exhibited low to moderate livelihood security. Results revealed a significant association (χ² = 10.74*) between agricultural situations and livelihood security. It further showed a significant difference (F = 4.334*) in mean scores, with Upland farmers achieving the highest overall mean score (46.75). The study concludes that agricultural situations significantly influence livelihood security among diversified farmers. It recommends context-specific, targeted policy interventions to address region-specific needs and improve overall livelihood security in northern Bangladesh.
Md. Mamunur Rashid, Md. Sadekur Rahman, Md Abu Sayed Mondol et al.· Journal of Agricultural Exte...· 0 citations
This study investigates the extent and determinants of livelihood diversification among integrated crop- livestock farming households in North-West Nigeria. The study aimed at assessing the integrated crop- livestock farming practices and analyse the factors influencing the livelihood activities of the farmers in the study area. The study used a multistage sampling procedure consisting of 3 states, 3 agricultural zones, 21 LGAs and 84 villages. Data were collected from 405 respondents through structured questionnaires andanalysed using descriptive statistics, the Simpson Diversification Index (SDI) and Tobit regression. Findings revealed a moderate level of livelihood diversification, with an average SDI of 0.58. Farmers engaged in diverse on-farm, off-farm, and non-farm income-generating activities, with on-farm income accounting for 66.66% of the total annual household income, followed by non-farm (23.57%) and off-farm (9.77%) sources. Tobit regression results showed that household size, gender of the household head, and access to credit were significant at the 5% level, respectively while education level and income from various sources were significant at the 1% level, all positively influencing livelihood diversification. Conversely, farm size had a negative and significant relationship, suggesting that larger farms often reduce the likelihood of engaging in alternative livelihood strategies. The study concludes that diversification is a critical strategy for income stability and risk management among smallholders. It recommends enhancing access to credit, promotingrural farmer education and improving rural infrastructure to sustain and expand livelihood diversification.
M. Abdullahi, M. Sulaiman· Agro-Science· 0 citations
The Hilsa fishery has long underpinned livelihoods and local trade in South Govindia Village, Chandpur District, but recent socio-environmental shifts are reshaping household economies. This study specifically investigates how ecological pressures and market–institutional factors drive a transition from Hilsa-dependent livelihoods toward diversified income strategies among fishing households. Between January and June 2024, we used a mixed-methods design: a stratified random household survey of 210 fishing households, 12 key informant interviews, four focus group discussions, and participant observation; quantitative data were analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics and qualitative data through thematic coding. Findings cluster into two main themes: (1) ecological–production stress, evidenced by declining catches, seasonal fishing bans, and climate-related river changes that reduce household fishing income; and (2) market–institutional vulnerabilities, including dependence on intermediaries, limited market bargaining power, and inadequate, short-term compensation that together increase indebtedness and push households toward nonfishing income sources (wage labor, small trade, migration, and aquaculture). Women’s growing role in supplementary activities partly cushions income loss but does not fully offset structural insecurity. The study contributes empirical evidence of a livelihood shift from mono-dependent fishing to diversified survival strategies and argues that targeted, integrated policies—linking cooperative marketing, access to credit, and participatory fisheries governance—are needed to support sustainable economic resilience in Hilsa-dependent communities.
[Perikanan Hilsa telah lama menjadi penopang penghidupan dan perdagangan lokal di Desa Govindia Selatan, Distrik Chandpur, namun pergeseran sosial-lingkungan yang terjadi baru-baru ini sedang mengubah ekonomi rumah tangga. Penelitian ini secara khusus menyelidiki bagaimana tekanan ekologis dan faktor-faktor institusional-pasar mendorong transisi dari penghidupan yang bergantung pada Hilsa menuju strategi pendapatan yang beragam di kalangan rumah tangga nelayan. Antara bulan Januari dan Juni 2024, kami menggunakan desain metode campuran: survei rumah tangga acak bertingkat terhadap 210 rumah tangga nelayan, 12 wawancara informan kunci, empat diskusi kelompok terpumpun (FGD), dan observasi partisipan; data kuantitatif dianalisis dengan statistik deskriptif dan inferensial serta data kualitatif melalui pengodean tematik. Temuan mengelompok ke dalam dua tema utama: (1) tekanan produksi-ekologis, dibuktikan dengan menurunnya hasil tangkapan, larangan menangkap ikan musiman, dan perubahan sungai terkait iklim yang mengurangi pendapatan rumah tangga dari menangkap ikan; serta (2) kerentanan institusional-pasar, termasuk ketergantungan pada perantara, terbatasnya daya tawar pasar, dan kompensasi jangka pendek yang tidak memadai yang secara bersama-sama meningkatkan utang dan mendorong rumah tangga ke arah sumber pendapatan non-perikanan (pekerja upahan, perdagangan kecil, migrasi, dan akuakultur). Peran perempuan yang semakin berkembang dalam aktivitas tambahan sebagian turut meredam hilangnya pendapatan, namun tidak sepenuhnya menutupi ketidakamanan struktural. Studi ini memberikan bukti empiris tentang pergeseran penghidupan dari ketergantungan tunggal pada perikanan menuju strategi bertahan hidup yang beragam dan berargumen bahwa kebijakan yang terarah dan terintegrasi—yang menghubungkan pemasaran kooperatif, akses kredit, dan tata kelola perikanan partisipatif—diperlukan untuk mendukung ketahanan ekonomi yang berkelanjutan di komunitas yang bergantung pada Hilsa.]
Md. Hasan Khan, D. Amin, Md Nur Uddin Hossain et al.· SiRad: Pelita Wawasan· 0 citations
Agricultural subsidy programs and agricultural input support initiatives are seen effective in transforming rural livelihoods, particularly among the indigenous and marginalized households. Using a quantitative, non-experimental, descriptive research design this study examines the efficiency of agricultural input support on indigenous livelihoods in Raksirang Rural Municipality, Makwanpur District, Bagmati Province, Nepal. Agricultural input support has made a positive contribution to the improvement of households, although the change in income is not uniform across households. Primary data was collected in 2025, with the sample of 180 households from the population of 330 households using stratified random sampling method. Where necessary, secondary data and information are from published journal articles, other literary articles and knowledge documents available in the sector. Almost 50% of the households gained income with the average income of Nepalese Rupees 12216.77 and 36% of households reported increase in annual income within the timeframe of 6 to 24 months of receipt of agricultural inputs. Larger proportion of households experienced improved food security, health and nutrition benefits and reduced household expenditure though they did not realize increase in annual income through agricultural products. Income from the sale of agricultural products was used for family livelihood, health, education with some reinvestment in agribusiness expansion and loan repayment, which indicates the shift towards livelihood diversification or creating alternative option of livelihood enhancement. The study is significant to understand the efficiency and effect of small scale external agricultural input support on family income, expenditure patterns and economic resilience reducing vulnerabilities.
Pravin Bastola· International Research Journ...· 0 citations
Aims: This study assessed the effectiveness of soil conservation practices (SCPs) in controlling soil erosion and examined their contribution to sustainable crop production, using the Food Basket Sites (FoBaSi) programme of Ngororero District, Rwanda, as a case study.
Study Design: A cross-sectional, descriptive-explanatory research design combining quantitative and qualitative methods was adopted.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted between 2025 and 2026 across 50 Food Basket Sites in the 13 sectors of Ngororero District, an East African highland agricultural landscape in Western Province, Rwanda.
Methodology: Cross-sectional mixed-methods was employed for the study of 367 farming households (Yamane's formula, stratified sampling) plus 39 key informants across Ngororero District. Data came from household surveys, field observations, interviews, and secondary records. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation, and multiple regression in SPSS; qualitative data were analyzed thematically.
Results: Radical terracing (85%) and progressive terracing (78%) were the most widely adopted SCPs, whereas cover cropping (45%) and water harvesting (40%) showed relatively low adoption. Indicators of soil erosion remained prevalent, including bare soil patches (70%), rills (65%), and gullies (40%), suggesting inadequate maintenance and limited integration of biological conservation measures. Soil conservation practices were significantly and positively associated with crop yield, yield stability, land productivity, and household food security (p < 0.01). Multiple regression analysis showed that terracing, agroforestry, mulching, and cover cropping explained 68% of the variation in sustainable crop production (R = 0.825, R² = 0.680, Adjusted R² = 0.676; F (4,362) = 45.2, p < 0.001), with terracing (β = 0.45) and agroforestry (β = 0.35) being the strongest predictors. Furthermore, 80% of farmers reported increased and more stable crop yields, 65% reported higher farm income, and 74.1% perceived improved resilience to climate variability.
Conclusion: Integrated implementation of structural and biological soil conservation practices significantly enhances sustainable crop production despite persistent erosion challenges. Strengthening maintenance, expanding biological conservation measures, and improving extension support and financial access are essential to increase agricultural productivity and climate resilience in Rwanda's highland Food Basket Sites.
Azalie Bazambanza, E. Sibomana· International Journal of Pla...· 0 citations
ABSTRACT
This study examined indigenous knowledge and the adoption of backyard farming (BYF) among rurban households in Bunkpurugu, in the Northeast Region of Ghana. The study was guided by the sustainable livelihood framework, socio-ecological systems theory, and a social constructivist paradigm. The study explored local knowledge systems underpinning backyard farming and assessed the extent of adoption across households. This study uses a household survey with 107 household respondents assisted by 10 key informant interviewers selected by purposive sampling. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, questionnaires, and field observations and analyzed using thematic analysis and descriptive statistics. The study findings revealed that backyard farming is an integral part of the communities’ lives and has been a common practice for generations. About 89% of the households have backyard spaces, which are actively used for crop cultivation and livestock production. The respondents possessed excellent indigenous knowledge on planting seasons, climate adaptation, soil fertility management, and crop–livestock integration. Backyard farming was thought to be a possible solution to the problem of food insecurity and to enhance household nutrition, environmental quality, and livelihood resilience. Adoption levels were strikingly high (88.8%) and similar across gender, age, and education groups, suggesting that backyard farming is a socially inclusive and culturally embedded adaptation strategy. But there was little institutional support for backyard farming, which was popular and known to exist. The findings suggest that backyard farming is a traditional community-based system and not an additional farming activity, which plays a significant role in food supply, climate change adaptation, environmental health, and household stability. This approach can further increase its positive impact on sustainable living in the peri-urban areas of Northern Ghana by creating local support networks, open communication among farmers, and grassroots agriculture programs.
Atibiya Sylvester, Y. Laarbik, Yamboar Boktuka· International Journal For Mu...· 0 citations