Forest utilization makes a significant economic contribution to the livelihoods of rural households, especially those living in developing countries. This study was conducted to determine the absolute and relative forest income and measure the distributional impact of forest income on economic inequalities among rural households in the Rubi-Tele Hunting Domain (RTHD), Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo). Household socioeconomic data and other qualitative informations were collected using structured household-level surveys, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews. The study used descriptive statistical analysis, Gini coefficient, and Lorenz curve computation. Additionally, the non-parametric alternative Kruskal–Wallis Test was also used. Findings revealed that 89.76% of the households’ sample were involved in forest-based activities. The annual average income from these forest-based activities was estimated at CDF 1,219,951.58 (USD 659.08) per household, contributing 32.46% to total annual household income. Other income sources share constituted 37.09%, 10.04%, 8.30%, 7.63%, 2.41%, and 2.08% from crop, livestock keeping, business activities, fishing, and non-forest environmental activities, paid employment, and other income sources, respectively. There was a significant difference between annual household income in terms of income sources (p < 0.5). Forest income constituted the second most crucial income portfolio after crop income. Bushmeat income share was higher than other forest products income share. However, the proportion of households involved in firewood extraction was substantial (80.70%). Gini coefficient and Lorenz curve analysis proved that forest income helped reduce economic inequality among the sampled households by 11%. Therefore, reducing access to forest would significantly impact rural households’ welfare and could increase income disparities. The present study provides valuable information for developing sustainable forest management policies and strategies to maintain and enhance the economic benefit of forest use without damaging biodiversity conservation.

The sorghum agricultural sector in Al-Qadarif State, Sudan, plays a pivotal role in ensuring regional food security. However, its productivity is hindered by significant constraints. Substantial improvements in sorghum yield are impeded by the intricate complexities that characterize this sector's financial resources, and agricultural practices. This study in Al-Qadarif State, Sudan, explores the relationship between financial resources and sorghum agrarian productivity. Data were collected from 200 sorghum farmers using standardized questionnaires during the 2022 season, and regression analysis was employed to investigate the association between financial factors and sorghum productivity. The findings indicate that financial accessibility considerations significantly influence sorghum productivity. This emphasizes the importance of improved financial resources for farmers to adopt innovative farming technologies and practices, leading to higher sorghum productivity levels. The study recommends the integration of digital financial services and precision agriculture technologies as a creative solution to enhance financial accessibility and sorghum productivity. By leveraging mobile money platforms and digital credit services, farmers can conveniently access financial resources, enabling them to invest in modern agricultural inputs and technologies. Additionally, the adoption of precision agriculture techniques, such as soil moisture sensors, drone-based crop monitoring, and variable rate application of inputs, can optimize resource utilization, increase yield, and reduce production costs. The combination of these innovative approaches has the potential to bridge the financial and knowledge gaps, promoting the widespread adoption of sustainable agricultural practices. This synergistic approach could significantly improve sorghum productivity, enhance farmer livelihoods, and contribute to regional food security.

Humans have relied on forest resources for their basic needs, including fuel, food, and shelter. The high demand for these resources has led to the implementation of forest protection and management measures, including the establishment of by-laws. These regulations aim to control community access and use of forest products, which significantly affect the availability of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) and, in turn, food security in the study area. Our study employs a combination of probability and non-probability household sampling methods and a cross-sectional survey to collect data from respondents in Mnenia and Kolo villages. Our findings reveal that 74% of respondents in the study area experience food shortages. To address food security, 81% resort to selling household assets, 63% rely on food aid from institutions and the government, and 36.31% supplement their food supply by consuming edible NTFPs. The NTFPs available for gathering in the area encompass dead wood, wild vegetables, fruits, mushrooms, and medicinal plants, which are essential to the local communities. However, the perception of the people regarding forest management and food security indicates that 85.2% of respondents favor reducing the strictness of forest access, while 74.07% advocate for an increase in NTFP collection, recognizing potential side effects on forest management. In light of these findings, it is imperative to strike a balance between by-laws and the sustainable management of forest resources to strengthen the region’s forest management and food security.

This research explores how long-term land use and cover changes affect urban ecosystems and local livelihoods. It is focused on the impact of rapid urban expansion on sustainable urban planning. The study has been conducted in Nkonko and Sasilo Wards, Manyoni District, Tanzania, from 1993 to 2023. Remote sensing, GIS, satellite imagery, participatory methods, and field surveys have been used to examine deforestation, urbanization, and ecosystem services, detailing land use and land cover and their impact on local environments and livelihoods. The study has revealed significant urban expansion and increased forest cover, accompanied by a decline in agricultural lands, indicating a shift towards urbanization. The landscape has experienced a 2.88 % rise in forest cover, adding 246.82 km2, and a 9 % increase in urban areas, expanding by 222.76 km2. In contrast, agricultural lands have decreased by 17.17 %, a reduction of 119.72 km2. These changes highlight a transformation in land use patterns, demonstrating a change from traditional agriculture towards urban development and reforestation, reshaping the region’s topography and land use dynamics. The research has demonstrated that urbanization and land fragmentation in the Manyoni District has disturbed the ecosystem and the community’s socioeconomic structure. It highlights the need for coherent urban planning and sustainable land management. It has emphasized advanced remote sensing and GIS skills in planning and conservation strategies.