Dynamics of Rural Society Journal

Political Islam and agrarian question: Critique of political economy and critical agrarian approaches (Insights from sharecroppers and agricultural laborers in rural Java)

2024-11-22T13:16:39+00:00

This study examines the relationship between capitalism, agrarian transformation, and the development of political Islam in rural Indonesia, focusing on Bulak Village, West Java. It is grounded in debates concerning the relevance of rural areas as the basis for Islamic social movements in the context of global capitalism. The study seeks to answer how agrarian transformation influences class dynamics and the formation of populist Islam-based movements in rural areas. Using a qualitative approach that integrates interviews, observations, and literature reviews, the study reveals that class differentiation driven by agrarian changes—from the Green Revolution era to the dominance of Chinese entrepreneurs in the 1990s—has created significant inequality in access to agrarian means of production. The ulama (Islamic scholars) and haji (pilgrims) classes leveraged these changes to maintain their socio-economic dominance, while sharecroppers and agricultural laborers were the most adversely affected. This situation led to the formation of populist alliances based on religious narratives opposing the capital expansion of "outsiders," particularly Chinese entrepreneurs. However, aspirations within these alliances were fragmented along class lines, with sharecroppers and laborers exhibiting a more critical alternative awareness of capitalist relations compared to the ulama and haji. The study concludes that while Islamic populism is often regarded as an urban phenomenon, experiences in Bulak indicate that rural Islamic movements remain significant. Although these movements do not wholly reject capitalism, they reveal the potential for resistance grounded in diverse class-based awareness, especially from lower classes, against exploitative capitalist relations.

Community conflict, tension and life in new environment: Conflict and its impact on Vadda community in Mahaweli resettlement schemes in Sri Lanka

2025-01-17T05:12:08+00:00

There is a strong relationship between conflict and resettlement, as displaced communities often undergo resettlement following violent conflicts. It is important to consider conflicts during and after the resettlement process and their impact on the community. This study aimed to investigate community disputes in resettlement areas and their impact on daily activities. The qualitative research used an inductive and exploratory approach, applying reflexive thematic analysis. Eighteen respondents were selected through purposive sampling for semi-structured interviews from a resettlement scheme in Hennanigala South, Mahaweli "C" Zone, Sri Lanka. Various types of conflicts were identified, including human-wildlife, community-government officials, identity, community, and resource conflicts. These conflicts are driven by factors such as population growth, agricultural modernization, illegal encroachment, and environmental imbalance. They have led to social, economic, cultural, and psychological impacts on the community. Addressing these conflicts requires establishing a conflict mitigation and resolution system at policy and practical levels. Effective resolution involves careful planning, community engagement, and policy enforcement to protect the rights and welfare of the resettled population. Resolving conflicts necessitates effective communication, empathy, and willingness to compromise.

Can regenerative agriculture restore soil health and bridge gender gap in farm productivity? Empirical insights from Nigeria

2025-01-24T11:36:10+00:00

This study investigates the potential of Regenerative Agriculture (RA) to improve soil health and address gender disparities in agricultural productivity among smallholder farmers in Nigeria. Using data from a randomized controlled trial, the research evaluates gender-specific RA adoption rates and their impact on farm productivity through Blinder-Oaxaca decomposition and Propensity Score Matching (PSM). Results reveal significant adoption disparities, with male farmers benefitting from larger farms, better education, and higher incomes compared to female farmers. RA adoption improved yields for both genders, though productivity gaps persisted due to structural barriers, including limited access to land, credit, and extension services for women. Female farmers, despite adopting RA practices, often faced greater challenges in maximizing productivity due to socio-economic constraints. These findings underscore the importance of addressing resource inequities and promoting gender-sensitive interventions to encourage equitable adoption of RA. Enhancing women’s access to agricultural education, financial support, and climate-related information is essential. Additionally, fostering community-based platforms and collaboration can further strengthen sustainable practices. This study provides critical insights for policymakers and practitioners to improve smallholder farmers’ productivity, promote sustainable agriculture, and build climate-resilient food systems in Nigeria and similar regions facing comparable challenges.

Rural development in Haryana: Gender dynamics, infrastructure, and agricultural progress

2025-01-05T04:10:37+00:00

This study investigates the multifaceted dynamics of rural development in Haryana, emphasizing the interconnections between gender, infrastructure, agriculture, and entrepreneurship. Despite ongoing progress, significant challenges persist, particularly in ensuring equitable access to economic opportunities and essential services. This research employs a mixed-methods approach, integrating a quantitative survey of 250 respondents with qualitative interviews involving 20 key stakeholders. Findings indicate that while gender-based income disparities are not statistically significant, inequalities in access to economic resources and opportunities remain a critical concern. Infrastructure satisfaction levels vary, with pressing deficiencies identified in healthcare and education sectors. Participation in skill development programs emerges as a key factor in improving livelihoods, though notable gaps exist in reaching marginalized communities and older populations. Furthermore, entrepreneurial growth is constrained by barriers related to capital access and regulatory complexities. Unlike previous studies that have examined these factors in isolation, this research adopts a holistic approach, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the rural development landscape in Haryana. The findings underscore the necessity of inclusive and adaptive policies, focusing on strengthening infrastructure, promoting equitable skill development, and facilitating entrepreneurship. Additionally, integrating environmental sustainability into development planning is crucial to ensuring long-term, equitable progress in rural Haryana.

Retrospection and separation: Narratives of nostalgia among rural students in Chinese universities

2025-02-03T05:30:01+00:00

The phenomenon of rural-origin university students expressing nostalgia and sharing it through online platforms has become a growing behavior amid rapid globalization and urbanization. This study aims to explore the factors influencing this behavior and its impact on the social and psychological identity of these students. A total of 32 rural-origin university students were selected as informants for semi-structured interviews lasting between 20 and 50 minutes. The data collected were analyzed using Nvivo14 software through three stages of coding: open coding, principal axis coding, and selective coding. Using a grounded theory approach, this study analyzes five key factors influencing nostalgia behavior: emotional factors, real-life situations, interactive participation, technological support, and information diffusion mechanisms. The findings reveal that academic pressures intensify their sense of separation from rural life, and social challenges in the urban environment, intensify their longing for a simpler and more familiar way of life. Online platforms provide a space for students to express themselves, form virtual communities, and seek solidarity in shared experiences. Technology and anonymity enable freer expressions of nostalgia and its rapid dissemination, creating a collective narrative that strengthens their emotional bonds with their past. This study sheds light on the psychosocial challenges rural students faces in adapting to urban environments and the tension between rural traditions and the demands of urban life. Consequently, nostalgia serves not only as an emotional coping mechanism but also as a means for students to maintain their identity amidst the rapid social changes they encounter.