CHARACTERISTICS OF RURAL HOUSEHOLDS AND THEIR SOCIO-ECONOMIC NEEDS

Natural resource management and development

Each year, millions of dollars are allocated to aid programs in developing countries, yet their true impact on vulnerable populations remains uncertain. This study aims to examine the socio-economic characteristics of rural communities and assess their development needs. Specifically, it seeks to profile rural households and identify their key socio-economic priorities. Applying the Schwartz formula, a survey was conducted among 81 households in the Itasy Region. A systems approach was used to rank their socio-economic needs, revealing three distinct household categories: disadvantaged, middle-class, and affluent. The findings categorized households into three groups: disadvantaged, middle-class, and affluent. The primary socio-economic needs identified include education level, maize and rice cultivation, off-season vegetable farming, livestock ownership (zebus and pigs), household size, and income from agricultural and livestock activities. Vulnerable individuals in the region face significant challenges due to slow local economic growth and unfavorable social and environmental conditions. Additionally, several obstacles hinder development, including exploitative practices by the wealthy and intermediaries, deep-rooted traditional customs, and resistance to social change.

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