Determining success factors for improving rural livelihood strategies: how can participatory social network mapping help?

ABSTRACT The integration of upgrading strategies (UPS) as part of the livelihood strategies of small farmers is vital for enhancing their food systems. The success of the UPS implementation largely relies on the interactions among key actors. Understanding the complex social realities of farmers is essential for adapting strategies to the local context. Therefore, the objective of this study is to determine the impact of UPS on the livelihood of participants in two case study areas in Tanzania. We used a mixed-method approach to understand the relations between, roles, and motivations of relevant actors in the participatory implementation of their UPS using the Net-Map tool for social network analysis and focus group discussions. Our results reveal why the implementation of UPS improved people´s livelihoods and allowed us to derive some success factors. Motivations for participating in a UPS group differed to some extent among all UPS groups and all types of actors. Based on our results, we found that UPS allow participants to enhance their social networks within their communities and develop skills that improve their livelihood strategies, resulting in more diverse livelihood outcomes. This research provides a knowledge base for UPS considerations and other participatory actions with local subsistence stakeholders.