A bibliometric analysis and visualization of global research on rural livelihood

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to explore the scientific research progress in the field of “Rural Livelihood” from 1991 to 2022. Design/methodology/approach A total of 2,122 documents were extracted from the Web of Science Core Collection using the key terms “Rural Livelihood” OR “Rural Livelihoods” in the “Title-Abstract-Keyword” field. The statistical analysis was performed through VOSviewer, Bibliometrix, Biblioshiney open-source package of R language environment, and MS Office software. Findings The results show that the first research article related to the field of rural livelihood was published in 1991, and the rapid growth in the publications of rural livelihood was observed since 2000, with a positive annual growth rate of 14.87%. Shackleton CM (n = 30 articles) and Belcher B (n = 1235 citations) are the most productive and highly cited authors in the field of rural livelihood, respectively. World Development is the most prolific and dominant journal, followed by Sustainability and Land Use Policy. The citation analysis disclosed that “Capitals and capabilities: a framework for analysing peasant viability, rural livelihoods and poverty” is the most cited research paper published in the field of rural livelihood by Anthony Bebbington. University of Copenhagen, Wageningen University and Rhodes University emerged as the topmost organizations engaged in rural livelihood research. The USA and the UK are the most productive and cited countries in rural livelihood. The keyword analysis revealed that most of the research published in the field of rural livelihood has focussed on rural livelihoods, management, conservation, poverty, strategies, climate change, etc.; however, the least emphasis is given on the subjects like food security, income diversification, biodiversity, deforestation, soil fertility management, bio-economy and environmental intervention. The thematic evolution reflects that the field of rural livelihood has been extensively researched and has undergone many dimensions, such as agriculture, management, conservation, climate change, households, policy and biodiversity. Originality/value The study’s findings provide an insight into global research trends, latest advances, hot issues, leading topics, and the thematic evolution of rural livelihood research over the last 31 years approximately. This study is quite useful to researchers and stakeholders to obtain rigorous bibliographic knowledge on literature related to the topic and work accordingly for R&D activities.