Title: Exploring the livelihood transitions of female former sugarcane farmers in St. Kitts and Nevis: a multiple case study

Authors: Nelson A. King

Addresses: School of Liberal Arts, Social and Behavioral Science Department, Medgar Evers College, City University of New York, 1650 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11225, USA

Abstract: The termination of operations in the sugarcane industry of St. Kitts and Nevis in 2005 was a shock and economic setback for all employees. A review of the mainstream literature indicates that the nation's female former sugarcane farmers had a difficult time adjusting to the industry's closure, and continue to have high unemployment and difficulty in livelihood transitions ten years later. A qualitative, multiple case study was conducted to explore how these female farmers perceive their livelihood transitions from the closure of the sugarcane industry ten years ago to today's job market. The study's most significant findings rival the mainstream literature and challenge generalised conclusions regarding these female farmers' livelihood transitions after the closure of the local sugarcane plantations. This paper includes recommendations for practical applications and future research to address the needs of female former sugarcane farmers and other workers affected by the closure of agricultural and other industries.

Keywords: St. Kitts and Nevis; sugarcane; female farmers; agriculture; livelihood transition.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSEI.2017.089469

International Journal of Social Entrepreneurship and Innovation, 2017 Vol.4 No.4, pp.287 - 304

Received: 20 Dec 2016
Accepted: 13 Feb 2017
Published online: 26 Jan 2018 *

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