Over the last few years, the increase of society stratification and inequality of income that has favoured significant shifts in household dietary patterns and a growing demand for products of animal origin, particularly meat and milk can be observed. On the consumption side, meat plays an important role in improving the nutritional status of low-income households by addressing micro and macro nutrient deficiencies. In this context, this paper investigates beef consumption trends and aims to corroborate theoretical expectations with empirical findings. The aim of the research was to characterize main tendencies of beef consumption and to find out factors affecting beef consumption in Latvia. In order to achieve the set aim, the following research objectives were defined: 1) to characterize household expenditure for purchasing beef; 2) to describe overall beef consumption in Latvia; 3) to investigate beef consumption in households with different income level. The study was based on annual statistical data, statistical bulletins covering results of the Household Budget Survey from 2002 to 2007, scientific publications and special literature. To carry out the research, adequate research methods were used. The results of this study showed that beef consumption in the country has been more or less stable, although in relatively small amounts. The main factor that influences beef consumption and expenditure on beef is income level. The results also suggested that higher beef consumption is characteristic of urban households, which have higher income level than rural ones. Therefore, within increase of income level of Latvia's inhabitants, beef consumption and demand for beef could significantly increase.

Modelling of the domestic wastewater treatment and removal of the Ptotal in the vertical filters with the sand, dolomite powder and dolomite chippings each separately used as a filter media was performed. Six filter models taking 0.2 m2 each were installed. The length of the filtration path was equal to 0.8 m in three of these models and 0.4 m in the other three models. The hydraulic load on the filters was equal to 0.03 m3 mE-2 dE-1 in 2008, and it was equal to 0.06 m3 mE-2 dE-1 in 2009. The domestic wastewater which had undergone the pre-cleaning in the septic systems was poured into the models. Their average pollution with the Ptotal reached 14.6 mg LE-1 in the first year and 9.2 mg LE-1 in the second year. When the filtration path was equal to 0.8 m and the hydraulic load was equal to 0.03 m3 mE-2 dE-1, the Ptotal was removed from the wastewater with the efficiency of 99.9% in the dolomite powder filter. In the filter models with the sand and dolomite chippings, the Ptotal was removed with the same efficiency of 87.7%. When the hydraulic load doubled, the efficiency of P removal decreased to 59.8% in the sand filter and down to 45.7% in the dolomite chippings filter. When the hydraulic load reached 0.06 m3 mE-2 dE-1, only the dolomite powder filter could ensure the adequate cleaning of the domestic wastewater up to the allowable norms.

In the article there are used statistical data about Latvia rural private households of the years 2001 and 2003. The distribution of natural households in Latvia countryside is investigated. The possibilities of the use of input-output models in the research of natural rural household economy are investigated. Making use of private household "Galakrogs" input-output tables for the years 1999, 2000, and 2001 published by A.Eglite, corresponding input-output models are compiled and their informative analysis is performed.

The aim of the article is to ascertain the interaction between weather conditions and electric energy consumption in the Latvia household. The electric energy consumption data in the Saurieši village, Riga region, Latvia, for the year 2012 were collected, and the climate data for the same period including the duration of the sun-shine, ambient air temperature, precipitation intensity, and wind speed were obtained. The research hypothesis that there is strong relation between weather conditions and electric energy consumption was proved partially – there is rather strong correlation between household electric energy consumption and air temperature (r = 0.91), and medium correlation between household electric energy consumption and precipitation (r = 0.61), as well as between household electric energy consumption and duration of the sunshine (r = 0.67). Correlation found between weather conditions and electric energy consumption in the household allows to forecast the trends in energy consumption based on weather measurements, and even to use the weather forecasts for electric energy future demand trends development. The equations developed explain the household energy consumption patterns in Latvia with its geographical location and economic conditions, but the methodology developed can be applied for any region if necessary data are available.

The article deals with the research results of the household electric energy usage trends impact on the electric power supply grid power factor. The amount of household appliances has increased tremendously during the last 20 to 30 years, substantially raising the electric energy consumption in private sector. As a serious technological development of household appliances took place, for example, LED lamps, inverters for power supply of TV sets and computers, the introduction of microcontrollers and automated systems, as well as efficiency requirements increase for the devices used in household have led to a reduced specific energy consumption per device and increased overall energy consumption. Analytic and experimental research assured that all these changes have a substantial impact on electric grid quality, particularly on the power factor value. Filed research data proved the theoretical analysis results that there is a trend from minor inductive power factor towards considerably high capacitive power factor, thus reducing power supply grid quality. This trend must be considered seriously by the electric grid operators in order to keep high quality of energy supplied to the end users.

Although there is no consensus among scholars and professionals regarding the definition of the local food system, nevertheless, the local food systems or alternative food networks are no less important and suitable tool for solving environmental, economical (farmers’ and rural inhabitants’ income increasing) and social issues, and encouraging the further sustainable development of rural areas and communities. The aim of study is to assess the state and recent characteristics of the local food systems and its development in Latvia. The paper presents results of a study of the typology and categorisation of both the producers and distribution channels, and development of the local food systems as a whole, especially in Latvia. Various sources of materials and data have been used: the academic literature, legislation, reports and recommendations, as well as web pages, the internet and data from Food and Veterinary Service (FVS). The typology and categories of local food systems as well as short food supply chains are characterised, and its existence in Latvia is given. Besides, it is essential that the different kind of its merging organizations and projects supporting distribution of local food is implemented. The development of consumer groups for local food purchasing is important. While the requirements for small farmers–food producers are the same as those for large producers, the results suggest that during the recent years an increasing number of home-made food producers is observed.

The study examined livelihoods and wealth distribution among farm households in western Kenya. Stratified random sampling was used to select 252 households from eight districts. Focus group discussions were used to collect complementary community-level data. Results indicate that average household size was seven persons. The cropping system was over 70% mixed. Agriculture was the main source of livelihoods. Labour was mainly allocated to crop enterprises, with household heads allocating > 50% of their labour to it. Maize (Zea mays) and common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) were the most important staple/traded food crops. Poultry, followed by cattle dominated livestock enterprises. Few households diversified into small businesses, employment and artisan to enhance livelihoods. Despite this, 5 – 95% of people remained food insecure. Lack of cash and limited land access were the most important factors constraining agricultural development. Although, most households preferred selling produce in markets where prices were better, many not only sold produce but purchased inputs from nearest towns due to high costs of accessing better price markets. Wealth inequality among households was very high, with household wealth Gini-coefficient of 0.52 and per capita wealth Gini-coefficient of 0.55, calling for better interventions targeting to reach most vulnerable/marginal groups and create all-inclusive opportunities.