Search results
1 – 4 of 4V.G. Girish, Anindita Saha, R. Rex Immanuel and Bona Kim
The study aims to analyse the structural relationships of authenticity, health concern and sustainable intelligence in the farm restaurant context. Different types of restaurants…
Abstract
Purpose
The study aims to analyse the structural relationships of authenticity, health concern and sustainable intelligence in the farm restaurant context. Different types of restaurants have been targeted to understand consumer behaviour; however, the behavioural intention of visitors dining at the farm restaurants was rarely explored.
Design/methodology/approach
With the backdrop of the theory of planned behaviour (TPB), this study highlights the understanding, particularly on personal values associated with the behavioural intention of consumers visiting the farm restaurant. Data were collected, circulating questionnaires onsite and online at a farm restaurant. Structural equation modelling was employed to analyse the data.
Findings
Study findings reveal that personal values such as authenticity, health concern and sustainable intelligence positively influence the mediating constructs of TPB towards behavioural intention to revisit the farm restaurant.
Originality/value
This research might be the first one, exclusively focused on understanding the behavioural intention of the consumers visiting the farm restaurant, based on their personal values. This study specifically enriches the farm restaurant literature from the academic perspective and offers insights to farm restaurant owners and managers about the priorities of the consumers visiting the farm restaurant.
Details
Keywords
Misita Anwar, Gillian Oliver, Viviane Frings-Hessami, Manika Saha and Anindita Sarker
The purpose of this paper is to report on the exploration of women farmers' information literacy (IL) in the context of rural Bangladesh within the context of an ICT-based women…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to report on the exploration of women farmers' information literacy (IL) in the context of rural Bangladesh within the context of an ICT-based women empowerment project.
Design/methodology/approach
This study uses thematic analysis of qualitative data collected during a culturally sensitive workshop on IL with a group of project participants.
Findings
The findings showed that women understood their information needs and where to find information, which indicates that participants had some basic IL skills. However, the online environment presented challenges for them to evaluate the quality of the information and its relevance to their daily activities. The cultural complexity of IL was observed with the rural women’s information practices affected by family patterns, community and religion, amongst other social factors. Collective practices are made highly evident by the women’s natural tendency to share phones and information and by the way information is maintained. While the collective practices are very useful in utilising information for daily needs, the downside is that women are potentially vulnerable to threats in an online environment when sharing confidential information.
Originality/value
This article shows that in the context of rural Bangladesh, women farmers’ information-seeking behaviour and practices of sharing and creating information are influenced by sociocultural characteristics. It describes how the women’s situational context of collectivity and power relations influence their ways of handling information.
Details
Keywords
Sakshi Naithani and Ashis Kumar Saha
The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the role of livelihood assets, strategies and local social networks in disaster response and recovery in post-disaster setting of 2013…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the role of livelihood assets, strategies and local social networks in disaster response and recovery in post-disaster setting of 2013 Kedarnath disaster (India).
Design/methodology/approach
It identifies post disaster macro-spaces of Mandakini river valley (India) using change detection analysis and secondary data. Within these macro-spaces, the micro spaces of livelihood and social capital were assessed by selecting two villages for case study.
Findings
Most important issues faced by communities were loss of lives, livelihoods and access to relief aid. A shift in economic base of families suffering loss of livelihoods was observed as they switched from pilgrimage-based to skill-based opportunities. Geographical location and isolation play a crucial role in recovery trajectory of villages by influencing the social capital.
Research limitations/implications
The paper being case study based deals two of the worst-affected villages; livelihood strategies adopted and social network may be influenced by the “victim” status of villages and may not be generalized for each disaster-affected area.
Social implications
Bridging and bonding networks were significant in geographically isolated places, while “linkages” were beneficial in bringing new livelihood opportunities. Need to enhance the role of social capital by institutional intervention in form of capacity building was required.
Originality/value
The study suggests focus on human capital-based livelihood diversification programs taking geographical location and disaster context into account.
Details
Keywords
Georgy Sunny and T. Palani Rajan
The purpose of the project is to explore the biosoftening of raw areca nut fibers using two different biological retting methods and assess their impact on fiber properties for…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of the project is to explore the biosoftening of raw areca nut fibers using two different biological retting methods and assess their impact on fiber properties for improved spinning. The study aims to contribute to the fashion industry’s shift toward sustainability.
Design/methodology/approach
The project involves collecting raw brown areca shells, subjecting them to two retting methods (stagnant water retting and changing water daily retting) and then extracting and drying the fibers. Various physical and chemical properties of the fibers are measured to evaluate their suitability for spinning.
Findings
The stagnant water retting method, especially the fibers obtained on the second day, showed improved properties in terms of fiber strength, elongation, fineness and cellulose content, making them suitable for spinning applications. The method also resulted in better moisture regain.
Research limitations/implications
The study focused on two retting methods and a limited timeframe. Further research could explore additional techniques and durations. The labor-intensive nature of the daily changing water retting method may have implications for scalability.
Practical implications
The project demonstrates a cost-effective and sustainable method for converting agricultural waste (areca nut husks) into valuable fibers suitable for various end users.
Social implications
The research supports the fashion industry’s sustainability efforts by promoting the use of eco-friendly natural fibers, potentially benefiting rural farming communities.
Originality/value
The project highlights the innovative use of areca nut fibers and their potential to contribute to sustainable fashion. The stagnant water retting method is presented as a reliable and effective approach for improving fiber properties. Additionally, all fiber testing was exclusively conducted at the South India Textile Research Association (SITRA), with sponsorship from the industry and support from the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India.
Details