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1 – 3 of 3Bheemanagoud S. Choudri, Ahmed Al-Busaidi and Mushtaque Ahmed
The purpose of this paper is to give policy makers, professionals and researchers in Sultanate of Oman and in the region an understanding of the impacts of climate change (CC…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to give policy makers, professionals and researchers in Sultanate of Oman and in the region an understanding of the impacts of climate change (CC) related to agriculture and offer farming communities a basis for developing adaptation strategies. It is important to clearly understand and realize what is happening at the community level, because farming communities are the most climate vulnerable groups in this region. The information generated from this study is expected to be used by stakeholders, particularly the Omani Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, to address issues related to CC and its variability in areas of similar agro-climatic conditions.
Design/methodology/approach
Primary data from the study site were collected through structured interview, interviews with community leaders, and field observation. The participatory rural appraisal method was applied to gather information on perception and awareness of CC, vulnerability, adaptation measures of local farmers and communities to minimize such impacts. The focused group discussions approach was used to understand the attitudes, perceptions and existing practices.
Findings
The analysis of primary data and the perception of the local people indicated that a shift in the sowing period has occurred from July to the end of September. This shift appears to be in response to the shortening of rainfall period and increased frequency of drought. A combination of adaptation strategies are in place, such as proper timing of agricultural operations and crop diversification, changing planting dates, the use of crop varieties, the use of increased water and soil conservation measures and diversifying from farm to non-farm activities.
Originality/value
This paper provides valuable inputs for policy makers, managers at the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, researchers and other stakeholders on issues related to CC impacts on agriculture and its management through appropriate adaptation strategies in Oman and the region.
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Mushtaque Ahmed and B.S. Choudri
The purpose of this paper is to give professionals, researchers and policy makers in Oman and the region understanding of the climate change implications for better planning. The…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to give professionals, researchers and policy makers in Oman and the region understanding of the climate change implications for better planning. The likely impacts will cause serious damage to the economy of Oman which already suffers from aridity, soil salinity, recurrent drought and water scarcity. This paper highlights the work being carried out and current knowledge and efforts being made in view of climate change challenges in Oman.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper is based on a literature review of texts and references sourced from scientific reports, research papers and other published documents by various national and international agencies.
Findings
Sultanate of Oman is vulnerable to the potential impacts of climate change, the most significant of which are increased average temperatures, less and more erratic precipitation, sea level rise (SLR) and desertification. Integrating climate change mitigation and adaptation in development strategies and policies is a must for a country like Oman which is at the early stage of economic and industrial development.
Research limitations/implications
It is not clear from existing data that any organized research effort is ongoing in Oman to tackle various climate change related issues. There are number of projects undertaken may look impressive but none of the projects was taken up as a direct response to climate change concerns. A small and scattered number of research studies have been published in the field of climate change, and there are many gaps that still need to be filled in the future, especially pertaining to the vulnerability of water resources, agriculture, and biodiversity of Oman.
Originality/value
The paper offers inputs for researchers, policy makers and other stakeholders on issues related to climate change and its management in Oman and the region.
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Sashi Rekha Balakrishnan, Vasanthi Soundararajan and Satyanarayana Parayitam
As teachers are considered “knowledge workers,” the present study explores teacher performance in schools. A particular emphasis is given to assessing the performance of female…
Abstract
Purpose
As teachers are considered “knowledge workers,” the present study explores teacher performance in schools. A particular emphasis is given to assessing the performance of female teachers in the rural part of South India.
Design/methodology/approach
After collecting data from 563 female teachers from four blocks in Nilgiris District (Ooty, Kotagiri, Coonoor and Gudalur) consisting of 37 government schools in the southern part of India, all the female teachers were surveyed, and the data were analyzed after checking the instrument's psychometric properties by performing confirmatory factor analysis. Hierarchical regression was employed to test the hypotheses.
Findings
The findings revealed that (1) empowerment, organizational communication and work–life balance (WLB) and recognition and rewards are positively and significantly related to teacher performance; (2) recognition and rewards moderate the relationship between (a) empowerment and performance, (b) organizational communication and performance, (c) WLB and performance, (d) organizational culture and performance and (e) quality of work-life (QWL) and performance.
Research limitations/implications
As with any survey research, common method bias and social desirability bias may be potential limitations. However, proper care is taken to minimize these biases. The findings from this study contribute to the growing literature on education and training. In addition, the study highlights the importance of creating a climate for empowerment, recognition and rewards to foster teacher performance.
Practical implications
The study helps administrators and policymakers to understand the antecedents of teacher performance and take necessary steps to motivate the teachers for superior performance.
Originality/value
The conceptual model the authors developed and tested is, according to the authors' knowledge, the first of the model's kind. A clear understanding of the predictors of teacher performance may guide the administrators and teaches in fostering performance in schools. The exclusive focus on female teachers is considered in this study because of the several problems the female teachers encounter in rural areas. Despite the disadvantages, female teachers perform well and contribute to students and the country as a whole.
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