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1 – 10 of 93Eva Banowati and Sucihatiningsih Dian Wisika Prajanti
The purpose of this paper is to investigate and develop a full-cycle teak (Tectona grandis) under stand cropping system or PLDT for sustainable livelihoods of forest village…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate and develop a full-cycle teak (Tectona grandis) under stand cropping system or PLDT for sustainable livelihoods of forest village community in Indonesia.
Design/methodology/approach
An experimental analysis was used, and the population consisted of units of land of the Community-based Forest Management (in Indonesian called Pengelolaan Sumber Daya Hutan berbasis Masyarakat – PHBM) cultivated by 67 farmers. Further, farmers, the board of Forest Village Community Institution (in Indonesian called Lembaga Masyarakat Desa Hutan – LMDH), and forestry officials were also involved. The method employed was a survey approach using forest mapping result as the primary data. Secondary data were obtained from the LMDH and PHBM documents, measurement of physical conditions, model plots, and focus group discussion.
Findings
Findings reveal that replacing polycultural cropping system with sequential cropping one is useful in improving farmers’ income. It was proven that the products of polycultural cropping contribute only 61.23 percent of proper income. Meanwhile, through the right selection of species of shade-tolerant crops and sequential cropping the contribution can be increased to 85.28 percent: an increase of more than 24 percent. This shows that PLDT is reliable for implementation by using certain seasonal plants and cropping pattern. Next, this research limits itself to an area having teak forest, and its practical implication is to provide an alternative way for generating income and food availability.
Originality/value
This paper is original and has unique value because it discusses issues related to seasonal plantation grown under long-circle crops for a better living condition. The proposed plant is environment-friendly and could possibly be applied to areas having teak forests.
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JAN KENNEDY and ROBERT W. STONE
There are currently two identical bills pending in Congress (House Resolution 4730 and Senate Bill 2148) which this research will examine. Title I of these bills would establish a…
Abstract
There are currently two identical bills pending in Congress (House Resolution 4730 and Senate Bill 2148) which this research will examine. Title I of these bills would establish a reforestation and conservation program entitled the Conservation Reserve Program. The Secretary of Agriculture would be able to designate land regularly used in the production of certain crops as eligible for program participation. If a landowner of farmer places the‐designated land in the program it must be planted in a “shelter belt,” which is an area of vegetative cover. Shelter belts can be divided for simplicity into two types, grassland and tree.
Seung Kyu LEE and Truong An Dang
This study aims to investigate aspects related to the changing trends of the rainfall extremes in the entire Mekong Delta in the period of 32 years (1984-2015) applying rainfall…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate aspects related to the changing trends of the rainfall extremes in the entire Mekong Delta in the period of 32 years (1984-2015) applying rainfall extreme indices. First, the homogeneity tests were applied to assess the quality of observed rainfall data series. The authors, then, investigated three rainfall indices including the number of very heavy rainfall days 20 mm (R20), number of days above 50 mm (R50) and number of days above 100 mm (R100) applying the Mann-Kendall test and Sen’s slope estimate.
Design/methodology/approach
First, the homogeneity tests were applied to assess the quality of observed rainfall data series. The authors, then, investigated three rainfall indices including the number of very heavy rainfall days 20 mm (R20), number of days above 50 mm (R50) and number of days above 100 mm (R100) applying the Mann-Kendall test and Sen’s slope estimate.
Findings
The results of R20 pointed out that an insignificant upward tendency was found in the coastal provinces, whereas an insignificant downward tendency was also recorded in the inland provinces. Regarding the number of R50, a similar trend to R20 was recorded with five stations slightly increased and five stations slightly decreased. For the number of R100, the results recorded an absence of significant trends over the entire study area. Approximately 58.5% of stations show a slightly decreasing trend, while 41.5% of the remaining stations recorded a slightly increasing trend.
Originality/value
For the number of R100, the results recorded an absence of the significant trends over the entire study area. Approximately 58.5% of stations show a slightly decreasing trend, while 41.5% of the remaining stations recorded a slightly increasing trend. Of note is the fact that the number of R100 occurred more frequently in the northern provinces, which means the northern region is facing a high risk of flooding.
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Wondimagegn Tesfaye and Lemma Seifu
The purpose of this paper is to analyze smallholder farmers’ perceptions of climate change and its adverse effects, identify major adaptation strategies used by farmers and…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyze smallholder farmers’ perceptions of climate change and its adverse effects, identify major adaptation strategies used by farmers and analyze the factors that influence the choice of adaptation strategy by smallholder farmers in eastern Ethiopia.
Design/methodology/approach
The study was based on a cross-sectional survey of 296 sample households selected from three districts in east Ethiopia. Data were collected with the aid of a semi-structured questionnaire and review of literature, documents and databases.
Findings
The study provides empirical evidence that majority of farmers in the study area are aware of climate change patterns and their adverse effect on income, food security, diversity, forest resources, food prices and crop and livestock diseases. In response to these adverse effects, major adaptation strategies used by farmers include cultivating different crops, planting different crop varieties, changing planting dates, use of soil and water conservation techniques, conservation agriculture practices and engaging in non-farm income activities. Choice of adaptation strategies are influenced by gender of household head, household size, farm size, distance from market and number of farm plots.
Practical implications
The study suggests that developing more effective climate change adaptation strategies need support from the government. Such an effort needs provision of the necessary resources such as credit, information and extension services on climate change adaptation strategies and technologies, and investing in climate smart and resilient projects.
Originality/value
The study adopts multivariate probit model that models farmers’ simultaneous adaptation choice behavior which has been rarely addressed by previous researches.
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The author argues that we must stop and take a look at what our insistence on human labour as the basis of our society is doing to us, and begin to search for possible…
Abstract
The author argues that we must stop and take a look at what our insistence on human labour as the basis of our society is doing to us, and begin to search for possible alternatives. We need the vision and the courage to aim for the highest level of technology attainable for the widest possible use in both industry and services. We need financial arrangements that will encourage people to invent themselves out of work. Our goal, the article argues, must be the reduction of human labour to the greatest extent possible, to free people for more enjoyable, creative, human activities.
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Yvonne Wambui Githiora, Margaret Awuor Owuor, Romulus Abila, Silas Oriaso and Daniel O. Olago
Tropical wetland ecosystems are threatened by climate change but also play a key role in its mitigation and adaptation through management of land use and other drivers…
Abstract
Purpose
Tropical wetland ecosystems are threatened by climate change but also play a key role in its mitigation and adaptation through management of land use and other drivers. Local-level assessments are needed to support evidence-based wetland management in the face of climate change. This study aims to examine the local communities’ knowledge and perception of climate change in Yala wetland, Kenya, and compare them with observed data on climate trends. Such comparisons are useful to inform context-specific climate change adaptation actions.
Design/methodology/approach
The study used a mixed methods approach that combined analysis of climate data with perceptions from the local community. Gridded data on temperature and rainfall for the period from 1981 to 2018 were compared with data on climate change perceptions from semi-structured questionnaires with 286 key informants and community members.
Findings
Majority of the respondents had observed changes in climate parameters – severe drought (88.5%), increased frequency of floods (86.0%) and irregular onset and termination of rains (90.9%) in the past 20 years. The perceptions corresponded with climate trends that showed a significant increasing trend in the short rains and the average maximum temperature, high incidence of very wet years and variability in onset and termination of rainfall between 1981 and 2018. Gender, age and education had little influence on knowledge and awareness of climate change, except for frequency of floods and self-reported understanding of climate change. The community perceived the wetland to be important for climate change adaptation, particularly the provision of resources such as grazing grounds during drought.
Research limitations/implications
The study faced challenges of low sample size, use of gridded climate data and reproducibility in other contexts. The results of this study apply to local communities in a tropical wetland in Western Kenya, which has a bi-modal pattern of rainfall. The sample of the study was regional and may therefore not be representative of the whole of Kenya, which has diverse socioeconomic and ecological contexts. Potential problems have been identified with the use of gridded data (for example, regional biases in models), although their usefulness in data scarce contexts is well established. Moreover, the sample size has been found to be a less important factor in research of highly complex socio-ecological systems where there is an attempt to bridge natural and social sciences.
Practical implications
This study addresses the paucity of studies on climate change trends in papyrus wetlands of sub-Saharan Africa and the role of local knowledge and perceptions in influencing the management of such wetlands. Perceptions largely influence local stakeholders’ decisions, and a study that compares perceptions vs “reality” provides evidence for engagement with the stakeholders in managing these highly vulnerable ecosystems. The study showed that the local community’s perceptions corresponded with the climate record and that adaptation measures are already ongoing in the area.
Originality/value
This study presents a case for the understanding of community perceptions and knowledge of climate change in a tropical wetland under threat from climate change and land use change, to inform management under a changing climate.
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Lei Wei, Yiting (Demi) Hao, Hong Zhu and Jun (Justin) Li
The 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has affected many countries around the world. Due to the debate on the source of the outbreak, wildlife meat consumption has gained…
Abstract
Purpose
The 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has affected many countries around the world. Due to the debate on the source of the outbreak, wildlife meat consumption has gained international attention and become an area that requires further exploration. The purpose of this research is to explore the differences in game consumption motivations and behaviours among populations in northern and southern China.
Design/methodology/approach
An online survey on wild meat awareness with (potential) game consumers across the country as target groups was conducted.
Findings
Results from this study showed that consumers in the southern region have a preference for wildlife. This preference was determined by factors such as natural environment, history and culture and the level of economic development. However, there was no significant difference in the frequency of game consumption between the north and south since game meat is not a major component of the daily diet.
Practical implications
The government should consider banning this trade permanently to prevent future disease outbreaks caused by wildlife-to-human transmissions.
Originality/value
The consumption of game meat is regional, but the animals in game trades live across a wider area, and thus, game trades have a global influence on ecological systems and human health. Therefore, this epidemic is also a global concern, which might lead people to display a highly negative attitude towards consuming game meat.
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Erma Suryani, Lily Puspa Dewi, Lukman Junaedi and Rully Agus Hendrawan
This paper aims to address the corn productivity and production problem under the environmental dynamics to improve the productivity and production through the use of models and…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to address the corn productivity and production problem under the environmental dynamics to improve the productivity and production through the use of models and scenarios.
Design/methodology/approach
System dynamics simulation model is implemented to develop harvested area, productivity and production models. To improve productivity and production, several scenarios have been developed by modifying the model’s structures and parameters.
Findings
Some factors affecting productivity include soil nutrition, planting patterns, corn quality, irrigation, technology, climate, disease and pest attacks. Corn production after land expansion and intensification depends on the harvested area, productivity and rendement.
Research limitations/implications
The data and information used in this study were obtained from East Java Agricultural Department.
Practical implications
Corn productivity after land intensification would achieve 73.68 quintals/ha as the impact of structural and non-structural approaches implementation. Corn production after land intensification and expansion would achieve 10.2 M tons in 2030. Fulfillment ratio is above 100 per cent; however, the trend continues declining due to demand growth of 5 per cent and production growth of only 2.8 per cent.
Originality/value
The model development provides useful directions for modelers and holistic perspective to accommodate all problem elements. The case selected in this study (East Java) can be extended to other areas. Furthermore, the practical implications can facilitate decision makers in agricultural systems to improve the land productivity and corn production.
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Gonzalo Maldonado-Guzmán, Jose Arturo Garza-Reyes and Lizeth Itziguery Solano-Romo
Food system channels are proposed to be major components of the larger food system which influence health and illness.
Abstract
Purpose
Food system channels are proposed to be major components of the larger food system which influence health and illness.
Methodology/approach
Food system channels are defined, discussed in relationship to other food system components, considered in terms of historical food system changes, examined in relationship to wellbeing and disease, and proposed to have useful applications.
Findings
Food system channels are broad, organized, and integrated pathways through which foods and nutrients pass. Channels are larger in scale and scope than previously described food system structures like chains, stages, sectors, networks, and others. Four major types of contemporary Western food system channels differ in their underlying values and health impacts. (1) Industrialized food channels are based on profit as an economic value, which contributes to a diversity of inexpensive foods and chronic diseases. (2) Emergency food channels are based on altruism as a moral value, and try to overcome gaps in industrialized channels to prevent diseases of poverty. (3) Alternative food channels are based on justice and environmentalism as ethical values, and seek to promote wellness and sustainability. (4) Subsistence food channels are based on self-sufficiency as a traditional value, and seek self-reliance to avoid hunger and illness. Historical socioeconomic development of agricultural and industrial transitions led to shifts in food system channels that shaped dietary, nutritional, epidemiological, and mortality transitions.
Implications
Food system channels provide varying amounts of calories and types of nutrients that shape wellbeing and diseases. Sociologists and others may benefit from examining food system channels and considering their role in health and illness.
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