Risk factors for the rice crop farming community in China: a documentary analysis of the challenges during post COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahsan Niaz ◽  
Muhammad Mujtaba Asad ◽  
Amir. A. Abdulmuhsin ◽  
Musa Shavanov ◽  
Prathamesh Churi

PurposePandemics always have an impact on everything; for wildlife it is somehow positive and for human health and safety it is negative. But yet there is not any critique on its impact on the agriculture sector and farmer community. The world is not aware of the hazards which will be caused by crop loss. On the globe the largest country by population is China, where natives in China consume rice as staple food. In past few years, it was among the highest rice producing and consuming countries. Rice is planted in February to May mostly in China, and rice crop production is strongly dependent on preplanting activates which farmers are unable to perform because of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) spread and the need to follow safety measures. So, the purpose of this documentary analysis is to indicate the impact of coronavirus disease on the agricultural sector in China specifically for rice production.Design/methodology/approachIn this article, a documentary analysis approach has been utilized. Moreover, due to the new and latest issue, not much research has been published in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic impact on the agriculture industry in China. Whereas, several online reports and expert reviews have been reviewed which have been published in online platforms and blogs websites. A total of 45 resources (journal articles, expert reviews) have been downloaded from reputed databases such as Scopus and Web of Science, out of which 31 of them were more relevant and related to the context of study.FindingsThe outcome based on this study has indicated that the rice cultivators and farmers are in uncertainty and not comfortable to work in their fields without proper safety measures due to the pandemic situation which will badly affect their lives and the economy of the country. Therefore, this study suggests that to overcome this issue, a proper safety framework is needed to be developed which can be implemented and which can facilitate the rice farming community.Practical implicationsAgriculture is important in so many ways including providing employment to the bulk of the population and providing the basic necessity of life and also contributing to the national economy. The outcome of this study will facilitate the agricultural scientist, economist and seasonal crop production stakeholders to indicate the most problematic domain and upcoming challenges faced by the rice farming community in China due to the COVID-19 pandemic.Originality/valueThis is the first documentary analysis which is addressing the current issues due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the agriculture industry and specifically in the rice cultivation and producing community safety concerns and issues in China which is the first and most affected nation due to the coronavirus.

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Le Khuong Ninh

PurposeThis paper investigates the impact of education on output of rice farming households in Vietnam.Design/methodology/approachGiven the literature review, this paper specifies three empirical models (i.e. linear constant coefficient model, partially nonlinear model and linear varied coefficient model) with variables that well describe the mechanism through which education affects output. The data were collected from 901 rice farming households randomly selected out of ten provinces and city in the Mekong River Delta (MRD) of Vietnam. The models are estimated using ordinary least squares (OLS) and Robinson's (1988) double residual estimators.FindingsEstimates of the empirical models show that seed, fertilizer, labor and farm size have significant impacts on output of rice farming households while pesticide and herbicide do not. Education is also found to have a positive effect on output of rice farming households because it helps them better manage farms of larger size via combining various inputs in a more desirable way.Originality/valueThis paper confirms the positive impact of education on agricultural output, which implies that policies aiming to provide better education to rural people will greatly enhance their income as well as trigger long-term economic and agricultural growth.


2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 119-130
Author(s):  
Lina Chow ◽  
Rob I. Mawby

Purpose In Hong Kong, robberies occurring in the elevators in high-rise buildings were identified as a particular problem and the purpose of this paper is to address a dedicated programme aimed at reducing such offences. Design/methodology/approach A comparison of elevator-based robbery statistics over a ten-year policy-implication period, in two police districts, one with a high rate of public ownership and a traditionally high rate of elevator robberies, the second with a higher rate of private ownership and a traditionally lower rate of such robberies. Findings The evidence suggests that the programme was successful, with such robberies declining significantly and with no evidence of displacement. Research limitations/implications This research is based on police statistics. There is a need for more research, for example, investigating residents’ involvement with the system and the extent to which it encouraged shared ownership of the initiative. Practical implications What is clear is that, where in the West the Newman legacy led to the demonisation of high-rise public sector housing, in Hong Kong, where there is no viable alternative, the use of CCTV helped transform such areas into safer communities. Social implications The rate of robbery, most notably elevator-based robbery, fell dramatically, improving community safety. Originality/value Though there has been a considerable amount of research on the impact of CCTV on crime, almost all of this has focussed on Western industrial societies and little of it has addressed robbery. To the best of authors’ knowledge, this research is the first in Hong Kong, and the first to evaluate the impact of CCTV on robbery.


Facilities ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 32 (5/6) ◽  
pp. 188-207 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carol K.H. Hon ◽  
Jimmie Hinze ◽  
Albert P.C. Chan

Purpose – The repair, maintenance, minor alteration and addition (RMAA) sector has been expanding in many developed cities. Safety problems of the RMAA sector have attracted the attention of many governments. This study has the objectives of comparing the level of safety climate of workers, supervisors and managers in the RMAA sector; and explaining/predicting the impact of safety climate on injury occurrence of workers, supervisors and managers. Design/methodology/approach – A questionnaire survey was administered to RMAA contracting companies in Hong Kong. Findings – When comparing the safety climate perception of workers, supervisors and managers in the RMAA sector, the supervisors group had the lowest mean safety climate score. Results showed that a positive workforce safety attitude and acceptance of safety rules and regulations reduced the workers' likelihood of having injuries. A reasonable production schedule led to a lower probability of supervisors being injured. Management commitment and effective safety management reduced the probability of managers being injured. Originality/value – This study revealed variations of safety climate at the different levels in the organizational hierarchy and their varying influence on safety performance of the RMAA sector. Safety of RMAA works could be improved by promulgating specific safety measures at the different hierarchy levels.


Author(s):  
Gabriela Scur ◽  
Renato Garcia

Purpose This paper aims to analyze the impact of the capabilities and strategies of the actors (micro-dynamics), learning process and networks (meso-dynamics) and institutions (macro-dynamics) in the evolution of the Brazilian ceramic clusters. Based on these experiences, managerial and policy implications are suggested. Design/methodology/approach Main data were gathered through 22 in-depth face-to-face interviews with managers and industry experts. The data were complemented by documentary analysis, including brand documents, descriptions of internal processes and Brazilian and international ceramics magazines and journals. In addition, the authors also use information from the previous experience of the authors who have been studying the sector for more than 15 years. Findings The paper provides empirical insights about the main characteristics of the evolution of two main Brazilian ceramic tiles clusters, as well as how there are different patterns of evolution among them. The results of this paper show that Brazilian ceramic tile clusters do not necessarily follow the life cycle model of their dominant industry, by proving evidence that different clusters in the same industry can follow different evolutionary paths. Research limitations/implications This paper shed light on a multi-level approach (micro, meso and macro) of dynamics of the clusters and how it impacts the cluster’s life cycle. The micro-dynamics dimension was analyzed by the capabilities and strategies of local ceramic tile manufacturers. The meso-dynamics are being considered the localized learning processes, especially from those that arise from interactions, collaboration and networks carried by local and foreign suppliers. The macro-dynamics were considered by the role of local demand, factors conditions, institutions, historical legacy in the clusters’ emergence along with path dependence mechanisms. Practical implications The paper includes implications for both clusters to promote innovation, particularly to keep and create market and technological leadership through the establishment of partnership between firms and clients, regulators and research centers and universities are crucial for innovation. Originality/value This paper fulfils an identified lack of attention regarding the under-appreciation of the context-specific issues such as the capabilities of the actors, networks and institutions that may influence the long-term development of clusters.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pushp Kumar ◽  
Naresh Chandra Sahu ◽  
Mohd Arshad Ansari ◽  
Siddharth Kumar

PurposeThe paper investigates the effects of climate change along with ecological and carbon footprint on rice crop production in India during 1982–2016.Design/methodology/approachThe autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL), canonical cointegration regression (CCR) and fully modified ordinary least square (FMOLS) models are used in the paper.FindingsA long-run relationship is found between climate change and rice production in India. Results report that ecological footprint and carbon footprint spur long-term rice production. While rainfall boosts rice crop productivity in the short term, it has a negative long-term impact. Further, the findings of ARDL models are validated by other cointegration models, i.e., the FMOLS and CCR models.Research limitations/implicationsThis study provides insights into the role of ecological footprint and carbon footprint along with climate variables in relation to rice production.Originality/valueIn the literature, the effects of ecological and carbon footprint on rice production are missing. Therefore, this is the first study to empirically examine the impact of climate change along with ecological footprint and carbon footprint on rice production in India.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pablo Kurlander ◽  
Antony Tomaz Diniz ◽  
Guilherme Godoy ◽  
Katia Isicawa de Sousa Barreto ◽  
Lewis MacDonald-Winship

Purpose This paper aims to reflect upon the findings of a fast-track study carried out in April 2020, by the Brazilian Federation of Therapeutic Communities, focused on the impact of the first measures taken by the Brazilian therapeutic communities (TCs) in response to COVID-19. Design/methodology/approach An electronic survey was disseminated to TCs in the different regions of Brazil through online platforms. A total of 144 TCs responses were used in the final analysis. The survey collected the following information: suspected and confirmed cases of COVID-19 (only one case of COVID-19 was confirmed), changes in treatment protocols, the impact in admissions and daily activities and the safety measures adopted to stop or reduce the transmission between residents, families and staff. Findings The survey successfully collected general data regarding interruptions (82.6% of TCs interrupted admissions, 100% of TCs interrupted volunteer’s activities, 94% of TCs interrupted family visits and 93% of TCs interrupted external activities). Research limitations/implications The caveat of this study is the fact that there were tight deadlines for the TCs to generate their responses and the limited availability of staff to answer long surveys. Because of this, the study could not explore other important qualitative data. The results were shared in Brazil and Latin America with the staff of TCs, the national Federations of Therapeutic Communities and government agencies linked with them, in all Latin America. Originality/value This research aims to contribute to the adoption of developed prophylaxis and prevention protocols in response to COVID-19.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Oluyemi Theophilus Adeosun ◽  
Isaac Idris Gbadamosi

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact or contribution of non-oil sectors on economic growth (GDP/capita) of some selected African countries using panel data analysis.Design/methodology/approachThe paper focused on secondary data for the period 1991–2019 for macro parameters, including agriculture, industry, export and service, and GDP/capita received from World Development Indicators (WDI). Panel unit root tests like Levin, Lin and Chu test and Im, Pesaran and Shin test, Johansen co-integration test, Granger causality test and an error correction model were also applied to the data for analysis.FindingsThe study reveals no causality from agriculture to economic growth, which implies most of the African countries (used in this study) have neglected agriculture as a source of economic growth. The industry independent variable was of no effect on these countries’ economic growth, whereas the findings reveal that industry has causality on economic growth. Economic growth has no causality on the industry, which means the industry is not contributing to economic growth. The study also shows no causality from export and service to economic growth, but a causality runs from economic growth to export and service.Originality/valueThe paper examines the contribution of the non-oil sectors to economic growth in selected African countries.


2015 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 104-114
Author(s):  
Garner Clancey

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the local dimensions of the “crime decline”. Design/methodology/approach – Two focus groups and 15 semi-structured interviews with local practitioners. Findings – Some offences have fallen significantly in the case study site in the last ten to 12 years. Local practitioners tended to explain these declines with reference to local services and programmes. These declines have potentially contributed to the reduction in crime prevention infrastructure and there is concern that funding will be reduced as crime falls. Research limitations/implications – The findings have been generated from a single case study site. While aspects of the findings resonate beyond the case study area, there are some characteristics of the site that limit the application of the findings to other areas. Practical implications – The findings from this research have few practical implications. The research sought to understand dimensions of local crime and the impact on local activities. Social implications – This research provides some insights into crime trends and local responses to crime. The findings will be of interest to crime prevention and community safety practitioners and policy makers. Originality/value – There has been little analysis of the impact of the “crime decline” on local communities and community safety infrastructure. Therefore this paper is original and adds to the growing knowledge of the “crime decline”.


Author(s):  
Gode Bola Bosongo ◽  
Jean Ndembo Longo ◽  
Jacqui Goldin ◽  
Vincent Lukanda Muamba

Purpose – The purpose of the paper is to analyse how floods and droughts affect communities' livelihood in the middle Zambezi river basin and coping mechanisms which households apply to counter the impact of floods and droughts. Design/methodology/approach – The method adopted was semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions and semi-structured questionnaires. Findings – Thematic analysis shows that the major issues affecting communities' livelihood in the middle Zambezi river basin are related to frequent floods and droughts. Floods are due to heavy seasonal rainfall which occurs at the peak of the rainfall season. As for droughts, the frequency of dry-spells of 20 days on average has been observed during the crop season. The impacts of floods and droughts in the district, notably in some wards such as Kanyemba, are the reduction of crop production, food shortages, reduction of agriculture derived income and erosion of social network. Households have responded to these impacts through a number of coping mechanisms including disposal of assets, labour migration, stream bank and floodplain cultivation, piecework, remittance, wild production and fishing. However, such coping mechanisms are short term and some of them are in conflict with the country's environmental laws. Originality/value – This paper reports a study on the first such finding related to socioeconomic impact of floods and droughts on households located in the middle Zambezi valley which is 500 km from Harare with a specific focus on traditional coping strategies in the face of disasters.


Author(s):  
Jennifer M. Reingle Gonzalez ◽  
Katelyn K. Jetelina ◽  
Wesley G. Jennings

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of school safety measures, including SROs and safety personnel, on school-related delinquency and perceived safety. Design/methodology/approach Specifically, a comprehensive search of the literature was performed to identify studies published between January 1, 1998 and July 1, 2016 that focussed on structural school safety measures such as metal detectors, cameras, closed circuit television systems, and access control measures and/or school resource officers in primary and secondary schools. Only studies that relied on randomized controlled trials and pre-test/post-test designs evaluating the impact of at least one school safety measure in reference to a control condition were eligible for inclusion. Findings The results of this exhaustive search revealed 32 unique study samples that met the inclusion criteria. Results from the studies suggest that implementation of more security measures may not be an effective policy. More safety measures often result in a decline of student-perceived safety. Study limitations and directions for future research are also discussed. Originality/value Results from this meta-review can provide educational administrators, superintendents, and school safety policymakers with a synthesis of only the most rigorous and valid studies that evaluate the impact of school safety measures on both actual and perceived school-related delinquency and safety. This information will provide school safety decision makers with a state-of-the-art synthesis of how school safety measures impact school-related delinquency problems and safety, and which measures appear to be most effective for informing the allocation of scarce resources.


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