Intra-household gender relations and women participation in non-industrial private forestry in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania

2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 68-78
Author(s):  
J.V. Nsenga ◽  
D.L. Mwaseba

This paper draws on a study conducted in the selected districts of Iringa and Njombe regions in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania where over the past decade Non-industrial Private Forestry (NIPF) has emerged involving village-based domestic investors. Data for the study were largely collected using focus group discussions (FGDs) of men and women tree growers. Data were analysed using content analysis focusing on the emerging themes, subthemes, and patterns. The paper shows that gender division of labour characterizes silvicultural practices in private forestry. Men play a key and dominant role in decision making on the allocation of labour and marketing of timber. We argue that, given this arrangement, as long as men continue to dominate the market sphere, mere ownership of woodlots by women is not a feasible pathway to having control over income obtained from the sales of timber from their woodlots. To address this, the paper comes up with some recommendations.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bashir Ssuna ◽  
Anne Katahoire ◽  
Mari Armstrong-Hough ◽  
Dennis Kalibbala ◽  
Joan N Kalyango ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in key populations at elevated risk for exposure to HIV. If used effectively, PrEP can reduce annual HIV incidence to below 0.05%. However, PrEP is not acceptable among all communities that might benefit from it. There is, therefore, a need to understand perceptions of PrEP and factors associated with willingness to use PrEP among key populations at risk of HIV, such as members of communities with exceptionally high HIV prevalence. Objective: To examine the perceptions and factors associated with willingness to use oral PrEP among members of fishing communities in Uganda, a key population at risk of HIV. Methods: We conducted an explanatory sequential mixed-methods study at Ggaba fishing community from February to June 2019. Survey data were collected from a systematic random sample of 283 community members. We carried out bivariate tests of association of willingness to use PrEP with demographic characteristics, HIV risk perception, HIV testing history. We estimated prevalence ratios for willingness to use PrEP. We used backward elimination to build a multivariable modified Poisson regression model to describe factors associated with willingness to use PrEP. We purposively selected 16 participants for focus group discussions to contextualize survey findings, analysing data inductively and identifying emergent themes related to perceptions of PrEP. Key results: We enrolled 283 participants with a mean age of 31±8 years. Most (80.9%) were male. The majority of participants had tested for HIV in their lifetime, but 64% had not tested in the past 6 months. Self-reported HIV prevalence was 6.4%. Most (80.6%, 95%CI 75.5-85.0) were willing in principle to use PrEP. Willingness to use PrEP was associated with perceiving oneself to be at high risk of HIV (aPR 1.99, 95%CI 1.31-3.02, P= 0.001), having tested for HIV in the past 6-months (aPR 1.13, 95%CI 1.03-1.24, P=0.007), and completion of tertiary education (aPR 1.97, 95%CI 1.39-2.81, P<0.001). In focus group discussions, participants described pill burden, side-effects, drug safety, and accessibility as potential barriers to PrEP use. Conclusions and recommendations: Oral PrEP was widely acceptable among members of fishing communities in peri-urban Kampala. Programs for scaling-up PrEP for fisherfolk should merge HIV testing services with sensitization about PrEP and also address issues of access to drugs.


2017 ◽  
Vol 38 (8) ◽  
pp. 1556-1580 ◽  
Author(s):  
MARION REPETTI ◽  
TONI CALASANTI

ABSTRACTPopulation ageing has led many countries to be concerned about the ‘economic burden’ of elders, and several have adopted the active ageing paradigm to reform policy. However, gender differences that moderate the effect of active ageing have been little considered. As in other nations in the European Union, Swiss federal authorities use the active ageing paradigm to reshape ageing policies, including the provision of incentives to seniors to remain in the labour market. At the same time, many recent and proposed changes draw on the assumption of gender equality, even though actual parity has not yet been demonstrated. We know little about how gender shapes retirement in Switzerland, other than in relation to financial inequality between women and men. Qualitative analysis of semi-structured interviews conducted with Swiss retirees (N = 15) shows how men and women describe this time of life differently. All respondents characterised retirement as a time of freedom; but the meaning of such freedom diverged for men and women, reflecting the gender division of labour, which is further shaped by class. We discuss the implications of this difference for the gendered consequences of active ageing policies.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Saleem ◽  
Narjis Rizvi ◽  
Anam Feroz ◽  
Sayyeda Reza ◽  
Saleem Jessani ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Family planning (FP) is an essential component of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and contributes directly to SDG targets 3.7 and 5.6. In Pakistan, contraceptive use has remained stagnant over the past 5 years. This change has been very slow when compared to the FP2020 pledge. The Sukh initiative project was conceived and implemented to alleviate these challenges by providing access to quality contraceptive methods in some underserved areas of Karachi, Pakistan. A qualitative study was been conducted to understand the perceptions and experiences of men and women towards acceptability and contraceptive use.Methods: A qualitative study was conducted at ten Sukh stations located in four towns of Karachi. Focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with Married Women of Reproductive Age (MWRA) and married men who received FP services through the Sukh initiative. Study participants were purposively sampled for focus group discussions (FGDs). Interview data was manually transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis.Results: A total of 20 FDGs(Men=10 FGDs; MWRA=10 FGDs) were conducted. Three overarching themes were identified: (I) Appropriateness and means to promote contraceptive use; (II) Equity and Accessibility to contraceptives; and (III) Perspective on available FP services. Generally, both men and women were informed about FP methods but women were more cognizant of FP information. The Door to Door services by community health workers in Sukh initiative areas was largely appreciated both by women and men as it has made the accessibility and availability of the information and services easy. Women suggested that the Sukh initiative should bring some strategies that can help men broaden their perspective towards FP. The study informed that the men feel left out from the FP programs. Therefore, male participants expressed keen interest in initiatives for men in their communities that would cater to their FP needs.Conclusions: This qualitative study provided a unique opportunity to understand the perceptions of men and women towards the phenomena of contraceptive use. The study identified the need for trained and qualified female and male healthcare providers and well-established health facilities alongside door-to-door services.


1994 ◽  
Vol 57 (6) ◽  
pp. 204-208 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jenny Strong ◽  
Roderick Ashton ◽  
David Chant ◽  
Tess Cramond

This exploratory study investigated the dimensions of pain perceived by seven people with chronic low back pain of non-cancer origin. Using the technique of focus group discussions, the participants gave their perspectives on living with chronic pain. Transcripts from the groups were content analysed to give an indication of the relative importance of the emerging themes. The aspect of family/personal relationships emerged as an important theme, as did affect/emotions (both positive and negative), symptoms/features of pain, mobility, domestic activities and treatment. The extent to which these themes are currently being assessed by health professionals is briefly considered. Recommendations for further research are made.


2017 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. 7
Author(s):  
Festo W. Gabriel

This paper examines local communities’ understanding of archaeology and cultural heritage resources. This study was conducted among the Makonde communities of the Mtwara Region of south-eastern Tanzania. The paper presents and critically discusses local communities’ views upon the meaning of archaeology and cultural heritage resources in general. The study used community-based methods by use of interviews, archaeological ethnography and focus group discussions. The results of this study reveal that the local communities in the Mtwara Region are not aware of the meaning of archaeology regardless of the number of archaeological researches that have been conducted in the region. Their understanding of the past is very much confined to intangible cultural traditions which are inherited and practised from one generation to another. Some conclusions are provided which undoubtedly indicate that according to the local communities’ perceptions cultural heritage resources are mainly characterized by intangible cultural practices and beliefs. As this study unveils, in this case tangible heritage resources have less importance to the local communities. This is contrary to the professional or academic conceptions which provide a dual focus on conservation and protection of tangible cultural heritage resources. It is only very recently that we see some studies being conducted focusing on intangible cultural heritage resources.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Saleem ◽  
Narjis Rizvi ◽  
Anam Feroz ◽  
Sayyeda Reza ◽  
Saleem Jessani ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Family planning (FP) is an essential component of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and contributes directly to SDG targets 3.7 and 5.6. In Pakistan, contraceptive use has remained stagnant over the past 5 years. This change has been very slow when compared to the FP2020 pledge. The Sukh initiative project was conceived and implemented to alleviate these challenges by providing access to quality contraceptive methods in some underserved areas of Karachi, Pakistan. A qualitative study was conducted to understand the perceptions and experiences of men and women towards acceptability and contraceptive use.Methods: A qualitative study was conducted at ten Sukh stations located in four towns of Karachi. Focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with Married Women of Reproductive Age (MWRA) and married men who received FP services through the Sukh initiative. Study participants were purposively sampled for focus group discussions (FGDs). Interview data was manually transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis.Results: A total of 20 FDGs (Men=10 FGDs; MWRA=10 FGDs) were conducted. Three overarching themes were identified: (I) Appropriateness and means to promote contraceptive use; (II) Equity and Accessibility to contraceptives; and (III) Perspective on available FP services. Generally, both men and women were informed about FP methods but women were more cognizant of FP information. The Door to Door services by community health workers in Sukh initiative areas was largely appreciated both by women and men as it has made the accessibility and availability of the information and services easy. Women suggested that the Sukh initiative should bring some strategies that can help men broaden their perspective towards FP. The study informed that the men feel left out from the FP programs. Therefore, male participants expressed keen interest in initiatives for men in their communities that would cater to their FP needs.Conclusions: This qualitative study provided a unique opportunity to understand the perceptions of men and women towards the phenomena of contraceptive use. The study identified the need for trained and qualified female and male healthcare providers and well-established health facilities alongside door-to-door services.


Author(s):  
Abudulai Mohammed- Kamilu ◽  
Augustine Adjei ◽  
Francis Kyei Badu

The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence, causes and effects of domestic violence in the East Mamprusi Traditional area of the Northern Region of Ghana. Five research questions were used to draw answers from respondents. A descriptive survey was used for the study. Men and women (192) respondents were included in the study. Systematic, purposive, lottery and snowball sampling were used to select the sample size of 25 respondents. Interview guide was used for focus group discussions for men and women. Focus group discussions were transcribed. The study revealed that, people in East Mamprusi Traditional area experience various kinds of domestic violence. From the findings it was concluded that some of the cultural practice in the area allow violent means to correct wrong doing. And the conclusions were that correction could be effective without the use of violence. It was recommended among others that, Government should expand counseling facilities in schools to meet the demands of the people.


1970 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 97-128
Author(s):  
Irene Appeaning Addo

The tension between tradition and modernity extends into African traditional architecture. The desire to become modern is pushing people to change from the climate suitable traditional houses found in the Northern Region of Ghana. The study sought to explore the influence of modernity on traditional buildings in Vittin, a peri-urban community in the Tamale municipality. Using focus group discussions and photography, the study explored some of the tradition-modernity tensions that exist in African traditional architecture. Although respondents associated identity and tradition with the round earth houses built in the past, they explained that in contemporary times urbanisation, status, economic issues, sustainability and the sense of belongingness were push factors for change. The research concludes that conscious effort needs to be made for earth constructed houses to be sustainable otherwise the technology will completely disappear and this may impact the traditional beliefs and practices of the people. It is proposed that there is the need to relook at traditional architecture to make them durable and sustainable and the indigenous knowledge and architecture of the people need to be documented.Keywords: African Architecture, Tradition, Modernity, Identity.


2016 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 469-481 ◽  
Author(s):  
Umaira Ansari ◽  
Bassy Cobham ◽  
Egbai Moses Etim ◽  
Hauwa Mohammad Ahamad ◽  
Nchajeno Otabai Owan ◽  
...  

A household survey and focus group discussions examined the frequency and risk factors for physical intimate partner violence (IPV) during pregnancy in two Nigerian states. Some 22% of women in Cross River and 9% in Bauchi reported IPV in their last pregnancy. The risk was higher in communities where more women reported IPV in the past year and lower among less poor women with more educated partners. Women were more likely to experience IPV in pregnancy if they had an income and decided how to spend it. Efforts to reduce IPV in pregnancy should involve communities as well as individuals.


2000 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 162-167 ◽  
Author(s):  
R Pool ◽  
J A G Whitworth ◽  
G Green ◽  
A K Mbonye ◽  
S Harrison ◽  
...  

We aimed to assess the acceptability of a variety of formulations of female-controlled methods of protection against HIV and STDs among men and women in south-western Uganda. Pilot interviews were carried out with 50 men and 55 women and 25 focus group discussions (FGDs) were held with 138 women and 42 men. The female condom, foaming tablets, sponge, foam, gel and film were demonstrated to 146 women and 35 of their male partners, who then tried out 2 of the products. They were interviewed 7 times during the course of 5 months. At the end experiences were evaluated during a second series of FGDs. Sixty-five (45%) women completed the trial. The main reasons for non-completion were related to geographical mobility. Product preference after the initial demonstration was similar to that at the end of the trial. The most popular formulations were the sponge (25% of the women), foaming tablets (23%), and the female condom (19%). The foam was of medium popularity (16%). The gel (9%) and film (7%) were least popular. Ten per cent of the women and 14% of the men reported products interfering with sexual enjoyment; 24% of the women and 67% of the men said products increased enjoyment. 'Dry sex' is not popular in this area and increased lubrication was an important determinant of acceptability. Age, level of education and location did have some effect on preference. Although secrecy was a dominant theme in the FGDs, 87% of the women had informed their partners by the end of the trial. The products were generally well received. Female control was an important issue for both sexes. Male attitudes were ambivalent because female ownership of products increased women's control. Although they have clear preferences, women appear to accept the products generally and might use a single available product just as readily if choice was limited, as long as it conforms to general cultural preferences, such as those relating to wet/dry sex.


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