scholarly journals Analysis of Indigenous Communication Channels for Disseminating Agricultural Information: The case of North Gondar Zone

Author(s):  
Birhanu Melesse ◽  
Yenesew Sewnet ◽  
Beyene Derso ◽  
Tigst Petros

In Ethiopia, information reaches to farmers mainly through indigenous and exogenous communication channels which include social gatherings, training, meetings, and conferences followed by learning through direct observation. Indigenous communication channels provides an effective means for rural communities to access various types of information related to their farming and day-to-day life. However, the practices and prospects of indigenous communication channels need policy-oriented research to analyze and facilitate meaningful interventions in the areas of agricultural information dissemination.  This study was initiated with the objective of identifying existing indigenous Communication Channels used by farm households, assess farmers perception of indigenous Communication Channels utilization to exchange agricultural innovation, analyze the challenges related to exchanging and disseminating of agricultural information with respect to indigenous knowledge and assess indigenous agricultural knowledge preservation practices in the North Gondar Zone. Data were collected from 120 sample household heads, 30 focus group discussants and key informants and both primary and secondary data were used for the study. Household survey, focus group discussion and key informant interview were used to triangulate and strengthen the data collected sample household heads. For the purpose of data analysis, descriptive statistics (frequency & percentage), and inferential statistics (chi-square test T-test) were used. The results of the study showed that 70% of the respondents highly preferred indigenous communication channels than exogenous communication channels. The most regularly preferred and utilized channel was Church (47.5%), followed by public meeting organized by the community (22.5%) where as village meeting  organized by the community (11.7%) and neighbors (6.7%) occupied the third and fourth position in the ranking. It was also indicated that the utilization of indigenous communication channels determined by age and educational status of respondents. In this regard elder and illiterate household heads preferred and utilized indigenous communication channels than exogenous communication channels. Based on the findings, the researchers recommended that indigenous communication channels utilization should be incorporated in the plan of Agricultural Extension Agents,  indigenous communication channels should be form as part of agricultural information dissemination package to encourage and facilitate exchanging of information by rural people, Policies, strategies and good practices with respect to indigenous communication channels have to be developed with active participation of primary stakeholders to utilize it effectively.

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
pp. 1853-1863
Author(s):  
Kassaye Gurebiyaw Legese ◽  
Taye Melese ◽  
Tadie Mire ◽  
Abebe Birara ◽  
Kefale Eniyew

Soil is a crucial and precious natural resource that govern numerous ecological processes. However, in Ethiopia particularly in north Gondar zone, soil erosion is a severe problem and a major cause of the decline of agricultural productivity. The adoption and diffusion of soil and water conservation practices (SWC), as a way to tackle this challenge, has become an important issue in the development policy agenda in the zone. Therefore, this study was to identify factors affecting Soil conservation investments in the North Gondar zone. Data was collected through interviewed schedule, filed observation and focus group discussion. The multistage sampling technique was employed to select 206 sample households.  Both descriptive and econometrics model was used to analyze the collected data. A multivariate profit (MPV) model was used to analyze the effect of demographic, socioeconomic, market, institutional and biophysical related factors on the interdependent investment decisions of SWC practices using household survey. The MPV model analysis indicates that farmers invest a combination of practices at parcel level by considering substitution and complementarity effects of the practices. The results also revealed that age of household heads, literacy status of household heads, off-farm activity, distance of farmlands from homesteads, tropical livestock unit, and access to training were influence farmers’ investments in SWC practices. The overall results indicate that the identified physical, socioeconomic, and institutional factors influence promote or hinder investments in SWC practice so, policymakers should take into consideration these various factors in designing and implementing SWC policies and Programmers.


Author(s):  
Chinelo Edith Ude-Akpeh ◽  
Tony Onyima ◽  
Alpha Chukwuemeka Ginikachukwu

This paper examined the influence of the use of indigenous language and authority figures in the broadcast of COVID-19 messages among rural dwellers in South East Nigeria. This is against the backdrop of the failure of rural dwellers to pay attention and understand the COVID-19 pandemic messages which were disseminated in English language, and as such were not complying to the precautionary measures. The research was a descriptive survey. Five objectives guided the study which used the focus group discussion as the medium of data collection. The population was all rural dwellers in the five south-eastern states of Nigeria. The sample was 200 participants randomly selected from the five rural communities near the state capitals (Abakaliki- Nwofe; Awka- Achalla; Enugu- Ugwuaji; Owerri- Nworieubi and Umuahia). The Limited Effects theory formed the theoretical underpinning for the study. Data were analyzed through thematic transcription of the responses of the participants during the focus group discussion. Results obtained show that most rural dwellers do not have access to social media platforms. Also, rural dwellers get their information basically from markets, churches, and towns meetings. It was gathered that use of indigenous language and leaders of thought provided the needed understanding, reach and conviction of the rural dwellers on the reality of the COVID-19 pandemic.  The study concludes therefore that the use of indigenous language and authority figures are useful in helping rural dwellers in the South East zone to understand and comply with the COVID-19 pandemic messages and precautionary measures. Sequel to the findings, the study recommends that the ministries of Information should adopt the use of opinion leaders in disseminating such vital information. Also there is need for all communities to translate vital and sensitive information in local dialects to enable easy understanding and compliance especially by rural dwellers.


Author(s):  
Hassen Negesso ◽  
Milkessa Edae

<p class="Textoindependiente21">Ethiopia has been undertaking numerous development programs and projects with the objective of taking a country to the middle-income countries in the near future. Universal Rural Road Access Program (URRAP) roads being constructed in Jimma and Bunno Bedele zones are among the projects in Ethiopia. Although these projects are assumed to bring desirable positive change, there are sometimes negative consequences on environmental issues. Accordingly, the objective of this study was to investigate the negative sides of these projects on environmental elements. Household survey with randomly selected household heads and in-depth interview, focus group discussion (FGD) and observation for purposively selected samples were used to collect relevant and required data. Thereby, data were analyzed quantitatively by using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and qualitatively through thematic method. The findings from the analyzed data show that rural roads being constructed by URRAP have both positive and negative impacts on plant species, bird species, reptile species, mammal’s species, amphibians’ species, soil, and climate. Finally, URRAP is in dilemma and needs an extensive and frequent supervision, monitoring, inclusive, interdisciplinary and sound strategies and policies by responsible bodies at all expected levels and contexts.</p>


2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Olanrewaju Yusuf Yahaya ◽  
Nurudeen Adesola Malik

Rural livelihood and economic development in northern Nigeria has been characterised by the devastating effects of desertification. This paper provides an avenue to examine the peculiar factors influencing vulnerability to desertification among farm households of rural communities in desertification prone areas of Katsina State.  Data was collected from both primary and secondary sources. A systematic random sampling technique was employed to select 633 respondents in 18 rural communities from the six local government areas chosen for the study. The research instruments used were questionnaire, key informant interview and focus group discussion. Findings revealed that 93% of the respondents were from male-headed farm households, 71% were above 45 years of age and 80% have no basic primary education. Millet was the most important crop grown and 73% were full time farmers. The main perceived causes of desertification are climate change, deforestation, acts of God and environmental mismanagement. Effects of desertification were manifested in declining crop yields, loss of farmlands as well as the extinction of flora and fauna species. The factors influencing vulnerability of farm households to desertification were the ages of household heads, farming status, size of the households, access to non-farm income, migration and improved seed varieties (p < 0.05). The study, therefore, recommended the need to promote adult education, increase access to improved seed varieties and farm input, encourage livelihood diversification, intensified efforts towards effective management of environmental resources, and the involvement of vulnerable groups in the formulation and implementation of policies aimed at combating desertification.


1998 ◽  
pp. 26-36 ◽  
Author(s):  
Judy Olson ◽  
Lesha Broomes ◽  
Scott Drzyzga ◽  
Geoffrey Jiunn Der Duh ◽  
Lisa Dygert ◽  
...  

As a group learning experience in a graduate cartography course, a focus group study was performed of a recently-redesigned map of the Michigan State University campus. The learning process involved two parts. Part one was a 75-minute focus group discussion during regular class time with the instructor as the moderator, one student as the assistant and notetaker, and the other members of the class as the subjects. After instructions were given, everyone studied the map for a brief period and then discussed a set of issues focused on the design of the map. Discussion was orderly but lively and packed with relevant comments. Part two occurred at the next class session. Students discussed the experience, the results, the assigned readings on the method, and relevance of the method to other projects. A written report was then prepared for the producers of the map. Reactions to the learning experience were highly positive, and several participants have since used qualitative methods in other research. An actual study proved an effective means of learning the fundamentals of focus group research.


2021 ◽  
Vol 24 (11) ◽  
pp. 1909-1915
Author(s):  
OA Adekugbe ◽  
OV Oyerinde ◽  
TV Oluwajuwon ◽  
TR Abisoye ◽  
TA Atanda

Rural communities around Akure forest reserve depend mostly on forest and its products for their livelihoods, which results in its high rate of deforestation. Meanwhile, the Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation programme (REDD+), one of the international forest-governance initiatives to address sustainable forest  anagement and climate change mitigation has been introduced to the reserve. This research investigated the socio-economic status of the communities in Akure forest reserve, level of dependence on the forest resources and their level of awareness and perception about the REDD+ project. Six communities were selected randomly from around the reserve which were in the readiness phase of the REDD+ project. Data were collected through household survey with the use of semi-structured questionnaire administered to 120 respondents (household heads) selected randomly from the communities as well as information from 6 key informants (village heads). Descriptive Statistics and Chi Square test were used in the analysis of the data and the result showed that the main income-generating activity in the communities was farming accounting for 70.8% of the respondents. This affirms that the high level of the households’ dependence on forest resources is traceable to their socio-economic characteristics. Considering the level of awareness of REDD+ project, results revealed that the level of awareness of the key informants about REDD+ was very high (83.3%) while it was very low at the local community level with only 35% of the respondents being aware of the REDD+ project among which 23.3% found it beneficial. Therefore, to enhance the level of effectiveness of REDD+ project implementation, there should be an increase in the level of awareness in the communities. Keywords: Forest Communities, Awareness, REDD+ Project, Rural livelihood, Deforestation


2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 212-223
Author(s):  
Hendri Dony Hahury ◽  
Tity Susilowati Prabawa ◽  
Pamerdi Wiri Giloso ◽  
Tontji Soumokil ◽  
Marthen Luther Ndoen

Population growth which is not supported with the availability of natural resources causes gaps or limitations in meeting daily needs through natural resources. As a result, rural communities need certain rules or norms used as behavioral guidelines in utilizing the natural resources. One of them is through the existence of kewang customary institution. However, as the community develops, its effectiveness is experiencing a decline. This study examines the role of kewang customary institution as a biosecurity strategy for community livelihood asset in Negeri Booi, Saparua Island, Central Maluku Regency. This study was done in a qualitative manner with a case study method. The key informants involved included members of the kewang, head (raja) of Negeri Booi, farmers and customary leaders. In-depth interviews, observation and focus group discussion (FGD) were used to collect the data. The results showed that the kewang of Negeri Booi played an active role in securing the livelihood asset while at the same time protecting Negeri Booi's territory. However, the inclusion of economic interventions left the kewang members vulnerable. They were faced with the choice to carry out their duties and functions as a local institution securing the livelihood asset or to violate the convention to meet their daily household needs. In general, the community in Negeri Booi still recognized the existence of kewang customary institution by respecting and carrying out every decision taken.


2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Sunaryono

This study aims to analyze the existence of Village-Owned Enterprises (BUMDes) on community welfare. This research uses the Community Based Research method, which consists of 3 stages including: a. indepth interview stage with participants who are key actors in BUMDes, b. the stage of group discussion based on the interest groups in the village, and c. the FGD (Focus Group Discussion) phase where the discussion is carried out by all interested parties. All this was done to validate and verify the findings in the previous stage. The results of this study indicate the presence of BUMDes has had an impact on changes in the economic and social fields of rural communities. Although it has not been able to provide significant benefits for improving the welfare of villagers directly, it has slowly been able to provide solutions to several problems, especially related to the marketing of superior products and employment.


Author(s):  
Mela Susanti ◽  
Imas Kania Rahman ◽  
Ibdalsyah Ibdalsyah

<p class="15bIsiAbstractBInggris">The purpose of this research is to find out how parents were coaching activities in Raudatul Atfal (RA). Darul Muttaqien and RA. Ibn Sina. The research method used in this study is qualitative field research—data collection tool through observation, interviews and documentation. The Parenting Meeting (KPO) coaching module has been tested for validity through a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) with four experts: religious experts, linguists, psychologists and education experts. The results of this study are coaching parents in RA. Darul Muttaqien Parung has not been systematically planning on an activity program sheet. 80% of parents state that the child's development at home is the same as the school. While fostering parents in RA. Ibnu Sina Pamijahan has been going well, planned and systematic; 50% of parents statements is that the development of morals at home is not the same as the school.</p><p class="16aJudulAbstrak"><strong>Abstrak</strong></p><p>Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui bagaimana orang tua pembinaan kegiatan di Raudatul Atfal (RA). Darul Muttaqien dan RA. Ibnu Sina. Metode penelitian yang digunakan dalam studi ini adalah penelitian lapangan kualitatif. Alat pengumpulan data melalui pengamatan, wawancara dan dokumentasi. The Parenting Meeting (KPO) modul pembinaan telah diuji untuk validitas melalui Focus Group diskusi (FGD) dengan 4 ahli: ahli agama, linguis, psikolog dan ahli pendidikan. Hasil penelitian ini adalah pembinaan orang tua di RA. Darul Muttaqien Parung belum direncanakan secara sistematis pada lembar program kegiatan. 80% orang tua menyatakan bahwa perkembangan anak di rumah sama dengan sekolah. Sementara, membina orang tua di RA. Ibnu Sina Pamijahan telah berjalan dengan baik, terencana dan sistematis, 50% dari pernyataan orang tua adalah bahwa perkembangan moral di rumah tidak sama dengan sekolah</p>


Inovasi ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 153-162 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wanda Kuswanda

Salah satu habitat gajah yang masih tersisa adalah Kawasan Taman Nasional Gunung Leuser (TNGL), terutama di wilayah Besitang. Penelitian ini bertujuan mengidentifikasi karakteristik sosial ekonomi, kepemilikan lahan, pemetaan wilayah dan mitigasi konflik manusia dengan gajah di Resort Besitang, TNGL. Metode pengumpulan data dilakukan dengan penyebaran kuesioner, wawancara dan Focus Group Discussion (FGD). Analisis data menggunakan tabel frekuensi dan analisa deskriptif. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa wilayah yang memiliki potensi konflik gajah di Resort Besitang adalah Daerah Halaban, Aras Senapal, Sekundur, Bukit Selamat dan Bukit Mas dengan intensitas konflik rendah sampai tinggi. Penyebab utama konflik manusia dengan gajah adalah fragmentasi kawasan hutan,  ketidakpastian status lahan di daerah penyangga, pertumbuhan penduduk yang tinggi dan meningkatnya pendatang di wilayah Besitang, perambahan dan ilegal logging yang terus terjadi, minimnya kesadaran masyarakat dan peranan lembaga desa dalam mendukung konservasi gajah. Rekomendasi resolusi mitigasi konflik gajah diantaranya: 1) memperbaiki habitat gajah yang sudah terfragmentasi di dalam kawasan TNGL; 2) meningkatkan peran Tim CRU (Conservation Response Unit); 3) membentuk unit reaksi cepat penanganan konflik gajah dengan melibatkan para pihak; 4) menanam jenis tanaman yang tidak disukai dan dijauhi oleh gajah; 5) mereduksi ketergantungan masyarakat akan sistem pertanian yang membutuhkan lahan yang luas; 6) mengembangkan program untuk membantu peningkatan hasil panen; dan,  7) penyuluhan untuk meningkatkan pemahaman bahwa gajah merupakan bagian dari ekosistem yang harus lestari.   Kata kunci: gajah, konflik, habitat, Besitang, Taman Nasional Gunung Leuser


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