Garden cultivation, conservation and household strategies in Zimbabwe

Africa ◽  
1991 ◽  
Vol 61 (2) ◽  
pp. 202-221 ◽  
Author(s):  
Morag Bell ◽  
Patricia Hotchkiss
Keyword(s):  
Water Resources ◽  
Household Composition ◽  
Resource Exploitation ◽  
Regional Variations ◽  
Commodity Production ◽  
Resource Endowment ◽  
Household Strategies ◽  
Communal Areas ◽  
Government Legislation ◽  
Over Time

AbstractWith reference to dambo utilisation in the Communal Areas of Zimbabwe, this article considers how, under conditions of unreliable rainfall, communities and households manage their land and water resources to maintain a balance between resource exploitation and conservation. Regional variations in patterns of garden cultivation are identified and related to differences in resource endowment, to variations in the interpretation and implementation of government legislation and t o contrasting histories of involvement in commodity production. It is also demonstrated that within regions domestic strategies are not rigidly fixed but may be modified over time with changes in household composition and resources available.

scholarly journals Landscape structure in the Pirapó, Paranapanema 3 and 4 Hydrographic Unit, in the state of Paraná, Brazil

2015 ◽  
Vol 75 (4 suppl 2) ◽  
pp. 107-119
Author(s):  
M. T. Nóbrega ◽  
E. Serra ◽  
H. Silveira ◽  
P. M. B. Terassi ◽  
C. M. Bonifácio
Keyword(s):  
Land Use ◽  
Water Resources ◽  
Spatial Structure ◽  
Landscape Structure ◽  
Drainage Basin ◽  
The State ◽  
Integrated Analysis ◽  
Drainage Basins ◽  
Physical Attributes ◽  
Over Time

The aim of this study is to characterize the Pirapó, Paranapanema 3 and 4 Hydrographic Unit, emphasizing its physical attributes and processes of use and occupation, responsible for the structure of the current landscape and the state of its water resources. The recognition of the landscape’s spatial structure in the hydrographic unit and its drainage basins was obtained by integrated analysis of the main elements that compose it: geology, landforms (hypsometric and slope), soils, climate and land use. Analysis revealed that within each drainage basin several variations in the spatial structure of the landscape occur which produce an internal compartmentalization. Each compartment is defined by its own geo-ecological structure, physiognomic standards and dynamics, reflected in its potentialities and vulnerabilities and in the conditions of water resources in the wake of occupation and use over time.

scholarly journals Fair and Reasonable Allocation of Trans-Boundary Water Resources Based on an Asymmetric Nash Negotiation Model from the Satisfaction Perspective: A Case Study for the Lancang–Mekong River Bain

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (20) ◽  
pp. 7638 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fang Li ◽  
Feng-ping Wu ◽  
Liu-xin Chen ◽  
Yue Zhao ◽  
Xiang-nan Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Water Resources ◽  
Water Resource ◽  
Optimal Allocation ◽  
Mekong River ◽  
Allocation Scheme ◽  
Allocation Pattern ◽  
Negotiation Model ◽  
Conflict Problem ◽  
Resource Endowment ◽  
Negotiation Mechanism

The issue of trans-boundary water conflict has become an important factor affecting the relations between basin countries. The key to solve the current conflict problem is to realize the fair and reasonable allocation of trans-boundary water resources. Based on the satisfaction perspective, we developed an asymmetric Nash negotiation model to obtain an optimal and feasible allocation scheme for the trans-boundary water resources. Firstly, based on the two international water laws, we analyzed the influencing factors including water demand differences, resource endowment differences, and water efficiency differences, and by combing with the flexible weight constraint, we built the fair and reasonable allocation pattern for trans-boundary water resources. Secondly, under the constraint of the allocation pattern, we determined the ideal negotiation scheme of each basin country by considering their selection preference. Thirdly, we built a satisfaction degree function and established an asymmetric Nash negotiation model. This is used to build a fair negotiation mechanism among basin countries, and the allocation scheme after negotiation is regarded as the optimal allocation scheme. Lastly, we took the Lancang–Mekong river basin as an example. For this example, the results indicate the following: (1) after considering multiple factors comprehensively, China and Thailand obtained a higher proportion of trans-boundary water resource quota under different preference scenarios, while Myanmar obtained a lower proportion of trans-boundary water resource quota; (2) taking each basin country as the negotiation agent, the optimal allocation scheme with the introduction of fair negotiation mechanism has a higher degree of satisfaction, with an average of over 87.19%, which is more stable and easy to be accepted by all basin countries; (3) from the perspective of the change rate and the average satisfaction of the basin countries, the optimal allocation scheme under the resource endowment preference scenario obtained the highest satisfaction among basin countries. This study aims to improve the practicability and acceptability of trans-boundary water resources allocation, thus providing technical support for reducing trans-boundary water resources conflicts.

scholarly journals Bridging the gap between geographic concept and the data we have: The case of labor markets in the USA

2020 ◽  
Vol 52 (7) ◽  
pp. 1395-1414
Author(s):  
Christopher S Fowler ◽  
Leif Jensen
Keyword(s):  
Labor Market ◽  
Labor Markets ◽  
Research Question ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Regional Bias ◽  
Regional Variations ◽  
Research Outcomes ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Over Time

A broad literature has made it clear that geographic units must be selected with care or they are likely to introduce error and uncertainty into results. Nevertheless, researchers often use data “off the shelf” with the implicit assumptions that their observations are consistent with the geographical concept relevant for their research question, and that they are of uniformly high quality in capturing this geographic identity. In this paper, we consider the geographical concept of “labor market” and offer a template for both clarifying its meaning for research and testing the suitability of extant labor-market delineations. We establish a set of metrics for comparing the quality of existing labor-market delineations with respect to the diverse meanings that researchers apply to the concept. Using the fit metrics established here, researchers can explore how delineations vary geographically, how they vary over time, and how this variation may shape research outcomes. Our assessment is that the quality of the extant delineations is relatively high overall. However, we find that different delineations vary significantly in the types of labor markets they represent, and that regional variations in fit within any given delineation may introduce noise or regional bias that merits consideration in any analysis conducted with these units. More broadly, the kinds of metrics we propose here have applicability for many other geographic entities where boundaries and scale can be only imperfectly defined.

Freshwater Resource Exploitation: New Security Challenge for Africa

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (6) ◽  
pp. 722-731
Author(s):  
J. Ndumbe Anyu ◽  
William G. DZEKASHU
Keyword(s):  
Water Resources ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Good Governance ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Resource Exploitation ◽  
Community Adaptation ◽  
Freshwater Resource ◽  
Security Challenge ◽  
Catch Up ◽  
Excessive Water

Population growth and human activities such as freshwater resource exploitations continue to have shattering effects on ecological dynamics. These effects are likely not unrelated to issues emanating from climate change and global warming. There is adequate scientific evidence that supports shifting trends in the ecosystem and specifically relating to increased water use and loss of wetlands; that poses a new security challenge for Africa especially, and which without proper intervention, could be catastrophic; resulting in food shortage and profound implications on biodiversity conservation. Many measures have been put in place intended to arrest excessive water extraction; the measures include co-management, encouragement of local community adaptation methods, and good governance. It is unclear whether these methods can catch up with the speed of depletion of the water resources. There is fear that future scarcity in water resources could compound with other issues plaguing Africa to result in conflicts.

scholarly journals The changing role of local water resources over time (The case of Slovenian rural region Bela krajina)

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 177-193
Author(s):  
Dr. Trobec ◽  
Barbara Lampič ◽  
Dušan Plut
Keyword(s):  
Water Resources ◽  
Local Population ◽  
Water Systems ◽  
Local Communities ◽  
Cultural Value ◽  
Rural Region ◽  
Local Water ◽  
Changing Role ◽  
Over Time

Abstract The article examines issues of local water resources using Bela Krajina as an example - a rural, karst landscape in south-eastern Slovenia. In the field, we made an inventory of 261 different water resources, analysing their past and current use along with their role in the life of the local population and assessing their hydrogeological sensitivity and hydroecological threat they face. With the introduction of distributed water systems, water resources lost their traditional importance in terms of water supply, with local population’s reliance on and knowledge about them fading. Nevertheless, certain local communities have recently recognized their natural and cultural value, as well as their importance to ecosystems, which is reflected in initiatives for the preservation, protection and restoration of individual water resources. Most of Bela Krajina’s water resources are very sensitive to pollution due to the karst surface, however the actual hydroecological threat they face from human activities in their catchments is relatively low.

scholarly journals Climate change effects on the hydrology of the headwaters of the Tagus River: implications for the management of the Tagus–Segura transfer

2018 ◽  
Vol 22 (12) ◽  
pp. 6473-6491 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francisco Pellicer-Martínez ◽  
José Miguel Martínez-Paz
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Water Resources ◽  
River Basin ◽  
Hydrological Model ◽  
Water Cycle ◽  
Economic Loss ◽  
Climate Change Scenarios ◽  
Resource Exploitation ◽  
Climate Change Effects ◽  
Tagus River

Abstract. Currently, climate change is a major concern around the world, especially because of the uncertainty associated with its possible consequences for society. Among them, fluvial alterations can be highlighted in basins whose flows depend on groundwater discharges and snowmelt. This is the case of the headwaters of the Tagus River basin, whose water resources, besides being essential for water uses within this basin, are susceptible to being transferred to the Segura River basin (both basins are in the Iberian Peninsula). This work studies the possible effects that the latest climate change scenarios may have on this transfer, one of the most important ones in southern Europe. In the first place, the possible alterations of the water cycle of the donor basin were estimated. To do this, a hydrological model was calibrated. Then, with this model, three climatic scenarios were simulated, one without climate change and two projections under climate change (Representative Concentration Pathways 4.5 (RCP 4.5) and 8.5 (RCP 8.5)). The results of these three hydrological modelling scenarios were used to determine the possible flows that could be transferred from the Tagus River basin to the Segura River basin, by simulating the water resource exploitation system of the Tagus headwaters. The calibrated hydrological model predicts, for the simulated climate change scenarios, important reductions in the snowfalls and snow covers, the recharge of aquifers, and the available water resources. So, the headwaters of the Tagus River basin would lose part of its natural capacity for regulation. These changes in the water cycle for the climate change scenarios used would imply a reduction of around 70 %–79 % in the possible flows that could be transferred to the Segura basin, with respect to a scenario without climate change. The loss of water resources for the Segura River basin would mean, if no alternative measures were taken, an economic loss of EUR 380–425 million per year, due principally to decreased agricultural production.

Editorial Introduction

2009 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jamie Woodward
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Air Quality ◽  
Water Resources ◽  
Land Degradation ◽  
Environmental Changes ◽  
Urban Expansion ◽  
Monitoring Networks ◽  
Resource Exploitation ◽  
Mediterranean Environment ◽  
The Mediterranean

This volume has traced the development of the Mediterranean landscape over very long timescales and has examined modern processes in a wide range of settings. Earlier chapters have explored tectonic processes and the evolution of the topography and biota, the nature and impact of Quaternary climate change, and natural hazards, as well as the increasing role of human activity in shaping geomorphological processes and ecosystems during the course of the postglacial period. A core theme in several chapters is the nature of the relationship between humans and the Mediterranean environment. Over the last one hundred years or so, and especially in the period since the Second World War, this relationship has changed dramatically. Resource exploitation, urban expansion, and rural depopulation have all taken place at unprecedented rates, with major impacts upon the quality of land, water, air, and ecosystems. The final part of this volume examines four key topics of environmental concern; its four chapters explore, respectively, land degradation, water resources, interactions between air quality and the climate system, and biodiversity and conservation. Where possible, it is important to place these issues within an appropriate historical perspective. Many components of the Mediterranean environment have responded in a sensitive way to past environmental changes, but the pressures on land and water resources have never been more intense. Improved monitoring networks and new modelling efforts are needed to predict more effectively the impact of climate and social change on all environmental systems and to help inform policymakers seeking a more sustainable use of the region’s resources. Chapter 20 examines the ecological aspects of land degradation and sets out new ideas on productivity dynamics. It explores some of the interactions between land use change, vegetation dynamics, grazing patterns and wildfires. The uneven geography of water resources and water use are highlighted in Chapter 21. Water resource issues have become an increasingly important factor in the geopolitics of the region against a background of climate change uncertainty, rising demand, and a diminishing resource base. Chapter 22 analyses the interactions between climate, air quality, and the water cycle.

Translation studies communities in Spain and South Korea

2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 278-309 ◽  
Author(s):  
Weili Wang ◽  
Xiangdong Li
Keyword(s):  
South Korea ◽  
Comparative Study ◽  
Empirical Research ◽  
Academic Discipline ◽  
Translation Studies ◽  
Regional Variations ◽  
Specific Factors ◽  
Context Specific ◽  
Over Time ◽  
Cross National

Abstract Translation Studies (TS), while being one academic discipline, may develop differently in different regions under the influence of sociocultural contextual factors. TS communities in different societies may have different research foci and standards. However, to date, there has been little empirical research into such regional variations. By piloting a cross-national comparative study of the TS communities in Spain and South Korea, this study aims to identify and map the research foci and standards of the two TS communities, describe and explain real or apparent differences and similarities between them, and ultimately enhance understanding and awareness of possible particularities in different TS communities. Scholarly articles published in 24 international, Spain-based and Korea-based TS journals were systematically analyzed. The contributions of Spain-based and Korea-based scholars were compared diachronically. Results suggest that the two TS communities have differences in research foci, methodology, and authorship, and that over time the differences seem to decrease, potentially attributed to context-specific factors of the two TS communities.

scholarly journals The Land–Labour Hypothesis in a Settler Economy: Wealth, Labour and Household Composition on the South African Frontier

2018 ◽  
Vol 63 (2) ◽  
pp. 239-271 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeanne Cilliers ◽  
Erik Green
Keyword(s):  
South African ◽  
Market Access ◽  
Household Composition ◽  
Afrique Du Sud ◽  
Number Of Children ◽  
Land Availability ◽  
Frontier Region ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Farming Households ◽  
Over Time

AbstractTraditional frontier literature identifies a positive correlation between land availability and fertility. A common explanation is that the demand for child labour is higher in newly established frontier regions compared to older, more densely populated farming regions. In this paper, we contribute to the debate by analysing the relationship between household composition and land availability in a closing frontier region, i.e. the Graaff-Reinet district in South Africa’s Cape Colony from 1798–1828. We show that the number of children in farming households increased with frontier closure, while the presence of non-family labourers decreased over time. Contrasting with the classic interpretation, we explain this by acknowledging that the demand for family labour was not a function of its marginal productivity and that farmers reacted differently to diminishing land availability depending on their wealth. Poorer households, which made up the majority of this frontier population, responded to shrinking land availability by employing relatively more family labour, while the wealthiest group invested in strengthening market access.TRANSLATED ABSTRACTS FRENCH – GERMAN – SPANISHJeanne Cilliers et Erik Green. L’hypothèse sur la disponibilité de terres et la main d’œuvre dans une économie de colons: richesse, main d’œuvre et composition du ménage à la frontière sud-africaine.La littérature traditionnelle de la frontière identifie une corrélation positive entre la disponibilité de terres et la fertilité. Une explication courante est que la demande de travail des enfants est supérieure dans les régions frontalières nouvellement établies, par comparaison avec d’anciennes régions agricoles plus densément peuplées. Dans cet article, nous contribuons au débat en analysant la relation entre la composition du ménage et la disponibilité de terres dans une région frontalière en train de fermer, le district de Graaff-Reinert dans la Colonie du Cap en Afrique du Sud, entre 1798 et 1828. Les auteurs montrent que le nombre des enfants dans les ménages agricoles augmenta avec la fermeture des frontières, tandis que la présence d’ouvriers agricoles non familiaux déclina au fil des ans. Contrairement à l’interprétation classique, nous expliquons ce phénomène en reconnaissant que la demande de travailleurs familiaux ne dépendit pas de sa productivité marginale, et que les exploitants agricoles réagirent différemment selon leur richesse à la disponibilité de terres diminuante. Les foyers plus pauvres, qui constituaient la majorité de cette population frontalière, répondirent à la disponibilité de terres déclinante en employant relativement plus de main d’œuvre familiale, tandis que le groupe le plus riche investit dans le renforcement de l’accès au marché.Traduction: Christine Plard

scholarly journals REVIEW ON WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT AND KEY THREATS IN RWANDA, EAST AFRICA

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Valentine Mukanyandwi ◽  
Lamek Nahayo ◽  
Egide Hakorimana ◽  
Aboubakar Gasirabo ◽  
Shinebayar Otgon
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Water Quality ◽  
Water Resources ◽  
Population Growth ◽  
Rapid Population Growth ◽  
Resources Management ◽  
Management Measures ◽  
The Status ◽  
Sustainable Water Resources ◽  
Over Time

Water is important for human health, industry, agriculture and ensuring the integrity and sustainability of the ecosystem. The water resources are the top affected by climate variability and population growth. The current population of Rwanda is about 12 million heading to about 25 million in 2050 under the changing climate, where since 1970 temperature rose by 1.4°C and is predicted that in 2050 to be about 2.5°C with severe effects on water resources in Rwanda. Thereby, this study reviewed the status and causes of water quality problems and suggested appropriate options to undertake for sustainable water resources access, employ and management in Rwanda. It was noticed that among others, the key threats to water quality in Rwanda, include not limited to climate change causing rainfall patterns which generated flooding, landslides and periodic droughts, which loaded pollutants into water. In addition, water quality is jeopardized by the rapid population growth, agrochemicals, industrialization, urbanization, soil steepness and land mismanagement. Accordingly, the reviewed water quality indicate that the water quality pollution likelihood is increasing over time. These facts reveal that the water quality soon or late will be highly polluted and calls for further adaptation and management measures.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document