scholarly journals Diversity and Domestication Status of Spider Plant (Gynandropsis gynandra, L.) amongst Sociolinguistic Groups of Northern Namibia

Agronomy ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 56 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barthlomew Chataika ◽  
Levi Akundabweni ◽  
Enoch G. Achigan-Dako ◽  
Julia Sibiya ◽  
Kingdom Kwapata ◽  
...  

Knowledge on the diversity and domestication levels of the spider plant (Gynandropsis gynandra) has the potential to affect pre-breeding for client-preferred traits, yet information is scarce in Namibia due to limited research. We investigated indigenous knowledge on the species diversity and domestication levels in the regions of Kavango West, Ohangwena, Omusati, Oshana, and Oshikoto of northern Namibia. Semi-structured interviews involving 100 randomly selected farming households, four key informant interviews, and a focus group discussion were conducted. Descriptive and chi-square tests were conducted using IBM SPSS version 20. Out of the possible four morphotypes, the results suggested that only one with green stem and green petiole existed and was associated with soils rich in organic manure. Spider plant abundance was reported to be on the decline, due to declining soil fertility. On a scale of 0 (wild species) to 6 (highest level of domestication), an index of 1.56 was found and this implied very low domestication levels. Furthermore, the study found significant differences in the trends of domestication across the sociolinguistic groups (χ2 (12, N = 98) = 46.9, p < 0.001) and regions studied (χ2 (12, N = 100) = 47.8, p < 0.001), suggesting cultural and geographical influences. In conclusion, the findings constituted an important precedent for guiding subsequent pre-breeding efforts.

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (16) ◽  
pp. 6604
Author(s):  
Barthlomew Yonas Chataika ◽  
Levi Shadeya-Mudogo Akundabweni ◽  
Enoch G. Achigan-Dako ◽  
Julia Sibiya ◽  
Kingdom Kwapata

Spider plants (Gynandropsis gynandra, L. Briq.) are a semi-wild vegetable reported to have high nutritional, medicinal, insecticidal, and cultural values, yet continue to be neglected in research. The study was undertaken to investigate indigenous knowledge and utilization of the species in five regions of northern Namibia. Three tools were used; (i) focus group discussion, (ii) semi-structured interviews involving a random selection of 100 farming households and 24 consumers, and (iii) key informant interviews involving four agricultural staff and two open-market supervisors. Data were subjected to descriptive statistics, inferential, and cluster analyses. The study found that farming households and consumers placed higher nutritional, sociocultural, and medicinal values in spider plants than any other vegetable. Ranking of utilization traits, such as nutritional, sociocultural, and medicinal use, revealed three clusters of sociolinguistic groups associated with geographical region. The vegetable was sold and used in most cultural, traditional, and religious functions as a relish, as a source of honor, to bring luck, and for protection. The diverse uses and value placed on spider plants could offer an opportunity for the development of technologies for enhancing their domestication, production, and utilization. It is recommended that follow-up studies be carried to identify specific sociocultural and geographic factors affecting the use of spider plants.


2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 156 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bridget Bwalya Umar

This study utilized 120 semi-structured interviews with smallholder farming households and two focus group discussions; as well as several key informant interviews with experts to explore the promotion and uptake of conservation agriculture (CA) in Mufulira, Zambia. Results reveal that ridges and flat culture continued to be the preferred tillage systems (97 per cent and 55 per cent respectively) despite the farmers having been trained in the use of a minimum tillage technique. None of the interviewed farmers perceived CA as a solution to any of their agricultural related problems. The NGO promoting CA in the district had framed it as suited for and claimed to target labour constrained HIV/AIDS affected households. Conversely, farmers complained that CA was challenging for them due to its high labour demands (23 per cent); poor harvests (18 per cent) and was unsuited to the rainfall patterns of the area (10 per cent). Local agricultural experts contested the promotion of basins in Mufulira. The framing of CA as a solution to labour constraints did not seem to hold in the study area. This effectively limited the contestation spaces available to the public officials with dissenting views on the suitability of basin CA in the district.


2021 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. 48
Author(s):  
Enock Mandizadza ◽  
Stanzia Moyo

Background: Cancer is a highly stigmatized illness associated with profound adverse impact on communities, families and diagnosed individuals. Notwithstanding extensive theorizing since Erving Goffman’s classical contributions, health stigma is well explicated in context-specific and situated analysis. The current study explored the manifestations of self and enacted stigma among 20 selected people diagnosed with cancer from rural and urban Zimbabwe, who sought quaternary level of health care services in the capital, Harare. Methods: Phenomenological methodology was enlisted to capture intimate expressions of stigma as expressed about, and by people diagnosed with cancer. Data collection methods used includes semi-structured interviews, key informant interviews and focus group discussions. A semi-structured in-depth interview guide, focus group discussion guide and a key informant interview guide were the tools used to collect the data. Results: The study identified five themes of stigma, indicating pronounced, complex and multiple catalogues of stigma embedded in the existing socio-cultural milieu. Conclusions: This study stands to offer invaluable conceptual schemas and empirical insights on health-related stigma, and may aid in nursing and in the design of educational programs meant to combat health stigma.


1970 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 09
Author(s):  
Shinta Kristianti

Transmission of HIV-AIDS in Indonesia is growing fast, one of the triggers are due to risky sexual behavior, including sexual behavior in FSW’s clients. This study aimed to analyze the factors that influence the behavior of condom use on the FSW’s clients in Semampir Kediri. This study used quantitative methods to the design of explanatory research with cross sectional approach. A triangulation of qualitative data used to support the results of quantitative analysis were excavated from WPS and pimps as a cross check answers FSW’s clients, the means used was to in-depth interviews and FGDs (Focus Group Discussion) on the FSW and pimps. Sample size was 66 people. Univariate data analysis, with chi-square bivariate and multivariate logistic regression. Results showed most respondents (71.2%) behave consistent in using condoms.Variables related to condom use behavior in FSW were knowledge, perception of vulnerability, severity perceived, benefits perceived, barriers perceived and perceived ability to self (self-efficacy), the availability of condoms, condom regulation, support of friends and support of FSW. Support of friend was the most influential variable on the practice of using condoms to FSW’s clients and the OR value was 19.218.; Key words: female sex workers (FSW), FSW’s clients, condom, consistent 


2019 ◽  
Vol 55 (4) ◽  
pp. 600-616
Author(s):  
Chiemezie Scholastica Atama ◽  
Uzoma Odera Okoye ◽  
Amelia Ngozi Odo ◽  
Aloysius Odii ◽  
Uche Teresa Okonkwo

Despite the benefit of modern contraception, its use remains low in Nigeria. This study examined belief system as a barrier to the use of modern contraceptives among the Idoma of Benue State, North Central Nigeria. Questionnaire ( n = 1107), in-depth interview ( n = 6) and focus group discussion ( n = 52) were used to collect data from three local government areas (LGAs). The results showed high levels of knowledge (88.0%), however, only 37.8% used modern contraceptives. The male condom had the highest percentage use (56.7%). Chi-square results showed that LGA, education and occupation were significantly related to the use of modern contraceptives. Being of greater age increased the likelihood of use, whereas higher levels of education and income decreased the likelihood of modern contraceptive use ( p < 0.05). Qualitative data indicated that married women were expected to eschew modern contraceptives due to their belief in Alekwu, the community deity. Designing interventions that are culturally specific could promote use of modern contraceptives among the group.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wouter Bakker ◽  
Siem Zethof ◽  
Felix Nansongole ◽  
Kelvin Kilowe ◽  
Jos van Roosmalen ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective Informed consent is a prerequisite for caesarean section, the commonest surgical procedure in low- and middle-income settings, but not always acquired to an appropriate extent. Exploring perceptions of health care workers may aid in improving clinical practice around informed consent. We aim to explore health workers’ beliefs and experiences related to principles and practice of informed consent. Methods Qualitative study conducted between January and June 2018 in a rural 150-bed mission hospital in Southern Malawi. Clinical observations, semi-structured interviews and a focus group discussion were used to collect data. Participants were 22 clinical officers, nurse-midwives and midwifery students involved in maternity care. Data were analysed to identify themes and construct an analytical framework. Results Definition and purpose of informed consent revolved around providing information, respecting women’s autonomy and achieving legal protection. Due to fear of blame and litigation, health workers preferred written consent. Written consent requires active participation by the consenting individual and was perceived to transfer liability to that person. A woman’s refusal to provide written informed consent may pose a dilemma for the health worker between doing good and respecting autonomy. To prevent such refusal, health workers said to only partially disclose surgical risks in order to minimize women's anxiety. Commonly perceived barriers to obtain a fully informed consent were labour pains, language barriers, women’s lack of education and their dependency on others to make decisions. Conclusions Health workers are familiar with the principles around informed consent and aware of its advantages, but fear of blame and litigation, partial disclosure of risks and barriers to communication hamper the process of obtaining informed consent. Findings can be used to develop interventions to improve the informed consent process.


2004 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 5-16
Author(s):  
Carolyn Vos Strache ◽  
Alana Strong ◽  
Cheree Peterson

The omnipresent physical self remains for young adult females a significant measure of self-worth. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that coping strategies are as complex as they are pervasive as young women strive to maintain positive psychological outlooks despite negatively-perceived physical attributes. Self-presentational concerns may affect one’s activity choice.This study expands on the work of Taylor, Neter, and Wayment (1995) to determine which motives guide the self-evaluation processes of the physical self. An examination of structured interviews identifies which motives direct women in the self-evaluation of their bodies, and concurrently examines whether different motives determine individual response when appraising a “good” versus “not good” physical aspect. Motives, as defined by Taylor et al. (1995), were self-enhancement, self-verification, self-improvement and self-assessment. Interviews were conducted with 30 female, Southern California, undergraduate college students from Southern California, ranging in age from 19-22.A chi-square analysis revealed that women employed different motives in “good” versus “not good” body aspect comparisons (Enhancement: X2 = 21.78 p< .01; Verification: X2 = 10.05 p< .01; Improvement: X2 = 5.15 p< .05). When describing a “good” aspect, women employed the enhancement motive 92 percent of the time, verification 80 percent of the time, and improvement 15 percent of the time. For “not good” aspects, women used enhancement motive 53 percent of the time, verification 98 percent of the time, and improvement 33 percent of the time. Women used more than one motive 74 percent of the time and single motives only 26 percent of the time in the evaluation process. Direct quotes reveal that almost all the women sought out information about themselves when they thought it would reflect favorably. However, when they reported on a “not good” aspect, coping mechanisms included redirecting their attention to more positive characteristics or mentally cordoning off an area of weakness to prevent that attribute from permeating all aspects of their identity. Understanding how we think in the self-evaluation process may offer an explanation why some people are motivated to exercise and why others are not.


2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 102
Author(s):  
Mehretie Belay

Soil damage by moving water is a somber predicament on farmlands in highland Ethiopia. Sizeable number of trial in farmland preservation has been executed to handle the crisis during the last tens of years. However, the attempts have not been vibrant to trim-down the danger to an attractive extent. This paper evaluates factors contributing to application of soil-steps (bunds) as sustainable farmland management technology (SFLMT) by smallholder farmers in one of the high-potential districts of northwest Ethiopia named Dangila Woreda (District). Mixed method triangulation designs involving concurrent acquisition and interpretation of quantitative and qualitative data were used in the study. Data were acquired from randomly chosen 201 farming households during the harvest seasons of 2011 and 2012. Ordered questionnaire, participatory field observation, key informant interview and focus group discussion were mechanisms employed during the data acquisition. Descriptive statistics (means, standard deviations and percentiles), Chi-square test, t-test and the binary logistic regression model were used to analyze the quantitative data. The qualitative information was textually narrated to augment the quantitative results. Findings of the investigation confirm that age of the household head, the number of household members, slope of the farmland, the size of the farmland held, households’ participation in indigenous labour-sharing activities and the number of farm tools owned were significantly increasing the building of soil-steps as SFLMT in the study district. Involvement in off-farm activities and pest invasions were considerably hindering farmers from building soil-steps on their farmlands. The results in general indicated that households’ access to livelihood assets are key promoters for farmers’ implementation of soil-steps on their farmlands. Local resource preservation and improvement trials should thus ponder on convalescing farmers’ material endowments to improve their capability to use soil-steps as SFLMT in their farming activities.


2018 ◽  
Vol 72 (4) ◽  
pp. 411-435 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. O. Dêêdi Sogbohossou ◽  
Enoch G. Achigan-Dako ◽  
Tinde van Andel ◽  
M. Eric Schranz

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 442-450
Author(s):  
Rosyita Rosyita ◽  
Nova Sumaini Prihatin ◽  
Hendrika Wijaya Kartini Putri

Based on WHO (World Health Organization) data showing nearly 43 million more (18.3%) of the total population is teenagers. The famous issues among teenagers one of them related to sexual behavior. The purpose of this study to analyze the relationship of communication media  with risky sexual activity in adolescent boys in MAN of  Kota Lhokseumawe in 2018. This research uses mixed methods with cross sectional design on quantitative research and sequential explanatory strategy in qualitative research. The population in this research are students of class X and XI a number of 120 students. The sample that used for quantitative research is total population while for qualitative research is 18 people with inclusion and exclusion criteria. Collecting data on quantitative research is by distributing questionnaires while in qualitative research with in-dept interview and Focus Group Discussion (FGD). Analysis of bivariate data using chi square test. Qualitative data analysis is done by Thematical Analysis.The result of bivariate analysis about communication media obtained result p value = 0,000, RP = 2,519. The result of indept-interview is found that besides communication media factor to risky sexual activity such as peer factor, parents, faith and drug users. It is expected that policy makers should increase supervision over existing school rules.   Abstrak Berdasarkan data WHO (Word Health Organization) menunjukkan hampir 43 juta jiwa lebih (18,3%) dari keseluruhan total jumlah penduduk adalah remaja. Masalah yang menonjol dikalangan remaja salah satunya terkait dengan perilaku seksual. Tujuan penelitian ini menganalisis hubungan media komunikasi dengan aktivitas seksual berisiko pada remaja laki-laki di MAN Kota Lhokseumawe tahun 2018. Penelitian ini menggunakan mixed methods dengan desain cross sectional pada penelitian kuantitatif dan strategi sequential explanatory pada penelitian kualitatif. Sampel yang digunakan untuk penelitian kuantitatif sejumlah 120 orang dan untuk penelitian kualitatif berjumlah 18 orang. Pengumpulan data pada penelitian kuantitatif dengan cara penyebaran kuesioner sedangkan pada penelitian kualitatif dengan cara indept interview dan Focus Group Discussion (FGD). Analisis data bivariat menggunakan uji chi square. Analisis  data kualitatif dilakukan degan cara Thematical Analysis. Hasil analisis bivariat tentang media komunikasi diperoleh hasil p value =0,000, RP=2,519, hasil tersebut menunjukkan bahwa adanya hubungan media komunikasi dengan aktivitas seksual berisiko. Hasil indept-interview didapatkan bahwa selain faktor media komunikasi terdapat faktor lain yang berhubungan dengan aktivitas seksual berisiko yaitu faktor teman sebaya, orang tua, keimanan dan pengguna NAPZA. Diharapkan kepada pengambil kebijakan untuk lebih meningkatkan pengawasan terhadap peraturan yang sudah berlaku disekolah.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document