scholarly journals Potential for Farmers’ Cooperatives to Convert Coffee Husks into Biochar and Promote the Bioeconomy in the North Ecuadorian Amazon

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 4747
Author(s):  
Mario A. Heredia Salgado ◽  
Ina Säumel ◽  
Andrea Cianferoni ◽  
Luís A. C. Tarelho
Keyword(s):  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Agricultural Waste ◽  
The North ◽  
Income Sources ◽  
Ecuadorian Amazon ◽  
Specific Standard ◽  
The Government ◽  
Post Harvesting ◽  
Term Maintenance

Improving the livelihoods of communities living in fragile ecosystems, such as tropical forests, is among the main strategies to promote their conservation and preserve wildlife. In the Ecuadorian Amazon, farmers’ cooperatives are recognized as an important mechanism to improve the socioeconomic conditions of local communities. This study analyzes the integration of pyrolysis processes to convert agricultural waste into biochar as a way to implement the bioeconomy in these organizations. We found that post-harvesting processes in the studied farmers’ cooperatives are similar, and coffee husks are a potential feedstock to produce biochar. Although the environmental policies in Ecuador consider the valorization of agricultural waste, we did not find any specific standard to regulate the operation of pyrolysis facilities. Nonetheless, conversion of agricultural waste into biochar can contribute to (i) replacement of subsidized fossil fuels used in drying processes, (ii) prevention of environmental pollution caused by accumulation of waste, (iii) emergence of new income sources linked with the provision of carbon sequestration services, and (iv) the long-term maintenance of soil fertility. Currently, demonstration projects are needed to stimulate collaboration among farmers’ cooperatives, academia, the government, international cooperation agencies, and existing forest conservation initiatives.

Using system dynamics to evaluate renewable electricity development in Malaysia

Kybernetes ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 43 (1) ◽  
pp. 24-39 ◽  
Author(s):  
Salman Ahmad ◽  
Razman bin Mat Tahar
Keyword(s):  
System Dynamics ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Systems Approach ◽  
Capacity Expansion ◽  
Assessment Model ◽  
Flow Diagram ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Government ◽  
Policy Targets

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide an assessment of Malaysia's renewable capacity target. Malaysia relies heavily on fossil fuels for electricity generation. To diversify the fuel-mix, a technology-specific target has been set by the government in 2010. Considering the complexity in generation expansion, there is a dire need for an assessment model that can evaluate policy in a feedback fashion. The study also aims to expand policy evaluation literature in electricity domain by taking a dynamic systems approach. Design/methodology/approach – System dynamics modelling and simulation approach is used in this study. The model variables, selected from literature, are constituted into casual loop diagram. Later, a stock and flow diagram is developed by integrating planning, construction, operation, and decision making sub-models. The dynamic interactions between the sub-sectors are analysed based on the short-, medium- and long-term policy targets. Findings – Annual capacity constructions fail to achieve short-, medium- and long-term targets. However, the difference in operational capacity and medium- and long-term target are small. In terms of technology, solar photovoltaic (PV) attains the highest level of capacity followed by biomass. Research limitations/implications – While financial calculations are crucial for capacity expansion decisions, currently they are not being modelled; this study primarily focuses on system delays and exogenous components only. Practical implications – A useful model that offers regulators and investors insights on system characteristics and policy targets simultaneously. Originality/value – This paper provides a model for evaluating policy for renewable capacity expansion development in a dynamic context, for Malaysia.

Agricultural Drought in North-Central Mexico

2005 ◽  
Author(s):  
José Alfredo Rodríguez-Pineda ◽  
Lorrain Giddings
Keyword(s):  
Agricultural Land ◽  
Agricultural Drought ◽  
Natural Phenomenon ◽  
North Central ◽  
Water Policies ◽  
The North ◽  
Time Period ◽  
Northern Half ◽  
The Government

Drought is the most significant natural phenomenon that affects the agriculture of northern Mexico. The more drought-prone areas in Mexico fall in the northern half of the country, in the states of Chihuahua, Coahuila, Durango, Zacatecas, and Aguascalientes (figure 10.1). The north-central states form part of the Altiplanicie Mexicana and account for 30.7% of the national territory of 1,959,248 km2. This area is characterized by dry and semidry climates (Garcia, 1981) and recurrent drought periods. The climate of Mexico varies from very dry to subhumid. Very dry climate covers 21%, dry climate covers 28%, and temperate subhumid and hot subhumid climates prevail in 21% and 23% of the national territory, respectively. About 20 years ago, almost 75% of Mexico’s agricultural land was rainfed, and only 25% irrigated (Toledo et al., 1985), making the ratio of rainfed to irrigated area equal to 3. However, for the northern states this ratio was 3.5 during the 1990–98 period (table 10.1). Because of higher percentage of rain-fed agriculture, drought is a common phenomenon in this region, which has turned thousands of hectares of land into desert. Though the government has built dams, reservoirs, and other irrigation systems to alleviate drought effects, rain-fed agriculture (or dryland farming) remains the major form of cultivation in Mexico. In Mexico, there is no standard definition for agricultural drought. However, the Comisión Nacional del Agua (CNA; i.e., National Water Commission), which is a federal agency responsible for making water policies, has coined its own definition for drought. This agency determines whether a particular region has been affected by drought, by studying rainfall records collected from the national climatic network. The national climatic network is spread throughout the country and is managed by the Servicio Meteorológico Nacional (SMN; i.e., National Meteorological Services). The CNA determines, for a municipal region, if the rainfall is equal to or less than one standard deviation from the long-term mean over a time period of two or more consecutive months. If it is, then the secretary of state declares drought for the region.

Solar sector success in Mexico will be muted

2016 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Solar Power ◽  
Clean Energy ◽  
The State ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The North ◽  
Power Infrastructure ◽  
The Government ◽  
Power Auction

Subject The outlook for solar power in Mexico. Significance Mexico's second-largest solar park -- Central Los Santos Solar I -- began operations on April 18. Its inauguration followed the first long-term power auction to supply the state-owned utility Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) on March 28, and is part of a modest expansion of solar power infrastructure in the north of the country. Impacts The government plans to hold an electricity tender every year, with the terms released in April. The outcome of the second long-term power auction will be made public on September 30. According to Under-Secretary of Clean Energy Efrain Villanueva Arcos, the government may increase further its clean energy goals for 2021.

scholarly journals A case of tightrope walking

2016 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 238-250 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donna Bramwell ◽  
Caroline Sanders ◽  
Anne Rogers
Keyword(s):  
Government Employees ◽  
Content Type ◽  
North West ◽  
Workplace Engagement ◽  
The North ◽  
Depth Study ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Depth Interviews

Purpose – Given that current policy in the UK is focused on encouraging individuals with long-term health conditions (LTCs) to work wherever possible, the purpose of this paper is to explore employer’s and manager’s perspectives of supporting those with LTCs as any successful workplace engagement will largely be influenced by their readiness to be supportive. Design/methodology/approach – In total, 40 semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with employers’ and managers’ from a range of organisations in the north-west of England during the period March 2011 to January 2012. Comparative analysis of the data was guided and informed by grounded theory principles. Findings – All bar one participant typified their role as one of a difficult “balancing” act of additional and often incompatible demands, pressures and feelings. It was evident that coping with this ambivalent situation incurred an emotional consequence for participants. Practical implications – Employers’ and managers’ response to ambivalent feelings may serve to undermine their capacity to translate supportive intentions into tangible action and are thus reflected in employee’s perceptions of unsupportive relations. Developing an intervention to raise awareness of the potential for this situation and subsequent impact on the return to work process would be beneficial for all stakeholders – the government, employees and employers alike. Originality/value – This in-depth study gives voice to employers and managers whose experiences and perceptions of supporting people with LTCs is largely unknown and empirically under-researched. Findings add to the wealth of research from the employee perspective to provide a more nuanced picture of the workplace for those working with and/or supporting those with LTCs.

scholarly journals Boko Haram Terrorism and a Threat to Right to Education

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 149
Author(s):  
Ayobami Samson Joshua
Keyword(s):  
Northern Region ◽  
Educational Opportunities ◽  
Right To Education ◽  
Boko Haram ◽  
The North ◽  
Nigerian Government ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Right ◽  
North And South

The government shall direct its policy towards giving to the citizens equal and adequate educational opportunities at all levels. Although, not classified as a fundamental right, this constitutional prescription remains at the forefront of the basic objectives of the Nigerian government; yet, despite this laudable objective, the Northern region of Nigeria has a consistent record of low enrolment rate of indigenous pupils in schools, thereby creating a noticeable disparity between the North and South of Nigeria in terms of education. It is against this background that this paper discusses the evolution, incidences and enabling circumstances of Boko Haram terrorism in Nigeria and its effects on education, particularly in the areas affected. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the long term consequences of the Boko Haram terrorism on the right to education, as guaranteed by the 1999 constitution, in the affected areas of Nigeria. The paper traces the origin and factors that aided the Boko Haram terrorism. It also considers the extent of the effectiveness of the response of the Nigerian government in tackling the problem. The findings prove that, although the response of the government has been active, yet it has not been effective in curtailing the terrorist activities. This has negatively impacted on education in the affected areas of the Northern Nigeria. The paper suggested measures to address the problem.

Andeanism and Anti-Andeanism in Twentieth-Century Venezuela

1975 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Winfield J. Burggraaff
Keyword(s):  
Twentieth Century ◽  
Armed Forces ◽  
Rio Grande Do Sul ◽  
National Politics ◽  
Regional Control ◽  
The North ◽  
Single Region ◽  
Entire Nation ◽  
The Government

A significant but largely overlooked phenomenon in twentieth-century Latin America has been the extended dominance of a single region over an entire nation. To one degree or another this type of regionalism has existed in several countries, including revolutionary Mexico, with the rise of the North and the Sonora Dynasty, and Brazil, with the control of national politics by the São Paulo-Minas Gerais axis from the 1890’s to 1930, followed by the rise of Rio Grande do Sul. In the following pages I will examine this type of regionalism as it occurred in Venezuela, in the form of Táchiran dominance over the government and armed forces for the first forty-five years of this century. My purpose is to explain how the men of one small agricultural state could maintain such long-term mastery over the country, what sort of reaction this “hegemony” produced, what the limits of regional control were, and, finally, when Táchiran rule definitively ended.

scholarly journals Changing Prices in a Changing Climate: Electoral Competition and Fossil Fuel Taxation

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jared J. Finnegan
Keyword(s):  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Fossil Fuel ◽  
Political Competition ◽  
Electoral Competition ◽  
Tax Rates ◽  
Gasoline Tax ◽  
Original Dataset ◽  
The Government ◽  
Climate Change Politics

When do governments increase the price of fossil fuels? Charting the theoretical territory between climate change politics and long-term policymaking, this paper highlights the role of electoral competition in shaping how politicians respond to the intertemporal tradeoff fossil fuel taxation represents. The more secure the government is in office, the more insulated it is from the vagaries of political competition, and the more likely it is to impose costs on constituents today to generate a future stable climate. By influencing governments’ time preferences, competition structures the myopia of elected officials. I test the arguments using an original dataset of gasoline taxation across high-income democracies between 1988-2013. I find evidence that higher levels of competition are associated with lower gasoline tax rates, and that the relationship is moderated by the level of costs imposed on voters, but not government partisanship.

scholarly journals Evaluating the Key Determinants of India’s Energy Security and Overseas Equity Oil Investment

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 25
Author(s):  
Dulal Halder ◽  
Anshuman Gupta
Keyword(s):  
Energy Security ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Policy Instrument ◽  
Oil Companies ◽  
National Oil Companies ◽  
Equity Ownership ◽  
Growing Economy ◽  
The Government

<p>In a span of about two decades, India has become the second fastest growing economy in the world after China. India has surpassed other Asian developing countries not only because of increases in inflows of foreign direct investment but also because of its potential to be a significant outward investor, including in the energy sector. With less than one percent of the world’s oil and gas reserves, more than 80% of its oil requirement is imported. Overseas equity oil investment gradually emerged as a policy instrument of augmenting energy security. In the early 2000s, Indian national oil companies (NOCs) were encouraged by the Government to seek sourcing fossil fuels from abroad. While equity ownership ensures long-term supply security, they are complex and bring in strategic and geo-political considerations. Within India, there are demands for stronger diplomatic support. In this paper, the factors governing outward investment for equity oil are analysed in the context of an energy security framework with four vectors of Accessibility, diversity, reliability, and affordability.</p>

scholarly journals Assessment of the Potential of Biomass Gasification for Electricity Generation in Bangladesh

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barun Kumar Das ◽  
S. M. Najmul Hoque
Keyword(s):  
Power Generation ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Agricultural Waste ◽  
Primary Energy ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Electricity Production ◽  
Total Power ◽  
The Government

Bangladesh is an agriculture based country where more than 65 percent of the people live in rural areas and over 70% of total primary energy consumption is covered by biomass, mainly agricultural waste and wood. Only about 6% of the entire population has access to natural gas, primarily in urban areas. Electricity production in Bangladesh largely depends on fossil fuel whose reserve is now under threat and the government is now focusing on the alternating sources to harness electricity to meet the continuous increasing demand. To reduce the dependency on fossil fuels, biomass to electricity could play a vital role in this regard. This paper explores the biomass based power generation potential of Bangladesh through gasification technology—an efficient thermochemical process for distributed power generation. It has been estimated that the total power generation from the agricultural residue is about 1178 MWe. Among them, the generation potential from rice husk, and bagasses is 1010 MWe, and 50 MWe, respectively. On the other hand, wheat straw, jute stalks, maize residues, lentil straw, and coconut shell are also the promising biomass resources for power generation which counted around 118 MWe. The forest residue and municipal solid waste could also contribute to the total power generation 250 MWe and 100 MWe, respectively.

Long-term Cyclic Variations of Prominences, Green and Red Coronae over Solar Cycles

2000 ◽  
Vol 179 ◽  
pp. 201-204
Author(s):  
Vojtech Rušin ◽  
Milan Minarovjech ◽  
Milan Rybanský
Keyword(s):  
Emission Lines ◽  
High Latitudes ◽  
Green Line ◽  
Solar Cycles ◽  
The South ◽  
Coronal Emission ◽  
Local Maxima ◽  
The North ◽  
Cyclic Variations

AbstractLong-term cyclic variations in the distribution of prominences and intensities of green (530.3 nm) and red (637.4 nm) coronal emission lines over solar cycles 18–23 are presented. Polar prominence branches will reach the poles at different epochs in cycle 23: the north branch at the beginning in 2002 and the south branch a year later (2003), respectively. The local maxima of intensities in the green line show both poleward- and equatorward-migrating branches. The poleward branches will reach the poles around cycle maxima like prominences, while the equatorward branches show a duration of 18 years and will end in cycle minima (2007). The red corona shows mostly equatorward branches. The possibility that these branches begin to develop at high latitudes in the preceding cycles cannot be excluded.

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