Opportunities and Challenges in the Ethiopian Bamboo Sector: A Market Analysis of the Bamboo-Based Value Web

Bamboo is one of the more important natural resources in Ethiopia and contributes to the bioeconomy as a potential source for high-value products. While the country is the largest producer of bamboo in Africa, the existing utilization of the bamboo sector in Ethiopia remains under-developed, with little value addition. This study identifies the current market challenges and opportunities for future developments of the northern Ethiopian bamboo sector, with a focus on the Injibara township. This research adopts the “value web” approach to assess the potentials of different product lines that create the bamboo biomass value web. We utilize qualitative data collection methods, in particular, semi-structured interviews and informal focus group discussions with key stakeholders. Our findings suggest that bamboo farmers in Injibara are constrained by a lack of local demand and market for bamboo products with high-value addition, leading to an absence of product diversification and innovation. Furthermore, there is an overreliance on foreign technology and methods that are poorly matched for local needs. We recommend that policymakers invest in targeted and effective training strategies on bamboo cultivation and processing. Furthermore, farmers can benefit from decreasing their reliance on middle men with cooperatives or contract arrangements.

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Context-acceptability theories: example of family planning interventions in five African countries

Implementation Science ◽

10.1186/s13012-020-01074-z ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Jayne Webster ◽

Shari Krishnaratne ◽

Jenna Hoyt ◽

Shiferaw Dechasa Demissie ◽

Nathaly Spilotros ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Family Planning ◽

Low Birthweight ◽

Analytical Framework ◽

Modern Contraceptive ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

African Countries ◽

Group Discussions ◽

Effective Interventions ◽

Key Stakeholders ◽

Values And Beliefs

Abstract Background Family planning (FP) can lengthen birth intervals and potentially reduce the risk of foetal death, low birthweight, prematurity, and being small for gestational age. Effective FP is most easily achieved through access to and acceptability of modern contraceptive methods (MCMs). This study aimed to identify mechanisms of acceptability and the contexts in which they are triggered and to generate theories to improve the selection and implementation of effective interventions by studying an intervention integrating FP with childhood immunisation services. Methods Qualitative interpretative synthesis of findings from realist evaluations of FP interventions in five African countries was guided by an analytical framework. Empirical mechanisms of acceptability were identified from semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with key stakeholders (N = 253). The context in which these mechanisms were triggered was also defined. Empirical mechanisms of acceptability were matched to constructs of a theoretical framework of acceptability. Context-acceptability theories (CATs) were developed, which summarised constructs of acceptability triggered for specific actors in specified contexts. Examples of interventions that may be used to trigger acceptability for these actors were described. Results Seven CATs were developed for contexts with strong beliefs in religious values and with powerful religious leaders, a traditional desire for large families, stigmatisation of MCM use, male partners who are non-accepting of FP, and rumours or experiences of MCM side effects. Acceptability mechanisms included alignment with values and beliefs without requiring compromise, actors’ certainty about their ability to avoid harm and make the intervention work, and understanding the intervention and how it works. Additionally, acceptability by one group of actors was found to alter the context, triggering acceptability mechanisms amongst others. Conclusions This study demonstrated the value of embedding realist approaches within implementation research. CATs are transferable theories that answer the question: given the context, what construct of acceptability does an intervention need to trigger, or more simply, what intervention do we need to apply here to achieve our outcomes? CATs facilitate transfer of interventions across geographies within defined contexts.

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Novice Teachers’ Beliefs and Knowledge about Education for Sustainable Development

Acta Paedagogica Vilnensia ◽

10.15388/actpaed.44.3 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 44 ◽

pp. 34-44

Author(s):

Olena Zhukova ◽

Ilona Fjodorova ◽

Dzintra Iliško

Keyword(s):

Sustainable Development ◽

Novice Teachers ◽

Professional Practice ◽

Teaching And Learning ◽

Education For Sustainable Development ◽

Study Data ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Group Discussions ◽

Teachers Beliefs ◽

Collection Methods

Incorporating education for sustainable development (ESD) into the curriculum is one of the main priorities of education policy in Latvia and internationally. Implementation of ESD relies greatly on individual teachers’ beliefs, enthusiasm, theoretical knowledge and practical expertise. It is widely recognized that teachers’ beliefs influence their decisions about the curriculum, pedagogy and assessment. While teachers’ beliefs and general pedagogical knowledge receive considerable attention in teacher education research worldwide, novice teachers’ beliefs and knowledge regarding sustainability and ESD are not widely discussed despite the widespread assumption that teacher’s preparedness and intention to teach ESD tend to be motivated by the beliefs and knowledge a teacher holds. Some education researchers argue that novice teachers tend to have limited understanding of sustainability and ESD. The aim of the research described in this article was to reveal the range of ways in which a sample of 32 volunteer novice teachers in Latvia perceive, understand and experience ESD, as well as how ESD relates to their professional practice. A phenomenographic approach is applied in this study. Data collection methods include semi-structured interviews, written questionnaires, and focus group discussions. The study revealed a range of ways in which novice teachers conceptualize sustainability and ESD. The insights from this research might serve to inform teaching and learning practices in the undergraduate and postgraduate teaching courses and to prepare teachers more adequately to implement ESD.

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Conservation Debates: People’s Perceptions and Values towards a Privately Protected Area in Southern Ecuador

Land ◽

10.3390/land10030233 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (3) ◽

pp. 233

Author(s):

Verónica Iñiguez-Gallardo ◽

Fabián Reyes-Bueno ◽

Olga Peñaranda

Keyword(s):

Protected Areas ◽

Land Tenure ◽

Protected Area ◽

Planning Process ◽

Social Needs ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Key Stakeholders ◽

Southern Ecuador ◽

Negative Perceptions ◽

Land Tenure System

The perceptions and values that local communities have towards protected areas are of great value for the improvement of these territories’ management. Such perceptions and values are often absent in the conservation planning process, particularly in those privately protected areas that are established in areas where the land tenure system is based not only on ownership but also on customary uses. Drawing on qualitative and quantitative data obtained through semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders and members of communities surrounding a privately protected area in southern Ecuador, we identify that the level of collaboration with the managers, the distance to the protected area, the percentage of untitled land, and the dependence on the resources (customary uses) are among the variables affecting these perceptions and values. Positive perceptions towards protected areas and naturalistic values are developed among those who collaborate with the protected area managers, whereas negative perceptions, and a mix of naturalistic and biospheric values are developed among those who have a sense of a lack of attention to social needs although supporting nature conservation at the same time. The evidence presented shows the importance of matching local peoples’ expectations with conservation goals during the establishment of a protected area.

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Views about sensory modulation from people with schizophrenia and treating staff: A multisite qualitative study

British Journal of Occupational Therapy ◽

10.1177/0308022620988470 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 030802262098847

Author(s):

Tawanda Machingura ◽

Chris Lloyd ◽

Karen Murphy ◽

Sarah Goulder ◽

David Shum ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Content Analysis ◽

Treatment Option ◽

Perceived Risk ◽

Quantitative Methods ◽

Qualitative Content Analysis ◽

Treatment Options ◽

Occupational Therapists ◽

Sensory Modulation ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Effective Training

Introduction Current non-pharmacological treatment options for people with schizophrenia are limited. There is, however, emerging evidence that sensory modulation can be beneficial for this population. This study aimed to gain insight into sensory modulation from the user’s and the treating staff’s perspectives. Method A qualitative content analysis design was used. Transcripts from occupational therapists ( n=11) and patients with schizophrenia ( n=13) derived from in-depth semi-structured interviews were analysed for themes using content analysis. Results Five themes emerged from this study: Service user education on the sensory approach is the key; A variety of tools should be tried; Sensory modulation provides a valued treatment option; There are challenges of managing perceived risk at an organisational level; and There is a shortage of accessible and effective training. Conclusion People with schizophrenia and treating staff had congruent perceptions regarding the use of sensory modulation as a treatment option. The findings suggest that sensory modulation can be a valued addition to treatment options for people with schizophrenia. We suggest further research on sensory modulation intervention effectiveness using quantitative methods so these results can be further explored.

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Exploring the potential for introducing home monitoring of blood pressure during pregnancy into maternity care: current views and experiences of staff—a qualitative study

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-037874 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (12) ◽

pp. e037874

Author(s):

Lisa Hinton ◽

James Hodgkinson ◽

Katherine L Tucker ◽

Linda Rozmovits ◽

Lucy Chappell ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Blood Pressure ◽

Maternity Care ◽

Healthcare Providers ◽

Home Monitoring ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Group Discussions ◽

Self Monitoring ◽

Team Members ◽

Registration Number ◽

In Pregnancy

ObjectiveOne in 20 women are affected by pre-eclampsia, a major cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity, death and premature birth worldwide. Diagnosis is made from monitoring blood pressure (BP) and urine and symptoms at antenatal visits after 20 weeks of pregnancy. There are no randomised data from contemporary trials to guide the efficacy of self-monitoring of BP (SMBP) in pregnancy. We explored the perspectives of maternity staff to understand the context and health system challenges to introducing and implementing SMBP in maternity care, ahead of undertaking a trial.DesignExploratory study using a qualitative approach.SettingEight hospitals, English National Health Service.ParticipantsObstetricians, community and hospital midwives, pharmacists, trainee doctors (n=147).MethodsSemi-structured interviews with site research team members and clinicians, interviews and focus group discussions. Rapid content and thematic analysis undertaken.ResultsThe main themes to emerge around SMBP include (1) different BP changes in pregnancy, (2) reliability and accuracy of BP monitoring, (3) anticipated impact of SMBP on women, (4) anticipated impact of SMBP on the antenatal care system, (5) caution, uncertainty and evidence, (6) concerns over action/inaction and patient safety.ConclusionsThe potential impact of SMBP on maternity services is profound although nuanced. While introducing SMBP does not reduce the responsibility clinicians have for women’s health, it may enhance the responsibilities and agency of pregnant women, and introduces a new set of relationships into maternity care. This is a new space for reconfiguration of roles, mutual expectations and the relationships between and responsibilities of healthcare providers and women.Trial registration numberNCT03334149.

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The Role of Religious Fundamentalism in the Intersection of National and Religious Identities

Journal of Pacific Rim Psychology ◽

10.1017/prp.2018.25 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 13 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Susilo Wibisono ◽

Winnifred Louis ◽

Jolanda Jetten

Keyword(s):

National Identity ◽

Religious Identity ◽

National Identities ◽

Religious Fundamentalism ◽

Religious Movements ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Group Discussions ◽

Religious Identification ◽

National Identification ◽

The Way

Indonesia has seen recent expansions of fundamentalist movements mobilising members in support a change to the current constitution. Against this background, two studies were conducted. In Study 1, we explored the intersection of religious and national identity among Indonesian Muslims quantitatively, and in Study 2, we qualitatively examined religious and national identification among members of moderate and fundamentalist religious organisations. Specifically, Study 1 (N= 178) assessed whether the association of religious and national identity was moderated by religious fundamentalism. Results showed that strength of religious identification was positively associated with strength of national identification for both those high and low in fundamentalism. Using structured interviews and focus group discussions, Study 2 (N =35) examined the way that self-alignment with religious and national groups develops among activists of religious movements in Indonesia. We found that while more fundamentalist activists attached greater importance to their religious identity than to any other identity (e.g., national and ethnic), more moderate activists represented their religious and national identities as more integrated and compatible. We conclude that for Indonesian Muslims higher in religious fundamentalism, religious and national identities appear to be less integrated and this is consequential for the way in which collective agendas are pursued.

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Current trends and possibilities for exploitation of Grape pomace as a potential source for value addition

Environmental Pollution ◽

10.1016/j.envpol.2021.116796 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 116796

Author(s):

Pankaj Chowdhary ◽

Abhishek Gupta ◽

Edgard Gnansounou ◽

Ashok Pandey ◽

Preeti Chaturvedi

Keyword(s):

Grape Pomace ◽

Value Addition ◽

Current Trends ◽

Potential Source

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Approaches for Implementing Healthy Food Interventions in Settings With Limited Resources: A Case Study of Sodium Reduction Interventions in Emergency Food Programs Addressing Food Insecurity

American Journal of Health Promotion ◽

10.1177/08901171211056121 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 089011712110561

Author(s):

Karen Strazza ◽

Julia Jordan ◽

Kate Ferriola-Bruckenstein ◽

Heather Kane ◽

John Whitehill ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Food Insecurity ◽

Healthy Food ◽

Limited Resources ◽

Washington County ◽

Sodium Reduction ◽

Healthy Foods ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Key Stakeholders ◽

Food Programs ◽

Access To Healthy Foods

Purpose This study describes how recipients of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention funded Sodium Reduction in Communities Program (SRCP) worked with emergency food programs to improve access to healthy food to address chronic conditions. Design SRCP recipients partnered with emergency food programs to implement sodium reduction strategies including nutrition standards, procurement practices, environmental strategies, and behavioral economics approaches. Setting SRCP recipients and emergency food programs in Washington County and Benton County, Arkansas and King County, Washington. Subjects SRCP recipient staff, emergency food program staff, and key stakeholders. Measures We conducted semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders and systematic review of program documents. Analysis Data were analyzed using effects matrices for each recipient. Matrices were organized using select implementation science constructs and compared in a cross-case analysis. Results Despite limited resources, emergency food programs can implement sodium reduction interventions which may provide greater access to healthy foods and lead to reductions in health disparities. Emergency food programs successfully implemented sodium reduction interventions by building on the external and internal settings; selecting strategies that align with existing processes; implementing change incrementally and engaging staff, volunteers, and clients; and sustaining changes. Conclusion Findings contribute to understanding the ways in which emergency food programs and other organizations with limited resources have implemented public health nutrition interventions addressing food insecurity and improving access to healthy foods. These strategies may be transferable to other settings with limited resources.

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Implementing English-medium instruction

Australian Review of Applied Linguistics ◽

10.1075/aral.20094.sah ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 44 (2) ◽

pp. 129-153

Author(s):

Kari Sahan

Keyword(s):

Teaching And Learning ◽

Teaching Practice ◽

State University ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Language Preference ◽

Group Discussions ◽

Engineering Programs ◽

English Medium Instruction ◽

University Department

Abstract As part of the trend toward internationalization of higher education, governments and universities have introduced policies to encourage the expansion of English-medium instruction (EMI). However, top-down policies do not necessarily translate to teaching and learning practices. This article provides a case study examining the implementation of undergraduate EMI engineering programs at a state university in Turkey to explore the gaps that exist between national- and institutional-level EMI policies and classroom-level practices. Data were collected through policy documents, classroom observations, semi-structured interviews with teachers, and focus group discussions with students. The findings suggest that the implementation of EMI varies across classrooms, even within the same university department. Despite policies that envision one-language-at-a-time instruction, the EMI lecturers in this study varied in terms of language preference and teaching practice in their EMI lectures. Implications are discussed with respect to policy planning, teacher training, and the expansion of EMI across university contexts.

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Key Stakeholders’ Lived Experiences While Implementing an Aligned Curriculum: A Phenomenological Study

The Qualitative Report ◽

10.46743/2160-3715/2020.3924 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Pedro Aguas

Keyword(s):

Public School ◽

Lived Experiences ◽

Phenomenological Study ◽

National Level ◽

Full Potential ◽

Curriculum Innovation ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Language Curriculum ◽

Key Stakeholders ◽

Urban Public School

Furthering innovation in English as a foreign language curriculum has been a concern for the Colombian educational system for many years. Nevertheless, the major attempts at the national level continue to fail. Through this phenomenological study of 12 participants at a an urban public school in grades 6-12 I attempted to answer the phenomenological question, “What were the lived experiences of key stakeholders involved in implementing an aligned curriculum at an urban public school in a northern city in Colombia, South America? “The theoretical framework that guides this study included innovation, the theory of policy attribution, and the learner-centered philosophy. The study employed Moustakas’ modification of the Stevick-Colaizzi’s-Keen method of phenomenological analysis and van Manen’s (1990) hermeneutic approach to phenomenology. The researcher collected the data through in-depth, semi-structured interviews, focus groups, and reflective diaries. Seven themes emerged from the data: (a) aligned curriculum and political aims, (b) awareness of the significance of affectiveness, (c) a sense of ownership and lifelong learning, (d) communication as the cornerstone of implementation, (e) ability to face uncertainty and challenges, (f) ability to create transformational leadership, and (g) transcendence toward innovation. The study highlights the feasibility of curriculum innovation at the secondary level with key stakeholders’ commitment and full potential.

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