scholarly journals Sorghum Production Constraints, Trait Preferences, and Strategies to Combat Drought in Tanzania

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (23) ◽  
pp. 12942
Author(s):  
Andekelile Mwamahonje ◽  
John Saviour Yaw Eleblu ◽  
Kwadwo Ofori ◽  
Santosh Deshpande ◽  
Tileye Feyissa ◽  
...  

Sorghum is an important food crop for people in drought-prone areas of the world. The production in Tanzania has been ≤1 t ha−1 for a decade. The study was conducted in Iramba, Ikungi, and Kongwa districts to identify factors influencing the sorghum production, adoption rate, and strategies to address drought in Tanzania. The study involved 240 respondents for individual interviews and focus group discussions. Thirty respondents participated in individual interviews while ten farmers participated in the focus group discussion per village. Our study found that birds, poor soil fertility, and drought were the major constraints across the study districts. Drought tolerance, high yield, and early maturity were the most preferred traits by farmers across the study areas. Farmers addressed drought stress in sorghum by practicing early planting early maturing varieties in November and using drought-tolerant varieties. However, most farmers failed to name the diseases and pests affecting sorghum. This study highlights basic information for plant breeders to incorporate traits preferred by farmers in breeding programs when developing new sorghum varieties for sustainable production. The study shows the importance of involving farmers to identify the problems and solutions of sorghum production to increase the adoption rate.

2017 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 22-43 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elina I. Tobias ◽  
Sourav Mukhopadhyay

This article explores the experiences of social exclusion of individuals with visual impairment (IWVI) as they negotiate their daily lives in their homes and societal settings in the Oshana and Oshikoto regions of Namibia. Employing qualitative research approach, this research tried to better understand the lived experiences of IWVI. Nine IWVI with ages ranging from 30 to 90 years were initially engaged in focus group discussions, followed by semi-structured in-depth individual interviews. The findings of this research indicated that IWVI experience exclusion from education, employment and social and community participation as well as relationships. Based on these findings, we suggest more inclusive policies to address social exclusion of IWVI. At the same time, this group of individuals should be empowered to participate in community activities to promote interaction with people without visual impairments.


2021 ◽  
pp. 095042222110631
Author(s):  
Innocent Otache

The unemployability of many Nigerian graduates is somewhat attributable to the existing wide collaboration gap between Nigerian higher education institutions and industry. Against this backdrop, this study explores how Nigerian polytechnics and industry can collaborate to enhance graduates’ employability. Adopting a focus group discussion approach, three focus groups involving 20 people (eight polytechnic lecturers, six National Board for Technical Education officials and six industry executives) participated in the study. Content analysis of the focus group discussions revealed the need to involve industry experts in curriculum development and review to meet today’s job requirements in industry. The need to involve industry experts in teaching certain aspects of the curriculum was also highlighted. The findings further revealed the desirability of exposing students and lecturers to industrial work situations to equip them with workplace skills and experience. Additionally, the study found that a comprehensive collaboration policy framework, funding, commitment, mutual benefits and trust are required to achieve successful polytechnic–industry collaboration. This research demonstrates that effective collaboration between polytechnics and industry will help to improve the employability of graduates. The findings provide policy and practical implications for polytechnics, regulatory bodies, industry and government.


2015 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 53
Author(s):  
Oumou Diallo ◽  
Guang Xin Wang ◽  
Hamadoun H. Toure

<p>This study is based on the livelihood used by street children for survival in Bamako, Mali. Two bus stations were selected for this study: Sogoniko bus station and Medina bus station. Most buses leave from these stations to the vicinity of the country. Data was collected through individual interviews (one by one), focus group discussions and interviews. A sample of one hundred and twenty street children aged between 8 and 17 years were selected for this study. Thirty people were also selected to give their opinions on street children. The results indicate that most of street children survive by selling small objects and through begging, 32.5% and 22.50% respectively. Our survey indicates that there are different factors pushing them to the streets, and as a way of survival on the streets, there is need to be organized, hence, they are organize themselves into groups for protection against violence and aggressions.</p>


2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Imanuel Christian Undap ◽  
Lintje Kalangi ◽  
Hendrik Manossoh

Abstract. National Health Insurance (JKN) program in Indonesia was commenced in early 2014. JKN is organized by BPJS as regulated by law. To implement this, JKN Health Facilities role of First Instance (FKTP) belonging to the local government is, thus, very important. As compensation for this implementation, FKTP will then be paid by BPJS, known as capitation funds. Capitation Fund Financial Management in Bitung Municipality FKTP have encountered many problems implying  the provision of health services.The purpose of this study is to analyze the financial management of local revenue capitation funds of JKN FKTP Bitung Government Municipality, including to identify the problems  and solutions. JKN capitation funds are received from BPJS routinely and regularly received by FKTP. However, it is its management experiencing problems. This study is a qualitative exploratory research. The qualitative data were obtained by interviews, observation and documentation study, including a focus group discussion (FGD). Data validity and reliability were examined by triangulation. Data were then analysed by thematic analysis and interpreted to draw conclusions.The results show that the capitation fund management of JKN FKTP Bitung Government Municipality has not followed yet the regulation Therefore, the implications for the health service FKTP is not maximized for public. Other consequences that occur due to the condition of financial management according to regulations, has led to the very low capitation budget absorption of its programs and activities. Keywords:  National Insurance Health (JKN), FKTP , Capitation Fund Abstrak. Jaminan Kesehatan Nasional (JKN) di Indonesia mulai berlaku pada tahun 2014 dan sesuai amanat undang – undang penyelenggara JKN adalah BPJS. Dalam pelaksanaan JKN ini peran Fasitas Kesehatan Tingkat Pertama (FKTP) milik pemerintah daerah sangat penting. Sebagai kompensasi dari pelaksanaan ini maka FKTP akan mendapatakan pembayaran dari BPJS yang dikenal dengan dana kapitasi. Pengelolaan Keuangan Dana Kapitasi di FKTP Pemerintah Kota Bitung menemui banyak hambatan yang berimplikasi pada penyerapan anggaran kegiatan FKTP dan penyediaan jasa pelayanan kesehatan oleh FKTP.Tujuan Penelitian ini untuk menganalisis pengelolaan keuangan pendapatan daerah dana kapitasi JKN FKTP Pemerintah Kota Bitung serta mengidentifikasi permasalahan yang terjadi dan solusi yang dapat diambil. Dana kapitasi JKN yang diterima dari BPJS secara rutin dan teratur diterima oleh FKTP akan tetapi dalam pengelolaannya ternyata mengalami kendala.Penelitian ini menggunakan metode analisis kualitatif eksploratif. Data kualitatif diperoleh dengan wawancara , observasi dan studi dokumentasi juga dengan focus group discussion (FGD) .Validitas dan reliabilitas data ditentukan dengan trianggulasi data untuk kemudian data yang diperoleh dilakukan analisa secara tematik serta intepretasi dalam rangka  penarikan kesimpulan.Hasil penelitian menunjukan penganggaran dana kapitasi JKN oleh FKTP dilakukan dan tersentralisasi di Dinas Kesehatan sementara pelaksanaan pengelolaan  dana kapitasi JKN FKTP Pemerintah Kota Bitung belum mengikuti regulasi yang mengatur, sehingga berimplikasi pada tidak maksimalnya pelayanan kesehatan FKTP pada masyarakat . Akibat lain yang terjadi karena kondisi pengelolaan keuangan yang tidak sesuai regulasi menyebabkan program dan kegiatan yang bersumber dari dana kapitasi JKN ini  penyerapan anggaran sangat rendah. Kata Kunci : Jaminan Kesehatan Nasional (JKN) , FKTP, Dana Kapitasi


Author(s):  
M Nilzam Aly ◽  
Bambang Suharto ◽  
Sri Endah Nurhidayati ◽  
Nuruddin Nuruddin ◽  
Ria Triwastuti

Ideally, community empowerment programs in rural areas should not be implemented once in a while. This is very important to maintain the aspect of sustainability and achieve the goals maximally. People in rural areas are the target of empowerment programs considering the many problems that exist there. Statistical data shows that the distribution of the majority of the national poor is in rural areas. One method of reducing poverty is through the development of tourist villages. The purpose of this community service program is to increase the understanding and skills of the community in Bejijong Tourism Village, especially in the field of homestay management and online marketing of citizen handicraft products. The stages in this empowerment program through three methods, namely preparation, implementation, and evaluation. The preparation method was carried out with focus group discussions with residents and field observations. The method of implementation is carried out by the methods of socialization, training and mentoring. Meanwhile, the evaluation method is carried out through discussions with partners. The results of this activity indicate that the understanding and competence of citizens has increased for the better. The results of this activity were measured using a questionnaire (pre-test and post-test) and calculated using a Likert scale.abstrakProgram pemberdayaan masyarakat di wilayah pedesaan idealnya dilaksanakan tidak dengan sekali waktu. Hal ini menjadi sangat penting untuk menjaga aspek keberlanjutan dan mencapai tujuan secara maksimal. Masyarakat di perdesaan menjadi sasaran program pemberdayaan mengingat banyak sekali permasalahan yang ada di sana. Data statistik menunjukkan sebaran penduduk miskin nasional mayoritas berada di wilayah perdesaan. Salah satu metode untuk mengurangi angka kemiskinan adalah melalui pengembangan desa wisata. Tujuan dari program pengabdian masyarakat ini adalah untuk meningkatkan pemahaman dan keterampilan masyarakat di Desa Wisata Bejijong khususnya dalam bidang pengelolaan homestay dan pemasaran daring produk kerajinan warga. Tahapan dalam program pemberdayaan ini melalui tiga metode yaitu persiapan, pelaksanaan, dan evaluasi.  Metode persiapan dilakukan dengan metode focus group discussion bersama  warga dan observasi lapangan. Metode pelaksanaan dilakukan dengan metode sosialisasi, pelatihan, dan pendampingan. Sedangkan metode evaluasi dilaksanakan dengan metode diskusi dengan mitra. Hasil kegiatan ini menunjukkan bahwa pemahaman dan kompetensi warga  mengalami peningkatan kea rah yang lebih baik. Hasil kegiatan ini diukur dilakukan dengan menggunakan kuesioner (pre tes dan pos tes) dan dihitung dengan skala likert.


2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 215-240
Author(s):  
Haula Rosdiana ◽  
Maria R.U.D. Tambunan ◽  
Inayati Hifni

Dalam mengoptimalkan penerimaan pajak, pemerintah selayaknya mendesain sistem perpajakan yang berpegang prinsip efisiensi dengan tetap memperhatikan aspek keadil-an dan kesederhana. Dalam sistem perpajakan, hukum formal mempunyai peranan penting dalam mengejawantahkan hukum material, karena itu Undang-undang Ketentu-an Umum dan Tata Cara Perpajakan (KUP) menjadi salah satu kunci keberhasilan implementasi kebijakan pajak. Mengingat strategisnya peran UU KUP, perlu untuk mereview kembali UU KUP yang saat ini berlaku serta perlu dilakukan suatu penyempurnaan. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif dengan teknik pengumpulan data kualitatif yang terdiri dari studi literatur dan focus group discussion. Penelitian bertujuan memberikan masukan atas KUP yang saat ini masih dalam proses pembahasan dengan menekankan pada aspek kemudahan (ease of administration), keadilan (equity) dan kepastian hukum (law enforcement). Hasil penelitian ini menekan-kan pada hal-hal terkait (i) perlunya meningkatkan basis data perpajakan, (ii) perlunya menjalankan kemudahan administrasi yang berdasarkan ketentuan yang tegas, jelas, dan sederhana, (iii) penegakan hukum yang tegas, (iv) adanya sanksi yang sebanding dengan pelanggaran yang dilakukan oleh wajib pajak, dan (v) peningkatan kualitas layanan dan profesionalisme petugas pajak. Kajian ini diharapkan mampu mendorong terwujudnya regulasi perpajakan pro terhadap optimalisasi penerimaan tanpa mencede-rai hak-hak wajib pajak. Proposal for Amendment of Formal Law on Taxation Procedure  In optimizing tax revenue, the government should design a taxation system that adheres to the principle of efficiency, justice and simplicity. In the taxation system, formal law has an important role in manifesting laws, therefore laws and taxation procedures (KUP) are one of the keys to the successful implementation of tax policies. Considering the strategic role of the KUP Law, it is necessary to review the KUP Law which is currently in force and needs to be improved. This study uses a qualitative approach with qualitative data collection techniques consisting of literature studies and focus group discussions. The research aims to provide input on KUP which is currently still in the process of discussion by emphasizing aspects of ease (ease of administration), justice (equity) and legal certainty (law enforcement). The results emphasize issues related to (i) the need to increase the taxation database, (ii) the need to carry out administrative facilities based on firm, clear and simple provisions, (iii) strict law enforcement, (iv) comparable sanctions with violations committed by taxpayers and (v) improving the quality of service and professionalism of tax officials. This study is expected to be able to encourage the realization of tax regulations that are pro to the optimization of revenue without harming the rights of taxpayers.


2016 ◽  
Vol 15 (5) ◽  
pp. 642-652
Author(s):  
Hasan Ozgur Kapici ◽  
Genc Osman Ilhan

There is not a common attitude in a society for socio-scientific issues (SSI) such as whether to use nuclear power plants for energy production. Within this respect, the aim of the research is to examine pre-service science teachers’ and pre-service social studies teachers’ attitudes toward SSI and to reveal their views about setting up nuclear power plants in their country. The participant of research is 120 pre-service teachers. Firstly, Attitudes toward Socio-scientific Issues Scale (ATSIS) was implemented and then, focus group discussions were done with five students from each department separately so as to understand their views about nuclear power plants. Findings revealed that whereas pre-service teachers are eager to learn more about SSI, they have anxiety about it due to religion, moral and ethical perspectives. In addition, whereas both groups of pre-service teachers have some common views about nuclear power plants, pre-service science teachers do not have more positive views about having nuclear power plants in their country. Key words: attitude towards socio-scientific issues, focus group discussion, pre-service teachers, nuclear energy.


2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 72
Author(s):  
Irvan Rifai ◽  
Fajar Santoso

This case study is aimed at revealing motives of women riding motor bike without helmet in Sidoarjo, East Java. The data in this study are garnered through interviews, focus group discussions, observation, and artefact including online newspapers, whilst thematic analysis is utilised as a primary data analysis. The findings of the study indicate that; first, distance from home to school is a most salient motive of women riding bike without helmet. Second, the absence of policeman on the street is a key factor of not wearing helmet. Third, social identity is another reason for not wearing helmet. Fourth, styles and its influence of feeling discomfort of wearing helmet. Fifth, social rules and its impracticality of not wearing helmet. The findings of this study are expected to have contributions of the ways to educate people about safety riding by involving students, students’ parents, teachers and or stakeholders. This study, however, cannot represent all women perspectives of not wearing helmet when riding motor bike within Indonesia. Further research, therefore, is expected to consider areas and characteristics which might differ from the present study. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengungkap motif perempuan pengendara sepeda motor tanpa helm di daerah Kabupaten Sidoarjo, Jawa Timur, dengan menggunakan metode wawancara, Focus Group Discussion, observasi, dan analisis terhadap tulisan-tulisan yang ada di media sosial, seperti koran online. Analisis yang dilakukan menggunakan metode analisis tematik. Dari hasil analisis data diperoleh 5 tema yang menjadi pembahasan pada penelitian ini, yaitu: pertama, Jarak dari rumah ke sekolah menjadi pertimbangan utama responden tidak memakai helm; kedua, Kehadiran aparat kepolisian dan motif tidak memakai helm; ketiga, Identitas sosial sebagai alasan tidak memakai helm; keempat, style dan pengaruh ketidaknyamanan memakai helm; dan ke lima, aturan sosial dan ketidakpraktisan memakai helm. Hasil penelitian ini diharapkan bisa memberikan kontribusi informasi terhadap upaya mengedukasi masyarakat dalam keselamatan berkendara sepeda motor dengan melibatkan peran serta siswa, orang tua siswa, guru dan pemangku kepentingan. Namun demikian, dikarenakan penelitian ini terbatas pada studi kasus di Kota Sidoarjo, terdapat kemungkinan bahwa hasil yang diperoleh tidak dapat merepresentasikan perspektif perempuan pengendara sepeda motor di kota-kota lain di Indonesia. Untuk itu, penelitian ini diharapkan dapat dilanjutkan untuk kota-kota yang mempunya karakteristik berbeda dengan lokasi penelitian ini.


2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bakadzi Moeti ◽  
Rabson Killion Mgawi ◽  
Waitshega Tefo Smitta Moalosi

Critical thinking is recognised as an influential attribute to achieve quality learning and teaching in higher education institutions world over. This interpretive research study explored the critical thinking among PGDE students at the University of Botswana. The aim of the study was to identify factors contributing to the application of critical thinking among teacher trainees. Data was collected from Cohort 2015/16 PGDE students, through one on one interview with 59 students and 2 focus group discussions comprising five students in each focus group between April to June 2016. The findings revealed that the teacher trainees had a lower description of critical thinking during interviews, but refined during focus group discussions; however, the students were wide aware of factors influencing their inabilities to think critically during their training. These finding clearly indicated that most students were not applying critical thinking during their training. Through the interviews and focus group discussion, the study also identified strategies to promote the application of critical thinking in areas of programme content, teaching and assessment methods and techniques, programme logistics and personal attributes. The findings are instrumental to various key stakeholders. Specifically, the findings inform education institutions, teacher educators and students on how to promote critical thinking during teacher training. The study was qualitative, as such the findings will not be generalised. As such a similar study is recommended among the PGDE and other students but using quantitative and or mixed methods to allow inferences and generalisations.


2015 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 101-120
Author(s):  
Mulki Mohamed Al-Sharmani

I analyze how Somalis in Helsinki re-interpret religious norms on marriage in light of: 1) the challenges of socioeconomic hardships and marginalization in Finland; and 2) ethical principles in Islamic tradition that underlie religious rulings such as striving against the selfishness of the ‘nafs’ (self) and seeking spiritual advancement. I examine how norms on spousal roles and rights are contested and reinterpreted. I highlight how young women, in particular, foreground the ‘ethical' in their religious understandings of marriage norms. I explore if Veit Bader’s1 concept of ‘internal religious governance’ can analytically explain these processes. I draw on data from individual interviews and focus group discussions with women and men; and interviews with mosque imams and a clan elder.


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