scholarly journals Herbicide toxicity awareness among smallholder farmers and agriculture extension officers in Malawi

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 85-94
Author(s):  
Levi Zeleza Manda
Keyword(s):  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Awareness Campaign ◽  
Adequate Information ◽  
Key Informant ◽  
Herbicide Toxicity ◽  
Negative Impacts ◽  
Agriculture Extension ◽  
Harmful Effects

Using evidence from field key informant and written questionnaire interviews with agriculture extension officers, focus group discussions with some smallholder farmers, analysis of packaging labels, and a detailed literature review, this paper argues that Malawian smallholder farmers handle herbicides without adequate information about the advantages and negative impacts of such herbicides because, it appears, the agriculture extension workers themselves lack requisite knowledge on herbicide toxicity. Further, the study finds that herbicides are marketed in Malawi in breach of Malawian law and in contravention of the Rotterdam Convention as the information on the herbicide labels is sometimes inadequate, misleading, and unavailable in local languages. This exposes farmers to potentially carcinogenic chemicals without their knowledge. The paper recommends, inter alia, that an awareness campaign about the long term harmful effects of herbicides be mounted countrywide and internationally to protect illiterate smallholder farmers from herbicide toxicity.

scholarly journals CLIMATE VARIABILITY AND CHANGE: FARMER PERCEPTIONS AND UNDERSTANDING OF INTRA-SEASONAL VARIABILITY IN RAINFALL AND ASSOCIATED RISK IN SEMI-ARID KENYA

2011 ◽  
Vol 47 (2) ◽  
pp. 267-291 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. P. C. RAO ◽  
W. G. NDEGWA ◽  
K. KIZITO ◽  
A. OYOO
Keyword(s):  
Climate Variability ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Crop Productivity ◽  
General Tendency ◽  
Climate Variability And Change ◽  
Negative Impacts ◽  
Probabilistic Nature ◽  
Semi Arid

SUMMARYThis study examines farmers’ perceptions of short- and long-term variability in climate, their ability to discern trends in climate and how the perceived trends converge with actual weather observations in five districts of Eastern Province in Kenya where the climate is semi-arid with high intra- and inter-annual variability in rainfall. Field surveys to elicit farmers’ perceptions about climate variability and change were conducted in Machakos, Makueni, Kitui, Mwingi and Mutomo districts. Long-term rainfall records from five meteorological stations within a 10 km radius from the survey locations were obtained from the Kenya Meteorological Department and were analysed to compare with farmers’ observations. Farmers’ responses indicate that they are well aware of the general climate in their location, its variability, the probabilistic nature of the variability and the impacts of this variability on crop production. However, their ability to synthesize the knowledge they have gained from their observations and discern long-term trends in the probabilistic distribution of seasonal conditions is more subjective, mainly due to the compounding interactions between climate and other factors such as soil fertility, soil water and land use change that determine the climate's overall influence on crop productivity. There is a general tendency among the farmers to give greater weight to negative impacts leading to higher risk perception. In relation to long-term changes in the climate, farmer observations in our study that rainfall patterns are changing corroborated well with reported perceptions from other places across the African continent but were not supported by the observed trends in rainfall data from the five study locations. The main implication of our findings is the need to be aware of and account for the risk during the development and promotion of technologies involving significant investments by smallholder farmers and exercise caution in interpreting farmers’ perceptions about long-term climate variability and change.

Intensification, Crop Diversification, and Gender Relations in Malawi

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Mvula ◽  
Wapulumuka Mulwafu
Keyword(s):  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Descriptive Statistics ◽  
Crop Diversification ◽  
Agricultural Policies ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Participation Of Women ◽  
Key Informant ◽  
And Gender

In this chapter a variety of methods were used to collect data to study smallholders in Malawi. The surveys were complemented by a set of qualitative interviews to establish gender dynamics in agriculture and for livelihoods. Key informant interviews were conducted with agricultural personnel in the sampled districts and focus group discussions were held with some farmers. For a bigger picture of the agricultural policies and practices, the study relied on a review of key documents and publications by government and other agencies implementing agricultural programmes in the country. Descriptive statistics demonstrate that a shift from maize and tobacco to Irish potatoes, groundnuts, and soya beans in the areas under study has provided an opportunity for smallholder farmers to diversify and increase production and thus improve their livelihoods. Another noticeable change has been the increased participation of women in the production and marketing of crops.

The Role of Indigenous Knowledge in Adaptation to Climate Change in the Northern Mountain of Vietnam

2022 ◽  
pp. 24-44
Author(s):  
Manh Nguyen The ◽  
Mokbul Morshed Ahmad
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Indigenous Knowledge ◽  
Adaptation To Climate Change ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Farmer Perceptions ◽  
Mountainous Regions ◽  
Key Informant ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Negative Impacts

Climate change has adversely affected the indigenous farmers in the mountainous regions not only in Vietnam but also in other countries. This chapter provides the indigenous farmer perception and use of indigenous knowledge to adapt to climate change. The authors reviewed many previous studies related to the indigenous farmer application of indigenous knowledge to adapt to climate change and combined with the data of 362 randomly selected indigenous farmers in Vietnam by using surveys, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions. They have found that indigenous farmers were aware of climate change and the negative impacts of climate change on their life both in Vietnam and in many other countries such as India, Bangladesh, and the USA. Furthermore, indigenous farmers have used different indigenous knowledge to adapt to climate change. This chapter also suggested that policymakers should consider indigenous farmer perceptions and indigenous knowledge when designing and formulating climate change policies for indigenous farmers in the future.

scholarly journals Bacterial inoculations can perturb the growth trajectory of diatoms with an existing microbiome

PeerJ ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. e8352
Author(s):  
Lydia J. Baker ◽  
Paul F. Kemp
Keyword(s):  
Growth Medium ◽  
Growth Trajectory ◽  
Bacterial Strains ◽  
Batch Cultures ◽  
Negative Impacts ◽  
Peak Abundance ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Harmful Effects

Inoculation of axenic diatom monocultures with individual bacterial strains has been used effectively to examine the relationship between bacteria and a diatom host. Both beneficial and harmful effects on diatom fitness have been observed. Yet, diatoms commonly host a consortium of bacteria that could influence their response to perturbation by bacterial inoculations. In this study, diatom cultures with an existing microbiome were inoculated with individual bacterial strains. Strains of two genera of bacteria commonly found associated with diatoms (Alteromonas and Marinobacter) were isolated from a culture of the diatom Chaetoceros sp. KBDT20. To evaluate whether bacterial inoculations can impact the growth, peak abundance, or decline of diatoms with an intact microbiome, individual bacterial strains were inoculated into batch cultures of the original host as well as two non-origin diatom hosts (Chaetoceros sp. KBDT32 and Amphiprora sp. KBDT35). Inoculations were repeated under vitamin-replete and vitamin-deficient conditions to assess whether vitamin concentration modulates the impact of bacterial inoculations on the host. The origin Chaetoceros culture was largely unperturbed by bacterial inoculations. In contrast, non-origin hosts experienced long-term impacts on their growth trajectory, and those impacts were found to be dependent on the concentration of vitamins in the growth medium. For the non-origin Chaetoceros, all positive impacts were observed in vitamin-replete conditions and all negative impacts were observed in vitamin-deficient conditions. Amphiprora was only impacted by inoculation with Marinobacter strains in vitamin-deficient conditions, and the effect was negative. Neither individual bacterial strains nor genera resulted in exclusively beneficial nor detrimental impacts, and the magnitude of effect varied among bacterial strains. This study demonstrates that bacterial inoculations can have long-lasting impacts on the growth trajectory of diatoms with an existing microbiome, that this impact can differ even between congeneric diatoms, and that the impact can be significantly modulated by vitamin concentration.

scholarly journals Determinants of inorganic fertilizer use by smallholder farmers in South Wollo and Oromia special administrative zones, Ethiopia

2021 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Samuel Tadesse Adisalem ◽  
Amare Molla Dinku
Keyword(s):  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Demand Estimation ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Inorganic Fertilizer ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Fertilizer Use ◽  
Self Sufficiency ◽  
Active Labour ◽  
The Family ◽  
Key Informant

The study investigated the determinants of fertilizer use by smallholder farmers. Data were drawn from 207 smallholder farmers, experts, and respective office heads using structured and semi-structured interview schedules, Key informant interviews and focus group discussions. Data were analysed using percentage, mean and standard deviation and linear regression model. About 94% of the farmers had the willingness to apply inorganic fertilizer on their farmland. An increasing price of inorganic fertilizer (96%), poor demand estimation (82%), delay in distribution (78%), lack of attention for the irrigation production system (65%), and unfair distribution/nepotism (61%) are the top-ranked challenges affecting inorganic fertilizer use. The existence of more active labour forces in the family (dy/dx = 20.4, t = 2.49), farmsize (dy/dx = 14.53, t = 3.82), ownership (dy/dx = 75 .13, t = 10.64), total income (dy/dx = 0.00024, t = 2.24), use of credit service (dy/dx = 31.11, t = 1.94), and frequency of extension contact (dy/dx = 24.60, t = 2.07), were found significantly promoting the amount of fertilizer use by smallholder farmers. Actions such as real demand estimation, arranging agricultural implements, and fertilizer subsidy for resource-poor farmers should be implemented to ensure food self-sufficiency.

Research on the Economic Organization Environmental Impact

2017 ◽  
Vol 68 (3) ◽  
pp. 599-601
Author(s):  
Dan Paul Stefanescu ◽  
Oana Roxana Chivu ◽  
Claudiu Babis ◽  
Augustin Semenescu ◽  
Alina Gligor
Keyword(s):  
Economic Activity ◽  
Economic Organization ◽  
Economic Activities ◽  
Environmental Implications ◽  
Minimal Impact ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Material Environment ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Harmful Effects

Any economic activity carried out by an organization, can generate a wide range of environmental implications. Particularly important, must be considered the activities that have a significant negative effect on the environment, meaning those which pollute. Being known the harmful effects of pollution on the human health, the paper presents two models of utmost importance, one of the material environment-economy interactions balance and the other of the material flows between environmental factors and socio-economic activities. The study of these models enable specific conditions that must be satisfied for the economic processes friendly coexist to the environment for long term, meaning to have a minimal impact in that the residues resulting from the economic activity of the organization to be as less harmful to the environment.

scholarly journals Stand against anti-Asian racial discrimination during COVID-19: A call for action

2020 ◽  
pp. 002087282097061
Author(s):  
Qin Gao ◽  
Xiaofang Liu
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Racial Discrimination ◽  
Asian Americans ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Political Rhetoric ◽  
The United States ◽  
Psychological Well Being ◽  
Negative Impacts

Racial discrimination against people of Chinese and other Asian ethnicities has risen sharply in number and severity globally amid the COVID-19 pandemic. This rise has been especially rapid and severe in the United States, fueled by xenophobic political rhetoric and racist language on social media. It has endangered the lives of many Asian Americans and is likely to have long-term negative impacts on the economic, social, physical, and psychological well-being of Asian Americans. This essay reviews the prevalence and consequences of anti-Asian racial discrimination during COVID-19 and calls for actions in practice, policy, and research to stand against it.

scholarly journals Drivers and barriers to workplace-based HIV self-testing among high-risk men in Uganda: a qualitative study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Patience A. Muwanguzi ◽  
Robert C. Bollinger ◽  
Stuart C. Ray ◽  
LaRon E. Nelson ◽  
Noah Kiwanuka ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Private Security ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Private Security Companies ◽  
Self Testing ◽  
Key Informant ◽  
Hiv Testing Services ◽  
Security Companies

Abstract Background Men in Sub-Saharan Africa are less engaged than women in accessing HIV testing and treatment and, consequently, experience higher HIV-related mortality. Reaching men with HIV testing services is challenging, thus, increasing the need for innovative ways to engage men with low access and those at higher risk. In this study, we explore men’s perceptions of drivers and barriers of workplace-based HIV self-testing in Uganda. Methods An exploratory study involving men working in private security companies employing more than 50 men in two districts, in central and western Uganda. Focus group discussions and key informant interviews were conducted. Data were analyzed using inductive content analysis. Results Forty-eight (48) men from eight private security companies participated in 5 focus group discussions and 17 key informant interviews. Of the 48 men, 14(29.2%) were ages 26–35 years. The majority 31(64.6%) were security guards. The drivers reported for workplace-based HIV self-testing included convenience, autonomy, positive influence from work colleagues, the need for alternative access for HIV testing services, incentives, and involvement of employers. The barriers reported were the prohibitive cost of HIV tests, stigma, lack of testing support, the fear of discrimination and isolation, and concerns around decreased work productivity in the event of a reactive self-test. Conclusions We recommend the involvement of employers in workplace-based HIV self-testing to encourage participation by employees. There is need for HIV self-testing support both during and after the testing process. Both employers and employees recommend the use of non-monetary incentives, and regular training about HIV self-testing to increase the uptake and acceptability of HIV testing services at the workplace.

scholarly journals Combined effects of landscape composition and pesticide use on herbivore and pollinator functions in smallholder farms

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Quentin Struelens ◽  
Diego Mina ◽  
Olivier Dangles
Keyword(s):  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Cropping System ◽  
Landscape Composition ◽  
Pesticide Use ◽  
Combined Effects ◽  
Pollinator Abundance ◽  
New Information ◽  
Negative Impacts ◽  
Effect On Yield

Abstract Background Landscape composition has the potential to foster regulating ecosystem services such as pollination and biocontrol in temperate regions. However, most landscape studies do not take pesticide use into account even though it is the main control strategy worldwide and has negative impacts on beneficial insects. Moreover, few studies have explored these combined effects in smallholder cropping system with diverse landscapes and small cultivated fields. Methods We assessed the effect of semi-natural cover and pesticide use on pollinator and herbivore abundances and functions in 9 fields in the Ecuadorian Andes through participatory experiments with smallholder farmers. We performed a path analysis to quantify the effects of landscape and pesticide use on herbivory, pollination and ultimately yield. Results Pesticide use significantly reduced pollinator abundance but had no significant effect on pest abundance. Similarly, we found non-significant effects of landscape composition on either herbivory and pollination. The study also provides new information on understudied Andean lupine’s pests and pollinators, whose application for small farmers is discussed. Finally, we hypothesize that peculiarities of tropical smallholder cropping systems and landscapes could explain the non-significant landscape effects on insect-based processes, which calls for more research in places outside the well-studied temperate region. Conclusions Landscape composition did not show any significant effect on pest and pollinator while pesticide use decreased the abundance pollinators, but with no significant effect on yield. This study also provides information about Andean lupine reproduction and overcompensation mechanisms that could be of interest for local farmers and researchers of this understudied crop.

scholarly journals A vulnerable age group: the impact of cancer on the psychosocial well-being of young adult childhood cancer survivors

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. M. E. van Erp ◽  
H. Maurice-Stam ◽  
L. C. M. Kremer ◽  
W. J. E. Tissing ◽  
H. J. H. van der Pal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Young Adult ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Childhood Cancer ◽  
Psychosocial Outcomes ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Childhood Cancer Survivors ◽  
Negative Impacts ◽  
Time Since Diagnosis

Abstract Purpose This study aimed to increase our understanding of the psychosocial well-being of young adult childhood cancer survivors (YACCS) as well as the positive and negative impacts of cancer. Methods YACCS (aged 18–30, diagnosed ≤ 18, time since diagnosis ≥ 5 years) cross-sectionally filled out the “Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory Young Adults” (PedsQL-YA), “Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale” (HADS), and “Checklist Individual Strengths” (CIS-20R) to measure fatigue and survivor-specific “Impact of Cancer - Childhood Survivors” (IOC-CS), which measures the long-term impact of childhood cancer in several domains. Descriptive statistics (IOC-CS), logistic regression (HADS, CIS-20R), and ANOVA (PedsQL-YA, HADS, CIS-20R) were performed. Associations between positive and negative impacts of childhood cancer and psychosocial outcomes were examined with linear regression analyses. Results YACCS (N = 151, 61.6% female, mean age 24.1 ± 3.6, mean time since diagnosis 13.6 ± 3.8) reported lower HRQOL (− .4 ≤ d ≤ − .5, p ≤ .001) and more anxiety (d = .4, p ≤ .001), depression (d = .4, p ≤ .01), and fatigue (.3 ≤ d ≤ .5, p ≤ .001) than young adults from the general Dutch population. They were at an increased risk of experiencing (sub)clinical anxiety (OR = 1.8, p = .017). YACCS reported more impact on scales representing a positive rather than negative impact of CC. Various domains of impact of childhood cancer were related to psychosocial outcomes, especially “Life Challenges” (HRQOL β = − .18, anxiety β = .36, depression β = .29) and “Body & Health” (HRQOL β = .27, anxiety β = − .25, depression β = − .26, fatigue β = − .47). Conclusion YACCS are vulnerable to psychosocial difficulties, but they also experience positive long-term impacts of childhood cancer. Positive and negative impacts of childhood cancer were associated with psychosocial outcomes in YACCS. Screening of psychosocial outcomes and offering targeted interventions are necessary to optimize psychosocial long-term follow-up care for YACCS.

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