Social and environmental dynamics in a charcoal producing area: The case of Central Pokot, Kenya

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maike Petersen ◽  
Christoph Bergmann ◽  
Paul Roden ◽  
Marcus Nüsser
Keyword(s):  
Land Degradation ◽  
Methodological Approach ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Specific Situation ◽  
Scale Production ◽  
Causal Connection ◽  
Sustainable Livelihood ◽  
Charcoal Production ◽  
Spatial And Temporal Scales

<p>Wood charcoal ranks amongst the most commercialized but least regulated commodities in sub-Saharan Africa. Despite its prevalence as an energy source for cooking and heating, the localized environmental and livelihood impacts of charcoal production are poorly understood. This research deficit is amplified by widespread negative views of this activity as a poverty-driven cause of deforestation and land-degradation. However, the charcoal-degradation nexus is apparently more complicated, not least because the extraction of biomass from already degraded woodlands can be sustainable under various management regimes. In a case study in Central Pokot, Kenya, where charcoal production began in earnest in the early 1990’s we have investigated the social and environmental dynamics that are interlinked with the production of charcoal. Our methodological approach integrates remote sensing techniques with empirically based social scientific analyses across multiple spatial and temporal scales. Our results show that the area has undergone significant changes, both in the human and in the physical sphere. While the public opinion suggests a close connection between charcoal production and land degradation, a detailed Landsat-based land use and land cover change detection could not reveal a causal connection. In addition, a high-resolution analysis using an unmanned aerial system showed only minor effects of charcoal production on the vegetation. Our data indicates that rural small-scale production of charcoal has the potential to be transformed into a sustainable livelihood. Therefore, however, policy makers need to include their specific situation into the legal frameworks.</p>

Economic Crisis in Africa

1985 ◽  
Vol 41 (2) ◽  
pp. 236-250
Author(s):  
Vijay Gupta
Keyword(s):  
Economic Crisis ◽  
Labour Force ◽  
Industrial Sector ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Scale Production ◽  
Rate Of Growth ◽  
Per Capita ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Rates Of Growth

Sub-Saharan Africa is facing deep economic crisis. A situation has reached where there is total stagnation with zero per cent growth rate and no hope of recovery. Hunger is hovering over vast areas of Africa threatening the lives of 150 million people and every day people are dying of starvation. It is said, that nature and international economic relations are both responsible for the crisis. The problems include drought and expanding desertification leading to scarcity of food and consequently rising foreign exchange expenditure on food purchase. There is shortage of inputs for the very few industries that exist. The burden of external debts is increasing every day and is reaching a stage when repayment would be impossible. According to a World Bank Report: “Of the 45 states in the sub-Saharan region, 24 have fewer than five million people. African economies are for the most part small in economic terms. These are open economies where foreign trade accounts for about a quarter of the GDP. They are specialized economies, most of them agricultural, dependent on the export of two or three primary commodities. Even in mineral exporting countries, the majority of the population (around 80 per cent) is engaged in agriculture with subsistence production. Only 20 per cent of the population is non-rural, and modern wage employment absorbs a very small proportion of the labour force—in most countries less than 10 per cent.”1 There is mass-poverty and regional inequality with under-developed structures. Agricultural growth per capita, a key indicator in Africa, has been showing negative rates of growth. In most African societies the patriarchal, tribal social structure still exists today side by side with the foreign companies (MNCs) holding key positions in the economy of a number of countries. Small-scale production by farmers, livestock breeders and handicraftsmen is still the largest sector of the African economy today. The low level of subsistence farming often with primitive tools and Implements prevails all over the continent. The small cash crop growers are ruthlessly exploited by foreign monopolies, local feudals and the tribal elite. Forced by an unbearable and miserable existence “peasants” abandon land temporarily and are forced to seek work in the cities, plantations or in mines. As the rate of industrial growth is very low, migration from the rural to the tertiary or industrial sector is minimal. Africa is underdeveloped, that is, Africa's economic potential is scantily developed. For instance, the African continent possesses two-fifths of the world's total hydroelectric potential—more than Europe and the two Americans put together but the present production is ridiculously small—25 billion kwh—that is equivalent to the consumption of a large European city. Similarly African mineral resources have been relatively little exploited and so far research on tropical soils is in the first stages, knowledge of water resources is minimal. African human resources have remained underutilized. Africa lags far behind in education leading to low capacity in technical and economic inventiveness. Between 1960 and 1979 the per capita income in a number of sub-Saharan countries showed increase while some others had a very low rate of growth and still others showed negative rates of growth. Since 1980 it appears that there has been a constant tendency of decline in the rate of growth in a large number of countries.2 Even the oil-producing countries are in trouble.

AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION OF CA DONG PEOPLE IN RESETTLEMENT AREA OF TRANH RIVER HYDROPOWER NUMBER 2: CURRENT SITUATION AND IMPACT FACTORS

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bùi Thị Bích Lan
Keyword(s):  
Social Relations ◽  
Agricultural Production ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Transition Process ◽  
Impact Factors ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Scale Production ◽  
Technical Application ◽  
Production Models ◽  
Role Of The State

In Vietnam, the construction of hydropower projects has contributed significantly in the cause of industrialization and modernization of the country. The place where hydropower projects are built is mostly inhabited by ethnic minorities - communities that rely primarily on land, a very important source of livelihood security. In the context of the lack of common productive land in resettlement areas, the orientation for agricultural production is to promote indigenous knowledge combined with increasing scientific and technical application; shifting from small-scale production practices to large-scale commodity production. However, the research results of this article show that many obstacles in the transition process are being posed such as limitations on natural resources, traditional production thinking or the suitability and effectiveness of scientific - technical application models. When agricultural production does not ensure food security, a number of implications for people’s lives are increasingly evident, such as poverty, preserving cultural identity, social relations and resource protection. Since then, it has set the role of the State in researching and building appropriate agricultural production models to exploit local strengths and ensure sustainability.

Study of Diabetic Mellitus and Knowledge of Lotion Foot Care on the Community

2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hariyadi DM ◽  
Athiyah U ◽  
Hendradi E ◽  
Rosita N ◽  
Erawati T ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Glucose ◽  
T Test ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Scale Production ◽  
Foot Care ◽  
Diabetic Mellitus ◽  
Glucose Levels ◽  
Blood Glucose Levels ◽  
Before And After ◽  
History Of

The prevention of Diabetic Mellitus (DM) and its complications is the main aim of this study, in addition to the training of lotion foot care application and the development of small scale industry. The research team delivered knowledge in the form of training on Diabetic Mellitus, healthy food, treatment and prevention of complications, and small-scale production of cosmetic products. The aim of this study was to determine the correlation between training on diabetic and lotion foot care application as preventive measures against diabetic complications on the patient's blood glucose levels in the community of residents in Banyuurip Jaya, Surabaya. It was expected from this training that the knowledge of the residents increases and people living with diabetic undergo lifestyle changes and therefore blood sugar levels can be controlled. The parameters measured in this research were blood glucose levels, the anti diabetic drug types consumed, and compliance on diabetics. This study used the data taken from 60 patients with DM over a period of one month. Questionnaires and log books was used to retrieve data and changes in blood glucose levels in diabetic patients. The results showed the demographic data of patients with type 2 diabetic of 85% female and 15% male, with the range of patients aged of 61-70 years of 46.67% and had history of diabetic (90%). The history of drugs consumed by respondents was anti diabetic drugs such as metformin (40%), glimepiride (33.37%) and insulin (6.67%). In addition, the increased knowledge of DM patients after being given the training compared to before training was shown in several questions in the questionnaire. A statistical analysis using t-test analyzed a correlation between training provided in order to enhance understanding of the patient, as well as correlation with blood glucose levels. A paired T-test showed that there was a relationship between the knowledge of trainees before and after training (p less than 0.05). An interesting result was that there was no relationship between blood glucose levels before and after training provided (p> 0.05).

DEVELOPMENT OF A LAND DEGRADATION ASSESSMENT MODEL BASED ON FIELD INDICATORS ASSESSMENT AND PREDICTION METHODS IN WAI SARI, SUB-WATERSHED KAIRATU DISTRICT, WESTERN SERAM REGENCY, MALUKU PROVINCE, INDONESIA

2019 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 071-084
Author(s):  
Silwanus M. Talakua ◽  
Rafael M. Osok
Keyword(s):  
Land Degradation ◽  
Soil Loss ◽  
Assessment Model ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Small Islands ◽  
Topographic Map ◽  
Field Assessment ◽  
Field Indicators ◽  
Degradation Measurement ◽  
Very High

The study was conducted in Wai Sari sub-watershed, Western Seram Regency Maluku to develop an accurate land degradation assessment model for tropical small islands. The Stocking’s field land degradation measurement and RUSLE methods were applied to estimate soil loss by erosion and the results of both methods were statistically tested in order to obtain a correction factor. Field indicators and prediction data were measured on 95 slope units derived from the topographic map. The rates of soil loss were calculated according to both methods, and the results were used to classify the degree of land degradation. The results show that the degree of land degradation based on the field assessment ranges from none-slight (4.04 - 17.565 t/ha/yr) to very high (235.44 - 404.00 t/ha/yr), while the RUSLE method ranges from none-slight (0.04-4.59 t/ha/yr) to very high 203.90 - 518.13 t/ha/yr.  However, the RUSLE method shows much higher in average soil loss (133.4 t/ha/yr) than the field assessment (33.9 t/ha/yr). The best regression equation of  logD/RP = - 0.594 + 1.0 logK + 1.0 logLS + 1.0 logC or D = 0.2547xRxKxLSx CxP was found to be a more suitable land degradation assessment  model for a small-scale catchment area in the tropical small islands.

scholarly journals Fisheries Sustainability through Soft Multi-Use Maritime Spatial Planning and Local Development Co-Management: Potentials and Challenges in Greece

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 2026 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stella Sofia I. Kyvelou ◽  
Dimitrios G. Ierapetritis
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Planning ◽  
Local Development ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Artisanal Fisheries ◽  
Sustainable Livelihood ◽  
Small Scale Fisheries ◽  
Island Communities ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
Family Based ◽  
Maritime Spatial Planning

Small-scale fisheries in the Mediterranean represent a significant part of the fisheries industry and their substantial social, economic and place attachment related role has always been acknowledged in the region. Despite the fact that this usually family-based endeavor has a vast economic impact on coastal and island communities of the sea-basin, data and insights on the Mediterranean artisanal fisheries continue to be inadequately developed and poorly integrated in the local development strategies. Thus, the aim of this research is two-fold. Firstly, it presents some data and facts on the fisheries sector in the region and secondly it explores the options of their survival, prosperity and sustainability, approaching the combination of fisheries and tourism as a small-scale and soft “multi-use” in the marine space. Greece, with a huge potential in both the fisheries and the tourism sector, was used as focus area where a co-development process was designed aiming to identify advantages/potentials and challenges/disadvantages of the co-existence of artisanal fisheries and tourism, as perceived by a series of stakeholders including the co-management schemes (Fisheries Local Action Groups, FLAGs) in the country. Key conclusion is that sustainable livelihood from small-scale fisheries depends on the correlation between fisheries and other marine activities. Despite some limitations, this can boost sustainable local development and be a unique pattern of a “win-win” and soft multi-use marine spatial planning (MSP), with economic, environmental, social, cultural and governance related benefits for the coastal communities.

scholarly journals SPEAR (Solar Pyrolysis Energy Access Reactor): Theoretical Design and Evaluation of a Small-Scale Low-Cost Pyrolysis Unit for Implementation in Rural Communities

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (8) ◽  
pp. 2189
Author(s):  
Cesare Caputo ◽  
Ondřej Mašek
Keyword(s):  
Waste Management ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Net Present Value ◽  
Agricultural Waste ◽  
Tracking Error ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Energy Access ◽  
Efficient System ◽  
Pyrolysis Unit

Energy access and waste management are two of the most pressing developmental and environmental issues on a global level to help mitigate the accelerating impacts of climate change. They are particularly relevant in Sub–Saharan Africa where electrification rates are significantly below global averages and rural areas are lacking a formal waste management sector. This paper explores the potential of integrating solar energy into a biomass pyrolysis unit as a potentially synergetic solution to both issues. The full design of a slow pyrolysis batch reactor targeted at biochar production, following a strict cost minimization approach, is presented in light of the relevant considerations. SPEAR is powered using a Cassegrain optics parabolic dish system, integrated into the reactor via a manual tracking system and optically optimized with a Monte-Carlo ray tracing methodology. The design approach employed has led to the development an overall cost efficient system, with the potential to achieve optical efficiencies up 72% under a 1.5° tracking error. The outputs of the system are biochar and electricity, to be used for soil amendment and energy access purposes, respectively. There is potential to pyrolyze a number of agricultural waste streams for the region, producing at least 5 kg of biochar per unit per day depending on the feedstock employed. Financial assessment of SPEAR yields a positive Net Present Value (NPV) in nearly all scenarios evaluated and a reasonable competitiveness with small scale solar for electrification objectives. Finally, SPEAR presents important positive social and environmental externalities and should be feasibly implementable in the region in the near term.

scholarly journals Technical basis for the small-scale production of black soldier fly, Hermetia illucens (L. 1758), meal as fish feed in Benin

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. 100153
Author(s):  
Armel Gougbedji ◽  
Pamphile Agbohessou ◽  
Philippe A. Lalèyè ◽  
Frédéric Francis ◽  
Rudy Caparros Megido
Keyword(s):  
Small Scale ◽  
Fish Feed ◽  
Scale Production ◽  
Black Soldier Fly ◽  
Hermetia Illucens ◽  
Technical Basis

scholarly journals Using Participatory Spatial Tools to Unravel Community Perceptions of Land-Use Dynamics in a Mine-Expanding Landscape in Ghana

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jane J. Aggrey ◽  
Mirjam A. F. Ros-Tonen ◽  
Kwabena O. Asubonteng
Keyword(s):  
Land Use ◽  
Adverse Effects ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Eastern Region ◽  
Food Crop ◽  
Mosaic Landscape ◽  
Rural Landscapes ◽  
The Future

AbstractArtisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) in sub-Saharan Africa creates considerable dynamics in rural landscapes. Many studies addressed the adverse effects of mining, but few studies use participatory spatial tools to assess the effects on land use. Hence, this paper takes an actor perspective to analyze how communities in a mixed farming-mining area in Ghana’s Eastern Region perceive the spatial dynamics of ASM and its effects on land for farming and food production from past (1986) to present (2018) and toward the future (2035). Participatory maps show how participants visualize the transformation of food-crop areas into small- and large-scale mining, tree crops, and settlement in all the communities between 1986 and 2018 and foresee these trends to continue in the future (2035). Participants also observe how a mosaic landscape shifts toward a segregated landscape, with simultaneous fragmentation of their farming land due to ASM. Further segregation is expected in the future, with attribution to the expansion of settlements being an unexpected outcome. Although participants expect adverse effects on the future availability of food-crop land, no firm conclusions can be drawn about the anticipated effect on food availability. The paper argues that, if responsibly applied and used to reveal community perspectives and concerns about landscape dynamics, participatory mapping can help raise awareness of the need for collective action and contribute to more inclusive landscape governance. These findings contribute to debates on the operationalization of integrated and inclusive landscape approaches and governance, particularly in areas with pervasive impacts of ASM.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document