Your search found 33 records
1 Mango, N.; Makate, C.; Tamene, L.; Mponela, P.; Ndengu, G. 2017. Awareness and adoption of land, soil and water conservation practices in the Chinyanja Triangle, southern Africa. International Soil and Water Conservation Research, 5(2):122-129. [doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iswcr.2017.04.003]
Water conservation ; Soil conservation ; Land conservation ; Agricultural practices ; Farmers attitudes ; Awareness ; Technology ; Adoption ; Households ; Socioeconomic environment ; Models / Southern Africa / Mozambique / Malawi / Zambia
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H048162)
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2095633916301083/pdfft?md5=82d095897ec1b142eb0962e168a4d5d2&pid=1-s2.0-S2095633916301083-main.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H048162.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H048162.pdf
(0.55 MB) (560 KB)
The promotion of land, soil and water conservation measures has been a widespread development in sub-Saharan Africa in a bid to tackle degradation and improve productivity. As a result, several governments have launched various campaigns on soil, land and water conservation measures. The aim of this study is to determine some of the factors that influence farmers’ awareness (knowledge) and adoption of land, soil and water conservation practices. Data for this study was collected from 312 households using a questionnaire survey in the Chinyanja Triangle of Southern Africa. The study sites were sampled from Tete province of Mozambique, central and southern regions of Malawi and eastern Province of Zambia. We used t-tests to classify adopters and non-adopters of soil, land and water conservation measures and binomial logit models to identify the factors that influence farmers’ knowledge of conservation measures and adoption of land productivity practices. The results show that the household head's age, education, agricultural advice reception and farmer group membership are critical in raising awareness. While the household head's age, education, agricultural advice reception, farmer group membership, pieces of land owned or used in production and land-to-man ratio influenced adoption decisions. The study, therefore, concludes that in order to improve land productivity in the Chinyanja Triangle, there is a need to consider farmers’ heterogeneity in terms of household head's age, level of education, extension services outreach, and socio-economic characteristics. This suggests that governments’ policies in the region should be aimed at improving farmers’ level of education, extension delivery that will target the elderly and the youth, land ownership, credit access, and social capital such as group formation.
2 Tarannum, F.; Kansal, A.; Sharma, P. 2018. Understanding public perception, knowledge and behaviour for water quality management of the river Yamuna in India. Water Policy, 20(2):266-281. [doi: https://doi.org/10.2166/wp.2018.134]
Water quality ; Water management ; Public opinion ; Awareness ; Human behaviour ; Water pollution ; Risk assessment ; Water policy ; Rivers / India / Yamuna River / Delhi
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H048716)
(0.23 MB)
The paper aims to understand how the public perceives river water quality and related risks and behaviour. Using the stratified semi-purposive sampling process, the study explores the perception of people residing along the river Yamuna in India. The method applied involved a structured questionnaire survey of 2706 respondents and four focused group discussions with people residing within two kilometres of the river bank. Non-parametric tests such as Kruskal Wallis, Mann Whitney U-test and One-Sample Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test were used to analyse the data. The findings suggest that the majority of the respondents formulate their perceptions using non-scientific methods like sensorial and heuristics. Perception on sources of pollution is shaped by personal experiences and people do not perceive diffused sources of pollution that affect river water quality. Respondents attributed the pollution in the river to anthropogenic activities and their risk perception was found to be linked to their direct dependence on the river for their daily needs. The paper suggests behavioural change strategies to focus on social, governance, and technological drivers.
3 Kakumanu, K. R.; Kaluvai, Y. R.; Balasubramanian, M.; Nagothu, U. S.; Kotapati, G. R.; Karanam, S. 2019. Adaptation to climate change: impact of capacity building, India. Irrigation and Drainage, 68(1):50-58. (Special issue: Special Issue with Selected Papers of the 23rd ICID Congress, Mexico City). [doi: https://doi.org/10.1002/ird.2275]
Climate change adaptation ; Capacity building ; Innovation adoption ; Water conservation ; Crop production ; Rice ; Crop yield ; Costs ; Households ; Villages ; Awareness ; Farmers ; Strategies ; Socioeconomic environment / India / Krishna River Basin / Telangana / Andhra Pradesh
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H049171)
(0.43 MB)
Climate change adversely affects the determinants of agriculture. Adaptation serves as an important strategy to reduce the adverse effects of climate change (variability) and vulnerability of the people. Adaptation through an innovation programme was implemented for 4 years during 2012–2016 to improve the adaptive capacity in agriculture and the water sectors through capacity building and implementation in the Krishna River Basin, India. Primary data were collected from 178 farm households of the Nagarjuna Sagar Project command area covering both adopters and non-adopters of water-saving interventions from the study area. The double difference method was used to analyse the impact of adaptation through capacity building and implementation. The water-saving interventions include alternate wetting and drying (AWD) in rice, a modified system of rice intensification (MSRI) and direct seeding of rice (DSR). The capacity building and water saving increased crop yields by 0.96, 0.93 and 0.77 t ha 1 through AWD, MSRI and DSR respectively. The three practices have increased farmers’ income and decreased the cost of cultivation in DSR by Rs.11 000 (US$169) ha 1 . The methods can be more focused in canal commands on a larger scale for equal distribution of water to all the head, middle and tail-end regions.
4 Dlangalala, S. F.; Mudhara, M. 2020. Determinants of farmer awareness of water governance across gender dimensions in smallholder irrigation schemes in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa. Water SA, 46(2):234-241. [doi: https://doi.org/10.17159/wsa/2020.v46.i2.8238]
Water governance ; Farmers participation ; Awareness ; Smallholders ; Irrigation schemes ; Water management ; Gender ; Water institutions ; Water user associations ; Decision making ; Stakeholders ; Policies ; Households ; Socioeconomic environment / South Africa / KwaZulu-Natal / Mooi River Irrigation Scheme / Tugela Ferry Irrigation Scheme / Ndumo Irrigation Scheme
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H049791)
(0.23 MB) (236 KB)
Water is a vital resource for irrigated agricultural production. Its availability and accessibility are critical for alleviating poverty and achieving food security in rural households. However, smallholder irrigated agriculture in South Africa faces limited water supply emanating from scheme governance problems, with weak institutional arrangements that fail to equitably and effectively govern water resources. South African water policy has been transforming over the years. However, statutory laws remain unknown in smallholder irrigation schemes. This study sought to assess farmer awareness of water governance and identify the determinants of farmer awareness of water governance dimensions across gender dimensions in Mooi River, Tugela Ferry, and Ndumo irrigation schemes. The study employed principal component analysis to generate water governance indices, that is, formal institutions, the existence and effectiveness of scheme constitutions, scheme committees and enforcement of informal rules in the scheme. The ordinary least square regression technique was then used to identify factors determining farmer awareness of formal and informal water institutions in the three irrigation schemes. The findings suggest that formal water institutions are unknown and factors such as household characteristics, scheme location, stakeholder participation and involvement in scheme decision-making processes significantly influence awareness of governance. Therefore, there is a need to raise farmer awareness of formal water institutions and to strengthen the informal institutions which are functional, recognised and in line with irrigation management transfer.
5 Fahad, S.; Inayat, T.; Wang, J.; Dong, L.; Hu, G.; Khan, S.; Khan, A. 2020. Farmers’ awareness level and their perceptions of climate change: a case of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan. Land Use Policy, 96:104669. [doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landusepol.2020.104669]
Climate change adaptation ; Farmers ; Awareness ; Strategies ; Land ownership ; Socioeconomic aspects ; Drought ; Policies ; Diversification ; Government agencies ; Households ; Models / Pakistan / Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H049835)
(1.68 MB)
Climate change is an environmental threat to all the sectors, especially the agricultural sector around the globe. Pakistan is one of the most vulnerable regions to extreme climatic events in developing world especially in Southeast Asia. Pakistan has detrimentally affected by the climatic variations due to its high exposure to extreme climatic events. Several studies have reported the farm households’ perception, adaptation and mitigation about climate change but there is inadequate knowledge available on the awareness of farm households about climate change in Pakistan. To fill this research gap, the purpose of research aims to examine the Pakistani farm household’s awareness level of climate change and its associated factors. By using structured questionnaire in data of 400 study participants were collected from four districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province of Pakistan through a household’s survey. A stratified random sampling technique was utilized for collection of primary data. A probit model approach was employed to analyze the farm households’ awareness of climate change and its associated socioeconomic and demographic variables. Results of our study exposed that 73 % farm households were aware of climate change. Socio economics and demographic variables such as age of farm households, education level, farming experience, land ownership status, extension and information sources access were pointedly related to farm households’ awareness of climate change. Further, results of our study showed that the evaluation of farm households’ adaptation behavior suggests that farm households are active in using several adaptation strategies such as crop diversification and use of irrigation etc. It is expected that the findings of the present research will be helpful to guide governmental agencies and policymakers and contribute to the construction of sustainable adaptation measures in Pakistan and other regions in the framework of climate change.
6 Deng, L.; Cai, L.; Sun, F.; Li, G.; Che, Y. 2020. Public attitudes towards microplastics: perceptions, behaviors and policy implications. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 163:105096. [doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2020.105096]
Microplastics ; Public opinion ; Attitudes ; Awareness ; Behaviour ; Marine environment ; Emission reduction ; Pollution control ; Socioeconomic environment ; Public health ; Policies ; Models / China / Shanghai
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H050081)
(1.14 MB)
Microplastics are ubiquitous and have been found in marine environments, organisms, salt, and even human bodies. Concern about the impact of microplastics on the ecological environment, as well as the threat of microplastics to food safety and public health is increasing among the society. However, there is currently no effective technical way to tackle and remove microplastics from the environment. Thus, public attitudes are key to reducing microplastic emissions. This study investigated the public's perceptions and attitudes towards microplastics in Shanghai and used an ordered regression model to explore the public's willingness to reduce microplastics and its influencing factors. We used random face-to-face interviews to complete a total of 437 valid questionnaires. The survey results show that only 26% of the respondents had heard of microplastics before the survey, and the majority were relatively unfamiliar with microplastics. Although the public's awareness of microplastics is low compared to that of other substances, when informed with the possibility that microplastics may affect human health, 75% of respondents became worried or even overly worried. In addition, the higher the respondents' knowledge of plastics and microplastics is, the stronger their willingness to behave. Public's concern is also an important impact factor. We found that women's willingness to reduce emissions is higher than men's and environmental protection-related practitioners are also more willing to act. Therefore, this article focuses on the public's understanding of microplastics to propose measures and policy implications to reduce microplastic emissions during the process of microplastic production and recycling.
7 Mersha, A. N.; de Fraiture, C.; Masih, I.; Alamirew, T. 2021. Dilemmas of integrated water resources management implementation in the Awash River Basin, Ethiopia: irrigation development versus environmental flows. Water and Environment Journal, 35(1):402-416. [doi: https://doi.org/10.1111/wej.12638]
Integrated management ; Water resources ; Water management ; Environmental flows ; Irrigation ; River basins ; Food security ; Sustainable development ; Water availability ; Water demand ; Water use ; Water allocation ; Stakeholders ; Policies ; Institutions ; Legal aspects ; Social aspects ; Political aspects ; Awareness ; Ecosystems / Ethiopia / Awash River Basin
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H050256)
(2.08 MB)
Environmental flows allocation is an intrinsic part of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM). This paper analyses socio-political issues and effects of environmental flows integration on water availability under the context of increased agricultural intensification in an effort to tackle food insecurity. Lack of appropriate framework comprising the procedural requirements and strategic directions as well as prevalence of politically motivated ad hoc development programmes are among major challenges identified. Introducing environmental flows to a perceived satisfactory level would result in a significant increase of unmet irrigation water demand, yet, “productivity first” norm overtakes. This is presumed to be due to skewed focus on irrigation expansion and low awareness on the possible consequences. The particular challenges highlighted generally unveil the inherent contradictions in the IWRM concept putting its claim that the set of principles and entire course stand universally accepted as a means to balance socio-economic and environmental outcomes under question.
8 Egerer, S.; Cotera, R. V.; Celliers, L.; Costa, M. M. 2021. A leverage points analysis of a qualitative system dynamics model for climate change adaptation in agriculture. Agricultural Systems, 189:103052. (Online first) [doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agsy.2021.103052]
Climate change adaptation ; Agricultural sector ; Water management ; Water resources ; Water use efficiency ; Energy ; Decision making ; Models ; Water storage ; Water extraction ; Water demand ; Cultivation ; Financing ; Stakeholders ; Farmers ; Policies ; Regulations ; Awareness / Germany / Saxony
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H050220)
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0308521X21000056/pdfft?md5=3ff068979a605d9015acea24592d17cc&pid=1-s2.0-S0308521X21000056-main.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H050220.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H050220.pdf
(5.73 MB) (5.73 MB)
Context: Participatory modeling approaches provide opportunities for collective action responding to challenges of community resource limitations. In the context of climate change, challenges arise from the potential limi_tations of water availability and resulting conflicts within the agricultural sector. Northeast Lower Saxony is the region with the highest irrigation intensity in Germany due to the sandy soils with low water holding capacity, the cultivation of crops with high water demand, and a negative climatic water balance during the summer months. Water resources will become more limited as a consequence of climate change. Simultaneously, the irrigation demand will most likely increase due to intensified crop cultivation.
Objective: Responding to these challenges, we developed a novel method to identify leverage points for effective climate change adaptation measures. We applied this method to analyze opportunities for climate change adaptation within the agricultural sector in Northeast Lower Saxony. Furthermore, we assessed the potential of stakeholders to implement adaptation measures that correspond to the identified leverage points on different time scales.
Methods: Our leverage point analysis is based on a qualitative system dynamics model that was developed within a participatory modeling framework. We analyzed parameters, feedback loops, and typical system archetypes within the model. Leverage points that were related to the design and the intent of the model emerged during the iterative model building process. Subsequently, we introduced a rating system to evaluate the potential of each leverage point to be successful as a climate change adaptation measure. We provide a point-by-point analysis of the potential of key stakeholders to implement adaptation measures.
Results and conclusions: The leverage points analysis was applied to the case study of Northeast Lower Saxony. It revealed that collective action is needed to cope with these challenges. Decision-makers should provide financial incentives to increase water retention in the region. Farmers will have to improve irrigation efficiency and technology for crop production. Increased societal awareness of climate change-related water shortages has the potential to direct the system towards more sustainable water use and consumption patterns.
Significance: Our novel and structured approach is an attempt to analyze complex socio-economic systems. It supports mediating water resource conflicts between various stakeholders to facilitate collective action for adaptive planning.
Objective: Responding to these challenges, we developed a novel method to identify leverage points for effective climate change adaptation measures. We applied this method to analyze opportunities for climate change adaptation within the agricultural sector in Northeast Lower Saxony. Furthermore, we assessed the potential of stakeholders to implement adaptation measures that correspond to the identified leverage points on different time scales.
Methods: Our leverage point analysis is based on a qualitative system dynamics model that was developed within a participatory modeling framework. We analyzed parameters, feedback loops, and typical system archetypes within the model. Leverage points that were related to the design and the intent of the model emerged during the iterative model building process. Subsequently, we introduced a rating system to evaluate the potential of each leverage point to be successful as a climate change adaptation measure. We provide a point-by-point analysis of the potential of key stakeholders to implement adaptation measures.
Results and conclusions: The leverage points analysis was applied to the case study of Northeast Lower Saxony. It revealed that collective action is needed to cope with these challenges. Decision-makers should provide financial incentives to increase water retention in the region. Farmers will have to improve irrigation efficiency and technology for crop production. Increased societal awareness of climate change-related water shortages has the potential to direct the system towards more sustainable water use and consumption patterns.
Significance: Our novel and structured approach is an attempt to analyze complex socio-economic systems. It supports mediating water resource conflicts between various stakeholders to facilitate collective action for adaptive planning.
9 Assefa, S.; Kessler, A.; Fleskens, L. 2021. Exploring decision-making in campaign-based watershed management by using a role-playing game in Boset District, Ethiopia. Agricultural Systems, 190:103124. (Online first) [doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agsy.2021.103124]
Watershed management ; Decision making ; Farmers ; Collective action ; Soil conservation ; Water conservation ; Strategies ; Awareness ; Learning ; Land cover ; Farmland ; Common lands ; Sustainability ; Income / Ethiopia / Boset / Ararso-Bero / Sara-Areda / Qachachule-Guja
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H050298)
(1.93 MB)
CONTEXT
The sustainability of the ongoing national Campaign-Based Watershed Management (CBWM) program in Ethiopia is questionable due to poor planning and implementation practices.
OBJECTIVE
This study analyzes farmers' decision-making in the CBWM program, and mutual learning and collective decisions among local actors in Boset District - Ethiopia.
METHODS
Role-Playing Game (RPG) was the main method of the study. In order to collect pertinent information during the game sessions, observation of farmers' behavior and group discussions were used. Descriptive statistics and qualitative analysis were employed to analyze game outputs.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS
Results show that farmers prefer to collectively work on private farmlands rather than on communal land. Furthermore, participation of farmers in campaign works was higher under a default-scenario (with control instruments), than under a willingness-scenario (without control instruments). In making decisions on their level of participation in campaign works, farmers followed the decisions of a fellow farmer they considered more knowledgeable. However, the participation of farmers in the maintenance of Soil and Water Conservation (SWC) structures was more or less the same under both scenarios. Both farmers' level of participation in campaign works and maintenance decisions were influenced by their proximity to the CBWM intervention areas (i.e. micro-watersheds) as well as their awareness and motivation. The commitment of local government actors was also crucial to enforce and encourage the farmers to participate in the program. Based on farmers' decisions in the RPG, none of the two scenarios simultaneously enhance the total land area covered with SWC structures and income of farmers. An important benefit of this game was that it stimulated mutual learning and collective decisions on micro-watersheds to be treated and alternative management strategies for the CBWM program. This revealed that there is a need to (1) motivate farmers through capacity building, (2) enhance the commitment of local government actors, and (3) introduce participatory planning to enhance mutual learning and collective decisions for sustainable watershed management.
SIGNIFICANCE
While directly applicable to the study area, these recommendations and the RPG (as a toolkit) are essential to enhance the outcomes and sustainability of collective watershed management initiatives in other parts of the world.
The sustainability of the ongoing national Campaign-Based Watershed Management (CBWM) program in Ethiopia is questionable due to poor planning and implementation practices.
OBJECTIVE
This study analyzes farmers' decision-making in the CBWM program, and mutual learning and collective decisions among local actors in Boset District - Ethiopia.
METHODS
Role-Playing Game (RPG) was the main method of the study. In order to collect pertinent information during the game sessions, observation of farmers' behavior and group discussions were used. Descriptive statistics and qualitative analysis were employed to analyze game outputs.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS
Results show that farmers prefer to collectively work on private farmlands rather than on communal land. Furthermore, participation of farmers in campaign works was higher under a default-scenario (with control instruments), than under a willingness-scenario (without control instruments). In making decisions on their level of participation in campaign works, farmers followed the decisions of a fellow farmer they considered more knowledgeable. However, the participation of farmers in the maintenance of Soil and Water Conservation (SWC) structures was more or less the same under both scenarios. Both farmers' level of participation in campaign works and maintenance decisions were influenced by their proximity to the CBWM intervention areas (i.e. micro-watersheds) as well as their awareness and motivation. The commitment of local government actors was also crucial to enforce and encourage the farmers to participate in the program. Based on farmers' decisions in the RPG, none of the two scenarios simultaneously enhance the total land area covered with SWC structures and income of farmers. An important benefit of this game was that it stimulated mutual learning and collective decisions on micro-watersheds to be treated and alternative management strategies for the CBWM program. This revealed that there is a need to (1) motivate farmers through capacity building, (2) enhance the commitment of local government actors, and (3) introduce participatory planning to enhance mutual learning and collective decisions for sustainable watershed management.
SIGNIFICANCE
While directly applicable to the study area, these recommendations and the RPG (as a toolkit) are essential to enhance the outcomes and sustainability of collective watershed management initiatives in other parts of the world.
10 Mishra, D.; Das, B. S.; Sinha, T.; Hoque, J. M.; Reynolds, C.; Islam, M. R.; Hossain, M.; Sar, P.; Menon, M. 2021. Living with arsenic in the environment: an examination of current awareness of farmers in the Bengal Basin using hybrid feature selection and machine learning. Environment International, 153:106529. (Online first) [doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2021.106529]
Drinking water ; Arsenic ; Contamination ; Awareness ; Farmers ; Farming systems ; Communities ; Socioeconomic environment ; Water supply ; Irrigation ; Public health ; Policies ; Machine learning ; Models / Bangladesh / India / Bengal Basin / West Bengal
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H050292)
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412021001549/pdfft?md5=3520f677cef94fd26d81d0009caa2d29&pid=1-s2.0-S0160412021001549-main.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H050292.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H050292.pdf
(2.07 MB) (2.07 MB)
High levels of arsenic in drinking water and food materials continue to pose a global health challenge. Over 127 million people alone in Bangladesh (BD) and West Bengal (WB) state of India are exposed to elevated levels of arsenic in drinking water. Despite decades of research and outreach, arsenic awareness in communities continue to be low. Specifically, very few studies reported arsenic awareness among low-income farming communities. A comprehensive approach to assess arsenic awareness is a key step in identifying research and development priorities so that appropriate stakeholder engagement may be designed to tackle arsenic menace. In this study, we developed a comprehensive arsenic awareness index (CAAI) and identified key awareness drivers (KADs) of arsenic to help evaluate farmers’ preferences in dealing with arsenic in the environment. The CAAI and KADs were developed using a questionnaire survey in conjunction with ten machine learning (ML) models coupled with a hybrid feature selection approach. Two questionnaire surveys comprising of 73 questions covering health, water and community, and food were conducted in arsenic-affected areas of WB and BD. Comparison of CAAIs showed that the BD farmers were generally more arsenic-aware (CAAI = 7.7) than WB farmers (CAAI = 6.8). Interestingly, the reverse was true for the awareness linked to arsenic in the food chain. Application of hybrid feature selection identified 15 KADs, which included factors related to stakeholder interventions and cropping practices instead of commonly perceived factors such as age, gender and income. Among ML algorithms, classification and regression trees and single C5.0 tree could estimate CAAIs with an average accuracy of 84%. Both communities agreed on policy changes on water testing and clean water supply. The CAAI and KADs combination revealed a contrasting arsenic awareness between the two farming communities, albeit their cultural similarities. Specifically, our study shows the need for increasing awareness of risks through the food chain in BD, whereas awareness campaigns should be strengthened to raise overall awareness in WB possibly through media channels as deemed effective in BD.
11 Mabe, F. N.; Mumuni, E.; Sulemana, N. 2021. Does smallholder farmers’ awareness of Sustainable Development Goal 2 improve household food security in the northern region of Ghana? Agriculture and Food Security, 10:9. [doi: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40066-020-00281-7]
Sustainable Development Goals ; Goal 2 Zero hunger ; Smallholders ; Farmers ; Awareness ; Household food security ; Crop production ; Agricultural extension ; Policies ; Socioeconomic environment ; Models / Ghana
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H050329)
https://agricultureandfoodsecurity.biomedcentral.com/track/pdf/10.1186/s40066-020-00281-7.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H050329.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H050329.pdf
(1.19 MB) (1.19 MB)
Background: Sustainable Development Goal 2 aims at ending hunger, achieving food security, improving nutrition and promoting sustainable agriculture. Whilst some smallholder farmers are aware of this goal, others are not. The question that arises is whether or not awareness translates into food security. Therefore, this study assessed whether or not smallholder farmers’ awareness of Sustainable Development Goal 2 improves household food security in the Northern Region of Ghana.
Methods: The study used cross-sectional primary data collected from two districts and two municipalities in the region. An endogenous switching regression treatment effects model with ordered outcome was used to estimate the effects of smallholder farmers’ awareness of Sustainable Development Goal 2 on household food insecurity level.
Results: The age of household head, distance of households to the regional capital, membership of farmer-based organizations, access to e-extension, education, and ownership of radio are the key drivers of farmers’ awareness of Sustainable Development Goal 2. The results from the endogenous switching regression treatment effects model with ordered outcome showed that households who are aware of the second goal are more food secure than their counterparts.
Conclusions: It is therefore prudent for stakeholders promoting and championing Sustainable Development Goals to educate farmers on goal 2 as their awareness of the goal is critical to achieving food security.
Methods: The study used cross-sectional primary data collected from two districts and two municipalities in the region. An endogenous switching regression treatment effects model with ordered outcome was used to estimate the effects of smallholder farmers’ awareness of Sustainable Development Goal 2 on household food insecurity level.
Results: The age of household head, distance of households to the regional capital, membership of farmer-based organizations, access to e-extension, education, and ownership of radio are the key drivers of farmers’ awareness of Sustainable Development Goal 2. The results from the endogenous switching regression treatment effects model with ordered outcome showed that households who are aware of the second goal are more food secure than their counterparts.
Conclusions: It is therefore prudent for stakeholders promoting and championing Sustainable Development Goals to educate farmers on goal 2 as their awareness of the goal is critical to achieving food security.
12 Schneiderbauer, S.; Pisa, P. F.; Delves, J. L.; Pedoth, L.; Rufat, S.; Erschbamer, M.; Thaler, T.; Carnelli, F.; Granados-Chahin, S. 2021. Risk perception of climate change and natural hazards in global mountain regions: a critical review. Science of the Total Environment, 784:146957. (Online first) [doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.146957]
Climate change adaptation ; Weather hazards ; Disaster risk reduction ; Mountain ranges ; Water scarcity ; Cultural factors ; Indigenous peoples' knowledge ; Communities ; Awareness
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H050367)
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969721020271/pdfft?md5=d671a40ed2ad12d43246157e55fc2b9c&pid=1-s2.0-S0048969721020271-main.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H050367.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H050367.pdf
(3.51 MB) (3.51 MB)
Mountains are highly sensitive to climate change. Their elevated areas provide essential ecosystem services both for the surrounding mountainous regions and particularly for adjacent lowlands. Impacts of a warmer climate affect these services and have negative consequences on the supply of water, on biodiversity and on protection from natural hazards. Mountain social-ecological systems are affected by these changes, which also influence communities' risk perception and responses to changing climate conditions. Therefore, to understand individual and societal responses to climate change in mountain areas, aspects and drivers of risk perception need to be scrutinised. This article presents the findings of a literature review of recent English language publications on risk perception in connection to climate change and related natural hazards in mountain regions worldwide. Studies were selected from recorded entries in JSTOR, Science Direct, Scopus and Web of Science covering the period 2000–2019 and analysed in two steps (structured exploratory analysis, n = 249 and in-depth analysis, n = 72) with respect to the studies' research question, methodology, geographical scope and risk perception drivers. The review reveals that socio-demographic factors, like gender, age and personal experiences, have a crucial impact on individual risk perception. Some of the less tangible but nevertheless decisive factors are important in mountain regions such as place attachment and socio-cultural practices. In conclusion, there is however little information in the literature which addresses the specific situation of risk perception in mountain areas and its influence on communities' responses to environmental changes. Further, we observed a strong gap concerning the integration of indigenous knowledge in risk perception research. Many studies overlook or oversimplify local knowledge and the cultural dimensions of risk perception. Based on these results, the paper identifies several gaps in research and knowledge which may influence the design of climate risk management strategies as well as on their successful implementation.
13 Theis, S.; Bekele, R. D.; Lefore, Nicole; Meinzen-Dick, R.; Ringler, C. 2018. Considering gender when promoting small-scale irrigation technologies: guidance for inclusive irrigation interventions. Washington, DC, USA: International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). 8p. (IFPRI-REACH Project Note)
Farmer-led irrigation ; Small scale systems ; Gender analysis ; Women ; Technology ; Innovation adoption ; Constraints ; Awareness ; Inclusion ; Irrigation programs ; Indicators
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H050438)
https://reachwater.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Gender-Toolkit-IFPRI.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H050438.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H050438.pdf
(0.23 MB) (233 KB)
14 Bhattarai, B.; Upadhyaya, R.; Neupane, K. R.; Devkota, K.; Maskey, G.; Shrestha, S.; Mainali, B.; Ojha, H. 2021. Gender inequality in urban water governance: continuity and change in two towns of Nepal. World Water Policy, 7(1):30-51. [doi: https://doi.org/10.1002/wwp2.12052]
Water governance ; Urban areas ; Gender equality ; Water supply ; Drinking water ; Water insecurity ; Water, sanitation and hygiene ; Gender-transformative approaches ; Women ; Inclusion ; Participation ; Awareness ; Decision making ; Water management ; Water policies ; Households ; Livelihoods ; Socioeconomic environment ; Case studies / Nepal / Kathmandu / Dhulikhel / Dharan
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H050516)
Gender-based inequality has long been recognized as a challenge in water governance and urban development. Women do most of the water collection-related tasks in the majority of low-income country’s urban areas, as they do in rural areas for drinking, household consumption, kitchen gardening, and farming. However, their voice is rarely heard in water governance. When climate change exacerbates water scarcity, it becomes harder for people to secure water with more pronounced effects on women. Drawing on the narratives of men and women involved in water management practices and also the views of the stakeholders who are part of water resource management in two towns in Nepal, this paper demonstrates emerging forms of gender inequality concerning access to and control over water resources, as well as associated services such as sanitation. We found that women’s voice in water governance is systematically excluded, and such gender-based disadvantage intersects with economic disadvantage as women in low-income poor urban settlements are experiencing additional difficulty in accessing water and sanitation services. Gender inequity persists in the urban water sector, and of course the wider social structures, despite some progressive policy changes in recent years, such as the 30% quota reserved for women in local-level water management bodies in Nepal. The paper concludes that tackling gender inequity in water management requires a transformative approach that seriously takes into account women’s voice, critical awareness, and open deliberation over the causes and consequences of the current approaches and practices. Moreover, gender-inclusive outcomes on water management are linked to changes in areas outside of the water sector, such as property ownership structures that constrain or enable women’s access to water and related services.
15 Teklu, B. M.; Haileslassie, Amare; Mekuria, Wolde. 2022. Pesticides as water pollutants and level of risks to environment and people: an example from Central Rift Valley of Ethiopia. Environment, Development and Sustainability, 24(4):5275-5294. [doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10668-021-01658-9]
Water pollution ; Aquatic ecosystems ; Pesticide toxicity ; Environmental impact ; Local communities ; Awareness ; Surface water ; Agrochemicals ; Aquatic animals / Ethiopia / Central Rift Valley
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H050604)
(1.75 MB)
Sustainable agriculture focuses using agricultural resources with minimum possible negative environmental externality to produce more food. The present study reports the environmental and health risks associated with the use, management and handling of agrochemical in the Central Rift Valley, Ethiopia. Six Woredas (or districts) covering both upstream and downstream areas and major ecosystems were selected. Data were collected using focus group discussion, key informant interviews, field observation and literature review. Pesticide Risks in the Tropics for Man, Environment and Trade tool was used to analyse data. Results indicated that local community’s awareness on use, handling and management of pesticides was low. Applications of insecticides, fungicides and herbicides polluted surface water systems and affected aquatic animals and plants with different level of risk (i.e. from no or insignificant risk to acute and chronic levels). The level of risks of using agrochemical on aquatic animals, human and the environment increased when the agricultural practices changed from good to non-good practices (i.e. increasing frequency of application). The types of agrochemicals determined the levels of risks on aquatic animals, human and the environment. For example, copper hydroxide and Lambda pose high risk, whereas Chlorpyrifos poses possible risk on fish under good agricultural practices. Also, the results indicated that the level of risks of using agrochemicals on fish and aquatic vertebrates was high for few pesticides (e.g. Chlorpyrifos) under both good and bad agricultural practices. The results of the present study support decision makers, practitioners and farmers to put corrective measures when importing agrochemicals, provide targeted risk management schemes including training on safety measures and screen agrochemicals on the market, respectively.
16 Dhungana, H.; Clement, F.; Otto, B.; Das, B. 2021. Examining social accountability tools in the water sector: a case study from Nepal. Colombo, Sri Lanka: International Water Management Institute (IWMI). 29p. (IWMI Research Report 179) [doi: https://doi.org/10.5337/2021.211]
Social participation ; Accountability ; Water supply ; Budgeting ; Auditing ; Corruption ; Transparency ; Governance ; Participatory approaches ; Citizen participation ; Water resources ; Drinking water ; Water allocation ; Water, sanitation and hygiene ; Development aid ; Stakeholders ; Nongovernmental organizations ; Water user associations ; Political institutions ; Institutional reform ; Public services ; Legislation ; Women ; Inclusion ; Households ; Awareness ; Rural communities ; Case studies / Nepal / Dailekh / Achham / Goganpani Village Development Committee / Mastabandali Village Development Committee / Sanakanda Scheme / Kalikhola Bandalimadu Scheme
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: IWMI Record No: H050606)
(1.76 MB)
Enhancing accountability has become an important objective of the governance reforms over the past two decades. Yet, only a few studies have explored the use of social accountability tools in the water sector in particular. This report aims to fill this gap, based on a case study of a donor-funded water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) program in Nepal. We document and analyze the effects of two types of social accountability tools implemented by the program: public hearings and social audits. We examined how these tools have contributed to increased transparency, participation, voice and accountability, and in turn discuss their potential to reduce corruption. We relied on qualitative methods to collect data in two case study water supply schemes in two districts of Nepal. The study found that the social accountability tools provided a platform for water users to participate and deliberate on issues related to the execution of WASH schemes. However, the scope of accountability narrowly focused on the integrity of the water user committees but did not provide the political resources and means for communities to hold funding and implementing agencies accountable. Furthermore, attention to budget management has not provided space to address environmental and social justice issues related to payment of wages, access to water and decision-making processes in the design of the water scheme and water allocation. Findings from the study also indicate that the concept of deliberation and downward accountability, as envisioned in international development discourses, does not necessarily match with local power relationships and local cultural norms.
17 Alenda-Demoutiez, J. 2021. Climate change literacy in Africa: the main role of experiences. International Journal of Environmental Studies, 18p. (Online first) [doi: https://doi.org/10.1080/00207233.2021.1987059]
Climate change adaptation ; Literacy ; Strategies ; Awareness ; Education ; Policies ; Institutions ; Farmers ; Communities ; Vulnerability ; Socioeconomic aspects / Africa
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H050740)
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/00207233.2021.1987059
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H050740.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H050740.pdf
(0.86 MB) (880 KB)
Climate change, one of the major challenges of our time, requires international responses. This paper focuses on understanding what shapes climate change literacy in Africa, i.e. the understanding and knowledge about all the elements of climate change: its causes, its consequences and its solutions. The methodology is based on the seventh round of the Afrobarometer surveys, which for the first time included questions about climate change. The results show in particular the central role of direct experience of the connected understanding between the different aspects of literacy and the complexity of the impact of identity and trust in institutions. All these elements should be key to motivate governments in responding to climate change challenges.
18 Antwi-Agyei, P.; Wiafe, E. A.; Amanor, K.; Baffour-Ata, F.; Codjoe, S. N. A. 2021. Determinants of choice of climate change adaptation practices by smallholder pineapple farmers in the semi-deciduous forest zone of Ghana. Environmental and Sustainability Indicators, 12:100140. [doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indic.2021.100140]
Climate change adaptation ; Strategies ; Smallholders ; Farmers ; Nonfarm income ; Forests ; Awareness ; Livelihoods ; Land fragmentation ; Land ownership ; Soil conservation ; Institutions ; Nongovernmental organizations ; Socioeconomic aspects / Ghana / Nsawam Adoagyiri
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H050820)
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2665972721000416/pdfft?md5=5f862ffcc12a0a452cd0dd452a4fde9c&pid=1-s2.0-S2665972721000416-main.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H050820.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H050820.pdf
(1.60 MB) (1.60 MB)
This paper explored the extent to which the awareness of climate change affects the choice of climate change adaptation practice by smallholder pineapple farmers. This study used a cross-sectional data collected from 150 farmers in the Nsawam Adoagyiri Municipality, Ghana. We applied the Latent Class Analysis (LCA) to identify sub-population of pineapple farmers based on their awareness levels of climate change and socioeconomic characteristics. We then used a multinomial logistic regression to examine the extent to which differences in climate change awareness influence adaptation choices. Results indicated that, smallholder pineapple farmers are well aware of climate change and perceived changes in rainfall and temperature patterns. Further, the findings revealed that smallholder pineapple farmers are implementing a host of on-farm and off-farm climate change adaptation practices including irrigation, adjusting planting time, land fragmentation, the use of agro-ecological knowledge, and seasonal migration. The LCA identified three subgroups of smallholder pineapple farmers based on their level of awareness of climate change – strong climate change awareness group (n = 111; 74%), moderate climate change awareness group (n = 18; 12%) and poor climate change awareness group (n = 21; 14%). Results showed marginal differences in the adoption rate of adaptation practices across the observed subgroups of farmers. We identified that institutional factors including the quality of climate information, quality of extension services, access to credit, education and access to extension services have a stronger effect on climate change awareness and the choice of adaptation practice compared to individual factors such as gender, marital status and farmers' age.
19 Neha; Kansal, A. 2022. Acceptability of reclaimed municipal wastewater in cities: evidence from India's National Capital Region. Water Policy, 24(1):212-228. [doi: https://doi.org/10.2166/wp.2021.197]
Municipal wastewater ; Water reuse ; Wastewater treatment ; Water scarcity ; Water supply ; Drinking water ; Urban areas ; Risk ; Awareness ; Policies ; Stakeholders / India / Delhi
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H050859)
https://iwaponline.com/wp/article-pdf/24/1/212/997656/024010212.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H050859.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H050859.pdf
(0.73 MB) (744 KB)
Willingness to reuse reclaimed municipal wastewater was ascertained through a questionnaire completed by 424 respondents, opinions of 17 experts, and interviews with 15 farmers. Information was collected to assess their knowledge of water scarcity and to determine the influence of demographics, correlation to perceived risk, willingness, challenges, and barriers related to the acceptance of reclaimed water. Most respondents were receptive to the idea of using it for purposes other than drinking, and ‘water conservative’ individuals were inclined towards using it even for drinking. Farmers were concerned about its quality and implications for the health of using it for irrigation. Effective communication between authorities and end-users can promote the idea of reusing greywater and reclaimed water for domestic use, and, eventually, for drinking. These findings will be useful in developing an integrated, practical, and strategic framework for treating wastewater for reuse in other cities not only in India but also in other developing countries.
20 Muheirwe, F.; Kombe, W.; Kihila, J. M. 2022. The paradox of solid waste management: a regulatory discourse from Sub-Saharan Africa. Habitat International, 119:102491. [doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.habitatint.2021.102491]
Solid wastes ; Waste management ; Regulations ; Policies ; Waste collection ; Governance ; Developing countries ; Informal settlements ; Awareness ; Political aspects ; Towns / Africa South of Sahara
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H050864)
(0.60 MB)
Solid waste management remains a challenge globally attributed to several factors including inadequacies and ineffectiveness of policies. Presumably, good policies should translate to better solid waste management practices. However, other underlying factors and implementation challenges may determine the waste management status. Thus the debate in the literature on solid waste management policy and practice remains inconclusive. Based on literature review, this paper examines the discourse on solid waste management regulation and status in Sub-Saharan Africa. A paradox of policy outcomes is revealed at global and national level. Global policies have not been holistically contextualised and integrated in national policies. While national policies have not improved the solid waste management status of some countries, in others, it has, albeit unsustainably. Notably, inherent weaknesses such as insufficiency, homogeneity and ambiguity of policies affects implementation. This is exacerbated by poor enforcement strategies, lack of participatory mechanisms, inadequate sensitisation, influence of power and politics, as well as weak political commitment, among others. To ensure smart and clean cities, it is crucial for initiatives of solid waste management not only to be legally supported, but also contextualised and co-generated. For effective policy implementation, there is need for sensitisation of urban dwellers to enable comprehension of policies. Participatory strategies and governments’ commitment towards solid waste management should be paramount. Due to rapid changes in urban areas, periodic studies on content and context inferences such as solid waste collection practices and participation of actors in the informal settlements are required to dispel the practice of homogenising policies in order to enhance relevancy and suitability.
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