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Video on Mobile Phones as an Effective Way to Promote Sustainable Practices by Facilitating Innovation Uptake in Mali
Fernando Sousa,
Gian Nicolay,
Robert Home
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 1, March 2019
Pages:
1-8
Received:
5 December 2018
Accepted:
25 December 2018
Published:
22 February 2019
Abstract: A challenge for researchers and other developers of new technologies in agriculture is to find ways of communicating their results and recommendations. This challenge is particularly acute in regions in which farmers have limited access to education and where illiteracy is widespread, such as in the rural areas of Mali. One approach that shows potential, yet remains largely unused by extension services, is the dissemination of educational videos on mobile phones with video and Bluetooth technology (3G mobile phones). It has been shown that the conditions are suitable for this approach to be used in Mali, with 3G mobile phones widely available in the region but there is little empirical evidence of its acceptance and potential impact. This article aims to explore the potential of video on mobile phones as a tool to facilitate the diffusion of new agricultural technologies in Western Africa. Three videos showing agricultural innovations for sustainable production were shown and shared with 200 farmers in twelve villages in Mali. The villages were revisited 10 months later and farmers were asked about their experiences with the videos that had been shared and their previous knowledge of the innovations shown in them. Of the farmers who had watched one of the videos (N=148), 60.1% had adopted at least one of the videos’ innovations. Mobile-phone videos could be accessed by people who had previously received limited access to information sources, such as younger women, and video based information was found to be understandable for illiterate farmers. These results show that mobile-phone videos could enhance information transfer and thereby expand outreach. The use of video on mobile phones is a novel approach to farmer-to-farmer exchange and has tremendous potential for enhancing dissemination programs or specific research and development projects to enable more resilient, inclusive and democratic systems.
Abstract: A challenge for researchers and other developers of new technologies in agriculture is to find ways of communicating their results and recommendations. This challenge is particularly acute in regions in which farmers have limited access to education and where illiteracy is widespread, such as in the rural areas of Mali. One approach that shows pote...
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The Impact of Development Induced Displacement on the Livelihood of Small Holder Farmers; the Case of DejenWoreda Rural Kebeles
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 1, March 2019
Pages:
9-17
Received:
11 January 2019
Accepted:
16 February 2019
Published:
11 March 2019
Abstract: Development-induced projects are factor for involuntary migration to urban areas for the search of better employment raised the rate of vulnerability for socio-economic inequalities. The aim of thisstudy was to assessed the impact of development induced displacement on the livelihood of small holder farmers. The study employed mixed methods approach with case control design. Quantitative data were gathered through structured questionnaire and qualitative data were collected via interview and focus group discussion.By using Census survey and systematic random sampling a total of 162 cases (displaced) and 162 controls (non-displaced households) participated in the study respectivelly. The study employed a modified sustainable livelihood conceptual framework by incorporating basic elements of the frame work The finding revealed that compared to the controls, the cases have lower size of land holding, average livestock holding(1.45 ha vs1.1 ha), (1.804 vs. 2.574 for oxen; 0.936 vs. 1.56 for cows respectively). The controls average annual income is higher than the cases (31,000 vs. 23600 respectively). Greater proportion of displaced households (76.2%) than the non-displaced households (9.7%) perceived that their annual income is decreases within the five years preceding the survey. Compared to controls, large proportion of cases couldn’t able to meet the basic needs of the household (55.1% vs. 23.2%).The fining also revealed that the amount of money paid as compensation for the displaced households is not fair/ enough as compared with what they lose. Therefore the government should provide fair amount of compensation for displaced households.
Abstract: Development-induced projects are factor for involuntary migration to urban areas for the search of better employment raised the rate of vulnerability for socio-economic inequalities. The aim of thisstudy was to assessed the impact of development induced displacement on the livelihood of small holder farmers. The study employed mixed methods approac...
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Building the Appropriate Capacity for Enabling Space Programs in Africa: The Nigerian Experience
Onuh Spencer,
Chizea Francis,
Agboola Olufemi,
Akoma Henry
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 1, March 2019
Pages:
18-23
Received:
14 January 2019
Accepted:
22 February 2019
Published:
26 March 2019
Abstract: This paper x-rays the two-decade gradual yet steady strides made by Nigeria in building the capacity of its workforce in space science and technology. Information concerning the technical training modules on earth observation satellites (EOS), communication satellites, space transport and propulsion systems, and space systems application software is provided. Details are also provided of the locations for these training, the number of personnel involved and the associated cost implication for some of the capacity building programs. This review concludes that despite the funding challenges, global legal bottlenecks and the security implications associated with undertaking and executing a national space program, a continual investment in space capacity building programs is necessary, crucial and essential. This is because the immediate and long-term national benefits of these capacity building programs are immense and the spin-offs have trans-generational impacts.
Abstract: This paper x-rays the two-decade gradual yet steady strides made by Nigeria in building the capacity of its workforce in space science and technology. Information concerning the technical training modules on earth observation satellites (EOS), communication satellites, space transport and propulsion systems, and space systems application software i...
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Sustainable Urban Agriculture Land Use Practice for Thika Town
Onguso Malitinus Maina,
Munala Gerryshom,
Mugwima Bernard Njuguna
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 1, March 2019
Pages:
24-29
Received:
6 March 2019
Accepted:
16 April 2019
Published:
15 May 2019
Abstract: This paper looks at the residents of Ngoingwa Estate on their attitudes towards sustainable urban agriculture land use practice within their urban set up. The pursuit of food security, alternative food systems, employment, fresh food, the unpredictable food prices, enhanced communal ties among others are the basic benefits of urban agriculture. A mixed method (purposive and non-probability) approach was adopted and both qualitative and quantitative data was collected from primary and secondary data sources by the use of questionnaires, photography, and sketches. A total of 196 questionnaires were administered analyzed by the use of SPSS and Microsoft Excel programs. The results are presented in percentages and deductions done against them. It was found out that 60% of the residents are willing, and 39.3% are actually practicing some forms of urban agriculture. It was found out that the current urban development plan for Thika and the Kiambu County Spatial Plan have not handled matters of urban agriculture, there have not been change of users to agriculture (2016-2017), land subdivision continue to eat into into former agricultural parcels, there was no data on sustainable urban agriculture land use practices within Ngoingwa, Thika Water and Sewerage Company prohibits residents from utilizing their water mains for agricultural purposes as well as the county/neighbourhood regulations and policies that prohibit urban agriculture. The study recommends that an integrated land use framework that involves building designs, appropriate building materials, exploration of vertical and rooftop farms, revision of existing plans to include urban agriculture and hiring of extension officers to guide farmers on urban agriculture.
Abstract: This paper looks at the residents of Ngoingwa Estate on their attitudes towards sustainable urban agriculture land use practice within their urban set up. The pursuit of food security, alternative food systems, employment, fresh food, the unpredictable food prices, enhanced communal ties among others are the basic benefits of urban agriculture. A m...
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