scholarly journals Documenting the Welfare and Role of Working Equids in Rural Communities of Portugal and Spain

Animals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 790 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily Haddy ◽  
Joao B. Rodrigues ◽  
Zoe Raw ◽  
Faith Burden ◽  
Leanne Proops
Keyword(s):  
Rural Communities ◽  
Cultural Context ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Agricultural Practices ◽  
Holistic Approach ◽  
Traditional Use ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Transfer Of Information ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Working Equids

Recently, the need for a more holistic approach to welfare assessment has been highlighted. This is particularly pertinent in the case of working equids who provide vital support for human livelihoods, often in low- to middle-income countries, yet suffer from globally low standards of welfare. This study aimed to provide insight into the welfare status and traditional use of working equids in rural Western European communities using the new EARS welfare tool, designed to provide a broad view of the welfare of working equids and the context in which they are found. Other questions on the topics of equid management practices, social transmission of expertise, environmental stressors, and traditions, alongside physical and behavioural welfare assessments were also included to explore the impact of these wide-ranging factors on an understudied population of working equids. The protocol was trialled on 60 working equid owners from communities in Portugal and Spain where, despite the decline in traditional agricultural practices and livestock keeping, donkeys and mules remain working animals. Many owners stated that the help donkeys provided was invaluable, and donkeys were considered to be important for both farming and daily life. However, participants also recognised that the traditional agricultural way of life was dying out, providing insights into the traditional practices, community structure, and beliefs of equid owners. Questions investigating the social networks and social transfer of information within the villages were effective in finding local sources of equid knowledge. Overall, welfare was deemed fair, and the protocol enabled the identification of the most prevalent welfare problems within the communities studied, in this case obesity and the use of harmful practices. The findings suggest that the new protocol was feasible and detail how contextual factors may influence equid welfare. Increasing understanding of the cultural context, social structure, and attitudes within a community, alongside more traditional investigations of working practices and animal management, may, in the future, help to make equid welfare initiatives more effective.

scholarly journals Assessment of alternative land management practices using hydrological simulation and a decision support tool: Arborea agricultural region, Sardinia

2007 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 1811-1823 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Cau ◽  
C. Paniconi
Keyword(s):  
Decision Support ◽  
Land Management ◽  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Water Movement ◽  
Agricultural Practices ◽  
Treated Wastewater ◽  
Hydrological Simulation ◽  
Support Tool ◽  
The Impact

Abstract. Quantifying the impact of land use on water supply and quality is a primary focus of environmental management. In this work we apply a semidistributed hydrological model (SWAT) to predict the impact of different land management practices on water and agricultural chemical yield over a long period of time for a study site situated in the Arborea region of central Sardinia, Italy. The physical processes associated with water movement, crop growth, and nutrient cycling are directly modeled by SWAT. The model simulations are used to identify indicators that reflect critical processes related to the integrity and sustainability of the ecosystem. Specifically we focus on stream quality and quantity indicators associated with anthropogenic and natural sources of pollution. A multicriteria decision support system is then used to develop the analysis matrix where water quality and quantity indicators for the rivers, lagoons, and soil are combined with socio-economic variables. The DSS is used to assess four options involving alternative watersheds designated for intensive agriculture and dairy farming and the use or not of treated wastewater for irrigation. Our analysis suggests that of the four options, the most widely acceptable consists in the transfer of intensive agricultural practices to the larger watershed, which is less vulnerable, in tandem with wastewater reuse, which rates highly due to water scarcity in this region of the Mediterranean. More generally, the work demonstrates how both qualitative and quantitative methods and information can assist decision making in complex settings.

Organizational Culture and Knowledge Management

2002 ◽  
Vol 01 (01) ◽  
pp. 57-63 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thou Tin Lim
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Culture ◽  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Cultural Context ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Cultural Leadership ◽  
Management Processes ◽  
New Business ◽  
Knowledge Management Practices ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Knowledge Management Processes

As organizations in Singpore respond to the pressures of globalization, the adoption of knowledge management practices becomes more prevalent. In a hurry to implement this new business paradigm, organizations may have overlooked the influence of the cultural context which is commonly considered one of the pillars of knowledge management in a western-oriented organization. This paper examines what was overlooked by Singapore organizations while moving towards knowledge management. Specifically, it studies the impact of organizational culture on knowledge management processes. A review of literature shows that there is a relationship between cultural factors and knowledge management processes. This relationship is reflected in a research model that helps to answer research questions and to formulate hypotheses for testing. The result indicates that knowledge management should consider not just the technological aspects of implementation but also the cultural, leadership and contextual aspects of an organization.

scholarly journals Local Knowledge about Ecosystem Services Provided by Trees in Coffee Agroforestry Practices in Northwest Vietnam

Land ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (12) ◽  
pp. 486
Author(s):  
Mai Phuong Nguyen ◽  
Philippe Vaast ◽  
Tim Pagella ◽  
Fergus Sinclair
Keyword(s):  
Ecosystem Services ◽  
Rural Communities ◽  
Tree Species ◽  
Market Access ◽  
Agricultural Practices ◽  
Economic Benefits ◽  
Local Context ◽  
Coffee Agroforestry ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Agroforestry Practices

In recent decades in northwest Vietnam, Arabica coffee has been grown on sloping land in intensive, full sun monocultures that are not sustainable in the long term and have negative environmental impacts. There is an urgent need to reverse this negative trend by promoting good agricultural practices, including agroforestry, to prevent further deforestation and soil erosion on slopes. A survey of 124 farmers from three indigenous groups was conducted in northwest Vietnam to document coffee agroforestry practices and the ecosystem services associated with different tree species used in them. Trees were ranked according to the main ecosystem services and disservices considered to be locally relevant by rural communities. Our results show that tree species richness in agroforestry plots was much higher for coffee compared to non-coffee plots, including those with annual crops and tree plantations. Most farmers were aware of the benefits of trees for soil improvement, shelter (from wind and frost), and the provision of shade and mulch. In contrast, farmers had limited knowledge of the impact of trees on coffee quality and other interactions amongst trees and coffee. Farmers ranked the leguminous tree species Leucaena leucocephala as the best for incorporating in coffee plots because of the services it provides to coffee. Nonetheless, the farmers’ selection of tree species to combine with coffee was highly influenced by economic benefits provided, especially by intercropped fruit trees, which was influenced by market access, determined by the proximity of farms to a main road. The findings from this research will help local extension institutions and farmers select appropriate tree species that suit the local context and that match household needs and constraints, thereby facilitating the transition to a more sustainable and climate-smart coffee production practice.

Impact of illness course perception on desire for social distance towards people suffering from schizophrenia in Hanoi, Vietnam

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. S515-S515
Author(s):  
L.K. Martensen ◽  
E. Hahn ◽  
T.D. Cao ◽  
G. Schomerus ◽  
M. Dettling ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Distance ◽  
Cultural Context ◽  
Public Perception ◽  
Social Acceptance ◽  
Social Role ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Psychotic Symptoms ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Course Of Illness ◽  
The Impact

IntroductionIn Vietnam, as well as in other low and middle-income countries, stigmatization and discrimination of mentally ill patients is highly prevalent.ObjectivesIt is important to identify determinants of stigmatization in a socio-cultural context as they may reveal anchor points for anti-stigma efforts.AimsThis population based study conducted in urban and rural Hanoi aims to explore whether public perception of prognosis and course of illness concerning people with symptoms indicating schizophrenia have an impact on the desire for social distance, an important factor of stigmatization.MethodsBased on a population survey using unlabelled vignettes for schizophrenia carried out in the greater Hanoi area in 2013, a sum score of the Social Distance Scale was calculated. A regression analysis was carried out to examine the impact perception of prognostic factors on the desire for social distance. The stratification of the sample (n = 455) was representative in terms of gender, age, urbanity and household size to the Hanoi population according to the 2013 census.ResultsFactor analysis revealed three independent factors of prognosis perception:– 1. lifelong dependency on others;– 2. loss of social integration and functioning;– 3. positive expectations towards treatment outcome.Both negative prognostic ideas (1,2) were significantly correlated with more desire for social distance in schizophrenia.ConclusionStronger desire for social distance was observed among people with negative expectations about the prognosis of persons suffering from psychotic symptoms. Thus, our study indicates a link between social acceptance and ability to maintain a social role in the Vietnamese society.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Implementation of best management practices in agriculture: modelling and monitoring of impacts on nitrogen leaching

2002 ◽  
Vol 45 (9) ◽  
pp. 43-50 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Joelsson ◽  
K. Kyllmar
Keyword(s):  
Best Management Practices ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Time Perspective ◽  
Agricultural Land ◽  
Root Zone ◽  
Agricultural Practices ◽  
Nitrogen Leaching ◽  
Best Management ◽  
Indexing Technique ◽  
The Impact

In Kattegat and the coastal water of the Baltic Sea, high nitrogen input from agricultural land is considered to be the main reason for eutrophication. International agreements and governmental programs have set a target to reduce the anthropogenic nitrogen load by 50 percent. Improved nitrogen removal in treatment plants and efforts in agriculture have so far not decreased nitrogen transport to a sufficient extent. In this project the impact of agricultural practices on nitrogen leaching was investigated in two small agricultural catchments in Southwest Sweden. The root-zone leaching was estimated by an indexing technique. Simultaneously the transports in the stream outlets were monitored. During 1995 and 1999 the agricultural practices in the catchments were surveyed. Field data from the first survey indicated that fertilisation did not always match crop requirements, the area of undersown catch crop can be increased and autumn cultivation can be reduced. The second survey was preceded by an advisory campaign where each farmer was visited and presented with an environmental plan including fertilisation, cultivation, and crop rotation for the farm. The plan summarised the best management practices that could be realised under actual conditions. Results from the second survey showed that some changes in the agricultural practices were carried out after the advisory campaign. The nitrogen leaching from the root-zone was then estimated by the indexing technique, both for the time before and after the advisory program. The results showed that the estimated nitrogen leaching, as a mean value for 330 fields, decreased from 53 to 50 kgN ha−1, due to adjustments of the agricultural practices. Monitoring of stream transports showed values of the same magnitude after correction for retention and other sources. In this short time perspective, decreases in transport due to changes in agricultural practices could not be separated from influence of weather conditions. In comparison to results from the Swedish monitoring programme for agriculture, the measured transports were normal for the region, where annual variation in precipitation and runoff is large. Theoretically, nitrogen leaching could be reduced by one third without any major economic constraints for the farmers. In general, the farmers were positive to advice and willing to try new farming techniques even if some measurements were not fully implemented during the investigation period.

scholarly journals Welfare Assessment and Husbandry Practices of Working Horses in Fiji

Animals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 392 ◽  
Author(s):  
Navina Fröhlich ◽  
Patrick D. Sells ◽  
Rebecca Sommerville ◽  
Charlotte F. Bolwell ◽  
Charlotte Cantley ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Management Practices ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Lower Body ◽  
Veterinary Services ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Working Equids ◽  
Horse Owners

Research shows that working equids in low and middle-income countries play an essential role in supporting the livelihoods of their owners. The objective of the study was to provide the first description of the welfare status of working horses in Fiji by analysing animal-based parameters alongside owner knowledge and perceptions of horse management. Trained assessors used a structured interview to question 279 horse owners on their knowledge and management practices, while their horses (n = 672) were assessed on health and welfare parameters. Horse owners supporting five or more dependent family members had horses with an increased prevalence of wounds than those with less dependents. The presence of wounds was associated with draught work and “carrying people or goods on back” while hoof neglect was associated with draught and breeding/other work. A lower body condition score was found in horses with neglected hooves and the presence of hoof neglect and wounds was associated with a negative general attitude in these horses. However, this study also found indicators of good welfare in these horses. These findings suggest that intervention, in the form of targeted veterinary services alongside training programs for owners, is required in order to improve the welfare of working horses in Fiji.

scholarly journals Jatropha Curcas Development as Intervention Potential to Tackling Land, Energy and Food Challenges of Rural Communities in Dryland Sub-Saharan Africa

Proceedings ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 85
Author(s):  
Joshua Ogunwole ◽  
Gunnar Kirchhof ◽  
Birhanu Z. Birhanu ◽  
Sjoerd Duiker ◽  
Luiz F. Pires
Keyword(s):  
Rural Communities ◽  
Jatropha Curcas ◽  
Energy Requirement ◽  
Sustainable Use ◽  
Holistic Approach ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Household Food Security ◽  
Dry Land ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
The Impact

Global population growth is placing increasing pressures on land for food and feed production as well as energy security. In particular in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), these issues require urgent attention. This is clearly stated in The United Nations Global Goals for Sustainable Development emphasizing the importance of sustainable use of land resources to increase food productivity and energy requirement. SSA lags behind most regions of the world in household food security and access to energy. The rural agriculture-dependent communities of SSA are the hardest hit by food and energy scarcity and the impact is felt most by communities in the dryland farming areas. In terms of energy supply appropriate measures and interventions are required to address this challenge. Jatropha curcas L. oil fast tracked itself from obscurity to prominence. Its main advantage is the high content of methyl ester (or bio-diesel). It conforms to EN 14214 specifications, exhibiting emission reduction potential and qualifying as a lucrative bio-diesel alternative to fossil diesel. This paper proposes a focus on Jatropha technology as a holistic approach to tackling the land, energy and food degradation challenges in unison for dry-land SSA. The new Jatropha strategy would be innovative and environmentally friendly soil resource recapitalization and supply feed stock for rural energy generation while fulfilling the criteria of delivering other benefits, such as addressing land use conflict for food and energy production

Forest Management, Farmers' Practices and Biodiversity Conservation in the Monogaga Protected Coastal Forest in Southwest Côte D'ivoire

Africa ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 77 (1) ◽  
pp. 63-85 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Y. Adou Yao ◽  
Barnard Roussel
Keyword(s):  
Management Practices ◽  
Forest Cover ◽  
Local Population ◽  
Agricultural Practices ◽  
Iucn Red List ◽  
Coastal Forest ◽  
Species List ◽  
Conservation Area ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Impact

AbstractThe emergence of biodiversity standards in the nature conservation literature requires that we consider the interactions between conservation and local practices from a new angle. The coastal forest of Monogaga, a protected area inhabited by a local population, is an ideal terrain for comparing the impact of local agricultural practices and the activities of Sodefor, the government agency charged with the management of this conservation area. The discourses and uses of forest resources of these two actors allow us to compare the biodiversity of forest cover categories recognized by peasant farmers and Sodefor, using the standard statistical methods for measuring biodiversity (the Shannon and Weaver index, species richness, number of special status species).For Sodefor, it is the most dense forest ecosystems (the ‘black forests’ ) and the lands that they occupy that constitute the area's natural heritage. The agency believes that these forests must be protected from all human uses, especially farming, if the forest is to be transmitted to future generations. In contrast, Wanne farmers view the old forests (kporo) as long-term fallows (teteklwoa) or reserves of fertile land that will be cleared when there is a need for more farmland in the future. For them, patrimony is constituted by the intergenerational transmission of a bundle of resource access and farming rights within lineages.With regard to biodiversity, a comparison of the two types of resource management practices (Sodefor and farmer) gives nuanced results. The farmers' areas are more diverse than those of Sodefor when considering the Aké Assi threatened species list. For the Sassandrian species list, both management types maintained the same quantity of species. For endemics and the IUCN red list species, the spatial units controlled by Sodefor show more diversity.

scholarly journals Impact of Better Management Practices on Sustainable Cotton Production: Evidence from South Punjab

2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 92-97
Author(s):  
Tayyaba Hina ◽  
Muhammad Asad ur Rehman Naseer
Keyword(s):  
Management Practices ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Farmyard Manure ◽  
Agricultural Practices ◽  
Positive Sign ◽  
Cotton Production ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Adoption Rate ◽  
The Impact

The basic purpose of this study was to look at the position of Better Management Practices (BMPs) of cotton crop in order to reduce the burden on our natural scarce resources. Relevant information was taken from 150 respondents from the district Khanewal, Punjab. The results of this study revealed that the education level and landholding size of respondents have a positive impact on the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices. While the farmer’s age and farming experience were found a negative impact on BMPs adoption rate. Similarly, contact of respondents with the staff of farmer’s field schools and the number of visits of farmer’s field school staff were found positively correlated to BMPs adoption rate. The results of the regression analysis revealed the impact of different agriculture inputs and BMPs on cotton yield. The results showed that the age of the farmers, education, fertilizer, irrigations, water scouting, cotton area, farmyard manure, and hybrid seed variety and sowing method had a positive sign while the sign of pesticide coefficient was negative. The gross margins of BMPs adopter and non-adopter were 45,955 PKR and 28,790 PKR per acre respectively. The model also indicated that the production function fits well with the given data set. Therefore, the results of this study conveyed policy messages for the private and public organizations to promote BMPs for the betterment of the farming community.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document