Community Perceptions Research Articles

Analysis of the effect of Boezem development as flood control in Dukuh Kupang Surabaya

Background: Flooding is a frequent problem in Dukuh Kupang, Surabaya, causing material losses and disrupting daily activities. The construction of boezems, which are retention ponds to temporarily store rainwater, is considered a potential solution to control flooding in this area. This study aims to analyze the effect of boezem construction on flood control in Dukuh Kupang with the hope of providing new insights into the effectiveness of boezem as flood control infrastructure and providing recommendations for improved flood management strategies in the future. Methods: This study used a descriptive method. Data were collected through questionnaires and scored using a Likert scale. Finding: The results revealed that the feasibility score of boezem construction was 60.2%, indicating that boezem construction is considered quite feasible as a flood control solution, but there is still room for improvement. Conclusion: Respondents in this study recognized the benefits of boezem construction, but also expressed concerns or factors that are not yet fully supportive. There is a negative stigma among the community regarding the construction of boezems, which is largely due to the lack of socialization and community participation in the development process. Novelty/Originality of this study: A study on the effectiveness of booze in Surabaya evaluates technical aspects and considers community perceptions, providing a holistic approach to assessing flood control infrastructure.

Biosecurity Breaches and Tourist Vectoring: Assessing the Impact on Host Community Perception in Ireland

Biosecurity Breaches and Tourist Vectoring: Assessing the Impact on Host Community Perception in Ireland

Community perception toward mangrove restoration program in Kampung Nelayan Seberang, Medan

Indonesia has the largest mangrove forests in the world. However, Indonesia is also listed as the largest contributor to loss of the world's mangrove forests. Good mangroves will support the lives of coastal communities and vice versa. Mangrove forests in the area of Kampung Nelayan Seberang, Medan Belawan and its surroundings were also degraded. Therefore, degraded mangrove forests need to be restored through mangrove restoration activities with the involvement of the surrounding community. This community service activity through the Assisted Village Program will carry out mangrove restoration activities with the people of Kampung Nelayan Seberang. The success of restoration activities is determined by good understanding of the mangrove ecosystem and the commitment of the community to be involved in restoring it. The objective of this study was to identify understanding related to mangrove ecosystems and community perceptions of its restoration efforts. Collecting data was carried out by interviewing respondents who represented the population. Descriptive analysis is used to describe the socio-economic conditions, understanding and perceptions of the community regarding ecosystems and mangrove restoration. Generally, respondents understand the role of mangrove forests and agree that mangrove restoration must be done together. Amount of 53 - 83% of respondents agreed and understood that mangrove restoration is important for life and has an impact on income, social and cultural life. The results showed that 60 - 90% of respondents around the restoration area need a rehabilitation program and are willing to be involved in a mangrove restoration program with the parties.

Effects of climate change on the availability of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) in the Kavonge and Museve hilltop forests in Kenya

The study evaluated the effects of climate change on the availability of NTFPS in Kavonge and Museve hilltop forests in Kitui County, Kenya. The specific study objective was to assess local community perception on rainfall and temperature patterns on NTFPs availability. A sample size of 120 respondents were selected for the study using the Yamane formula. A purposive sampling method was used to select villages within 5 kilometer radius to both hilltop forests and a systematic transect line design of 1km by 1km was used to select households for data collections. Data were collected by employing structured questionnaires, key informant interviews and focus groups discussions. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, bar charts), chi-square test and logistic regression. The result revealed that majority 83.0% of respondents strongly agreed that climatic conditions of the area has changed. The results submit that 96% of the respondents perceived an increase in temperature pattern during this recent period of 2018-2023 while, 100% perceived a decrease in rainfall pattern during this recent period of 2018-2023. The logistic regression model results revealed that, age, education, occupation and residency period significantly (p < 0.05) influenced community perception of climate change (rainfall and temperature) patterns on NTFPs availability in the study area. It is ascertained that the Kavonge and Museve forests edge communities still rely on the available NTFPs as a safety net when faced with unfavorable circumstances, such as crop failure due to climate change. However, it was reported that the available quantities of NTFP are declining due to climate change. I conclude that, available NTFPs will continue to decrease if stringent sustainable utilization and management measures are not implemented.

Community perceptions of the development of natural attractions in the central buton district

Community perceptions of the development of natural attractions in the central buton district

Community perceptions towards the ecosystem services of urban forests in Mekelle, Tigray, Ethiopia

Urban forests are crucial providers of ecosystem services, delivering significant benefits to residents and the environment. This study aimed to investigate how residents in Mekelle, Tigray, Ethiopia, perceive the ecosystem services provided by urban forests. Understanding these perceptions is essential, particularly in developing countries and the study area, where little research has been conducted on this topic. To achieve this objective, a questionnaire-based survey was conducted among randomly selected household heads from two sub-cities within Mekelle. The collected data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics, including Spearman rank correlation and ordinal regression analysis. These analyses helped identify the factors influencing inhabitants’ perceptions of ecosystem services. The findings revealed that residents placed a high value on the regulating ecosystem services provided by urban forests. In contrast, provisioning, supporting, and cultural ecosystem services were perceived at a medium level. Additionally, the analysis indicated that the level of education and age of respondents were significant factors influencing their overall perception of these ecosystem services. Higher educational attainment and older age were associated with a greater appreciation of the ecosystem services offered by urban forests. This study has important implications for urban forest management and policy. It highlights the necessity of incorporating community perceptions of ecosystem services into urban planning and management efforts. Moreover, the study recommends the need for local governments to focus on raising community awareness about the ecosystem services provided by urban forests. This can ensure more effective and inclusive urban forest management strategies that align with community values and needs.

Community health worker knowledge and perceptions of neonatal jaundice in Kumasi, Ghana.

This study sought to understand community health workers' (CHW) knowledge and perceptions of community beliefs surrounding neonatal jaundice (NNJ), a treatable but potentially fatal condition prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa. In this cross-sectional qualitative study, CHWs in Kumasi, Ghana, completed in-depth interviews with trained research assistants using a semi-structured interview guide. Interviews were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using grounded theory methodology. Knowledge of NNJ varied widely among the 23 respondents: 74% knew NNJ could cause death, 57% knew how to screen for NNJ. 35% of CHWs favored home treatment (sunlight therapy or watchful waiting). Three main themes emerged: CHWs perceived that caregivers prefer home treatment, equating hospital care with death; sunlight and herbs are the most common home treatments; and caregivers attribute NNJ to supernatural causes, delaying jaundice diagnosis. Incomplete understanding of NNJ among trained CHWs and local communities will require improved education among both groups to improve outcomes.

Noise barriers as a mitigation measure for highway traffic noise: Empirical evidence from three study cases

Noise barriers are path interventions between noise sources and human receivers used mainly along road corridors to improve the acoustic environment for affected residents. Despite their widespread use, the impact of these interventions on community perception is still insufficiently investigated. This paper presents findings from a longitudinal study evaluating the efficacy of noise barriers in three residential areas alongside highways, compared to a reference case in a relatively quiet area. Noise exposure was objectively quantified via acoustic measurements and noise modelling, while socio-acoustic surveys measured the residents' subjective response in terms of noise annoyance as well as other aspects of quality of life. While noise exposure (Lday) decreased on average by 4.4–11.7 dBA at near-barrier points, direct reductions in pre to post-intervention noise annoyance were observed only in one case. Additionally, only in this particular case were the appraisals of the acoustic environment restored to a condition similar to low-level noise emissions (reference case). Contextual factors potentially downgrading the interventions' effectiveness are discussed, such as the history of complaints and coping, mistrust towards road authorities, high expectations, and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. While noise exposure reductions did not directly lead to noise annoyance decreases, an ordinal regression pooling all cases revealed that larger reductions in noise exposure were associated with a higher likelihood of residents reporting decreased traffic noise annoyance in the post-survey. No evidence was found regarding noise barriers’ impact on the subjective assessment of other aspects of quality of life, such as health complaints, concentration disturbance, and sleep quality.

Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Land Use and Community Perception in Peri-Urban Environments: The Case of the Intermediate City in Indonesia

Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Land Use and Community Perception in Peri-Urban Environments: The Case of the Intermediate City in Indonesia

The Impact of Sewage Water Overflow (SWO): An Analysis of Zandspruit River in Cosmo City, Johannesburg, South Africa

Cosmo City, situated in Johannesburg, Gauteng, has been experiencing sewage water overflows (SWO) for several years, and this raises concerns about the water quality of Zandspruit River. The study aimed to investigate the impacts of SWO on the Zandspruit River, and the perceptions of the community towards SWO. Water samples were collected from three sampling sites of Zandspruit River. Some water quality parameters were measured in the field using a multi-parameter water quality meter while other parameters were analyzed at a SANAS accredited laboratory. Results were compared with South African water quality guidelines and most water quality parameters were within permissible set standards. However, COD, E. coli and turbidity were above permissible set standards which indicates a highly polluted river. Furthermore, we assessed perceptions of the Cosmo City community towards SWO through questionnaires. The community ascribed the main causes of SWOs to population growth, blocked, and broken sewers. This study revealed that SWO around Cosmo City has a negative impact on the quality of river water and poses health risks. The combined evidence from both the experimental analysis and the community perception survey underscores the urgent need for effective management strategies to address the negative environmental and human health implications of SWO in the Zandspruit River. By integrating these findings and considering the broader implications of pollution on both the ecosystem and community well-being, policymakers and stakeholders can work towards implementing sustainable solutions to mitigate the risks associated with sewage water overflows.

Realities, perceptions, and strategies for implementation of an ethical population management program for dogs and cats on university campuses.

Stray dogs and cats pose significant challenges for public health and animal welfare due to their potential involvement in zoonotic disease transmission, accidents, and aggressions. Large urban centers exacerbated challenges due to the presence of these animals in public areas with high human density. Ethical Population Management Programs (EPMP), rooted in the One Health approach, are crucial for addressing this issue comprehensively. This study aimed to demonstrate the approach on cats and dogs EPMP and evaluate the perceptions of academic community regarding EPMP implementation on a campus situated in urban territory. The study was conducted at the Pampulha campus of UFMG in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. In response to issues of animal abandonment and conflicts, the Permanent Commission for Animal Policies (CPPA-UFMG) was established in 2019 to manage the campus's dog, cat, and wildlife populations. The commission implemented the Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) method, along with health assessments and vaccinations for animals. Interviews were conducted with campus staff to gauge their perception of animal management strategies. Retrospective and prospective analyses of the commission's actions were carried out to assess implementation processes and challenges. The animal population survey conducted on campus between July 2018 and September 2021 revealed a total of 266 animals recorded. Among these animals, 195 were cats (73.3%) and 71 were dogs (26.7%), with the majority being adults. Subsequent surveys in 2019 and 2021 showed a slight increase in the animal population, with measures such as sterilization contributing to population control. Perception analysis among campus users indicated strategies such as TNR were widely endorsed for population control. The employees perception questionnaire was applied to 115 individuals, representing 42 units/departments and five gates. Associations were found between these beliefs and support for institutional actions. The majority favored sterilization (92.17%) and agreed that TNR is an appropriate approach to population control. Overall, the study reflects a community concerned about animal welfare and supportive of measures to address population management and cruelty prevention. The continuous efforts of the university's CPPA have led to stability in the resident animal population, indicating success in achieving population control objectives.

PERSEPSI MASYARAKAT TERHADAP PENGELOLAAN HUTAN DESADI NEGERI MORELLA KECAMATAN LEIHITU KABUPATEN MALUKU TENGAH

The purpose of this study was to find out the community perceptions of village forest management in Morella Country. The research method is descriptive qualitative. The sample was determined using a purposive sampling method which only focused on communities directly involved in Village Forest (HD) management with a total of 31 respondents and several figures as key informants. Data collection methods were carried out by means of observation, interviews and literature study. Data analysis used descriptive statistics with a Likert scale as the measurement scale, namely strongly agree (3), agree (2), disagree (1) with high, medium and low categorization for each value. The research results show that the community's perception of village forest management in Morella Country is classified in the 'Medium' category, including perceptions of pre-licensing village forest management, namely socialization and facilitation, formation of LPHD, technical verification and issuance of permits and post-licensing, namely HD planning and implementation..

A HOLISTIC INQUIRY INTO RISK COMMUNICATION DYNAMICS: YOUTH-LED INITIATIVES AND SOCIETAL ENGAGEMENT IN SURABAYA'S RURAL LANDSCAPES

The overarching aim of this community service program is to contribute significantly to the understanding of risk communication dynamics and its profound implications within broader societal contexts. Beyond mere dissemination of information, this initiative serves as a comprehensive study, delving into the intricate web of societal attitudes, perceptions, and the intricate pathways through which information traverses within communities. Central to this endeavor is the creation of educational videos geared towards enhancing community awareness, particularly targeting the youth in rural village settings. These videos, crafted by local youth in Surabaya, encapsulate not only informative content but also culturally nuanced messaging that resonates deeply with the intended audience. Methodologically, the program adopts a multifaceted approach. Firstly, it involves the online dissemination of educational materials, strategically targeting bustling areas in Surabaya, notably Petemon and Kaliasin. Secondly, it encompasses Focus Group Discussions with children, providing invaluable insights into their utilization of smartphone cameras and their perceptions of media content. Lastly, the program includes a hands-on video workshop, empowering children to actively participate in the creation of visual narratives, thereby fostering a sense of ownership and agency. The duration of the research spanned a comprehensive 15-day period, allowing for in-depth exploration and analysis of community dynamics and perceptions. The outcomes of these community engagement activities unveil nuanced layers of perception and understanding regarding COVID-19 prevention programs, particularly the government's vaccination efforts. Notably, there emerges a preference for peer-driven engagement, with individuals opting to involve those within their immediate social circles. Within this communal framework, the created videos serve as powerful tools, employing a blend of straightforward visual storytelling and everyday language to effectively communicate crucial messages, thereby fostering a sense of collective responsibility and empowerment within the community.

Evaluasi Penataan Lanskap Riparian Sungai Pada Kawasan Kampung Warna-Warni Jodipan Berbasis Persepsi Dan Preferensi Masyarakat

Malang Colorful Village or also known as Jodipan Colorful Village (KWJ) is one of the first tourist villages in Malang City. Every corner of this village is decorated with various bright and bright colors that can attract attention. Not only with wall paint, various handicrafts and decorations also enliven the atmosphere of this Colorful Village. Interestingly, this place is always frequented by tourists who want to take photos or just see first hand the beauty of the former slums. Various potential conditions and problems cause problems for the environment and the stability of soil sedimentation around the Brantas river. To anticipate this, it is necessary to evaluate the river riparian landscape arrangement, so that appropriate landscape planning can be made. Interview techniques were used in this research to measure perceptions and preferences for five variables, namely knowledge, utilization, comfort, visuals and policy. Next, it was analyzed using a Likert Scale. The results of community perceptions and preferences aim to produce an integrated and sustainable form of landscape management. The desired achievements are maintaining ecological balance, increasing community welfare, and maintaining the socio-cultural conditions of the community. A management scheme based on a balance between the ecological environment, community welfare and socio-culture can be realized by knowing the perceptions and preferences of the community. At the level of comfort, it can be concluded that people feel more comfortable living close to the river, especially in Jodipan Colorful Village, the river is used as a tourist attraction with a glass bridge over it. The public's perception of the visuals and arrangement of vegetation can be concluded that the community needs additional vegetation by arranging it neatly. The addition of vegetation makes local people feel more comfortable. In general, people use rivers as their source of life. Rivers are considered important and are used as a source of life for local communities. policy can be concluded that the community understands that not all policies are fully implemented by the community.

Community perceptions on land and water acquisitions in the Okavango Delta: implications for rural livelihoods

ABSTRACT Large-scale land acquisitions in Africa are increasing, reported often as the transfers of land for food and biofuel crop production. Only reporting agricultural acquisitions underplays potential impacts of other forms of acquisitions like tourism and conservation, which are new engines for economic growth in Southern Africa. While this shift has complex social-ecological implications, there is limited evidence of the multiple ways that land acquisitions unfold in wetland ecosystems, and implications for people and nature. This study aims to investigate local perceptions of implications of land and water acquisitions on local livelihoods in the Okavango Delta, Botswana, using in-depth interviews with 116 local respondents in Etsha 6, Khwai and Tubu villages. Findings revealed that the primary drivers of land acquisitions in the Okavango Delta were tourism and subsistence agriculture, and a new and unique land exchange (we termed land borrowing) was prevalent in Tubu, involving the borrowing of farmland in flood recessions between locals. Concessions, borrowings, and rentals were key perceived land acquisition types. Both positive and negative impacts of land acquisitions on livelihoods surfaced. The diversity of cultural grouping influenced locals’ intricate connection with riparian waters and affected how land was exchanged and governed. The disparities in benefits from land resources have negative implications for equitable resource distribution and natural resource governance, in policy and practice. This research highlights the importance of an expanded view of acquisitions and associated impacts with closer attention to power dynamics which can facilitate more nuanced implementation of targets of the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity framework.

Community perceptions toward herpetofauna along the ridge-to-reef megatransect in Bicol region, Philippines: Conservation implications of ethnoherpetological research

Community perceptions toward herpetofauna along the ridge-to-reef megatransect in Bicol region, Philippines: Conservation implications of ethnoherpetological research

Rural community perceptions on youth mental health: Developing the case for a community-engaged approach.

Rural community perceptions on youth mental health: Developing the case for a community-engaged approach.

Livestock keeping, mosquitoes and community viewpoints: a mixed methods assessment of relationships between livestock management, malaria vector biting risk and community perspectives in rural Tanzania

BackgroundLivestock keeping is one of the potential factors related to malaria transmission. To date, the impact of livestock keeping on malaria transmission remains inconclusive, as some studies suggest a zooprophylactic effect while others indicate a zoopotentiation effect. This study assessed the impact of livestock management on malaria transmission risks in rural Tanzania. Additionally, the study explored the knowledge and perceptions of residents about the relationships between livestock keeping and malaria transmission risks in a selected village.MethodsIn a longitudinal entomological study in Minepa village, South Eastern Tanzania, 40 households were randomly selected (20 with livestock, 20 without). Weekly mosquito collection was performed from January to April 2023. Indoor and outdoor collections used CDC-Light traps, Prokopack aspirators, human-baited double-net traps, and resting buckets. A subsample of mosquitoes was analysed using PCR and ELISA for mosquito species identification and blood meal detection. Livestock's impact on mosquito density was assessed using negative binomial GLMMs. Additionally, in-depth interviews explored community knowledge and perceptions of the relationship between livestock keeping and malaria transmission risks.ResultsA total of 48,677 female Anopheles mosquitoes were collected. Out of these, 89% were Anopheles gambiae sensu lato (s.l.) while other species were Anopheles funestus s.l., Anopheles pharoensis, Anopheles coustani, and Anopheles squamosus. The findings revealed a statistically significant increase in the overall number of An. gambiae s.l. outdoors (RR = 1.181, 95%CI 1.050–1.862, p = 0.043). Also, there was an increase of the mean number of An. funestus s.l. mosquitoes collected in households with livestock indoors (RR = 2.866, 95%CI: 1.471–5.582, p = 0.002) and outdoors (RR = 1.579,95%CI 1.080–2.865, p = 0.023). The human blood index of Anopheles arabiensis mosquitoes from houses with livestock was less than those without livestock (OR = 0.149, 95%CI 0.110–0.178, p < 0.001). The majority of participants in the in-depth interviews reported a perceived high density of mosquitoes in houses with livestock compared to houses without livestock.ConclusionDespite the potential for zooprophylaxis, this study indicates a higher malaria transmission risk in livestock-keeping communities. It is crucial to prioritize and implement targeted interventions to control vector populations within these communities. Furthermore, it is important to enhance community education and awareness regarding covariates such as livestock that influence malaria transmission.

Evaluation of ecosystem services vis-à-vis perceptions and attitudes of local communities towards Wetland conservation in Kashmir Himalaya

Valuation of ecosystem services along with the perceptions and attitudes of local communities is crucial for sustainable management of wetlands. This study assesses changes in wetland area and bathymetry, and provides insights into local community's perceptions of ecosystem services, and attitudes towards wetland conservation in Kashmir Himalaya, India. High-resolution satellite data was used to assess land use land cover (LULC) changes within the wetland. The bathymetry changes were assessed by performing depth measurements before and after dredging in 2019 and 2022, respectively. Perceptions of ecosystem services and attitudes of residents towards wetland management were examined through surveys in 182 households from the target population of 334 families. The findings reveal that Khushalsar wetland provides important provisioning (food, fodder, thatching mats, fish, vegetables), regulating (flood control, carbon sequestration, water quality improvement), supporting (habitat, biomass and oxygen production, water and nutrient cycling), and cultural services (aesthetic, education, spiritual). The economic benefits from provisioning services range from 240 USD/yr for minor vegetables to 1201–1802 USD/0.05 ha/yr for Nelumbo nucifera. The analysis of LULC changes indicates a ∼16.5% reduction in wetland area from 1980 to 2017, with a further ∼10% decrease from 2017 to 2021, resulting in an overall loss of ∼25% (27.1 ha) in wetland area from 1980 to 2021. Bathymetric assessments reveal an increase in maximum depth from 427 cm in 2019 to 547 cm in 2022 following dredging activities. Socioeconomic analysis showed the significance of Khushalsar wetland as an important source of livelihood for local communities. Survey results indicate that all the respondents have positive attitudes towards the protection and management of the Khushalsar wetland. The study demonstrates that human conservation activities have significantly contributed to positive changes in the wetland such as increase in depth and flood storage capacity. The study concludes that government protection along with active participation of local communities is indispensable for sustainable management of wetlands.

Netiquette practices and perceptions in TESOL-related online communities

ABSTRACT This quantitative study utilises an ex post facto research design to investigate the emailing culture and potential differences in practices and beliefs regarding netiquette principles in language learning communities. A sample of 400 emails from two Teaching-English-to-Speakers-of-Other-Languages (TESOL)-related mailing lists, one at a national (Iranian) and the other at an international level, were compared against four email netiquette rules. These rules were selected for their quantifiable nature and alignment with Grice's conversational maxims. The results indicate that emails from the international mailing list significantly outperformed those from the national mailing list in ‘adopting an appropriate subject line’, ‘observing content relevance’, ‘editing out irrelevant parts of previously posted material’, and ‘including a signature’. Additionally, a ten-item questionnaire on netiquette attitudes was developed and distributed to the mailing lists to investigate perceptions of the appropriateness and necessity of netiquette rules. Seventy-five responses at the national and fifty-three at the international level were collected. The results reveal significant differences in beliefs. The findings suggest that, while a deeper understanding of netiquette principles is necessary, curriculum designers, teacher educators, and teachers should also be mindful of cultural diversity. Further research on how culture can influence online communication behaviours and email styles is recommended.