Focus Group Discussions Research Articles

Coping with dual roles: a case of adolescent student mothers in Tanzania’s secondary schools

PurposeThis paper aims to examine adolescent student mothers in Tanzania’s secondary schools’ unique coping strategies. It intends to explore strategies adolescent student mothers use in coping with the challenges of managing motherhood concurrent with schooling in the context of Tanzania’s secondary schools.Design/methodology/approachThe study employed a qualitative single-case study design, involving 35 adolescent student mothers and 5 class teachers selected through purposive sampling. Data collection methods included focus group discussions for adolescent student mothers and semi-structured interviews for class teachers, facilitating insights into their coping strategies, and the contextual factors guiding their choices of certain coping strategies. Thematic analysis ensured systematic analysis of the data.FindingsThe findings indicate that adolescent student mothers use coping strategies like relying on interpersonal support systems, skipping schooling for some days, bringing with them their children to school, getting into convenience marriages, involving in income-generating ventures, ignoring and relying on faith and spiritual support.Research limitations/implicationsThis research will be beneficial to adolescent student mothers, parents and schools and will add a contribution to this field. However, the coping strategies identified were limited to a small sample from a selected region and schools, hence cannot be used for generalization to a larger population.Practical implicationsThis research will assist policymakers in evaluating and reassessing the re-admission policy to create more conducive environments that suit adolescent student mothers’ situations. This will create a supportive environment that fosters the well-being of adolescent student mothers and their children.Social implicationsThe findings of this paper will be useful in understanding the coping strategies employed by student mothers and how educational modifications can be implemented to suit adolescent student mothers’ situations.Originality/valueThe research was conducted after introducing the re-admission circular to primary and secondary schools in Tanzania, and the findings derived from it are original.

Flash Floods, Livelihoods and Food Security: Evidence from the Affected Smallholder Farming Households in Northeast Bangladesh

The 2017 flash flood events in Northeast districts created differential impacts on poor people; therefore, the adaptation strategies adopted by the poor were insufficient to survive. The weakness in these strategies often resulted in vulnerability to them. The present paper attempts to argue that the impacts created by those barriers are heterogeneous in nature, which did not receive considerable attention in ongoing research on this issue. This research has been conducted in two villages in the Habiganj district. Purposive sampling methods were used aiming to investigate how poor households adapt to flash flood disasters. A mixed method was applied to capture the scenario, which included a household questionnaire survey, focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and informal discussions. Findings suggest that flood disasters affect farming households differently. As the findings reveal that the agriculture-based livelihoods are affected by the flash flood drastically that created household food insecurity in many smallholder farming households. The findings present some specific policy suggestions for policymakers and development workers to shape policies that may benefit all actors more inclusively. Social Science Review, Vol. 41(1), June 2024, Page 57-72.

The Role of the Church in Reintegration of Street Children into Their Families in Lusaka District

The purpose of the study was to analyze the role of the church in the reintegration process and to come up with new strategies for increasing the effectiveness of these rehabilitation activities. The study objectives were to establish the type of support churches provide to the families with children on the street in Lusaka district and to assess the church-led initiatives that foster positive parent-child relationships after integration of street children in Lusaka district. A total sample of five families, 15 family members and four counsellors totaling to 19 participants made the total sample of the study. Interviews were conducted with parents and their children while a focus group discussion was conducted in this study at the sampled church grounds. Data was analyzed thematically by sorting similar responses and created themes under which the findings were presented. The study found that that under family talk on child care, it was the responsibility of the family to initiate family integration was initiated by the willingness of the family and the child at the same time. With regards to child safety and future consequences, the church had a responsibility to ensure that the family provided safety guarantees for the child before the child could be talked to by the church counsellors. On food provision to broken families, the church provided start up packs for families which were struggling to keep their children at home. the financial provision for family sustainability was available to the parents whose children were integrated into the family and the parents were helped financially with capital for business and employment as maids or guards to help them earn a living. It can be concluded that the church and parents played a crucial role in ensuring that there was effective and peaceful integration of children into the main family. The study recommended that Churches should come to the aid of the parents and homes where children have left for the streets so that family integration is supported. This will enable members of the church to feel safe to belong to the church since there will be enough help

Practice of Assessment for Learning in Higher Education of Bangladesh

Because of its promising role in facilitating students’ learning, Assessment for Learning (AfL) has been discussed widely in literature. However, its implementation is neither straightforward nor uncontested. While a great deal of research has been conducted on AfL in primary and secondary education, limited research has been done in higher education in Bangladesh. Using basic interpretive qualitative approach, this study investigated assessment practices of three lecturers (university teachers) from three different departments and institutes of one public university of Bangladesh. Data from classroom (lesson) observation, semi-structured interviews with teachers, and Focus Group Discussions with students were thematically analyzed. Findings show that, though the teachers had scope to tailor assessment and though some aspects of AfL were reflected in classroom activities, the assessment strategies were not meaningfully translated into a holistic approach of AfL. The assessment practices were more concerned with measuring and monitoring classroom activities than promoting students' learning, which is the main goal of AfL. The lack of curriculum direction for AfL, teachers' limited understanding of AfL, examination-oriented education, large class size, short class-duration, and limited physical facilities were the challenges for AfL practice. Findings suggest that there is a need to integrate AfL in higher education curriculum with design suitable for the contexts of Bangladesh along with teachers’ training on assessment. Social Science Review, Vol. 41(1), June 2024, Page 17-38.

Can public education campaigns equitably counter the use of substandard and falsified (SF) medical products in African countries?

Substandard and falsified (SF) medical products are a serious health and economic concern that disproportionately impact low- and middle-income countries and marginalized groups. Public education campaigns are demand-side interventions that may reduce risk of SF exposure, but the effectiveness of such campaigns, and their likelihood of benefitting everybody, is unclear. Nationwide pilot risk communication campaigns, involving multiple media, were deployed in Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Uganda in 2020-2021. Focus group discussions (n=73 FGDs with n=611 total participants) and key informant interviews (n=80 individual interviews and n=4 group interviews with n=111 total informants) were conducted within each of the four countries to ascertain the reach and effectiveness of the campaign. Small proportions of focus group discussants (8.0%-13.9%) and key informants (12.5%-31.4%) had previously encountered the campaign materials. Understandability was varied: the use of English and select local languages, combined with high rates of illiteracy, meant that some were not able to understand the campaign. The capacity for people to act on the messages was extremely limited: inaccessibility, unavailability, and unaffordability of quality-assured medicines from official sources, as well as illiteracy, constrained what people could realistically do in response to the campaign. Importantly, reach, understandability, and capacity to respond were especially limited amongst marginalized groups, who are already at greatest risk of exposure to SF products. These findings suggest that there may be potential for public education campaigns to help combat the issue of SF medicines through prevention, but that the impact of public education is likely to be limited and may even inadvertently widen health inequities. This indicates that public education campaigns are not a single solution; they can only be properly effective if accompanied by health system strengthening and supply-side interventions that aim to increase the effectiveness of regulation.

The unlikely marriage of counterterrorism and Women, Peace and Security Agenda in Indonesia

ABSTRACT This article examines Indonesia’s strategic shift from a “hard” counterterrorism approach to a gender-sensitive, community-based strategy for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (P/CVE) between 2016 and 2021. It analyses Indonesia’s shift from traditional security-centric responses, which emphasised law enforcement and military actions, to community engagement and human rights-based approaches influenced by women-led civil society organisations (CSOs). This shift underscores inclusion and gender in prevention strategies. Drawing on feminist mobilisation and norm localisation theories, particularly the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) Agenda, this research explores the institutionalisation of gender-responsive approaches. While acknowledging the importance of religious moderation as a counternarrative to extremist ideologies – a prominent discourse in Indonesian foreign policy since 2004— this article critiques the securitisation of gender within counterterrorism frameworks. It underscores how this “Moderate Islamic” ideology shapes both domestic and international P/CVE strategies. This study demonstrates how Indonesia’s approach is a potential model for broader application within the Global South through a literature review, in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and process tracing. Ultimately, it offers valuable lessons for integrating the WPS Agenda into P/CVE efforts while addressing challenges related to policy sustainability, effectiveness, and balancing domestic norms with global counterterrorism expectations.

ECHOES OF AMBIGUITY: A PHENOMENOLOGICAL STUDY OF THE GRADE 7 STUDENTS IN POETRY INTERPRETATIONS OF PHILIPPINE LITERATURE

This phenomenological study examines the experiences of Grade 7 students as they interpret poetry from Philippine literature, with a focus on how they perceive and respond to ambiguity in poetic texts. Through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions, the research explores the students' interpretative strategies, the challenges they face, and their emotional responses to the complexities of poetic language. Thematic analysis reveals that students often struggle with issues such as limited vocabulary, figurative language, and cultural context, but also develop coping mechanisms such as using dictionaries, repetitive reading, and collaborating with peers and teachers. Ambiguity in poetry is a challenge and an opportunity for deeper engagement, as students develop perseverance, empathy, and a greater appreciation for multiple interpretations. These insights highlight the importance of instructional approaches that support students in overcoming the difficulties of poetic interpretation while encouraging critical thinking and creativity. By focusing on the learners’ experiences, this study contributes to improving teaching methods that enhance the learning and appreciation of Philippine literature. KEYWORDS: phenomenology, poetry interpretation, Philippine literature, Grade 7 students, ambiguity, in-depth interview, focus group discussion, student experiences

Luba: understanding the intricacies of generational set, age and identity in the Gada system, Ethiopia

ABSTRACT This study investigated the intricacies of Luba structure and its dimensions of generation set, age, and identity in the Guji society, Southern Ethiopia. The study opted for in-depth interviews, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions as techniques of data production, while the analysis was conducted thematically using qualitative descriptions. The findings indicated that Luba is a broad and multifaceted concept that has wider implications in the Gada system. It indicates the Gada parties, namely Muudana, Halchiisa, Dhallana, Harmuufa, and Roobale; fourteen generational sets ranging from Dabballee to Jaarsa Ginya, socially constructed age, and identity in the Gada system. Luba is the structural basement, on which the Gada system was built, and has been functioning. It also shapes an individual’s and social groups’ identity, access to social privileges, social status, and power, serving as the core heritage and backbone of the Gada system. Thus, collaborative efforts are strongly needed for further documentation, preservation, and promotion of Luba for the practicability and sustainability of the Gada system, one of the UNESCO-inscribed intangible heritages.

Exploring the Needs of Young People Born With Cleft Lip and/or Palate Approaching End of Routine Care, in the UK.

The aim of this study was to understand the needs of young people, aged 16 to 20 years, born with cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) approaching end of routine care, in the United Kingdom (UK). Nominal group technique was used during 2 online focus groups to identify priorities for cleft care at transition to adult care. Focus group discussions were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Ten young people born with CL/P, 8 aged 18 to 20 years and 2 aged 16 to 17 years were recruited via the UK-based cleft charity, the Cleft Lip and Palate Association (CLAPA). Three themes were identified from the analysis: Theme 1-Psychological well-being is not a constant. Theme 2-Asking and listening-the cleft clinic appointment. Theme 3-Approaching end of routine care and re-accessing cleft services. Findings suggest that young people have ongoing needs in older adolescence. Psychological well-being, taking control of their own treatment and re-accessing the cleft team were highlighted as particular issues. Whilst further research with a larger and more representative sample is needed, these results support the need for continued access to and provision from the cleft team at this age.

The Implementations and Strategies of Learning Based on Ecoliteracy in Boarding Schools in Reaching SDG for Classy Education

Objective: This research discusses strategies and implementation of ecoliteracy-based learning in Islamic boarding schools. It shows that ecoliteracy-based learning is needed to develop life skills that can be applied in social life. Theoretical Framework: Ecoliteracy is understanding and applying environmental knowledge and awareness in everyday life. Ecoliteracy learning includes the implications of ecological knowledge, socio-political knowledge, knowledge of environmental problems, cognitive abilities, and environmentally responsible behavior. Method: The method used in this research is qualitative with an exploratory descriptive design. Data was obtained using observation techniques, interviews, documentation studies, and focused group discussions. Results and Discussion: All schools where this research was conducted have implemented the Independent Curriculum, consisting of 61.1% at the independent learning level, 22.2% at the independent change level, and 16.7% at the independent sharing level. Research Implications: The implementation of ecoliteracy-based learning in Islamic boarding schools has been implemented by 1) providing reading materials with natural and environmental themes, 2) providing assignments to compose texts with environmental and natural themes, 3) using nature as a learning resource, 4) getting used to activities carried out in the context of building a character who cares about the environment through daily routine activities, such as class pickets, clean Friday activities, the habit of community service, recycling plastic waste into eco-bricks, 5) example from school principals and teachers, 6) motivation and an invitation from school principals and teachers to students to maintain and maintain a clean environment, 7) schools provide adequate infrastructure, such as trash cans, hand washing facilities, etc. Originality/Value: In implementing ecoliteracy-based learning, as many as 72.2% of teachers have provided ecology-oriented texts in their learning. Ecoliteracy learning can make a positive contribution to a sustainable life in an Islamic boarding school-based school environment to realize quality education. Ecoliterate learning is a strategy for realizing SDG quality education.

“I was not used to speaking to my children” parental gains from an adolescent education program in urban Nairobi, Kenya

The paper examines gains that accrued to parents of adolescents, in an education program in urban Nairobi, Kenya. Data comes from qualitative narratives from parents collected during the endline evaluation of the Advancing Learning Outcomes and Transformational Change (ALOT Change) program in the months of April–May 2018 using focus group discussions (FGDs). Analysis followed the framework of Miles and Huberman, which compares data from participants across time. Results showed that parents gained from the support provided to their children to continue with their education. There was also the trickle-down effect of the intervention in the households. Parental benefits were amplified through improvements in communication between them and their children. Finally, parents changed their behavior, to become better role models to their children. Overall, parents also became champions in improving educational outcomes for children in the Urban Informal Settlements, in Nairobi.

Stress and Traditional Support: The Role of Orphans’ and Vulnerable Children’s Primary Caregivers in Rural Ethiopia

Background/Objectives: Orphans’ and Vulnerable Children’s (OVC) primary caregivers (PCGs) in Ethiopia live with multiple social and emotional problems stemming from extreme poverty, war, environmental disasters, and the HIV pandemic. Family and community supports are strained, leaving OVC’s PCGs dependent on inconsistent humanitarian aid. This aid is typically focused on OVCs and does not address PCG well-being. This study aimed to assess PCG well-being and explore their perceived stress and the traditional family and community coping mechanisms. Method: Participants from the Oromia region of Ethiopia were recruited, and a mixed-methods design was employed. Six cases were included using a criterion sampling technique. An explanatory data analysis technique was used, and data were triangulated from interviews, focus group discussions, archival information, and surveys. A 36-item Well-being Measuring Tool (WMT) Likert scale was employed to measure well-being domains. Result: The results indicated that none of the PCGs reported the desirable and average summative well-being domain mean scores [25 and 23]. Among the ten well-being domains, only “spirituality” and “community cohesion” were above the average score [2.3]. The “economy” domain had the lowest score, indicating a critical deficiency [1.3]. A lack of community support could exasperate perceived stress, and well-being deficiencies were linked. Conclusions: Lack of family and community support could exacerbate feeling overlooked, unwelcome, and lonely. A policy that promotes a supportive community environment and safeguards the most vulnerable OVCs and their PCGs should be in place. This study recommends further rigorous research examining the well-being determinants of OVCs’ PCGs in Ethiopia and the role of traditional support systems in rural settings.

Optimization of Tourism Management, Promotion of Tourist Attractions, and Creative Economy Based on Android Application in Kulu Village, Wori District, North Minahasa Regency

Kulu Village is one of the villages in North Minahasa Regency with untapped tourism potential. The research object is Kulu Village, North Minahasa Regency, which has the potential for diving spots, fishing spots, mangrove forest, paniki Island, legend of posi-posi kuning, local culture and traditions that have not been optimized, as well as the Kulu village community, which has creative economic businesses. Therefore, this research aims to optimize the tourism management model, promote tourist attractions, and develop creative economies based on Android (Website & All Social Media Platforms) in Kulu village. The research method used is the Qualitative Method with data collection techniques of observation, interviews, and questionnaires. Information is obtained from stakeholders, including the village government, tourism economic actors, and the community related to tourism, the promotion of tourist attractions, and the creative economy in Kulu village. Meanwhile, the data analysis technique uses the Scoring system and FGD (Focus Group Discussion). The research concluded that Kulu Village's tourism potential can be maximized through infrastructure improvements, digital promotion via websites and social media, local product integration, and stakeholder partnerships. Developing an Android-based web application and providing community training is crucial for promoting tourism and enhancing the local creative economy. Kulu Village has rich natural and cultural tourism potential. However, to fully harness this potential, infrastructure improvements, institutional strengthening, and promotion through websites and social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube are essential to attract both local and international tourists. Strengthening partnerships with stakeholders, such as travel agents, online booking platforms, and influencers, is also crucial to increase the visibility of Kulu Village's tourism destinations. Additionally, local products such as handicrafts and traditional cuisine can be integrated into the tourism ecosystem through digital platforms, including websites and social media

Interpretation as a Technique to Foster Inclusive Classrooms at Higher Learning Institutions in Zambia: A Case Study of Kitwe College of Education

This study aims to explore the implementation of interpretation techniques designed to promote inclusivity in educational settings, particularly those characterized by linguistic diversity and limited resources. The focus is on understanding how various techniques, such as sign language interpretation, simplified language, peer assistance, visual aids, and bilingual instruction, contribute to enhancing the learning experiences of students with disabilities and language barriers. A phenomenological approach was used to gather in-depth insights into participants' experiences. The study involved a sample of 15 participants, including three teacher educators, two interpreters, and ten students. The data was collected through multiple methods, including focus group discussions (FGDs), lesson observations, and individual interviews. These techniques allowed for the exploration of participants' perspectives on the effectiveness of inclusive strategies and the challenges faced in their implementation. Thematic analysis was applied to identify common patterns and challenges, particularly focusing on systemic issues such as resource limitations, the availability of trained interpreters, and cultural attitudes. The analysis further examined how these barriers impacted the success of interpretation techniques in fostering an inclusive learning environment. Additionally, the role of time constraints and linguistic diversity was explored as factors complicating the consistency and accessibility of inclusive practices. The findings highlight the significant impact of inclusive strategies on the learning experiences of students, yet they also point to substantial challenges that hinder the full potential of these practices. The study calls for increased investment in resources, professional development, and the creation of standardized policies to address these barriers. Practical implications suggest that educational institutions must adopt comprehensive and consistent strategies to ensure inclusivity for all students.

Factors affecting utilization of male sexual and reproductive health services: a qualitative description of males in Anambra State, Southeast Nigeria

IntroductionThe utilization of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services by males globally is significantly low despite their considerable sexual and reproductive health needs. This study aimed to understand the factors that influence the utilization of male sexual and reproductive health SRH services.MethodsWe used an explanatory sequential mixed methods research design, with qualitative description to explore the perceptions of males (15-49years) on the utilization of male SRH services in Anambra State, Nigeria. In October 2021, 56 males participated in seven focus group discussions conducted across seven communities. The data were analysed by thematic analysis. A composite narrative was used to report the results.ResultsMales in both urban and rural areas of Anambra State preferred informal health facilities; male-focused health facilities and male health workers. The participants perceived services as costly; and criticized healthcare workers’ attitudes. Some rural areas had inadequate SRH facilities, staff and commodities. The participants exhibited varying levels of SRH awareness.ConclusionTo improve male SRH service utilization, clinics should be more male-centric and cost-effective. Healthcare providers require retraining to offer patient-centered care. Additionally, ward development committees should advocate for better staffing and the availability of SRH commodities.

A new approach to children’s work that prioritises resilience, well-being and agency: emerging findings from a ‘cash plus’ intervention in Bangladesh

BackgroundCriticism of mainstream approaches to child labour is widespread and well-established. The Child Labour Action Research in South and Southeast Asia (CLARISSA) Cash Plus pilot sought to address these critiques...

EXPLORING THE LIVED EXPERIENCES OF SCHOOL HEADS IN DECLINING RETENTION RATE OF STUDENTS IN (DEPED) DEPARTMENT EDUCATION: REASONS IN FOCUS

This qualitative-phenomenological study explores the factors contributing to the declining retention rates of students in public elementary and secondary schools in Pantukan, Davao De Oro, as perceived by school heads. Through in-depth interviews and virtual focus group discussions with 14 school principals, the study identifies five primary reasons for the decline: lack of resources, mental health struggles, family issues, academic challenges, and poor school learning environments. The study also highlights four key themes from school heads' experiences: strengthening stakeholder support, cultivating community engagement, developing retention initiatives, and addressing teacher stress. Coping mechanisms, such as fostering leadership, applying collaborative strategies, and implementing targeted programs, were also identified. The findings reveal that improving retention rates requires a comprehensive approach that includes better resource allocation, mental health support, and family involvement. School heads also emphasized the importance of teacher support, emotional resilience, and community collaboration in tackling retention challenges. The study's insights offer valuable guidance for educational leaders, teachers, parents, and policymakers in addressing the underlying causes of declining student retention. KEYWORDS: Student retention, school leadership, mental health, community engagement, educational resources.

Co-Designing a Consumer-Focused Digital Reporting Health Platform to Improve Adverse Medicine Event Reporting: Protocol for a Multimethod Research Project (the ReMedi Project).

Adverse medicine events (AMEs) are unintended effects that occur following administration of medicines. Up to 70% of AMEs are not reported to, and hence remain undetected by, health care professionals and only 6% of AMEs are reported to regulators. Increased reporting by consumers, health care professionals, and pharmaceutical companies to medicine regulatory authorities is needed to increase the safety of medicines. We describe a project that aims to co-design a digital reporting platform to improve detection and management of AMEs by consumers and health care professionals and improve reporting to regulators. The project will be conducted in 3 phases and uses a co-design methodology that prioritizes equity in designing with stakeholders. Our project is guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. In phase 1, we will engage with 3 stakeholder groups-consumers, health care professionals, and regulators-to define digital platform development standards. We will conduct a series of individual interviews, focus group discussions, and co-design workshops with the stakeholder groups. In phase 2, we will work with a software developer and user interaction design experts to prototype, test, and develop the digital reporting platform based on findings from phase 1. In phase 3, we will implement and trial the digital reporting platform in South Australia through general practices and pharmacies. Consumers who have recently started using medicines new to them will be recruited to use the digital reporting platform to report any apparent, suspected, or possible AMEs since starting the new medicine. Process and outcome evaluations will be conducted to assess the implementation process and to determine whether the new platform has increased AME detection and reporting. This project, initiated in 2023, will run until 2026. Phase 1 will result in persona profiles and user journey maps that define the standards for the user-friendly platform and interactive data visualization tool or dashboard that will be developed and further improved in phase 2. Finally, phase 3 will provide insights of the implemented platform regarding its impact on AME detection, management, and reporting. Findings will be published progressively as we complete the different phases of the project. This project adopts a co-design methodology to develop a new digital reporting platform for AME detection and reporting, considering the perspectives and lived experience of stakeholders and addressing their requirements throughout the entire process. The overarching goal of the project is to leverage the potential of both consumers and technology to address the existing challenges of underdetection and underreporting of AMEs to health care professionals and regulators. The project potentially will improve individual patient safety and generate new data for regulatory purposes related to medicine safety and effectiveness. DERR1-10.2196/60084.

Examining effects of climate information utilization by climate-vulnerability groups in the northern region of Ghana

Impacts of climate change on climate-vulnerable populations receive little attention in the literature compared to the general population across the globe, including Ghana’s Northern Region, than it has on the availability, sources, and kinds of climate services. Understanding the level of effects of utilizing climate information on farmers’ livelihoods is important for climate policy evaluation. Therefore, this study investigates how farmers in three climate-vulnerable groups in Ghana’s Northern Region make adaptation decisions based on climate information. Using a concurrent nested mixed research (quantitative and qualitative) approach, we collected data from 384 sampled farm household respondents, focus group discussions, and experts’ (Key-informants) opinions on climate change in the region. We analyze the data using descriptive statistics and a probit model. The results of mean statistics indicate that whereas farmers across climate-vulnerability groups perceived climate change and variability, the less climate-vulnerable group utilized more climate information for adaptation 7.1 than their counterparts, 5.2 and 3.3 for moderate to high vulnerability, respectively. Also, the probit model result reveals that farmers in the three climate-vulnerable groups are negatively associated with utilizing climate information in their adoption of adaptation strategies for floods and droughts, but they are positively and significantly influenced by climate information in their decision to implement early planting and pest/disease control. Furthermore, although the results show that using climate information boosts farmers’ chances of getting credit by 102.5%, there is no significant chance that farmers would be able to get credit without climate information. The study concludes that, to a greater extent, climate information significantly influences farmers’ decisions regarding adaptation strategies in the region.

WHO public health laboratories webinar series – an online platform to disseminate testing recommendations and best practices during health emergencies

Laboratories play a central role in managing public health emergencies. The COVID-19 pandemic imposed unique challenges on global laboratory systems, including testing protocol uncertainties, supply shortages, rapid need for information dissemination, and disruptions to traditional training methods. In response, the WHO established the Public Health Laboratories (PHL) knowledge sharing webinar series whose goals were to respond to the increased demand in up-to-date and reliable information, which WHO is in a unique position to provide. It also aimed to enhance peer-to-peer exchanges across laboratories. This article outlines the PHL webinar series delivery format and presents how the webinar series was received and perceived by participants and how it evolved to support the response to other health emergencies. Contents of the knowledge sharing sessions, as well as attendance, participants’ satisfaction and application of learning were monitored over time using registration forms, satisfaction polls, an annual survey and focus group discussions. From May 2020 to December 2023, 48 sessions attracted 58,688 registrations from 204 countries and territories. Thirty-five sessions featured presentations of WHO guidance, tools or documents and 39 sessions featured country experience sharing. Initially focused on COVID-19, the series became a tool to rapidly disseminate guidance and best practices during new health emergencies and to address cross-cutting topics relevant to the laboratory workforce. Feedback data shows participants found the webinars very useful (86% respondents), reporting knowledge gains in biosafety, quality management, and laboratory practices. The series facilitated knowledge application, with foreseen changes in workplace procedures and training activities (43% respondents). Barriers such as resource limitations, additional training needs, and connectivity issues were frequently identified. Evidence that this knowledge was subsequently applied by participants, such as through changes in workflow, onwards training events and procedural changes further reinforces the efficacy with which the series was able support the laboratory workforce globally in addressing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and other health emergencies. The series utilized sessions on cross-cutting topics to run routinely and to keep a high level of engagement with laboratory professionals globally. This enabled it to act as an adaptable tool that was leveraged effectively and quickly during health emergencies for just-in-time learning.