Grama Niladhari Divisions Research Articles

Prominence of the Home Garden: A Study of Bogawantalawa South Grama Niladhari Division, Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka

Home garden is an integral part of local food systems in developing countries. It has a longstanding practice among the Sri Lanka for centuries. The main objective of this study is to analyze environmental and socio economic importance of home gardens in Bogawantalawa South Grama Niladhari Division (GND), Nuwara Eliya. The data was obtained from the primary and secondary sources. The questionnaire survey was designed to collect primary data from thirty households according to simple random sampling techniques. Field observation was conducted to identify the core dimensions of environmental importance. Collected primary data have been analyzed through an Excel spreadsheet and summarized the quantitative data using descriptive and quantitative analysis methods. Qualitative methods of content analysis were also carried out. As key findings, environmental importance of the upcountry home garden of the study area have been addressed. Conserving biodiversity and conservation of diverse plants,preventing the environment from chemical, habitats for animals and other beneficial organisms and reduced soil erosion and maintenance of landraces. The important socio economic importance are generation of employment opportunities and income, food and nutrient security of families, created a relaxing environment, improving health and preserving indigenous knowledge. In addition to this, this study identifies the challenges of the home garden and gives some recommendations to keep the sustainability in home garden.

Study on the Impact of Financial Literacy of the Rural Population on Microfinance: In Association with the Middeniya East Grama Niladhari Division, Sri Lanka

The research focuses on the poverty-stricken rural communities that use the sector's state and commercialized micro-products: To empower the people associated with the microfinance sector economically and socially and To eradicate poverty in the rural community and raise the standard of living and To find out to what extent personal financial literacy has become a decisive factor The research employed a questionnaire to collect empirical data from 100 households by using random sampling in the Middeniya East Grama Sewa Division, which uses microfinance facilities. Accordingly, personal financial literacy was considered the intrinsic variable, and the efficiency of using financial facilities was used as the extrinsic variable. While reviewing information on personal financial literacy, a lot of data was gathered by presenting questions related to basic financial and advanced basic literacy. Accordingly, a standard multiple regression analysis was carried out to identify the impact of literacy on microfinance affairs. The finding of the multiple regression model was M= -27.7129+ 0.410357L+0.324577AFL. The two intrinsic variables, basic financial literacy and advanced financial literacy showed a corresponding connection related to rural people's micro financial dealings. The performance of utilization of microfinance depends on the person's basic and advanced financial literacy. Accordingly, when basic financial literacy and advanced financial literacy increase, the performance of utilization of microfinance increases.

A Study on the Impact of Legal Literacy on Crime Control and Prevention (With Special Reference to Selected Communities in Rathnapura Police Division in Sri Lanka)

Self-empowerment and establishing a law-abiding through legal literacy have become a prominent need today. The present study investigates the impact of community awareness on crimes and the feasibility of utilizing it successfully to control and prevent crimes. The research question was Does the level of legal awareness affect the rise of crimes? and Dose the level of legal awareness contributes to Crime control and prevention? The study sample included 82 families out of 1643 families in the Grama Niladhari Divisions in and in the vicinity of the Rathnapura City area. The sample was selected using the Stratified Sampling method and Judgmental Sampling method, and questionnaires were used to collect data, which were analyzed through IBM SPSS 22 version software. The research revealed that the participants are ignorant regarding individual rights and security, crimes and legal nature of crime, and punishments, which made 65% become victims of crimes, and 90% be involved in criminal activities due to inadequate legal literacy. Unawareness of the criminal justice system and its procedure has made 85% of the participants undergo various difficulties. Therefore, the level of legal awareness does affect the control and prevention of crimes significantly. Hence, it is concluded that legal awareness empowers society, and its contribution to personality development lays the foundation for an intelligent community. Therefore, every person must be provided with equal opportunity to improve legal awareness, including law as a school subject and promoting legal awareness as a national policy among the public, victims, social groups, public servants and law-makers contribute to a legally literate society.

An Anthropological Study of Rural Poverty in Sri Lanka and the Functioning of the Samurdhi Project

Poverty in Sri Lanka (especially in rural areas) is a problem to the development of the country. Although various projects have been implemented to alleviate poverty, no significant progress has been made by such development projects. Samurdhi project is one of the national development projects introduced by the government to eradicate poverty. The research intends to study, how people suffering from poverty and make it as a part of their lives instead of introducing solution to minimize the poverty and to identify the new state of living which creats through it. Out of 153 Samurdhi beneficiary families in the 70/B Ambadandegama Grama Niladhari Division, Bandarawela Divisional Secretariat in the Badulla District, 30 family units were selected under the judgmental sampling method through an interview schedule as a data collection method. Poverty has been assigned as a culture is the main elicited fact of this research. Poverty has affected many aspects of their daily lives and they have inherited the cultural characteristics of poverty such as they do not planning their life style and economic activities or any other activities, excessive borrowing like 93% of the total suffer from debt, expecting further relief from the government and blaming them when relief is not forthcoming. Moreover, in order to continue receiving government subsidies, poverty is maintained and continued living with poverty without seeking for a solution. It is the culture of poverty. Therefore, Samurdhi project can be identified as a failed development project which introduced to eradicate rural poverty as a result of not accomplishing an effective impact towards the eradication of rural poverty. However, before implementing a development project, it is needed to pay attention on socio – cultural factors of the community and a planning with a proper understanding will be beneficial to make the development projects successful.

Potential of Medicinal Plants in Piramanthanaru, Kilinochchi District of Sri Lanka Assessed by Transect Belt Method

Medicinal plants are mainly used to treat diseases in Siddha, Ayurveda and traditional system of medicine in Sri Lanka. The present study was carried out to identify the availability of medicinal plants in Piramanthanaru of Kilinochchi District through transect belt method and documental evidence based their traditional uses according to the Siddha Ayurveda classical text book. This survey was conducted from October 2016 to January 2017 at Piramanthanaru of Kilinochchi District. The permission for the study was obtained from authorities and map also got from Divisional Secretariat of Kilinochchi District. After that, the medicinal plants were identified and collected the by transect belt method for documentation of medicinal plants. Specimens collected from the field were authenticated and verified in the Herbarium, Unit of Siddha Medicines. A total of 132 medicinal plants belonging to 48 families were reported from Piramanthanaru Grama Niladhari Division of Karachchi Pradesiya Sabha by transect belt method. The dominant plant family was reported as Leguminosae (13.63%), Euphorbiaceae (5.30%), Malvaceae (4.50%). Among these 132 medicinal plants, 41.66% herbs, 19.70% trees and shrub and 18.94% climbers. Endemic and economical viable medicinal plants were identified, such as, Vernonia zeylanica, Evolvulus alsinoides and Indigofera tinctoria respectively. Rejuvenative medicinal plants were also reported. These are used to increase the immunity and promote the nutritive. In traditional way, these plants used as food and to treat various disease such as, skin diseases, snake bites, diabetes, menorrhagia, asthma, scabies, rheumatism, dysentery, diarrhea, urinary problems. Findings of this study act as basic data to understand the biodiversity of Piramanthanaru of Kilinochchi District along with the significance of available medicinal plants in traditional and classical practice as well as used to enhance to sustainable development strategy in Kilinochchi District. The documented data shows important medicinal plants along with their potential uses, which can be effectively used in clinical practice and further research.
 Keywords: Medicinal plants, Kilinochchi district, Traditional medicine

The Relationship between Socio-economic Characteristics of Urban Inhabitants and the Quantity of Domestic Waste Generation in Mattakkuliya Grama Niladhari Division, Colombo

The unwanted objects and unusable substances are referred as waste. These are classified as agricultural waste (AW), commercial waste (CW), domestic waste (DW), and industrial waste (IW) based on their source of generation. DW is generated during the household activities like cleaning, cooking, etc. The exodus of DW is comparatively very high in urban areas than in rural. Also, there is a close relationship between the quantity of DW and the socio-economic characterizes of urban inhabitants. The objectives of this study are identifying the generating factors of DW and to explore the relationship between socio-economic characteristics of urban inhabitants and the quantity of domestic waste. To achieve the objective of the study, 150 houses in Mattakkuliya were randomly selected. Providing questionnaire, unstructured interview, and observation were the primary data collection method. Secondary data such as research papers, statistical reports, and the Internet were used for further data. Based on the study, about 3.5-16 kg of DW is produced daily from each household in the study area. Meanwhile, the daily per capita waste production is found to be 0.5-5 kg. Of these, food scraps (45%), paper (20%), glass (5%), plastic bags (18%) and others (12%) were the most important. Results indicated a linear relationship between socio-economic characteristics and the quantity of DW in the study area. Thus, direct and indirect socio-economic characteristics such as family size, income, average age of the family members, sex, occupation, literacy and marital status were the explored by the study. Keywords: Domestic waste, Socio-economic, Urban inhabitants

Preliminary Study on Existing Scenario of Selected Soil Properties in Cheddikulum Grama Niladhari Division Vavuniya District, Sri Lanka

The productivity of the soil has changed into the worst condition knowingly or unknowingly by anthropogenic activities as well as natural phenomena. The study was conducted to quantify selected soil properties in Cheddikulum Grama Niladhari division, Vavuniya District and find reclaim the problem soil and make suggestions to cultivate the crop variety suitable for the existing soil properties since this area is a recently rehabilitated area. Fifty composite samples were selected for the research using the stratified random sampling method. Stratification was based on the type of land cover, and following land cover patterns were identified agriculture land patches, forest patches, and grassland patches. Soils were collected from top to 30 cm depth (root zone) using a core sampler, and subsamples were collected to obtain composite samples. Soil samples were analyzed for pH, EC, organic matter content, total nitrogen, exchangeable potassium, and available phosphorous. 14.8% of agricultural land area was acidic soil and 4.7% alkaline soil. 15.3% of agricultural land area was identified as saline soil. 67.11% of agricultural lands contain more phosphorous concentration than the optimum range. 4.7% of agricultural lands contain higher potassium concentrations than the optimum range. 94% of forest lands and 100% of grasslands contains phosphorous concentration higher than the optimum range. But forest lands showed a lower level of potassium concentration. 23.6% of grasslands contain higher potassium than the optimum level. Organic matter ranged between 0.01% to 5.43% in agricultural lands where 82% of total nitrogen concentrations were the optimum level. Agriculture practices lead to change in the soil; hence identified soil problems should be reclaimed in order to maintain the fertility of the soil for sustainable production. Proper management of soil can be a better solution for supporting the successful agricultural activity of the community in the future and socio-economic development of this region and need to be adhering to crop variety selection and soil reclamation practices.
 Keywords: Productivity, Soil problems, Soil reclamation

EMPOWERMENT OF RURAL WOMEN FARMERS AND FOOD PRODUCTION IN IMBULPE DS DIVISION IN SRI LANKA: A HOUSEHOLD LEVEL ANALYSIS

Women empowerment and gender equity are two significant aspects of the sustainable development of a country. As Sri Lanka is on the way towards sustainable development, this study was conducted to identify the current situation of women farmers’ empowerment and food production in Imbulpe (Divisional Secretariat) DS division of the country. A sample of 300 women farmers was randomly selected for the study, from seven selected Grama Niladhari divisions (GN) of Imbulpe DS division. A field survey was carried out to data collection through a pre-tested, self-administered questionnaire from April to July 2019. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis and regression analysis were used as the data analysis methods. Results convey that most of the women farmers were middle aged, married and had two children within their family. Furthermore, most of the respondents had secondary level of education and their average family size was four, 1.25 acres was the average farm land size. They had about 16 years of experience in the field of agriculture sector. The average monthly income of the respondents was 25,000.00 LKR (Sri Lankan Rupees). Women empowerment was measured by using the models of Rahman and Naoroze (2007); Praveen and Leonhauser (2004) with necessary modifications according to the study area. Most of the women farmers were showed social empowerment aspect and political empowerment aspect reported as the least empowerment aspect according to the unit empowerment measures. Out of the socio-economic factors size of the farm land, number of agricultural training programs participated, monthly income of the family, respondents level of education and number of agricultural training programs attended were indicated significant and positive effect for the empowerment of women farmers. Accessibility of credit facilities and agricultural extension program participation showed that there was a considerable impact on food production rather than the cultivable land size and utilization of modern farming technologies for food production. Therefore, providing of timely important agricultural education and training programs, enhance awareness level of modern farming technology utilization, better micro finance programs and agricultural credit facilities will be able to upgrade the level of empowerment of women farmers in Imbulpe DS division furthermore.

Utilization of home garden crops by primates and current status of human-primate interface at Galigamuwa Divisional Secretariat Division in Kegalle District, Sri Lanka

Many humans coexist with non-human primates (NHP), and as human populations have increased so have the pressures on natural habitats. For example, deforestation results in habitat loss and food scarcity for NHPs. In response, NHPs sometimes enter human habitats in search of food, which can result in negative interactions between humans and NHPs. This study focused on human-NHP interactions in three Grama Niladhari divisions in Kegalle District, Sri Lanka. We used interviewer-administered structured questionnaires to collect data from 500 randomly selected informants. The majority stated that they could not obtain sufficient harvests from home gardens for their own consumption owing to crop damage and losses caused largely by NHPs and other wild animals. This has led many people to abandon home gardening. Toque Macaques caused the most damage to crops, followed by Wild Boars, porcupines, and Purple-faced Leaf Langurs. Damage was caused to coconuts, vegetables, bananas, and yams. NHPs also caused property damage, with Toque Macaques causing more damage than langurs. People commonly used firecrackers, catapults and air rifles, and wore wooden or plastic face masks, in attempts to control crop damage by NHPs, with little success. People are of the opinion that the NHPs should be relocated to other forested areas or sterilized to control their numbers. In conclusion, to address the issues pertaining to human-primate interactions in terms of conflict due to crop utilization of primates, an integrated management plan should be developed in cooperation with the relevant stakeholders.

Case Study on Identification of Flood Hazard in the Lower Catchment Area of the Attanagalu Oya River Basin

The present work aims to identify flood hazards and risks, particularly to the Attanagalu Oya river basin in Gampaha district, the western province in Sri Lanka. Attanagalu Oya river catchment area periodically faced flood hazards. The flood is categorized by complex like 2008, 2010, 2016, 2017, and it chose 2016 as the primary flood event. Study areas have been selected depending on data availability. Attanagalu Oya river basin is mainly focused as a study area. However, here selected only four Grama Niladhari Divisions are as a sample area. Those are; Kirindivita, Ambanvita, Thammita West, Gonagaha1. Furthermore, many flood hazards can be identified when considering the flood events history. But here selected only two years were 2010 and 2016. These two years were selected with high flood events. For the study, that flood series used 1 feet elevation contours used to identify flood levels and used LiDAR image to identify risk areas in the study site. Due to the blockage of the main waterways that discharge water into the Negombo Lagoon, limited water transportation, low lying land reclamation for development, mainly affect paddy lands and roads, and flood as a major problem identified temporarily and spatially. Eventually, the study could identify flood-prone areas and map the risk zones within the study area.

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on the Financial Livelihood Assets: A Case Study in Mahawewa Divisional Secretariat Division, Sri Lanka

The most recent catastrophe, COVID-19 changed the lives and the livelihoods of the people in the world and in Sri Lanka. The main objective of this study was to identify the nature of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the financial assets of the community engaged in six (06) livelihood types and the measures taken by the government and social organizations to mitigate the impact. A total of 64 families representing the livelihood types in two Grama Niladhari divisions in the study area were selected for the sample by employing stratified random sampling technique. Data were collected through questionnaire survey and informal discussions while the data analysis was mainly done through Chi Squared Analysis. The study confirmed that the COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected on the income generation and savings of the community in the study area. Further, 13% (out of 16) and 07% (out of 14) of households engaged in agriculture and fisheries respectively has earned a monthly income of over 150,000 while no household in all categories has earned a monthly income of less than 5,000 before the COVID 19 pandemic. However, the monthly income generation of 82%, and 57% of households who engaged in tourism and both fisheries and self-employments has significantly dropped to less than 5000/= respectively during the COVID 19 pandemic. Also, the pandemic has adversely affected the income generation of the households in fisheries, tourism and self-employment sectors compared to agriculture sector. Savings of the same categories was also reduced due to the pandemic. The study further ascertained that the government and social organizations have taken several measures to provide essential items to cope with the economic impacts of COVID 19.

A Comparative Study on Socio-Economic Impact of COVID- 19 Pandemic on Fisheries Industry in Tangalle Divisional Secretariat Division

The COVID-19 pandemic, which has provided the basis for creating a highly problematic environment in every sector of the world today has also had a significant impact on the fisheries industry which is one of the world’s leading economic activities. The main objective of this study was to examine the socio-economic impacts on fisheries industry before and during COVID-19 pandemic situation with special reference to Tangalle Divisional Secretariat Division. The study was based on the four Grama Niladhari Divisions of Kudawella North, Central, South and West associated with the Kudawella Fisheries Harbor. Primary data was collected from a field survey using a semi structured questionnaire from 74 fishing families representing the 75% of the population under stratified random sampling. Paired T test was carried out to test the variables comparatively before and after COVID-19 pandemic to confirm the result statistically. In addition, simple statistical methods were used for the quantitative assessment. Results revealed that the epidemic situation had a significant socio-economic impact on the fishing industry during the COVID-19 pandemic situation such as declining income, growth of indebtedness, disruption of children’s education, mental distress and social stigma. Suggestions were identified to mitigate the impacts. In this context, it was concluded that the COVID-19 epidemic has primarily affected the fisheries industry and as a result, created many socio-economic problems for the fisheries community.

A Comparative Study on Post-Harvest Losses Associated with Upcountry Vegetable before and During COVID -19 Pandemic Situation: A Case of The Welimada Divisional Secretariat Area

Vegetables are essential food items that provide daily nutritional requirements to maintain healthy life for human beings. Therefore, it is necessary to maintain continuous production and supply. The unexpected Covid-19 plague disrupted the production, sale and distribution of vegetables so that producers, traders as well as consumers happened to face unexpected problems. Accordingly, a study was conducted with the main objective to investigate the post harvesting losses associated with upcountry vegetable before and under COVID-19 pandemic situation comparatively. To achieve the main objectives a field survey was carried out by collecting primary data from 16 traders from the Economic Center and 50 farmers from 05 Grama Niladhari Divisions of Welimada divisional secretariat area using stratified sampling technique. Additional information was collected by using interviews with farmers and traders and secondary data. Data was analyzed using quantitative, qualitative methods and paired T tests were performed to confirm the difference between the variables associated with before and during the COVID-19 pandemic statistically. Results reviled that, there was a significant difference (p <0.05) in post-harvest losses coursed at farm, transport and wholesale lelves in marketing of vegetables before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Several factors affected to increase post-harvest losses and there are the harvesting was delayed, number of barriers were faced during transportation, the economic center has been closed for several days, vegetable prices have fallen and wholesales have declined. It can be concluded that the post-harvest damage to upcountry vegetable has been affected by the covid-19 pandemic.

Determinants of Women’s Empowerment and Household Poverty Reduction in Imbulpe DS Division, Sri Lanka

Women empowerment and poverty reduction are interrelated key driving forces to achieve the sustainable development of a country. However, most of the women farmers in rural areas have lack of access to adequate assets and resources, credit facilities and freedom of decision making within the households. Therefore, women empowerment is a timely important requirement to reduce the household poverty among them. This study was conducted to identify the determinants of empowerment of women farmers and also roles of them in reduction of poverty in Imbulpe Divisional Secretariat (DS) Division in Sri Lanka. In this study, 238 women farmers were selected using simple random sampling method, from purposively identified seven Grama Niladhari (GN) divisions in this area. Primary data was gathered from a field survey using a pre-tested, self-administered questionnaire from May to July 2019. Descriptive statistics and chi-square analysis were used as the statistical methods in data analyzing process. The result revealed that, age, education, monthly income of the respondents, economic resource accessibility, participation in decision making and freedom of mobility act as the determinants of empowerment of women farmers. The moderately significant positive nature of relationship was showed between the age of the women farmers and their role in poverty reduction. And also, the level of education, monthly income, economic resources accessibility of the respondents and participation of decision making within the household of the women farmers were showed moderately significant positive relationship with their role in poverty reduction. Therefore, encourage women farmers as rural entrepreneurs while performing their farming practices to earn additional income, enhance economic resource accessibility and motivate women farmers to express their ideas for enhance the active participation in the household decision making process are timely important requirements to empower women farmers and enhance their role in poverty reduction.

Time poverty and food production of women farmers: Case of Imbulpe DS division in Sri Lanka

Gender equity has been emphasized as a considerable aspect regarding sustainable development in any nation of the world. Thus, this study was conducted to assess the level of time poverty of women farmers and its impact for food production in the Imbulpe Divisional Secretariat (DS) division in Rathnapura district in Sri Lanka. The objectives were to identify the time allocation of women farmers and to assess the time poverty and the effect of time poverty on food production in the study area. A sample of 300 women farmers was randomly selected through the simple random sampling method from five selected Grama Niladhari (GN) divisions of the Imbulpe DS division. A self-administered questionnaire survey was used with the help of a pre-tested questionnaire, in data collection from April to July 2019. The model of Harvey and Mukhopadhyay (2007) was used as the measurement of time poverty with necessary modifications based on the situation of the study area. Descriptive statistics and regression analysis were used in data analysis. The findings revealed that the respondents have obtained a considerably high headcount index of time poverty (0.79) in their efforts in food production. Therefore, it can be concluded that women farmers who live in the Imbulpe area consist of a low level of time for their farming and leisure activities. Therefore, conducting extension programs related to the application of modern farming technologies and enhance market information accessibility to reduce the time consume when marketing their agricultural products and enhance the participation in stress management programs are timely important activities to help these women farmers.

The Current Challenges in Sri Lanka’s Rattan Manufacturing Industry

This research examines the contemporary challenges associated with the rattan manufacturing industry in Sri Lanka. Accordingly, the main objective of this research is to identify the current challenges associated with the rattan manufacturing industry. This research was carried out using a mixed methodology under the inductive approach. Quantitative and qualitative data were used for the research and they were collected from primary and secondary sources. The secondary data were collected through DSD offices, resource profiles, district, and statistical handbooks, relevant websites, and journal articles. Questionnaires, structured and semi-structured interviews, were used to obtain primary data. Radawadunna Grama Niladhari Division of the Mirigama Divisional Secretariat Division in the Gampaha District in Sri Lanka was selected as the sample for conducting this study. The reason for selecting this area for this study was that this area is identified as a place significantly famous for rattan-related products and trade. Ten attributes were derived from the literature survey to identify the research objective. A factor analysis was performed using SPSS software and the analyzed data were presented in tables. After analyzing data, it was identified the challenges faced by the traders engaged in the rattan manufacturing industry in this area. Thus, the four factors can be named as, Resource scarcity, Market factors, Spatial factors and, Cultural factors. Under these four main factors, several other sub-factors can be identified. Accordingly, the study finally identified several challenges associated with the rattan industry in present Sri Lanka.

Study on Level of Vegetation Land Fragmentation in Western Province, Sri Lanka

Muthurajawela Marsh and Negombo Lagoon have lost their marshland and mangroves from 41% and 21% accordingly from 1997 to 2017. Vegetation land fragmentation (VLF) is the foremost reason that accelerates the vegetation cover change. However, Sri Lanka has not been given sufficient attention to investigate VLF with case studies. Further, fragmentation patterns like dissecting, shrinking, and disappearing are still essential to investigate with empirical studies to comprehend the phases of VLF. Therefore, this study attempts to quantify the level of vegetation land fragmentation (LVLF) in the Western Province’s Grama Niladhari Divisions (GNDs) from 2000 to 2020 by applying the Landscape Division Index (FRAGSTATS). It further analyses the patterns of VLF by using 200 fragmented locations. The key findings demonstrate that 54% of GNDs have more than 60% of the LVLF in the Gampaha District from 2000 to 2010. Although it has reduced up to 49% from 2010-2020, the Gampaha District remains in the highest position. It additionally discloses the significant increment in LVLF along the expressways from 2010 to 2020. 46% of fragmented patches indicate the mixed of dissecting, shrinking, and disappearing patterns. Therefore, the study provides methodological application and quantitative insights for planners to investigate VLF and its patterns.

Development of Urban Green Spaces for Achieving Ecological and Social Benefits of Urban Areas in Sri Lanka

Green spaces create a link between human beings and the environment around them to enhance the quality of human life and benefits for both. But the reductions of green spaces in urban areas lead to several environmental and social problems world-wide. This study focused to find the required sites for Urban Green Space (UGS) development to gain ecological and social benefits in Rathnapura Municipal Council. Six Grama Niladhari Divisions were selected for the study. Accordingly, digitized Google Earth Pro satellite images in 2019 and population data in 2018 were used for analysing existing UGS. According to that geometric calculation, buffer, near, and weighted sum tools in ArcMap 10.4 were used to analyses data. Green Space Per Capita Index (GSPCI) was calculated to find whether the existing UGS is enough or not for the healthy living of the residents based on recommendation scales of World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations (UN) as 9m² and 30m² green spaces per person respectively. It has been found the study area is exceeding both recommended levels. Whatever the GSPCI, the study has found Mihindugama, Rathnapura Town North and West have required approximately 114624, 8474, and 38617 square meters of additional UGS respectively according to buffer analysis based on GSPCI regard to UN recommendations. Weighted sum analysis has found that approximately 18% of land highly required UGS. Meanwhile, the study has revealed Mihindugama, Kospelawinna, and New Town have a shortage of UGS near the residential areas. Moreover, the study shows there is a potential to develop UGS in the area by approaching existing re-sources. As consequences of this study will provide ideas for mitigating urban issues and guide to fulfil the additionally required UGS to better development.by the above findings for the benefit of future online learning and to carry out such educational activities without interruption.

Female Farmers’ Agricultural Information Needs and Food Production: A Case Study of Imbulpe ds Division in Sri Lanka

The study was conducted to find out female farmers’ agricultural information needs and their impact on food production, in the Imbulpe DS Division in Sri Lanka. Of the female farmers in the area, 238 were taken as the sample for the study from seven selected Grama Niladhari (GN) divisions in the area. Female farmers were selected by using a simple random sampling method from these purposively selected GN divisions. A pre-tested, interviewer-administered questionnaire survey was used as the primary data collection method from March to July 2019. Data analysis was done by using descriptive statistics and chi-square analysis. The result revealed that the majority (62.6%) of respondents were middle aged (40-59 years), married, and belonged to families with 4-5 members. Most respondents (64.3 %) had studied up to junior secondary education level. Their average farm land size is 0.84 acres and they have farming experience of about 15 years. Most of the respondents mentioned that they had obtained higher levels of information needs about improved crop varieties. In addition, female farmers reported that they moderately need information on application of agrochemicals, improved market systems and modern farming technologies. Extension agents and other female farmers act as their major sources of agricultural information and ICT equipment acts as the least important agricultural information source in this area. Moreover, there is a significant positive association between the agricultural information needs and food production. Therefore, providing necessary agricultural information and enhanced utilization of ICT tools for agricultural information sources, and encouraging female farmers to participate in farming societies will lead to enhanced food production in this area.

POS-314 People’s knowledge of Chronic Kidney Disease of Unknown Etiology in Sri Lanka

The identification of CKDu in its early stages is crucial for the patients more than for the health providers as it helps to prevent them from further complications and progression into severe stages of the disease. Studies on the estimates of people’s knowledge of CKDu and their ability to identify the disease early and seek treatment are unknown in Sri Lanka. Knowledge is measured in this study comprises information acquired from authoritative sources such as the local health department. The items of knowledge displayed in posters and educational sessions were used to construct the questionnaire of 67 knowledge items. The study used a descriptive, cross-sectional design to identify patients’ knowledge and at-risk behaviors in the Medirigiriya DS division in Polonnaruwa District. The randomly obtained sample of 200 families was from 12 agricultural settlements in six Grama Niladhari (GN) divisions. A team of seven research assistants and the author conducted qualitative research, and 200 semi-structured interviews. The interviews were conducted with the chief householder or their spouse, who gave their verbal consent. The interviews were conducted in Sinhalese and translated into English. The questionnaire data were computer entered and analyzed in SPSS. Textual data were analyzed in the Atlas/Ti program for textual data analysis. The mean knowledge score was 36.1 (S.D 7.76) for 178 families which, when converted to a percentage, was 42.3%. The CKDu knowledge scores increased as the age of patients increased (P 0.05). It shows that older patients were more knowledgeable of CKDu. The total knowledge score and socioeconomic status are significantly correlated (r.191 at the 0.05 level -two-tail test). Knowledge was lower among the old, less educated, low-income families and paddy farmers who owned paddy land less than 1 acre. Almost every interviewee was aware that a blood test should be done to identify CKDu. None of the respondents correctly answered all the 67 items of the knowledge questionnaire. 28.5% (n = 57) of the participants answered 42 to 50 questions correct, 35% (n=71) respondents answered 39 to 41 answers correct, and 34% (n=68) answered 8 to 32 questions correct. Furthermore, 86% (n =172) of the participants knew that the kidneys make urine, 64.5% (n=129) knew that kidneys clean blood, but only 17.5% (n=35) knew kidneys help regulate blood sugar, 15.5% (n=31) knew that kidneys help regulate blood pressure and breakdown proteins in the blood. Most participants did not know that CKDu can help prevent its progression into severe stages if identified in the initial stages. 72.5% (n=145) believed that identifying CKDu in a person is like getting a death certificate, but 90.5% (n=181) viewed that medications could slow down the disease's progression. Therefore, well over 90% of CKDu patients attend hospitals and clinics to get medications. Despite the high prevalence of CKDu among middle-aged rice paddy farmers, most respondents in the endemic areas knew very little about the disease, its causation, and treatment. The findings show that more community programs are needed to educate the people in the lower income groups, the rice paddy farmers, agricultural laborers, and older people. Implementing CKDu educational programs, measuring their effectiveness and efficacy should be a priority.