Although interest in value-added dairy products is increasing, empirical evidence regarding their economic viability remains limited. Specifically, there is a lack of research on the economic viability and cost structure of traditional fermented dairy products, such as sweet curd (Mishti Doi), within regional value chains. This study aims to assess the economic viability of sweet curd production across four blocks in the Terai District of West Bengal, India, by analysing cost structures, profitability, market concentration, and seasonal production dynamics. Primary data were collected from 31 purposively selected dairy processing units over one year (April 2024 to March 2025) using structured interview schedules. Data were analyzed using benefit-cost ratio analysis, market concentration indices (CR4, HHI, Gini coefficient), and the seasonal index. The results indicate that variable costs constitute 98.6% of total production costs, with fluid milk accounting for 59–62% (Rs 44–51/kg). Regional production costs range from Rs 71.84/kg in Coochbehar-II to Rs 86.35/kg in Alipurduar-I, driven largely by milk procurement price differentials (Rs 36.61–42.91/L). Benefit-cost ratios range from 1.44 to 1.72, confirming economic viability across all blocks, with Coochbehar-II recording the highest profit margin at 71.9% (net profit: Rs 51.68/kg). Low Gini coefficients (0.07–0.15) indicate equitable distribution of market shares. Seasonal indices range from 86% during the monsoon (July–September) to 112.57% during the festive season (September–December). Labor costs account for 9.24% of total production expenses, combining family and hired Labor. Spoilage rates are effectively managed below 0.64%. The study concludes that sweet curd production is economically promising across the Terai region, with an average benefit-cost ratio of 1.61 and weighted average profit margins of 37.9%. Improving milk procurement strategies and adopting adaptive seasonal management are critical to enhancing long-term profitability and sustainability within the dairy value chain.

Journalists covering war are exposed to grave risk which can cause mental health difficulties. To determine the long-term psychiatric health of journalists who covered wars in Afghanistan and the Middle East between September 2001 (following 9/11) and 2013 (waning of the Arab Spring uprisings). Observational, qualitative study involving journalists from CNN, The New York Times, the Washington Post, the Associated Press and National Public Radio. Data collected via study website and Zoom interviews. Of 324 journalists identified, 202 (62.3%) were traceable. Of these, 16 (4.9%) were deceased, 156/186 (83.9%) consented and 30/186 (16.1%) declined participation. Of 156 journalists who provided psychometric data, 99 (63.4%) agreed to interview. Duration of exposure to and severity of risk were recorded. Psychometric data included the General Anxiety Disorder seven-item scale, the nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire, the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 and the Structured Clinical Interview Schedule for DSM-5 to elicit 12-month and lifetime prevalence of psychiatric diagnoses. One hundred and twelve (71.8%) were male, mean age was 57.0 (s.d. = 9.75) years and 77/156 (49.4%) spent more than 3 years in war zones. Time in a war zone correlated with risk severity (r = 0.476, p < 0.001). Lifetime and 12-month prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) 27%/6%; major depression 34%/8%; any anxiety disorder 28%/11%; alcohol use disorder 34%/4%; acute stress disorder 6%/0%; dissociative disorder 2%/0%. Severity of risk predicted lifetime PTSD only (odds ratio 2.55, 95% CI: 1.27-5.14, p = 0.009). Counselling was available to 63/156 (40.4%) journalists while covering conflict. Journalists who covered wars in Afghanistan, Iraq and elsewhere that began after 9/11 have a high lifetime prevalence of PTSD, major depression, any anxiety disorder and alcohol use disorder; 12-month prevalence for PTSD and any anxiety disorder remains elevated, albeit less so. War journalism is hazardous, and risk severity predicts PTSD, highlighting the importance of therapy availability.

"My bloody leg" - The lived experience of arthrofibrosis after total knee arthroplasty.

Peace teachings foster a conducive environment for achieving sustainable peace. Applying the constructivist research paradigm, the researcher adopted a qualitative survey approach. The sample was consisted of a total of 10 faculty members from the 15 general public sector universities that were offering B.Ed. (Hons) Elementary 4-year program with the senior semesters, i.e., 7-8 in Pakistan through a simple random sampling technique. The data were collected by using a structured interview schedule, and narrative analysis was established by applying the suggested process by Cohen in 2018. It was concluded that no course of peace education exists in the teacher education curriculum. Therefore, it is recommended that the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan review the curriculum and consider the proposed peace education course for the teacher education curriculum.

Sustainable peace is the ultimate aim of any society, and it is possible through peace teachings. Using the constructivist paradigm, the researcher applied a qualitative survey approach. The population consisted of all faculty members from 85 general public sector universities in Pakistan, while the sample comprised 20 faculty members who were teaching to the B.Ed. (Hons) Elementary 4-year classes with 6-8 semesters were selected through a simple random sampling technique. A structured interview schedule was used to collect data, and a narrative analysis process, as suggested by Cohen in 2018 was adopted. It was concluded that no comprehensive integration framework for peace education in teacher education is available. Therefore, it was recommended that the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan implement it to achieve sustainable peace in Pakistan.

Yobe State in Nigeria, marked by socio-economic challenges such as climate variability and poor infrastructure, provides a compelling context for assessing poverty reduction strategies. This study evaluates the effectiveness of the Northeast Arid Zone Development Program (NEAZDP) as a poverty alleviation strategy using 2023 cross-sectional household survey data from 322 households selected through a multi stage sampling technique. Data collection was carried out using a well-structured questionnaire coupled with interview schedules. The analysis employed both the Foster-Greer-Thorbecke (FGT) poverty index and the Alkire-Foster multidimensional poverty index (MPI) to measure poverty. Results reveal that NEAZDP has had a significant impact on reducing both unidimensional and multidimensional poverty among participants. The proportion of beneficiaries below the poverty line decreased substantially during the program, although a slight increase was noted toward the program’s conclusion. Furthermore, multidimensional poverty levels among NEAZDP beneficiaries were significantly lower compared to those in spill-over and control groups, indicating improvements in access to education, healthcare, and income-generating opportunities. Despite these successes, the study identified persistent challenges in areas such as standard of living, empowerment, and environmental sustainability. In conclusion, NEAZDP has made notable progress in enhancing socio-economic conditions and social mobility in Yobe State. However, for its impact to be sustained, there is a need for continuous, targeted interventions and better policy integration. Strengthening these areas can help ensure the long-term success of poverty alleviation efforts and promote inclusive development across the region.

Worldwide, policing organizations have adopted dynamic and adaptive strategies to address rising crime complexity, resource constraints, and public accountability demands. Emergent strategic change has become critical as police agencies confront unpredictable challenges such as cybercrime, community unrest, and technological disruptions. Studies show that emergent strategic approaches such as problem-oriented policing innovations, decentralized decision-making, community feedback loops, and operational improvisations improve responsiveness and service delivery when properly supported. This study aims to generate evidence-based insights into how emergent strategic change influences police service delivery, identify strengths and weaknesses in current practices, and provide recommendations for improving organizational responsiveness and performance. The specific objectives of the study were to identify the key emergent strategic change practices adopted within the Zambia Police Service in Lusaka District, to examine the relationship between emergent strategic change and service delivery outcomes in the Zambia Police Service, and to assess the challenges affecting effective implementation of emergent strategic change practices in Lusaka District. The researcher adopted a mixed approach and employed qualitative and quantitative research designs. The study employed random sampling techniques to mobilize the quantitative and qualitative data. The random method was used to identify and select a homogenous sample of 354 service officers with 30 interview schedules within the Lusaka district that met the predetermined criterion of importance. The research comprised questionnaires and interview schedules. The questionnaires were used because they are the main means of collecting quantitative primary data. The questionnaires enabled quantitative data collected in a standardized manner to ensure the data is consistent and coherent for the analysis. From the findings, the study concludes that supervisors do not support flexible and adaptive approaches to problem-solving in the Zambia Police Lusaka district, with 119 respondents representing 42.5% remaining undecided on this question and more than 45% of respondents strongly disagreeing that officers introduce informal innovations to improve operations. The study found that 72.4% of respondents indicated that hierarchical structures limit officers’ ability to innovate, with more than 83% of respondents indicating that some supervisors resist informal or new practices. The study found that more than 76% of respondents indicated that communication gaps hinder adaptation within the Zambia police service in Lusaka, with more than 77% indicating that limited resources hinder emergent strategies. Furthermore, the study found that more than 87% of respondents indicated that officers lack training in adaptive policing, with 86% indicating that good emergent practices are rarely documented and 74% indicating that skills for strategic adaptation are not well-developed.

Aims: Examine the gender, cultural, social and religious dimensions of shea economy in Nigeria and determine how they aid in income and welfare. Study Design: The study was conducted in Nigeria which is in Western Africa. Multi-stage sampling procedure was employed in sampling the location and the collection of primary data for this study Place and Duration of Study: Selected states in the shea belt of Nigeria between December 2020 and April 2021. Methodology: A total of 305 pickers, 204 processors and 102 traders giving a total of 611 respondents for the study. Data for this study were collected using interview schedules with the aid of trained enumerators. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis using structural equation modelling (SEM). Results: The results revealed that overwhelming majority of the actors involved in shea business were female married actors (92%), most of whom were Muslims (60%) with 35% Christians. Also, the females have more ownership and control than their male counterpart, but the ownership is community-based (52.34%) with a mean income of N2,514,190.30. Traders are the highest income earners, but the pickers are more in number. SEM indicated that there is inter-relationship between shea tree ownership as a common resource and other latent variables which could be tapped by every member in the community with some form of community consent systems and the proceeds or income generated from the shea business is shared based on consent hierarchy. Conclusion: It was recommended that women should be given full access and right by the community to gather shea nuts regardless of their marital status and without seeking permission from any member of the community. The sharing of the proceeds or income generated from shea business should be based on level of participation and not the hierarchical consent system.

BackgroundAgriculture serves as the primary livelihood in rural Northeast India where the challenging hilly terrain necessitates manual effort and labor-intensive farming practices which results in fatigue and musculoskeletal problems among the farmers.ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess the musculoskeletal disorders and their associated risk factors in labor-intensive farm activities in northeast India.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted involving 120 adult farmers (53 females and 67 males) aged 18 and above in Meghalaya and Manipur of northeast India. Demographic data were gathered through a structured schedule interviews and direct observation during 2021-22. The study employed the Standardised Nordic Questionnaire to measure musculoskeletal disorders and the Rapid Entire Body Assessment tool to evaluate posture and exertion in a subset of farmers (18 males, 12 females).ResultsResults indicated that 74% of workers in northeast India experienced musculoskeletal disorders, with the lower back (72.50%) being the most affected body part followed by neck (43.33%) and shoulder (40.83%). Chi-square (χ2) analysis revealed significant associations (p < 0.05) between the occurrence of overall musculoskeletal disorders and factors (education, age, and work experience). Further, multivariate logistic regression indicated that higher education level decreased the likelihood of overall musculoskeletal disorders and lower back issue. Remarkably, 35% of farmers were classified as high-risk (scoring 8-10) and 70% were classified as very high-risk (score ≥11).ConclusionsThe findings emphasize the need for ergonomic interventions and the introduction of mechanized tools to reduce -physical strain, thereby improving health outcomes and productivity among farmers in Northeast India.

One the major concerns in health issues is food safety. Foodborne illnesses can be easily prevented through proper knowledge, a positive attitude and effective food safety practices. While many people recognise the important of food safety, this knowledge is not often put into action. Therefore, this cross-sectional study explores the knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding food safety among food handlers at household level. It also examines the barriers to adopting good food safety habits. In-person interviews were conducted with 158 respondents from the indigenous people or Naga tribes of Nagaland, India, using structured interview schedule to gathers insight. Findings revealed that most respondents possessed a good level of knowledge and held a positive attitude towards food safety. The overall average score for knowledge was 22.6 (SD = 2.75) while the average attitude score was 32.8 (SD = 2.45). Despite their strong knowledge and positive attitudes, only a small number of respondents (14.6%) practiced good food safety methods, with a mean score of 28.1 (SD = 7.67), indicating a partial adherence to food safety practices. The study found a positive correlation between perceived food safety knowledge, positive attitudes, and a better food safety practice. Although many respondents demonstrated a high understanding of food safety, 66.5% indicated they need further education on the topic. Additionally, 33.5% cited financial constraints as a barrier to maintain food safety. Though awareness of food safety exists, further education and intervention programs are essential to promote better practices. Utilising natural resources, such as Sapindus mukorossi or soap nut, native to the region and water harvesting techniques, can provide the community with effective cleaning agents, thereby improving food safety practices.

ABSTRACT The purpose of this article is to examine the influence of media ownership on political bias among broadcast programmes in Nakuru County, Kenya. The study was guided by the political economy of media theory. The study employed a descriptive research design to include a census of 69 media professionals working in five local radio and television stations and a sample of 242 viewers and listeners obtained using the Krejcie and Morgan table and stratified random sampling. Structured questionnaires and interview schedules were employed to obtain primary data, and the data were analysed using descriptive statistics, thematic analysis, correlation, and regression using SPSS version 26. The findings showed that there was a significant positive relation between media ownership and political bias. From the findings, the study recommended that the broadcast institutions in Nakuru County need to enhance the editorial autonomy by shielding newsrooms against direct ownership interference. The research concluded that political bias in broadcast programmes in Nakuru County is dependent on media ownership. The findings of this study are significant to media regulators, policymakers, and broadcast institutions, as they provide empirical evidence on how media ownership structures influence political bias in broadcast programmes. Additionally, the results offer practical insights for media practitioners and civil society organisations seeking to promote editorial independence, media credibility, and informed democratic participation, particularly during election periods.

The study was carried out to assess farmers’ attitudes regarding fertilizer application in Boro rice cultivation and to identify the factors associated with it in the haor region of Bangladesh. Appropriate application of fertilizer leads to higher economic growth through 40-60% increase in crop output and inefficient fertilization causes lowers productivity. Hence, it is quite logical to understand farmers’ favourable attitudes toward fertilizer application in rice and to determine the factors in applying fertilizer in rice of Bangladesh. The study findings might be assisted policymakers in designing more effective policies to increase the fertilizer application at an optimal level by farmers in rice. Moreover, the findings can be helpful for the academicians and extension experts to improve their studies and extension activities. Data were collected from 60 farmers who were randomly selected through a structured interview schedule that was pre-tested beforehand. Correlation tests were performed to explore the relationship between selected socio-economic characteristics of the farmers and their favourable attitudes concerning fertilizer application. The results revealed that education and agricultural training experience were found to have a positively significant relationship with farmers’ attitudes towards fertilizer application. However, annual household income exhibited a negative non-significant relationship, whereas age, family size, farm size, extension media contact, cosmopoliteness, and organisational participation showed no association with attitude. The findings suggest that improving education and providing effective agricultural training can enhance farmers’ understanding of proper fertilizer use. Strengthening agricultural extension services and implementing targeted capacity-building programs could therefore contribute to improved Boro rice productivity and sustainable agricultural development in Bangladesh.

Pesticides are essential for safeguarding crops both in the field and during storage purpose in Nepal. This study investigated vegetable growers' purchasing habits and the factors that influence their purchasing behavior among vegetable farmers in Ghorahi, Dang. A semi-structured interview schedule was used to interview 92 farmers who were chosen by simple random sampling. The results indicated majority of the vegetable growers i.e. 90.2% purchased pesticide from Agro-vet stores or pesticide retailers. Among the pesticides, the most often used pesticide was insecticide, which was followed by herbicides, fungicides, rodenticides, and nematicides. The most significant issue of farmers regarding pesticide purchase was lack of knowledge of farmers in choosing the right pesticides for their target pests, followed by the high cost of insecticides and the absence of sustainable substitutes like bio-pesticides. Retailer recommendations, prior experience, cost, simplicity of use, and brand trust were important factors affecting purchase decisions. Improving farmers' purchasing decisions requires targeted training and awareness initiatives, cooperation between farmers, retailers, cooperatives, and governmental organizations, as well as suitable guidance.

Job satisfaction is equally important for the performance of extension personnel. It reflects the extent to which officers feel motivated, fulfilled, and committed to their work. Factors such as workload, working conditions, remuneration, promotional opportunities, recognition, and organizational support influence their satisfaction. The study investigates the constraints and suggestions affecting the job competence and satisfaction of Agricultural Extension Officers (AEOs) in Nalgonda District, Telangana, employing an ex-post facto research design. Data were gathered from 120 AEOs across 31 mandals using a structured interview schedule. Using frequency and percentage major constraints identified include excessive workloads (90.83%), inadequate salaries (80.00%), farmers’ preference for subsidies over technology (77.50%), political interference (71.61%), insufficient training opportunities (67.50%), and inadequate infrastructure facilities (60.83%). Respondents suggested addressing these challenges by increasing salaries (80.00%), reducing workloads (70.00%), providing seasonal training programs (63.33%), enhancing infrastructure like transport and office facilities (46.66%), and minimizing political interference (51.66%). The study underscores the urgent need for policy interventions to improve job satisfaction, professional development, and operational efficiency of AEOs, ultimately strengthening agricultural extension services and their impact on farming communities.

Agricultural drones have developed as a key component of precision farming, with advantages such as focused pesticide application, greater crop monitoring, and better decision-making. The current study was undertaken in Haryana's Hisar and Karnal districts to examine the knowledge level of farmers who had attended agricultural drone technology demos. Purposive sampling was used to choose a total of 60 respondents, and main data was acquired utilizing a well-structured interview schedule. According to the data, farmers had moderate understanding of drone applications such as precise pesticide and fertilizer spraying (68.33%), early detection of pest and disease infestation (53.33%), and crop yield prediction (51.67%). However, there was significantly less awareness of legal restrictions, operating and maintenance costs, and technical characteristics such as sensor-based crop health assessments. The overall knowledge assessment found that 41.70 percent of respondents had poor knowledge, 36.70 percent had medium knowledge, and just 21.60 percent had high knowledge. Age, education, income, landholding size, mass media exposure, social activity, and socioeconomic status all had a substantial impact on knowledge levels. The study emphasizes the importance of structured training, financial assistance, and extension interventions for farmers to improve their practical understanding and acceptance of drone technology for long-term agricultural development.

This study was conducted to investigate the knowledge and extent of adoption of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools among farmers in the Chhatarpur district of Madhya Pradesh. It specifically aimed to identify the disparity between information availability and actual acceptance across different digital channels, including television, mobile services, and the internet. The study employed a multi-stage simple random sampling technique, selecting 120 respondents from four villages across the Rajnagar and Bijawar blocks of Chhatarpur district. Primary data were collected using a well-structured interview schedule. The "Extent of Adoption of ICT Tools" was measured as the primary dependent variable using a scoring system based on 33 agricultural practices and services, with respondents categorized into low, medium, and high adoption levels. Statistical analysis included frequency, percentage, mean scores, and ranking to assess the popularity of specific digital programs. The findings revealed that a plurality of farmers (41.66%) fell into the medium adoption category, while 30.00% and 28.34% exhibited low and high adoption levels, respectively. Television emerged as a dominant tool, with "Kisan Samachar" ranked first due to its accessible visual format. Mobile adoption was highly utilitarian, led by AGMARKNET (Rank I) and pest control advice (Rank II), indicating a preference for tools offering direct financial gain or immediate crisis intervention. On the internet, nutrient management (Rank I) was the most adopted service, showing that farmers turn to digital platforms for complex technical decisions. Conversely, specialized services like weather news and crop disease management showed lower adoption due to localized relevance and trust gaps. They can achieve this by using reliable platforms like "Kisan Samachar" to offer advanced technical training. To empower farmers on their own, village-level demonstrations on mobile networks such as AGMARKNET are desperately needed. Additionally, to fill up the gaps in irrigation and disease control, developers should produce farmer-friendly information in regional languages. Building a strong digital infrastructure, particularly reliable power and fast internet, and encouraging public-private partnerships are goals at the policy level that will enable small-scale farmers to afford sophisticated ICT tools like GPS and GIS.

The present study aims to investigate the patterns of spending leisure time among college students. All undergraduate student enrolled in eight government colleges within Aizawl that are administered by the Department of Higher and Technical Education make up the study's universe. A sample size of 372 college students was determined using the Krejcie and Morgan Table and the sample consists of 190 males and 182 females. Data was collected using a self-developed interview schedule. The acquired data was analyzed using SPSS. The results show that the majority of college students (39.2%) have 3-4 hours of leisure time per day, followed by those having more than 4 hours (23.1%). The students’ most preferred leisure activity is internet related activities (50.5%), followed by hanging out with friends (19.1%), personal hobbies (7.5%), spending time with family (7.3%), doing sports or fitness activities (5.9%), reading (4.6%) and sleeping (4.3%). Another findings of this study revealed that majority of the students preferred to spend their leisure time at home (69.4%), followed by Hang out spots/Parks (14.2%), friend’s house (12.1%), shopping mall/market/restaurants (1.9%) and gym/indoor/outdoor recreation centers (1.9%). With regards to most preferred companion to spend their leisure time, majority of the students reported preferring to spend their leisure time alone (57.3%), followed by friends (23.7%). The least preferred companion is family (8.3). It is apparent from the data that college students have ample time for leisure which can be used for participating in leisure pursuits and other activities aimed at personal development. However, if not managed properly, this extra free time might lead to unproductive behaviors.

Objectives Parents of children with intellectual disability (ID) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) frequently report high caregiver burden, stress, and a diminished quality of life (QoL), yet comparative data are scarce in low-resource settings. This study evaluated and compared caregiver stress, burden, and QoL among parents of children with ID and ASD. Material and Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary psychiatric center in India. Ninety parents of children aged 5–18 years with DSM-5-diagnosed ID (n = 60) or ASD (n = 30) were recruited from outpatient services through non-probability purposive sampling. Exclusion criteria included parental psychiatric illness, severe medical illness, or unwillingness to participate, and children with significant neurological comorbidities. Sociodemographic and clinical information were obtained using a semi-structured proforma. Parenting stress was measured with the Parenting Stress Scale; caregiver burden was assessed using both the Kingston Caregiver Stress Scale (KCSS) and the Family Burden Interview Schedule (FBIS). Parental quality of life was evaluated using the WHOQoL-BREF (physical, psychological, social, and environmental domains). Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS, with t tests or Mann–Whitney U tests for group comparisons and effect sizes calculated. Results Both groups were comparable in age, marital status, family structure, and parental occupation; however, parents of children with ID were more often from lower socioeconomic strata (p = 0.027). Mean Parenting Stress Scale scores did not differ significantly between ID (52.57 ± 14.65) and ASD (53.13 ± 10.38) groups (p = 0.832), indicating similar perceived parenting stress. Caregiver burden measured by KCSS and FBIS was also comparable between groups (KCSS medians 35 vs 36; FBIS means 35.47 vs 37.27; p &gt; 0.07). In contrast, parental QoL differed markedly. Across all WHOQoL-BREF domains, parents of children with ASD reported significantly lower scores than those of children with ID: physical domain means 19.80 vs 34.60 (p &lt; 0.001); psychological 19.84 vs 33.05 (p &lt; 0.001); social 21.00 vs 31.84 (p &lt; 0.001); and environmental 25.68 vs 32.01 (p &lt; 0.001). Effect sizes ranged from medium to large (0.38–0.63), demonstrating substantial QoL disparities. Conclusion While parenting stress and caregiver burden were similar among parents of children with ID and ASD, quality-of-life deficits were markedly greater in parents of children with ASD. These findings highlight the need for targeted psychosocial interventions to improve the well-being of caregivers, particularly in families of children with ASD. Screening for socioeconomic disadvantage and providing support services may mitigate the adverse impact on caregivers’ physical, psychological, social, and environmental well-being.

The resources of the Sundarbans mangrove forest have provided livelihoods for communities in Bangladesh and India that depend on it. However, the role of the Sundarbans in ensuring the household dietary diversity of Sundarbans mangrove forest resource-dependent communities (SMFRDCs) remains unexplored. Considering the Sustainable Livelihood Approach, this cross-sectional survey study was conducted in three coastal districts (Khulna, Satkhira, and Bagerhat) to assess the prevalence and determinants of dietary diversity among SMFRDCs. Data were collected using a structured interview schedule from 782 households selected through a multistage stratified random sampling process over three months in 2023. Relevant statistical tests were conducted to assess the prevalence of dietary diversity and identify its determinants among households in the immediate vicinity of the Sundarbans. The one-sample binomial test showed that honey collectors and households in Shyamnagar Upazila had higher dietary diversity than those involved in other occupations and residing in other areas. The results of the binary logistic regression analysis indicated that individuals with higher education and those involved in multiple seasonal occupations were more likely to have diversified diets; however, spatial location had an inverse effect on the diets of SMFRDCs. Household assets, including domestic, transport, and livestock assets, as well as livelihood capitals such as social, natural, financial, and political, were positively associated with a diversified diet. In contrast, human and physical capital were negatively associated with household dietary diversity. The findings further show that physical vulnerability, along with household food insecurity, negatively affected dietary diversity among forest-proximate households. To ensure a sustainable, proper, and protein-enriched diet for forest-resource dependent people in the Sundarbans mangrove forest, context-specific, tailored, and well-integrated strategies are needed, including promoting alternative livelihoods, such as climate-smart agriculture, along with awareness regarding the consumption of locally available nutritious foods and government-aided food assistance programs, specifically during seasonal unemployment. Moreover, to improve access to diversified food items essential for the physical and mental development and well-being of forest-adjacent marginalized communities in coastal Bangladesh, certain factors suggested by the Sustainable Livelihood Approach, such as vulnerability, assets, policies and structures, and livelihood strategies, should be considered to ensure the sustainability of livelihood and resources, especially for climate-vulnerable communities.

This study focused on the impact of informal justice systems on access to justice for marginalised communities in Patte Island, Lamu County, Kenya. It was necessitated by the need to examine the existing informal justice systems used on Patte Island, evaluate their effectiveness in resolving disputes, and analyse their perceptions compared to formal justice systems. Although previous studies have examined informal justice systems, this study is unique in its focus on culturally resonant, context-specific, and often primary justice access points where formal justice systems have failed. It presents both the positive aspects and the significant risks associated with informal justice systems. It bridges the gap between expectations and lived realities, navigating the complex interplay between informal and formal justice systems. The study adopted a mixed-methods research design combining a qualitative case study and quantitative surveys anchored on legal pluralism theory and the access to justice framework theory. The target population was the residents of Patte Island aged 18 years and above. The respondents were police officers, prosecutors and chiefs who were purposely selected. Other respondents were randomly selected, and they included religious leaders, community elders, community paralegals, and residents of Patte Island. The total sample size was ninety (90) respondents. Data was collected through interviews, focused group discussions, structured surveys and observations. The instruments used for the study were interview schedules and a standardised questionnaire. Quantitative data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). In contrast, qualitative data was analysed by interpreting responses and aligning them to form identifiable themes and actual narratives. Findings indicated that the existing informal justice systems were chiefs, community elders, religious leaders, community paralegals, and the Bajuni council of elders. These systems relied heavily on Sharia law and local customs to solve disputes and were found to be effective due to accessibility, affordability, and familiarity. Despite the challenges of human rights violations and male dominance, the informal systems were filling a gap left by the absence of a formal justice system. The findings implied that informal justice systems were the primary and most embraced means of accessing justice for the residents of Patte Island. The study suggests that informal justice actors should be trained and given more power in professional mediation, human rights, and national laws, while still respecting the values and needs of local informal justice systems. It also recommends strengthening the collaborative approach where informal and formal systems complement each other.