Despite widely existing consensus that nature-based solutions (NbS) provide competitive and sustainable alternatives for grey infrastructure in urban water management, the implementation of NbS is lagging behind current needs. This study explores if and how regulatory measures can promote NbS adoption on privately owned land. Policy document analysis of Finnish stormwater programmes gathers how NbS are considered at municipal-level, key informant interviews aim to identify bottlenecks in stormwater regulations, and building permit analysis evaluates whether policy instruments have increased NbS implementation on private land. Results reveal fragmented municipal regulations due to a lack of national consensus, leading to bottlenecks for implementation such as limited knowledge, commitment, and institutional coherence. While current regulations have increased solution diversity, widespread NbS implementation requires mandating and consistent regulations aligned with sustainability goals, improved understanding of NbS functionality, examples and education, national cooperation, and recognition of NbS as viable stormwater management options.

Structural ableism, defined as the processes, policies, and institutions that privilege able-bodied people over disabled people, is a root cause of health inequalities faced by the disability community. Unlike other forms of structural oppression, there are currently no adequate measurements for structural ableism and its impacts. Therefore, a necessary first step to addressing health inequities that impact the disability community is to create validated measures of structural ableism. This paper outlines the methods of an ongoing project that aims to develop and validate measures of structural ableism. The resulting measures will facilitate the identification of relationships between structural ableism and health outcomes at both an individual and community level. This project will take place across 3 phases. In Phase I, we will characterize the multiple factors that comprise the construct of structural ableism. We will begin by analyzing texts that discuss historical events, ideologies, and the lived experiences of disabled people to inform our understanding of contemporary dimensions of structural ableism. Simultaneously, key informant interviews with advocates and activists from the disability rights and disability justice movements will be conducted to further characterize the dimensions of structural ableism. In Phase II, the findings of Phase I will be used to inform the creation of an individual-level measure of structural ableism. Phase III will result in community-level measures of structural ableism, which will be developed using community-engagement studios with members of the disability community and publicly available datasets. This phase will build on the findings of the first 2 phases. Our methods purposefully include disabled people across all phases of this work, with a focus on maximizing the diversity of disability perspectives by including people across disability types and intersecting identities (eg, race and ethnicity, gender identity, geographic location, and other identities and demographics). Most importantly, our approach is deeply community-informed, drawing on multiple community partnerships from local and national organizations, a diverse advisory committee of disabled activists, advocates, and scholars, as well as researchers with expertise in developing measures of structural oppression, such as structural racism. This project was funded in August of 2024. As of October 2025, our team has read more than 50 texts as part of our historical and policy analysis of the factors that characterize structural ableism. We plan to complete our characterization of structural ableism in the spring of 2026, with individual-level measures of structural ableism being developed by the Winter of 2028 and community-level measures created by the Winter of 2029. The measures developed by this work will lay the foundation for identifying and evaluating novel interventions aimed at dismantling structural ableism, which should be cocreated with the disability community. DERR1-10.2196/86976.

BackgroundIn response to high rates of undernutrition, Uganda began rolling out the multisectoral Uganda Nutrition Action Plan (UNAP) in 2011, followed by Phase II (UNAP II) in 2020. Uganda has since progressed toward several nutrition targets; however, limitations in nutrition coordination and financing call for continued strengthening of the UNAP II.ObjectivesGiven that monitoring of the UNAP II does not consistently capture district-level outcomes and relies upon quantitative nutrition indicators, this study aims to qualitatively assess nutrition stakeholder and community perspectives at the district level.MethodsFrom June to August in 2022, under an umbrella study utilizing community-based participatory research methods to train youth from Lira District in research, in partnership with the University of Southern California (USC) and community organization Children's Chance International-Uganda, these youth helped carry out an explanatory qualitative assessment consisting of 10 key informant interviews. Responses were compiled, transcribed, and analyzed using the Atlas TI software to code responses for thematic insights.ResultsParticipants highlighted several challenges with the UNAP II implementation at the local level. Mechanisms intended to promote multisectoral collaboration, such as district nutrition coordination committees, have been on hiatus due to limited funding; local governments experience funding disbursement delays and a lack of nutrition prioritization; and nutrition surveillance is limited by tools, training, and human resources.ConclusionsObtaining community perspectives revealed several gaps in local UNAP II implementation and demonstrates the importance of creating mechanisms for communities to continuously provide feedback for national policies like the UNAP II.

To inform a prospective cohort study five-year automated surveillance study, this study explores households and stakeholder perceptions of using drones for mosquito breeding site surveillance as part of dengue control strategies in Selangor, Malaysia. A qualitative design identified diverse perspectives across eight high-risk localities. Data were collected through 480 in-depth interviews with household heads, from a newly established cohort of households, and six key informant interviews with public health professionals. Participants were selected using typical case and expert sampling methods to ensure representation across socioeconomic and urban heterogeneity. This study developed a conceptual framework integrating community-based vector control, public health technology adoption, and drone-assisted surveillance, structured into five stages: Inputs, Processes, Outputs, Outcomes, and Impacts. It was applied in Selangor, Malaysia, a dengue-endemic state, to assess the feasibility and perception of drone-based interventions. Data were collected through 480 in-depth household interviews and six key informant interviews with public health experts, using semi-structured formats. Thematic analysis was conducted using Braun and Clarke's approach to identify recurring patterns across technical, organizational, and social dimensions of implementation. Participants supported drone use when positioned as mosquito breeding site monitoring tools rather than personal surveillance. Transparent communication about purpose, data use, and operational boundaries was key to maintaining trust. Targeted use in known mosquito hotspots was preferred over random surveillance. Privacy concerns were minimal, and most households strongly supported using drones for surveillance of mosquito habitats to aid in dengue control. Many simply requested advance notice of flight schedules to stay informed and engaged. Community motivation stemmed from a sense of collective responsibility, with most participants valuing their involvement as a contribution to neighborhood well-being. Trust, transparency, and consistent communication were identified as essential for long-term engagement and the success of the project. These findings underscore the importance of aligning innovation with local social dynamics and demonstrate the value of participatory approaches in public health surveillance technologies interventions.

One of the main causes of home air pollution, especially in developing nations, is the use of solid biomass fuels (wood, crop leftovers, animal dung, and coal) for cooking and heating. This has serious negative impacts on respiratory health. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic bronchitis, asthma, and acute lower respiratory infections (ALRI) are all closely associated with long-term exposure to high amounts of particulate matter (PM2.5) and carbon monoxide (CO) from these fuels. The purpose of this study was to examine the Influence of biomass solid fuel usage on incidences of respiratory symptoms amongst women adopters of ICS in Nakuru town East suburbs. The study was informed by energy stacking and theory of subsidy. The study utilized mixed method research design. Data were collected from 315 female heads from of households that had adopted ICS, two FGD and key informant interviews. Sampling techniques utilized were multi-stage cluster sampling for the women heads of households while purposive sampling was used to select KIIs and participants in the FGDs. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression. Qualitative data was content analyzed. Study findings revealed that 67.8% of households relied on charcoal, while 54.9% used firewood, often alongside ICS. Households that predominantly used firewood reported the highest incidence of respiratory symptoms, highlighting the persistent dangers of solid fuel combustion. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that women in firewood-dependent households were 2.43 times more likely to experience respiratory related symptoms than those using charcoal.

Ecological resettlement (ER), or conservation-led displacement, is widely implemented to safeguard biodiversity but often produces complex socio-ecological outcomes. This study assessed the environmental justice (both social and ecological) impacts of ER in Nepal’s Terai Arc Landscape (TAL) using an enhanced (including social, ecological, and environmental aspects) environmental justice (EJ) framework. Data were collected from 240 households across all resettled villages within the Chitwan and Parsa National Parks (NPs) of Nepal through household interviews, key informant interviews, focus groups, and field observations, supplemented by policy reviews, reports, and unpublished documents. Household demographics indicated an average family size of 5.5, gender parity (664 females, 658 males), and diverse caste/ethnic composition (ethnic: 146 households; higher caste: 64; lower caste: 6). Wealth distribution and literacy were uneven, with disparities in land ownership, assets, and social positions. Social and ecological justice outcomes were analysed using chi-square and McNemar tests. We observed a significant difference (p < 0.05) in substantive justice (food, shelter, clothing, and security) attributes before and after the resettlements. Similarly, significant improvements post-resettlement were observed in procedural and recognition justice: participation in decision-making increased from 43% to 62% (χ2 = 12.34, p < 0.05). However, recognition of Indigenous knowledge and FPIC rights remained low, with 93% of households reporting inadequate acknowledgment (χ2 = 198.5, p < 0.05). Distributive justice indicators, including access to compensation and forest resources, showed mixed outcomes, with 52% reporting fair compensation and 48% citing inequities (p < 0.05). Ecological outcomes also shifted significantly: forest cover decreased in 65% of surveyed areas post-resettlement, while grassland extent increased in 28% (χ2 = 27.4, p < 0.05). Water source accessibility declined for 48% of households (χ2 = 21.6, p < 0.05), and bushfire incidence decreased by 15% (χ2 = 9.8, p < 0.05). Composite scoring revealed strong linkages between social justice deficits and ecological downturn in the resettled areas, suggesting that inadequate participation, recognition, inequitable compensation, and ecological degradation shift the issues from parks to the outside and exacerbate environmental vulnerability. These findings demonstrate that ER can achieve partial ecological objectives inside the parks but often perpetuates social inequities and ecological downturn in the resettled areas, undermining the long-term sustainability of the socio-ecological landscape. The study highlights the critical need to integrate social justice, participatory governance, and ecological monitoring into resettlement planning. Future policies should be grounded in the understanding that conservation effectiveness and social equity are mutually reinforcing, and that ignoring justice dimensions risks undermining both biodiversity outcomes and human wellbeing.

The rapid expansion of digital technologies has significantly influenced the lives of children and youth, leading many to seek nutrition education through digital platforms. This study aims to assess the usability and acceptability of Ajyal Salima, a nutrition awareness digital platform targeting children aged 9-11, in four Arab countries. A qualitative study was led across four countries: Lebanon, Bahrain, Palestine, and Jordan. Semi-structured focus groups discussions (FGDs) were held separately with children (21 FGDs; n = 145) and parents (16 FGDs; n = 98), complemented by In Depth Interview (IDIs) with teachers (n = 19) and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) with program staff (n = 8). All interviews and focus groups lasted approximately 40 minutes. Data was analyzed thematically using NVivo software, resulting in four main themes. Four major themes emerged: platform's usability, content enjoyment, changes in children's habits and recommendations to improve the platform. Overall, parents and teachers found the digital experience positive and useful and the content appropriate for children, particularly younger age groups. Challenges included registration difficulties, technical problems, internet accessibility, low parental involvement, and difficulties integrating the platform into teachers' schedules. The platform's animations were less effective in sustaining children's attention amid evolving digital standards. To enhance the platform's effectiveness, recommendations include simplifying the registration process, enhancing content interactivity, aligning the platform with school curricula, and equipping teachers with supportive resources. Fostering stronger school-family partnerships and engaging parents through community initiatives may be considered to maximize the platform's potential to promote healthier eating habits and improve nutritional awareness among children and their families, across the region.

Malaria poses considerable risk to pregnant women and their unborn babies. Despite the known effectiveness of intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy using sulfadoxine pyrimethamine(IPTp-SP) and long-lasting insecticide nets (LLINs), their use is hindered by several challenges. This study, therefore, assessed factors associated with utilisation of malaria preventive services (MPS) among pregnant women attending primary healthcare centres in Ile-Ife, Nigeria, using a mixed-method approach. This was a mixed-method cross-sectional study design conducted among 200 pregnant women in ten selected healthcare facilities across two Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Ile Ife, Nigeria. While the quantitative data was collected from pregnant women using a semi-structured adapted questionnaire, qualitative data was collected from health workers and pregnant women using key informant interviews (KIIs) and focused group discussions (FGDs), respectively. Quantitative data was analysed using SPSS version 25.0, with logistic regression used to determine the factors influencing utilisation of LLINs and IPTp-SP. Thematic analysis of qualitative data was conducted using ATLAS.ti. Less than half (34%) of the respondents had good knowledge of malaria preventive services (MPS). While 62.5% of the respondents owned LLINs, only 47.5% reported current utilisation. Utilisation of at least one dose of IPTp-SP was at 50.8% and 7% for three or more doses. The multivariable analysis showed a statistically significant association between IPTp-SP uptake and occupation, good knowledge of malaria preventive services and gravidity. Factors that influenced utilisation of MPS include out-of-stock commodities, lack of money, late and irregular ANC attendance due to insufficient funds for transportation, the distance to healthcare facilities, and pregnant women's preference for visiting mission houses (faith-based homes where spiritual and maternity services are provided) over attending antenatal care (ANC), and insufficient training of healthcare providers. Modalities to maintain constant availability of malaria preventive commodities at ANC clinics should be put in place. In addition to the conventional awareness programmes, optimal utilisation of MPS can be achieved through the integration of unconventional healthcare providers such as faith-based and traditional birth attendants into malaria in pregnancy preventive initiatives. Also, educational interventions and continuous health workers training are crucial.

Wildlife crime poses a severe threat to biodiversity conservation, ecological integrity, and sustainable development, particularly in biodiverse developing countries. In Uganda, protected areas such as Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP) continue to experience persistent wildlife crimes, including poaching, illegal fishing, habitat encroachment, and wildlife trafficking, despite the presence of robust legal and institutional frameworks. Prosecution of wildlife offenders is widely recognised as a central deterrence mechanism and a key pillar of environmental justice and conservation governance. Yet the persistence of these crimes raises critical concerns about the effectiveness of existing prosecution processes. This study assessed the effectiveness of wildlife crime prosecution in QENP, with particular attention to legal, institutional, and operational determinants of enforcement outcomes. A mixed-methods approach was adopted, combining structured questionnaires administered to wildlife officers, community members, and law enforcement personnel with key informant interviews involving prosecutors, magistrates, park wardens, and conservation officials. These data were complemented by a systematic review of wildlife legislation, prosecution records, and policy documents. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data were examined thematically. The findings indicate that prosecution effectiveness is undermined by weak investigations, poor evidence management, limited technical and financial capacity, corruption, and judicial delays, resulting in low conviction rates and weak deterrence. Nonetheless, opportunities exist through strengthened legal frameworks, inter-agency coordination, community-based intelligence, judicial reforms, and support from conservation partners. The study underscores the need to enhance investigative capacity, professionalise prosecutorial practices, and institutionalise coordinated enforcement mechanisms to improve wildlife crime prosecution and conservation outcomes in QENP

ABSTRACT This study examines the role of internal actors in Ethiopia’s ongoing national dialogue process, focusing on how power asymmetries shape inclusivity, representation, and legitimacy. It employs a convergent mixed research methods design, analyzing survey data from 694 respondents alongside 18 key informant interviews and two focus group discussions across seven accessible regions. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively, and qualitative data were examined thematically through the lens of Political Settlement Theory. Findings indicate that the ruling Prosperity Party dominates the dialogue, producing a system of ‘managed inclusion’ rather than genuine participatory engagement. Over 85% of respondents perceive opposition parties as underrepresented, and 56% report that they have limited influence on the agenda-setting process. Although civil society organizations (70%) and religious leaders (60%) are recognized as important intermediaries, their participation is constrained by restrictive legal frameworks and political distrust. While a majority (58%) support the conditional inclusion of armed groups, public concern persists regarding the risk of legitimizing violence (34%). Meaningful reform requires fundamental reconfigurations of holding power, expanded civic space, and credible pathways for demilitarized political integration.

Somalia, a developing country, is undergoing rapid urbanization with a significant rise in its urban population. Agricultural production in rural areas has declined due to irregular rainfall, inadequate irrigation systems, and poor farming practices, making it insufficient to meet the demands of the growing urban population. Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) has emerged as an important strategy for enhancing productivity, resilience, and sustainable resource use in vulnerable environments. This study assessed the adoption of CSA practices and examined their impact on the livelihoods and resilience of urban farmers in Mogadishu, Somalia. The main objective was to determine how CSA practices influence productivity, income, and adaptive capacity among urban farming households. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was used. Primary data were collected from 150 respondents selected through stratified random sampling from different districts of Mogadishu, along with key informant interviews involving extension officers, NGO staff, and agricultural experts. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics in Microsoft Excel. The findings show that 73.33% of the farmers had adopted CSA practices, while 26.67% were non-adopters. Greenhouses and drip irrigation were the most frequently used practices, followed by drought-tolerant seeds, organic composting, and crop diversification. Low-adoption practices included mulching, rainwater harvesting, and integrated pest management. CSA adoption significantly improved crop yields, job opportunities, food availability, and household income. Farmers also reported moderate improvements in resilience indicators such as recovery from crop loss, food and nutrition security, and ability to maintain production during drought. Key factors influencing adoption included access to information, education level, input costs, extension support, group membership, and access to credit. Major challenges limiting sustained adoption were high input costs, limited technical knowledge, inadequate water access, and weak market linkages. The study concludes that CSA practices play a crucial role in enhancing productivity and climate resilience among urban farmers in Mogadishu. Expanding CSA adoption will require increased training, financial support, improved access to technologies, localized climate information, and stronger institutional support from government and NGOs.

Climate change has significantly disrupted the food systems and livelihoods of low-resource rural communities, particularly in Southern Zambia's Agroecological Region I. Agroecological Region I, receives mean annual rainfall of less than 800 mm with an increasing reliance on rain-fed agriculture. This study evaluates the vulnerability of food system livelihoods to climate change in Kazungula, Gwembe, Chirundu, and Siavonga districts using the LVI-IPCC framework outlined in the sixth assessment report (IPCC-AR6) of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. The LVI-IPCC for the respondents was formed by combining its three components; exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity from 195 rural households, who were selected using a stratified random sampling method. LVI was employed to identify the differential vulnerability of the four districts to climate change effects. An explanatory sequential mixed-methods design was employed, in which quantitative household survey data ( n = 195) were first used to construct the Livelihood Vulnerability Index (LVI) and LVI-IPCC metrics, followed by focus group discussions and key-informant interviews to contextualise and interpret observed vulnerability patterns. Results show that households across all districts perceived climate change primarily through erratic rainfall, droughts, rising temperatures, and shifting rainfall seasonality, with perceived climate risk intensity varying significantly by district due to differences in livelihood sensitivity and adaptive capacity rather than hazard exposure. With regards to vulnerability, Siavonga had the highest vulnerability (LVI-IPCC = 0.0711) due to high exposure and limited adaptive capacity, while Kazungula had the lowest vulnerability (0.022). Dependence on rain-fed crop production was the main factor affecting sensitivity across districts. Farmers perceived rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and reduced yields, confirming the consistency between the measured and perceived risks. These findings indicate that the impacts of climate on food systems stem from interconnected biophysical and socioeconomic pressures. It is crucial to strengthen the adaptive capacity of smallholder farmers in this region through irrigation interventions, livelihood diversification, and integrating early warning systems and climate-information services. The study provides evidence to guide district-level adaptation planning and facilitates the development of context-specific strategies that increase the resilience of food systems in Agroecological Region I and similar regions in Southern Zambia.

The aviation industry in Bangladesh is one of the fastest-growing sectors and is very important for trade, tourism, connectivity, and the country's overall economic growth. Sustained economic growth, a rising middle class, and growing demand for travel both within and outside the country are driving the industry's rapid expansion. Additionally, ongoing development activities, including the adoption of digital technologies to enhance services, are transforming both domestic and international airports into modern facilities. Most importantly, Bangladesh’s geographic position is significant, opening new opportunities for the country. This study aims to assess how the aviation sector in Bangladesh is creating new opportunities and to offer recommendations for integrating into this field to further improve it. In addition to secondary data, Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) were conducted with aviation experts to articulate recommendations. The study found that the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) is working to improve the aviation sector by implementing initiatives at airports and through policy. The findings are intended to contribute to academic discourse, policy planning, and industry practices to capture the full potential of this critical sector.

Proper orchard management is crucial for optimizing the productivity as well as quality of large cardamom. This study was conducted in Marsyangdi, Dudhpokhari, and Dordi rural municipalities, which were purposively selected to assess the cardamom orchard management practices by the rural farmers of Lamjung district, Nepal. Data were collected through household survey using semi-structured questionnaires, Focus Group Discussion (FGD) and Key Informant Interview (KII). Altogether 60 respondents were selected with a purposive random sampling method. Descriptive and inferential statistics were computed using STATA software. The results showed that the majority of the respondents were from Janajati ethnicity (95%), middle-age group i.e. 30-50 age (48.33%) and male (75%). Furthermore, most of them belonged to medium-sized family (73.33%) and were earning most of their income from agriculture (85%). Results of the study revealed the variation in the scale of adoption of different management practices among the sampling household. Most of the households practiced weeding (98.33%), pruning (51.6%) and applied farmyard manure (81.67%) while the least of them have irrigation facilities in their cardamom field (25%). Mulching was practiced by 30% and Bordeaux mixture was applied by 13.33%. The highest incidence of the borer pest and leaf blight disease was observed by the respondents. The chi-square test revealed that the factors such as age, gender and education level were significantly associated with the adoption of field management practices. Lack of inputs, irrigation facilities and greater infestation of diseases and pests were found to be the major problems for cardamom production. It is recommended that improving access to irrigation facilities, use of certified planting material, use of an appropriate dose of fertilizer, and proper diseases and pest management practices must be prioritized in the study area.

BackgroundWork-life balance (WLB) is crucial for occupational health, especially for bus conductors, who face high levels of stress and irregular schedules. Despite the extensive exploration of WLB across occupations globally, a pronounced research gap exists for bus conductors, notably in the Sri Lankan context.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to develop and validate a context-specific WLB tool for Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) bus conductors.MethodsThe tool was developed via qualitative methods (in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews) and a review of existing tools, followed by pilot testing. Statistical analyses were conducted for exploratory factor analysis (EFA), whereas confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was performed using the lavaan package in R. The sample sizes for the factor analyses adhered to the established subject-to-item ratio guidelines, ensuring the statistical robustness of the psychometric validation.ResultsThe tool showed high reliability (Cronbach's α = 0.784) and strong construct validity, as supported by EFA with 147 bus conductors and CFA with a separate sample of 100. It comprises 10 items with three dimensions, namely, work-family integration, institutional support and work satisfaction, and health and work interference, collectively explaining 75.7% of WLB variance.ConclusionThis study provides a validated, context-specific instrument to measure the WLB of bus conductors, which can be used by relevant stakeholders to assess, compare, and improve WLB following targeted interventions, thereby enhancing the efficiency of public transportation bus services.

Mental health conditions remain a leading contributor to global disability, yet treatment coverage in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) stays below 20%; in Nigeria, services are underfunded and largely excluded from primary health care (PHC). This study documents the institutional processes through which the Transition-to-Scale phase of the Mental Health in Primary Care (MeHPriC) initiative scaled up task-shifted mental health services across Lagos State, Nigeria. A retrospective, mixed-methods descriptive-explanatory case study was conducted across 57 PHCs and five general hospitals. The intervention delivered care for five priority mental, neurological, and substance use conditions using the Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP) framework; 890 health workers were trained, comprising 400 Community Health Extension Workers (CHEWs), 250 nurses, 150 medical officers, 85 lay counsellors, and 5 district psychiatrists, under structured district-level supervision. Data from service registers, supervision checklists, stock audits, provider and client surveys, key informant interviews, focus groups, and policy documents were analysed using descriptive statistics and hybrid deductive-inductive thematic coding organised around the World Health Organization (WHO) Health System Building Blocks and selected Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) constructs. The initiative was associated with institutional changes across governance (establishment of a Mental Health Desk and a multi-sectoral Stakeholders Council), workforce supervision (fidelity rising from 13% to 92.3% of facilities conducting weekly case reviews), medicines (six psychotropic medications added to the Essential Medicines List; stockouts reduced by 42%), financing (₦75 million allocated through routine government budgeting), service delivery (64,107 clients screened and 9,138 initiated on treatment), and health information systems. Interpreted as incremental strengthening within the mental health subsystem, these findings reinforce the feasibility of mhGAP-aligned task-shifted care when supported by structured supervision and governance, while persistent fiscal and operational constraints underscore the fragility of institutional gains.

This article is an analysis of the phenomenology of religion as both a method and theory. It assesses the applicability of the phenomenology of religion in an African set-up by discussing how the method and theory gave dignity to the study of traditional religions, whose study was and continues to be marred by Western-centred biases and hegemonic tendencies. This article is an appraisal of James L. Cox’s popularization of the phenomenology of religion. Phenomenology of religion emphasizes the study of religion as sui generis, that is, religion, in whatever form, must be studied in its own right. It gives prominence to the sole right of the believer. I demonstrate the above argument(s) by use of fieldwork. The study focuses on kuputsa (kuzvarira in Shona), a customary practice among the Ndau people. It is a marriage custom where a girl child was, and is still, pledged in marriage without her consent. Fieldwork conducted by Cox and his students during his time at the University of Zimbabwe, where the phenomenology of religion as both a method and theory was used, informed this study. The fieldwork data were corroborated by reviewing related literature on the matter under discussion, observations and having key informant interviews with the kuputsa custom practitioners. The study was guided by the phenomenology of religion as a conceptual framework. Notwithstanding the criticisms levelled against the method, the article submits that the phenomenology of religion as popularized by Cox in Zimbabwe is quite applicable to the study of religions, particularly African traditional religions, and has gained traction in institutions of higher learning in Africa. When applied correctly, the Ndau kuputsa custom can be appreciated but, of course, in the context of global human and sexual reproductive health rights.

Reconnecting to Internal Sensations and Experiences (RISE) is an online, self-guided intervention designed to increase one's awareness of internal sensations, known as interoception. Interoception is a protective factor for mental health concerns, such as anxiety and depression. This qualitative research project adapted the RISE intervention for a youth audience and applied a systems thinking lens to determine feasibility of this intervention among school-based health centers. Group model building elements informed the semistructured focus group and key informant interview guides. The focus group and RISE adaptations involved a group of nine Denver, Colorado high-school youth who are part of the "Providers and Teens Communicating for Health" program and familiar with school-based health centers. Five key informant interviews were conducted with local experts in the mental health care and school-based health center field. Focus groups and interview data were analyzed using thematic analysis, and systems thinking elements were developed (rich picture, causal loop diagram, and process maps). Based on this feedback, RISE was adapted with accessible, relatable youth content. Interviews and focus group themes indicated intervention efficacy, opportunities to fill gaps in care, and promotion of integrated care and patient autonomy. The causal loop diagram revealed key drivers and outcomes to inform implementation best practices. RISE is a promising skill-building intervention for youth with nonurgent health needs to communicate about their symptoms and regulate their emotions, with the promise of serving as an early intervention tool for those often missed in the behavioral health system. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).

Introduction Wildlife-based tourism (WBT) is a vital strategy for integrating biodiversity conservation with rural development in Tanzania's Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs). Although wildlife-related policies emphasize equitable benefit-sharing between conservation stakeholders and rural communities, there is limited empirical evidence on how these benefits are perceived by residents living within WMAs. Guided by social exchange theory (SET), this study posits that long-term community support for conservation depends on perceived fairness and relevance of WBT benefits. Understanding local perceptions of WBT benefits may be essential for shaping policy, such as determining which household-level benefits are acceptable and to whom, thereby ensuring long-term support for and the success of conservation efforts. Methods This study examined community perceptions of WBT benefits across three WMAs in northern Tanzania: Burunge, Enduimet, and Randilen. We administered 548 questionnaires and 20 key informant interviews. We assessed perceptions of different WBT benefits across four domains: employment, scholarships, capacity building and social services, including livelihood support. Using ordinal logistic regression, we examined how various socio-demographic variables predict perceived benefits and conducted a thematic analysis to contextualize the qualitative findings. Results While most respondents acknowledged some socioeconomic benefits from WBT, particularly in capacity building (70.0–87.3%) and access to social services and livelihood support (65.4–77.5%), these benefits were widely viewed as limited in both scope and impact. Employment emerged as the least perceived benefit (32.1–36.5%). Respondents' level of formal education, age, length of residence, and the WMA where they live explained perceived benefits from WBT. Conclusion Community perceptions are context-specific and tied to lived local experience. This emphasizes the need for designing context-specific benefit-sharing strategies that are inclusive, equitable and responsive to the diverse socio-economic needs of households within WMAs. Future WBT interventions should prioritize ensuring that rural communities receive the actual benefits and bridge the perceptual gap among residents with lower levels of formal education and those who are relatively new to the area, as these groups consistently reported lower recognition of WBT-related benefits. By tailoring engagement strategies and acknowledging socio-spatial diversity, WBT can better align benefits with community needs, enhance local support, and ensure the long-term success of conservation efforts.

Abstract International humanitarian aid remains vital for alleviating suffering and promoting recovery in conflict-affected regions, notably through the efforts of organisations delivering essential services such as food, shelter, healthcare, and education. This study assessed the effectiveness of humanitarian aid in Maiduguri and its environs using a mixed-methods design, combining quantitative data from 342 valid questionnaires with qualitative insights from 12 key informant interviews with non-governmental organisation staff. The findings reveal that while humanitarian interventions adequately addressed immediate survival needs, improving healthcare outcomes, reducing hunger and malnutrition, and supporting economic reintegration, several systemic obstacles persist. Security threats, corruption, mismanagement, lack of beneficiary transparency, and inefficient coordination between government and NGOs undermined the overall effectiveness of aid distribution and reduced its long-term impact. The study highlights the necessity for humanitarian aid strategies to evolve from predominantly reactive, emergency-focused responses to more integrated, strategic approaches that foster socio-economic recovery and empowerment in conflict-affected communities. Only by adopting such comprehensive frameworks can humanitarian interventions truly support the reconstruction of resilient, self-reliant, and peaceful societies in Maiduguri and similar contexts, moving beyond short-term relief towards sustainable development and long-term stability.