Management Initiatives Research Articles

INTERNAL TEAMWORK PRACTICES AND PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION IN NON-PROFIT PROJECT IN RWANDA: A CASE OF UPHLS

Background:This research study aimed to assess the influence of internal teamwork practices on project implementation in non-profit organizations operating in Rwanda, with a specific focus on The Umbrella of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities in the Fight Against HIV&AIDS and for Health Promotion (UPHLS). The study was structured around three specific objectives which were: To assess the effect of Team Collaboration on Project Implementation Success within the UPHLS project in Rwanda. To determine the influence of Resource Allocation on the Timeliness of project implementation within the UPHLS project in Rwanda. And finally, to evaluate the influence of Training and Development on the Quality of Deliverables in the UPHLS project in Rwanda. Materials and Methods:In order for the researcher to achieve the objectives of the research, a descriptive and correlation research design were adopted. Data was collected through a combination of both quantitative and qualitative methods, utilizing interview guides and questionnaires. The research population of this research included the broader staff population of 22 at UPHLS headquarters, these individuals were all considered as the sample size through the adoption of the census sampling technique where the entire population is inclusive in the study under investigation due to the small size of this population. Results:From the collected data the findings identified critical factors influencing success. Effective communication (mean=4.23, SD=1.45), clear task allocation (mean=4.27, SD=1.31), appropriate leadership (mean=4.36, SD=1.27), a culture of trust (mean=4.46, SD=1.18), and regular feedback (mean=4.32, SD=1.29) were key contributors to successful project implementation. Resource allocation significantly impacted timeliness, with financial resources (mean=4.68, SD=1.23), human resources (mean=4.89, SD=1.56), material resources (mean=4.45, SD=1.34), procurement practices (mean=4.76, SD=1.45), and budget oversight (mean=4.89, SD=1.23) playing crucial roles. Training and development initiatives positively influenced the quality of project deliverables, with mean scores ranging from 4.39 to 4.58 and corresponding percentages of agreement ranging from 44.46% to 50.87%. Correlation analysis demonstrated a strong positive correlation (r=0.736, p=0.001) between internal teamwork practices and project implementation. The research therefore concluded by emphasizing the significant role of cohesive teamwork in project success. The study went further to mention that these findings underscored the importance of effective communication, resource management, and training initiatives in enhancing project outcomes in the context of non-profit projects, providing actionable insights for organizations aiming to improve their project implementation processes. Conclusions: Based on the studys findings and conclusions, several recommendations were made by the research where the study suggested enhancing internal teamwork practices in non-profit projects, especially UPHLS in Rwanda, by fostering trust, allocating resources, investing in training, and recognizing the strong correlation between teamwork and project success. These recommendations aimed to improve collaboration, efficiency, and project outcomes. Building on the insights from the current study on internal teamwork practices in Rwandan non-profit projects, the study suggested further research, including cross-cultural analysis, longitudinal studies, qualitative leadership styles, external stakeholders, comparative analysis, and global events, to enhance project management and foster social development.

CHALLENGES IN NAVIGATING THE ACADEMIC WORLD: A PERSPECTIVE FROM EARLY-CAREER ACADEMICS

Higher education (HE) is a dynamic sector that is constantly experiencing changes due to the rapidly changing world. Today, academics are not just expected to deliver lectures, but they also need to contribute to other aspects of academia such as publishing scholarly works, securing grants, innovation and holding administrative positions. The multiple demands and responsibilities that an academic need to meet in their career can be overwhelming especially for those early-career academics (ECAs). Understanding the challenges they face in the early years of career is important to facilitate universities in devising effective strategies to develop this group of employees. Following a qualitative, case study method, we explored the challenges facing ECAs serving in two comprehensive public universities in Malaysia. Data were collected using individual, semi-structured interviews on six ECAs. Findings revealed that ECAs faced challenges in terms of support they received, workload, and networking opportunities. Looking at the future, universities need to think of ways to manage and support ECAs which can help with their successful integration into the academic world. Our study contributes to the growing global research on ECAs and talent management initiatives in higher education.

The Effect of Education on Waste Management Activities 3R Method (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) in RW 016 Pagambiran Ampalu Nan XX Village, Lubuk Begalung District, Padang City in 2023

The Padang City Environment Agency reports that, on average, the city produced 643.76 tons of trash per day in 2021–2022. In an interview with the head of RW 016, it was revealed that the community's garbage disposal to the TPS was due to a lack of suitable land. The purpose of this study is to determine how education influences 3R waste management initiatives in RW 016 Pagambiran Ampalu Nan XX Village, Lubuk Begalung District, Padang City in 2023. This type of research employs a quantitative approach, namely utilizing pretests and posttests to evaluate knowledge variables. The paired sample t-test methodology is employed in a descriptive study design. In the research sample, there were forty housewives. Field observations and questionnaire distribution were used to collect data. Following the computerization and processing of the data, a frequency distribution table was used to illustrate the examination findings. The study findings on the application of the 3R method in waste management education in RW 016 Pagambiran Ampalu Nan XX Village, Lubuk Begalung District, Padang City in 2023, as determined by statistical tests, show a statistically significant difference in waste management and knowledge between the pre- and post-education periods. The mean was 29.10 prior to schooling and 36.23 following education. A p-value of 0.000 exceeded the alpha value (α). Urban village agencies are expected to be mandated to create the necessary infrastructure to facilitate effective waste management, such as segregated landfills, recycling facilities, and eco-friendly waste management systems.

Optimizing Air Traffic Management in Europe by the introduction of the Single European Sky

Europe´s airspace is facing an arduous situation due to its congestion, which leads to multiple delays and inefficient flights. Introducing the Single European Sky Air Traffic Management (SESAR) initiative will conquer a transformative shift in Europe´s Air Traffic Management (ATM), achieving more optimised and sustainable routes throughout the continent. Therefore, through the successful implementation of the SESAR initiative, we will enhance the performance of Europe´s ATMs in capacity, safety, efficiency, and sustainability. This paper evaluates Europe´s current airspace and highlights the positive impacts of the initiative in the different areas of improvement. Utilising current data provided by the airlines, qualitative methods are applied to prove the effect that SESAR will achieve on different routes. The research results demonstrate how introducing the SESAR will reduce flight distance, fuel consumption, and emissions. In conclusion, this research emphasises the significance of implementing the SESAR to update air traffic control throughout Europe. The aviation industry is experiencing a modernisation that is expected to result in lower operating costs, fewer delays, and a reduction in the environmental impact of their flights.

Pengaruh Implementasi Akuntansi Lingkungan terhadap Kinerja Perusahaan: Systematic Literature Review

Environmental accounting, also known as “Green Accounting” or “Evironmental Accounting”, refers to the process by which businesses or companies incorporate environmental costs into their accounting procedures. Environmental costs are the result of actions that have an impact on the quality of the environment, whether financially or not. The aim of this research is to look at the function, application and impact of environmental accounting on environmental and business sustainability. This research method was carried out using a Systematic Literature Review (SLR). This approach is used to examine and review all research. A total of 52 articles were analyzed in this research. Research Results Environmental accounting has a positive impact on a number of factors related to the sustainability of a business entity, especially company performance through the use of social responsibility as a mediator. Research on environmental accounting Even though Indonesia is a strong country, it still needs improvement because there is not much research there and the topics discussed are limited. The results of this research have consequences for environmental management initiatives and actions that are based on green innovation or environmentally friendly principles and can develop further.

Net zero vs. carbon neutrality: supply chain management challenges and future research agenda

ABSTRACT Climate change endangers human survival, causing heat waves, floods, storms, polar ice loss, ocean acidification and rising sea levels. These effects harm the food supply and living environments and contribute to chronic diseases. Climate agreements like the Paris Agreement and Kyoto Protocol set net-zero emissions and carbon neutrality targets. However, their definitions, differences and challenges need clarification. This paper reviews net zero and carbon neutrality initiatives in supply chain management. CiteSpace analysis of 61 articles on net zero and 44 on carbon neutrality highlights their differences, challenges, practices and research gaps. Net-zero emissions cover more greenhouse gases and emission stages, fitting supply chain management through life-cycle assessment. A life-cycle perspective and strategies like bio-based materials, optimised transportation and electric vehicles are recommended for effective mitigation. Finally, the paper identifies research gaps at global, country, industry and company levels, suggesting research questions for future exploration.

Enhancing watershed management in developing countries: insights from Ethiopia

Natural resource degradation poses a major challenge to the sustainable livelihoods of farmers in developing countries, hindering progress toward achieving sustainable rural development. Watershed development and management practices (WDMPs) are powerful tools for enhancing sustainable rural development in developing countries. These practices have been shown to significantly improve livelihoods and food security. This research examined how WDM programs help achieve sustainable development in rural areas, focusing on examples from Ethiopia. This study used a systematic literature review (SLR) approach following a PRISMA review protocol. The research question was formulated using the CIMO (context, intervention, mechanisms, and outcomes) approach: “Does the watershed development and management (WDM) initiative lead to sustainable rural livelihoods?” Considering this research question, the findings indicated that WDM contributes to the socioeconomic and environmental sustainability of rural communities. It does this by enhancing households’ livelihood in terms of income generation, employment opportunities, agricultural productivity, and improvements in social services and infrastructure, as evidenced by numerous studies, thereby leading to better livelihoods and food security. This research also emphasizes the importance of community participation and supportive policies and legal frameworks for successful WDM. Overall, the systematic literature review highlights the potential of WDMPs in promoting sustainable rural development in developing countries such as Ethiopia while also highlighting the need for a supportive policy and institutional environment.

Performance Evaluation of Maintenance Management Strategy Using Malcolm Baldrige Criteria

This study aims to analyze the Maintenance Management strategy at PT Sumber Graha Sejahtera Luwu Branch by measuring Malcom Baldrige. Data collection techniques were carried out using questionnaires, interviews with the Maintenance Initiative Management Team, and data collection in the form of various internal company information used in the implementation of Maintenance Management initiatives. Data analysis using descriptive analysis and percentage analysis. The company's total score is based on the MBCfPE 2012 world class performance framework. The results show that the total score is obtained PT. Sumber Graha Sejahtera Luwu Branch for all MBNQA categories based on the results of the questionnaire is 724 or 72% of the maximum score of 1000. This means that for the performance assessment of PT. Sumber Graha Sejahtera Luwu Branch based on MBNQA, PT. Sumber Graha Sejahtera Luwu Branch won the title of Exellent and is included in the category Industry Leaders (point scale 676–775). Industry Leaders PT. Sumber Graha Sejahtera Luwu Branch is in a very good position.

Indigenous Strategies for Managing Bush Encroachment in Rural Areas of South Africa

The integration of indigenous knowledge systems into the discussion of bush encroachment management is of paramount importance. Indigenous knowledge and formal monitoring may be mutually beneficial, and using both approaches can improve natural resource management. Savannah rangeland landscapes hold deep cultural and spiritual significance for indigenous communities, and their perceptions can provide valuable insights into creating more effective, community-driven conservation initiatives. This study was aimed at filling the existing knowledge and research gap on bush encroachment control by focusing on the integration of indigenous knowledge systems. To achieve this, the current research included three distinct non-probability sampling strategies: (1) Purposive, (2) Snowball, (3) Convenience sampling methods. The results showed that 90.3% of the participants indicated that the main encroaching species of concern was sickle bush (Dichrostachys cinerea) and it is therefore perceived as a problem in the rangeland. The majority of farmer respondents indicated that they cut the encroacher plant down, uproot all root systems, then burn the remaining roots. This is reported to be a more effective way of managing sickle bush as an encroacher plant. Both genders generally believe in the efficacy of these systems, with variations in levels of agreement. However, a gender disparity emerges in opinions on incorporating communal-based approaches, emphasizing the need to consider gender perspectives in environmental management initiatives. Therefore, considering this, the study concludes that a holistic approach, integrating both formal and informal knowledge systems, may be crucial for sustainable and effective management strategies. Given that, recognizing the diversity of perspectives within the community, particularly regarding gender differences, is essential for developing inclusive and community-driven environmental management initiatives.

Bromeliad-Dwelling Frogs Revealed by Citizen Scientists

Understanding species composition across temporal and spatial scales through participatory monitoring has contributed to the development of several studies focused on biodiversity in Neotropical ecosystems. Habitat loss and the illegal collection of bromeliads pose significant threats to bromeligenous frogs, which depend on the rainwater collected between bromeliad leaves for egg and tadpole development. In this study, we compiled a comprehensive dataset of bromeligenous frogs using data from “Projeto Bromélias” on the iNaturalist citizen science platform. Our dataset includes records of 85 species of bromeligenous frogs, representing 52% of the 164 known species that reproduce in bromeliads. These species belong to 33 genera and 10 families and are reported from 18 countries. Twenty-eight species are listed in threatened categories on a global scale. Our findings extended the known geographic distribution of four species. Notably, the green and black poison dart Frog, Dendrobates auratus, was recorded as a non-native species in Hawaii, USA. Regarding the temporal data, the number of bromeligenous records increased substantially after 2009. This study highlights the value of citizen science platforms as important tools for monitoring bromeliad inhabitants and contributing to management and conservation initiatives.

Prevention policies for the marine ecological environment in the South China Sea as a consequence of excessive plastic compound use in Vietnam.

Vietnam suffers from a distressing predicament: It ranks among the most heavily contaminated nations on earth. Its coastal and marine domains are plagued by an excess of plastic waste. Vietnam has consistently discharged a substantial amount of waste into the oceans, ranging from 0.28 to 0.73 million metric tons annually. Numerous areas have emerged as focal points of plastic pollution throughout its extensive seashore and marine areas. The escalating presence of marine litter poses an increasingly grave threat to the intricate equilibrium of Vietnam's marine ecosystems. This comprehensive policy study reveals that the mounting problem of ocean plastic pollution, characterized by the abundance of floating plastic debris, imperils both plant and animal life, placing various marine species such as seabirds, fish, turtles, and cetaceans at risk. The consumption of minuscule plastic particles and the harmful impact of chemical pollutants from plastic waste in the ocean not only endangers the vitality of marine life but also poses a substantial hazard to human well-being because plastic waste infiltrates the food chain. This research reveals that, despite the existence of numerous laws and policies-including the Law on Environmental Protection 2020, the Marine Plastic Waste Management Initiative for the Fisheries Sector 2020-2030, and the National Action Plan for Management of Marine Plastic Litter-a significant amount of plastic waste is infiltrating the river network and eventually infiltrating oceans as a result of improper monitoring and ineffective enforcement of these legislations. Relying primarily on existing data released by the government and other sources and a wide range of gray literature retrieved from reputable databases, this study aims to evaluate the role of Vietnam's legal framework for combating the critical issue of marine plastic pollution in the South China Sea. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:2088-2106. © 2024 SETAC.

Gender differences in the perceived impacts of coastal management and conservation

Gender influences the ways that people are involved in and rely on coastal resources and spaces. However, a limited understanding of gender differences in this context hinders the equity and effectiveness of coastal management and conservation. Drawing on data collected through purposive sampling from 3063 people in Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Indonesia, Kenya, and Madagascar, we explored how men and women perceived the effects of coastal management and conservation on human well-being. We found significant gender differences in perceptions of the presence of impacts, whereby 37% of women and 46% of men perceived individual-level impacts, while 47% of women and 54% of men perceived community-level impacts. When asked about the degree and direction of impacts, the responses were not significantly different by gender. When describing the types of impacts, women and men articulated these differently, particularly impacts related to economic, governance, and health aspects of well-being. These findings highlight pathways for developing more equitable and gender-responsive coastal management and conservation initiatives aimed at safeguarding biodiversity, sustaining fisheries, and supporting the well-being of all those who depend on the marine environment.

Advancing Keranggan Ecotourism Village with Human Resource Development and Business Development

The village is envisioned as a community-driven tourist destination, rooted in the cultural heritage and wisdom of its inhabitants, with the potential to serve as an engine for sustainable economic growth. Presently, the government is formulating a priority program aimed at instilling the principles of sustainable development within the tourism sector, with a specific emphasis on rural areas. These tourist villages are designed to serve as direct platforms for fostering community awareness about the tourism potential inherent in their surroundings, while also embodying the principles of Sapta Pesona within the local environment at tourist destinations. Moreover, they represent crucial partners for local governments, collaborating to realize and enhance tourism opportunities within their respective regions. Geographically, the Keranggan Ecotourism Village benefits from its proximity to the Cisadane river, located not far from the bustling city center of BSD. Blessed with natural beauty and conditions, alongside the livelihoods of numerous residents engaged in micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), particularly in producing a variety of chips, the village has become a hub of economic activity. This has led to the emergence of a multitude of MSME actors within sectors such as recreation, food, and homestay accommodations. Collaborative management initiatives, in tandem with several universities, have the potential to drive regional economic growth, while simultaneously preserving the environment and fostering prosperity among the local populace. Spanning across 20 hectares of land, the village is thoughtfully divided into various zones, each catering to different aspects of tourism, including culinary experiences, recreational activities, educational tours, and sports recreation facilities.

The future of work: a symbiotic balance of technology and interpersonal skills

PurposeThe article explores the evolving nature of the workplace, emphasising the importance of soft skills alongside technological proficiency for organisational success and employee retention.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative approach to examine the role of soft skills in the contemporary workplace, drawing insights from the ADP People at Work 2023 report and expert opinion to highlight the significance of interpersonal competencies in driving collaboration, innovation and employee loyalty.FindingsThe findings underscore the pivotal role of soft skills in fostering cohesive work environments, enhancing employee engagement and mitigating turnover rates. It emphasises the need for organisations to prioritise the development of soft skills through recruitment, training and performance management initiatives to achieve sustained success in a dynamic business landscape.Originality/valueThe article contributes to the existing literature by synthesising insights from various sources to advocate for the integration of soft skills into organisational practices. It highlights the strategic imperative for HR leaders to embed soft skills into recruitment processes, training initiatives and performance management practices to nurture a culture of resilience, innovation and collective success in the modern workplace.

The somatic mutation profile of estrogen receptor-positive HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer in Brazilian patients.

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among women worldwide. Studies about the genomic landscape of metastatic breast cancer (MBC) have predominantly originated from developed nations. There are still limited data on the molecular epidemiology of MBC in low- and middle-income countries. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of mutations in the PI3K-AKT pathway and other actionable drivers in estrogen receptor (ER)+/HER2- MBC among Brazilian patients treated at a large institution representative of the nation's demographic diversity. We conducted a retrospective observational study using laboratory data (OC Precision Medicine). Our study included tumor samples from patients with ER+/HER2- MBC who underwent routine tumor testing from 2020 to 2023 and originated from several Brazilian centers within the Oncoclinicas network. Two distinct next-generation sequencing (NGS) assays were used: GS Focus (23 genes, covering PIK3CA, AKT1, ESR1, ERBB2, BRCA1, BRCA2, PALB2, TP53, but not PTEN) or GS 180 (180 genes, including PTEN, tumor mutation burden [TMB] and microsatellite instability [MSI]). Evaluation of tumor samples from 328 patients was undertaken, mostly (75.6%) with GS Focus. Of these, 69% were primary tumors, while 31% were metastatic lesions. The prevalence of mutations in the PI3K-AKT pathway was 39.3% (95% confidence interval, 33% to 43%), distributed as 37.5% in PIK3CA and 1.8% in AKT1. Stratification by age revealed a higher incidence of mutations in this pathway among patients over 50 (44.5% vs 29.1%, p=0.01). Among the PIK3CA mutations, 78% were canonical (included in the alpelisib companion diagnostic non-NGS test), while the remaining 22% were characterized as non-canonical mutations (identifiable only by NGS test). ESR1 mutations were detected in 6.1%, exhibiting a higher frequency in metastatic samples (15.1% vs 1.3%, p=0.003). Additionally, mutations in BRCA1, BRCA2, or PALB2 were identified in 3.9% of cases, while mutations in ERBB2 were found in 2.1%. No PTEN mutations were detected, nor were TMB high or MSI cases. We describe the genomic landscape of Brazilian patients with ER+/HER2- MBC, in which the somatic mutation profile is comparable to what is described in the literature globally. These data are important for developing precision medicine strategies in this scenario, as well as for health systems management and research initiatives.

Biodiversity Conservation Strategies and their Impact on Ecosystem Health in Mozambique

Purpose: The aim of the study was to analyze the biodiversity conservation strategies and their impact on ecosystem health in Mozambique. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: Biodiversity conservation strategies in Mozambique have enhanced ecosystem health, promoting species richness and habitat preservation. Through protected area management and community-based initiatives, threatened species and ecosystems have shown signs of recovery. Sustainable land management and habitat restoration projects have bolstered ecosystem resilience. However, challenges like habitat fragmentation and illegal wildlife trade persist, demanding ongoing research and integrated conservation approaches for sustained biodiversity and ecosystem health. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Resilience theory, community-based natural resource management (CBNRM) & political ecology may be used to anchor future studies on biodiversity conservation strategies and their impact on ecosystem health in Mozambique. Implement community-based conservation initiatives that empower local communities to actively participate in biodiversity conservation efforts. Ensure that biodiversity conservation is mainstreamed into national development policies and strategies in Mozambique

Managing Climate Risks and Adaptation in Coastal Communities: How to Provide Information

In recent years, climate adaptation has gained significant attention from policymakers and public managers. In the U.S., states play a crucial role in developing coastal management policies, initiatives, and programs to reduce climate risks and enhance protection against extreme weather. Despite various approaches, few studies have examined information provision tools for coastal hazard mitigation and climate adaptation. As a result, there is limited knowledge about effective adaptation tools with low transaction costs. Using the StormSmart Coasts program as a case study, this research explores information-based climate adaptation and the components needed for a successful information-sharing platform. Established by the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management in 2008, StormSmart Coasts is a web-based program offering practical information for hazard mitigation to local decision-makers and communities. The study identifies three key features of an effective tool: providing tailored information to different stakeholders, serving as an outreach tool, and connecting with diverse stakeholders, including local managers and homeowners. The findings suggest that a well-designed information-sharing tool can enhance adaptive capacity and improve climate change preparedness in coastal communities.

Comparison of floating and traditional artificial reef areas using an ecosystem-based approach in the Dashentang area of Bohai Bay, China

Instead of the conventional fishery survey-based approach, this study used an ecosystem-based approach to evaluate the ecological impacts of artificial reefs (ARs). Trophic models were initially employed for floating artificial reef area (FARA), traditional artificial reef area (TARA), and reef-free control area (CONA) in the Dashentang area of Bohai Bay, China. Ecosystem-based analyses of FARA and TARA highlighted similar trophic functioning characteristics. A substantial proportion of energy occurred at trophic levels I and II, and most of the primary production was utilized through grazing pathways. As a structuring group, zoobenthos played a pivotal role in enabling pelagic-benthic coupling in both ecosystems. Additionally, the top-down control in the FARA and TARA ecosystems was enhanced. Conventional surveys and comparative ecosystem-based analyses revealed distinct differences between the two ecosystems. In FARA, a significant increase was observed in pelagic fish and zoobenthos, with increases of 3.60- and 4.44-fold, respectively, compared with CONA. Conversely, TARA showed a considerable increase in demersal fish, approximately 2.6 times greater than that of CONA. Based on the biomass disparity between the two ARs, the ecosystem-based approach revealed that the FARA ecosystem led to enhanced energy pathways from detritus, greater total system throughput, higher energy cycle proportion, and more efficient nutrient transfer. Furthermore, the FARA ecosystem showed relatively high stability and maturity (total primary production/total respiration, 1.616<1.946) compared to the TARA ecosystem, suggesting a greater potential to withstand disturbances. Consequently, marine ecosystems respond differently to AR management initiatives. This study emphasizes the reliability of ecosystem-based evaluations during the initial phases of AR construction. Despite being a preliminary pilot study, this study offers insights into the impact on AR ecosystems, especially the role of floating ARs in coastal management.

Harnessing SMAP satellite soil moisture product to optimize soil properties to improve water resource management for agriculture

Estimation of accurate soil physical and hydraulic properties are of prime importance for the management of water resources in agriculture-dominant regions. This study introduces a simplified framework for estimating soil physical and hydraulic properties crucial for managing agricultural water resources. The developed framework optimizes soil properties for the Regional Hydrological Extremes Assessment System (RHEAS) to enhance the performance of its core hydrological model, Variable Infiltration Capacity (VIC). These soil properties were optimized using six years (2015–2021) of satellite soil moisture observations from NASA’s Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) mission with a modified Shuffled Complex Evolution (SCE-UA) optimization algorithm. A total of three most sensitive soil properties that control model soil moisture simulations, such as Ksat (Saturated hydraulic conductivity), expt (exponent parameter in Campbell’s equation for hydraulic conductivity), and bd (Bulk density) were optimized for the Lower Mekong River (LMR) basin. To better assess the impact of optimized soil properties, streamflow simulation as well as agricultural drought severity assessment, were estimated using the RHEAS framework’s VIC Routing module and Soil Moisture Deficit Index (SMDI) module, respectively. The streamflow simulation involved four approaches: an initial open-loop setup, one optimized with SMAP soil moisture data (SMAP), another optimized with actual streamflow data (Runoff), and a final one combining the previous two datasets (SMAP_Runoff). Switching from the initial setup to the SMAP-optimized model increased the Nash-Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE) by 56.4 % and upgrading from the streamflow-optimized to the combined data model raised the NSE by 21.9 %. This showcases the benefits of optimizing soil properties for more accurate simulations. Furthermore, the optimized model accurately represented the severity and extent of historical agricultural droughts, aligning with regional drought reports of LMR basin. This framework offers a valuable tool for hydrological modeling and drought management, particularly in data-scarce and agriculture-intensive regions, informing agricultural water resource management, irrigation decision-making, and food security initiatives within the LMR basin and beyond.

An appraisal of people's participation in the joint forest management programme in the Kashmir Himalayas

People's participation in decision-making processes in the domain of forest management has been acknowledged as an effective mechanism for improving livelihoods and forest conditions. The present study makes an attempt to ascertain the participation levels and identify the factors influencing the people's participation in Joint Forest Management (JFM) programmes in the Kashmir Himalayas. The study is based on primary data, with a sample size of 434 households collected through a two-stage random sampling survey. The Participation Index (PI) was used to measure people's participation across different stages: planning, implementation, and monitoring. The determinants that influence the level of participation are then analyzed through the Binary Logistic Regression Model (BLRM). The findings indicate that the people's participation at the planning stage was 47.93%, at the implementation stage 54.38%, and at the monitoring stage 49.46%, indicating an overall moderate level of participation. The BLRM depicts that among the selected variables, gender, marital status, years of schooling, land holding size, income from forest, distance from the market, training, knowledge, and information have a significantly positive influence, while age, distance from the forest, restrictions on charcoal/timber harvesting, and a lack of incentives were found to have a significant negative influence on the people's participation in the JFM programme. Therefore, policy reforms should be reoriented to improve the organizational structure of forest management groups and implement fair benefit-sharing mechanisms, which are crucial for enhancing the participation of local communities in forest management initiatives.