Income-generating Opportunities Research Articles

Preparation of carbonated drink from cashew apple juice

Cashew is a major commercial crop of the country with an annual production of nearly 6.5 lakh tons of raw nuts and 50-60 lakh tons of cashew apple. Commercial exploitation of the cashew apple can significantly improve the profitability of cashew growing, as evidenced from the research results of Cashew Research Station, Madakkathara under Kerala Agricultural University. Being a nutritious fruit, the potential for economic utilization of cashew apple is immense as it provides refreshing and healthy drinks. In this context trial was conducted at Cashew Research Station, Madakkathara, for standardizing the preparation of carbonated drink (soda) from cashew apple juice. Cashew apples collected from the field were washed well and juice extracted using juice expeller. The juice was clarified using sago @ 5g/lit. and stored by adding KMS @ 2.5 g/lit. and citric acid @ 5g/lit. of juice. Cashew apple soda was prepared from cashew apple syrup. For making cashew apple syrup, one lit. of clarified juice, two kilograms of sugar and 15 g citric acid were used. Various quantities of the syrup were taken and chilled carbonated water was added to the syrup at different gas pressure. Organoleptic scoring revealed that the sample with 100 psi carbonation in 160 ml chilled water, added to 40 ml cashew apple syrup, thus constituting a total quantity of 200 ml cashew apple soda, was the most acceptable one. This is being filled and sold in 200 ml glass bottles. The carbonated drink has good acceptance among all the consumer segments and large scale production can generate substantial opportunities for income generation.

Quality of life of Ethiopian women after fistula repair: implications on rehabilitation and social reintegration policy and programming

Despite growing recognition of the importance of linking obstetric fistula prevention and treatment strategies with rehabilitation and social reintegration programmes, little research and programming has been oriented toward this goal. Using in-depth interviews, this study aimed to examine the experiences of 51 Ethiopian women after fistula repair surgery to identify priority post-repair interventions that could maximise their quality of life. The results showed that the majority of women felt a dramatic sensation of relief and happiness following repair, yet some continued to experience mental anguish, stigma, and physical problems regardless of the outcome of the procedure. All women suffered intense fear of developing another fistula, most commonly from sex or childbirth. Despite this, the majority of women had sex or planned to do so, while a smaller cohort avoided intercourse and childbearing, thus subjecting them to isolation, marital conflict, and/or economic vulnerability. Our findings suggest that obstetric fistula programmes should integrate (1) post-repair counselling about fistula and risk factors for recurrence, (2) community-based follow-up care, (3) linkages to income-generating opportunities, (4) engagement of women affected by fistula for community outreach, and (5) metrics for evaluating rehabilitation and social reintegration efforts to ensure women regain healthy, productive lives.

Impact of the Integrated Food and Nutrition Programme in Kungwini, South Africa

This article discusses the impact of the Integrated Food and Nutrition Programme (IFNP) in light of collaborative partnerships for poverty reduction in a developing municipal area in South Africa. The programme aimed to develop home, community and school food gardens to meet the daily nutritional needs of poor households and the process was then to be broadened into marketing surplus garden produce, providing employment and income-generating opportunities. The programme thus aimed to address more than just basic food and nutrition. The purpose of the research was to obtain data through participant observation, focus group discussions and extended household interviews. Drawing on the qualitative interviews conducted with the beneficiaries of the IFNP, the article describes the manner in which poverty can continue to entrench the social exclusion of the poor (despite a specific policy intervention to improve their circumstances) when appropriate stakeholder collaboration is not fully developed and harnessed. The research recommendations include improving weak institutional environments, which may hinder effective service delivery, identifying appropriate skills development for the poor, ensuring community involvement in policy processes, maintaining efficient communication in collaborative partnerships, and maintaining personnel training on policy development and in project management skills.

Perceptions of psychosocial disability amongst psychiatric service users and caregivers in South Africa.

BackgroundIn many parts of South Africa there is little support for people with psychosocial disability caused by schizophrenia, beyond provision of psychotropic medications. Appropriate community-based psychosocial rehabilitation interventions are a crucial element of mental health service development.ObjectivesThis study aimed to use an explanatory model of illness framework to document experiences of illness, disability and recovery amongst service users with schizophrenia and their caregivers in a poorly resourced area in the North West Province. Data were used to provide recommendations for a contextually appropriate non-specialist facilitated group psychosocial rehabilitation intervention.MethodEighteen in-depth individual interviews were conducted: nine with schizophrenia service users and nine with caregivers. Interviews were conducted by two trained field researchers; both clinical psychologists fluent in the first language of participants. All interviews were recorded, translated and transcribed. Data were thematically analysed using NVivo 9.ResultsParticipants linked the illness to witchcraft, poverty and stress. Family conflict was recognised in the course of the illness, causing stress and challenges for emotional well-being. Knowledge of diagnosis and biomedical treatment was minimal. Key factors recognised by service users as promoting recovery were the ability to work, and the support of traditional healers and religious structures.ConclusionBased on the findings of this study, a group psychosocial rehabilitation intervention emerged as a recommendation, with the incorporation of psycho-education, adherence support, coping skills, and opportunities for income generation and productive activity. The importance of also enlisting the support of religious leaders and traditional healers in supporting recovery is emphasised.

Integrated Farming System: An ideal approach for developing more economically and environmentally sustainable farming systems for the Eastern Himalayan Region

The present work was carried out at Chandel Khullen village of Chandel hill district of Manipur during 2010-11 to 2012-13. The average holding size of the farmer was 1.33 ha in 2010-11, 1.96 ha in 2011-12 and 2.21 ha in 2012-13. The tribal farmer adopted seven components, i e crop production, vegetables, fruits, piggery, backyard poultry, fishery and water management as suggested by ICAR Manipur Centre. In 2010-11, the paddy yield was 3.5 tonnes/ha as compared to 4.79 tonnes/ha in 2012-13. It was mainly due to adoption of improved package and practices. The cabbage and onion yield increased by 103 and 54 per cent, respectively after adoption of improved cultivation methods under integrated farming system. Similarly, the papaya and banana production was increased by 275 and 270 per cent. There was marked increase in pork, chicken, egg and fish production. In 2012-13, this system also provided significantly higher Rs per Re invested than that of the other 2010-11. In Manipur, women’s participation is more in farming system rather than men. In the same way, this farming system also gives more opportunity to women to engage in agriculture farming. Thus integrated farming system provides new venture for employment and sustainable development of livelihood for North Eastern people. The overall result revealed that the improved practices with different crop and animal components are an excellent approach for sustainable production, income generation and employment opportunity for the small and marginal rural households of Manipur.

The Impact of Micro Finance on the Household Income and Consumption level in Danyore, Gilgit-Baltistan Pakistan

Danyore with the population of more than 25000(LSO) individuals depend upon the conventional agriculture and its associated activities and small-scale business. Facilities of micro finance avail by both men and women in order to create income generation opportunities to cater domestic needs of their families. During the last ten years, micro finance has been providing innovative and effective channels of economic activities by investing in different fields such as livestock, agriculture, dry fruits, handicrafts and home industries. Improving health, education and living standard are the results of the micro finance in premises of Danyore. The micro finance has been playing pivotal role in eradicating poverty and bring people above the poverty line by increasing consumption capacity and income level. Now the common people are more actively involved in to adapt new ideas of livelihood. The race for quality education, health better quality of life force them to raise the level of income and expenditure, in this regard credit services is available at micro level now they can borrow to meet the cost of their child’s education.

Economic vulnerability and young people's sexual relationships in rural Uganda

Drawing on findings from a two-year in-depth qualitative study conducted in three rural areas in Uganda, this paper describes the ‘systematic structuring of vulnerability’ arising from young women's experiences of economic insecurity, and the impact this has on sexual decision-making and practices. It describes economic insecurity within young people's households, perceived gaps in parental provision for young women's basic needs, and the restrictions experienced by young women and men when trying to generate their own income. By examining the links between these experiences of economic vulnerability and young people's sexual decision-making and practices, this paper offers important pointers to the development of future approaches to sexual health programming which incorporate strategies to enhance young people's independent income generation opportunities and reduce their experiences of economic insecurity at home.

Extreme poverty alleviation through community-based entrepreneurship: PRODECO in Paraguay

Community-based entrepreneurship projects have been advocated as a potential approach to alleviate extreme poverty as they provide opportunities for income generation and capacity enhancement. This practical note provides an overview of the PRODECO project undertaken jointly by the Paraguayan government and the World Bank (1999–2008) in three southern departments of Paraguay (Itapúa, Misiones, and Ñeembucú). It describes and analyses the context, scope, operations, and results of this project, and identifies five main lessons related to frequent challenges faced by this approach; on size, access to skills, distance from government agencies, pace, and technology.

Pilot Results of a Telemedicine Social Franchise in Rural Kenya: Evidence of Sustainable Livelihood Creation

Mashavu: Networked Health Solutions increases access to pre-primary health services, provides personal health information tracking, and income-generation opportunities to women in rural Kenya. The aim of this paper is to explore the potential of Mashavu, a healthcare social franchise, to create sustainable livelihoods for its employees in rural Kenya. The research team conducted two pilots of the Mashavu system in a rural Kenyan community. While the initial pilot protected Mashavu Health Workers (MHWs) from the financial risks of taking a new service to the market, the second pilot removed employee income subsidies. The removal of subsidies after the conclusion of the first pilot led to a divergence in monthly wages for the MHWs. While one MHW retained consistent monthly income by increasing the number of days worked monthly and the number of clients seen, a second MHW retained a largely consistent schedule without significantly increasing the number of clients daily and experienced a 600 KSH (29%) decrease in monthly wages. Following a period of employee incubation from financial risk, the MHWs consistently involved in the program were able to continue to generate income through Mashavu.

Unlocking Uncultivated Food for Mountain Livelihood: Case from Hindu Kush Himalayas

Throughout the Hindu Kush Himalayas, uncultivated plants provide a green social and cultural security to millions of people supporting their livelihood. Review on evaluating the multifunctional role of uncultivated plants in perspective of livelihood support finds that plants add diversity to local food systems, reinforce local culture and contribute diversity to farming systems, and finally are important for household food and nutrition security, social security, income generation and health care. Further, this paper clarifies that local people maintain and conserve diversity for the sake of use. The wise conservation and use of uncultivated plants are essential elements for increasing food security, eliminating poverty, and maintaining the environment. However, the value and potential of uncultivated plants for food and nutrition security, household level health care, income generation opportunity are not yet realized. Fast changing climate and early projections on its impacts suggest that such programmes must increasingly consider the sustenance of ecosystem that promotes uncultivated plants as basis for the welfare of millions.

Gender-Sensitive Approaches to Extension Programme Design

Purpose:Though women are engaged in farming and play a major role in almost every agricultural operation, they continue to receive very limited extension support. While several interventions have been made to address this ‘gender’ bias in extension delivery, there continues to be a shortfall between the kind of support that is provided and the needs and demands of rural women. This gap between supply and demand needs to be addressed in order to improve the lives and livelihoods of women in the rural farming sector.Design/methodology/approach:This article presents the salient features of a new consultative process for designing gender-sensitive and demand-led programmes for rural women. The process was piloted at three diverse locations in India.Findings:This new approach is important for three reasons. First, it addresses women's real needs through an analysis of household-level information about their livelihoods, aspirations and opportunities for sustainable income generation. Second, this approach builds on a database that allows collection, storage, retrieval and analysis of baseline information; considers feasibility studies; identifies and develops potential suitable interventions; and reflects on the possible contribution of the potential interventions to meeting the needs and aspirations of women. Third, this approach offers scope for ensuring convergence of interventions by different agencies, as everyone can use the same database to plan, select and monitor their interventions.Practical implications and originality/value:This approach if adapted and used in different contexts could help organizations design enhanced interventions to bridge the supply and demand gap of the support provided and the requirements of rural women, thereby achieving improved results.

Impact of Collaborative Forest Management on Forest Status and Local Perceptions of Contribution to Livelihoods in Uganda

This study assessed the impacts of Collaborative Forest Management (CFM) initiatives on forest status of Budongo Forest reserve in Uganda and perceptions of the participating communities on the contribution of CFM towards their livelihood. Impact on conservation was assessed by applying a Participatory community based Forest Resource Assessment (PFRA) method to examine population structure, dynamics, and incidences of human disturbance across two forest compartments under CFM and comparing these with the status in two compartments without CFM, but otherwise similar to the former in terms of forest type, history of resource use-patterns, silvicultural management practices and location (in the production zone of the forest and close proximity to local communities). Impact on local livelihoods was examined through a survey that involved ten focus group discussions and semi-structured interviews among 140 randomly selected forest neighbours. With the exception of tree regeneration, CFM improved forest status in terms of more live stems of timber, pole tree species, trees with harvestable logs, merchantable volume, and lowered incidences of human disturbances. However, local people do not perceive CFM to have contributed to their livelihoods because whereas CFM created opportunities for income generation particularly through bee keeping, the in-forest activities it halted were superior sources of livelihood. As a result, nearly 50% of the respondents explicitly reported dissatisfaction with the CFM arrangements. Other reasons for dissatisfaction included the inability of CFM to deliver benefits as promised in the signed agreements, local people were frequently not consulted or involved in making key management decisions, and inequality in sharing CFM benefits amongst members of the local community. CFM at Budongo forest reserve has thus contributed to improving forest status, but is perceived to have had limited benefits to local livelihoods.

Quantifying the direct use value of Condor seamount

Seamounts often satisfy numerous uses and interests. Multiple uses can generate multiple benefits but also conflicts and impacts, calling, therefore, for integrated and sustainable management. To assist in developing comprehensive management strategies, policymakers recognise the need to include measures of socioeconomic analysis alongside ecological data so that practical compromises can be made. This study assessed the direct output impact (DOI) of the relevant marine activities operating at Condor seamount (Azores, central northeast Atlantic) as proxies of the direct use values provided by the resource system. Results demonstrated that Condor seamount supported a wide range of uses yielding distinct economic outputs. Demersal fisheries, scientific research and shark diving were the top-three activities generating the highest revenues, while tuna fisheries, whale watching and scuba-diving had marginal economic significance. Results also indicated that the economic importance of non-extractive uses of Condor is considerable, highlighting the importance of these uses as alternative income-generating opportunities for local communities. It is hoped that quantifying the direct use values provided by Condor seamount will contribute to the decision making process towards its long-term conservation and sustainable use.

Turismo rural em Blumenau (SC): Perspectivas e desafios a partir da avaliação de famílias que acolhem visitantes em suas casas

As mudanças ocorridas nos últimos anos impuseram uma série de desafios ao desenvolvimento rural, levando à adoção de diferentes abordagens na promoção de tais espaços. A implementação de estratégias diversificadas impulsionou a criação de novas possibilidades de geração de renda derivadas do incentivo às atividades não-agrícolas, entre as quais se inclui o turismo. A realização da Caminhada Cultural e Ecológica da Vila Itoupava configura-se como uma primeira experiência do gênero promovida em Blumenau (SC). A iniciativa constitui o objeto de estudo da presente pesquisa, que analisa como os moradores que acolhem visitantes em suas casas avaliam a sua participação no evento. As entrevistas realizadas com as famílias apontam um elevado índice de satisfação com a atividade, especialmente pela oportunidade que proporciona para a promoção de novas experiências de vida, o fortalecimento de vínculos sociais e a valorização da diversidade cultural e natural.

KANDYAN FOREST GARDEN: AN AGRO-FORESTRY SYSTEM WITH HIGH POTENTIAL FOR LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION

Kandyan Forest Garden (KFG), is a traditional cropping system practiced for centuries.This is considered as the oldest 'agro-foresty'system in Asia. KFG's located in Kandycentered districts with an altitude of 450 - 1050 m, and receiving an annual rainfall of>2400 mm. The topography of the land is sloping with a gradient of 50 - 250. The landholdings vary from 0.4 - 1.75 ha. (mean =0.7 ha), with sufficient idle family labour foralternate income generation opportunities. This perennial, tree-based home garden systemhas high floristic diversity. The perennials are composed of spice, timber, fruit, food,medicinal and shade trees. The density of perennial trees ranged from 60 -340 per ha.(mean = 196), and contains at least 12 different species. The inhabitants are traditionaland conventional farmers with wide experience in farming. Many of them have beenkeeping livestock as a secondary source of income through generations. The climate isconducive for exotic breeds and have high market potential for livestock products. Theperennial trees provide excellent tree fodder. Other than the major perennials, the livefences,supports and shade trees also provide green fodder year round. The annual drybiomass production from perennials range from 2500 -18000 kg, with a crude protein of> 16% and digestibility of >50%. The perennial tree fodder acceptance is high by goatsthan cattle and buffalo. The fodder potential can be further improved by introduction ofsimple agricultural techniques such as 'Sloping Agricultural Land Technology' (SALT).This also improves the soil conservation. This system is stable and highly sustainable.The potentials for income generation using the resources within the system is enormous.The most important factor is that to maintain the stability and the sustainability of thesystem.

Power, space and the new stadium: the example of Arsenal Football Club

In many sports, but especially professional soccer in the UK, clubs have recently relocated to new stadiums so as to meet new health and safety requirements and also develop new opportunities for income generation. The process of stadium relocation involves the emergence of new spaces that have implications for the power relations between stadium owners, managers and sport supporters. Existing studies provide a limited understanding of the changing nature of power relations in new stadiums. This paper reveals the power modalities and resources involved in the constantly changing new stadium spaces. A case study of Arsenal Football Club in London and the process of ‘Arsenalisation’ in the club's new stadium reveals how material and virtual spaces are used by supporters to resist, confirm and negotiate the resources and practices of stadium managers seeking to control their activities.

World Health Assembly adopts Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan 2013–2020

World Health Assembly adopts Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan 2013–2020

Injection drug users’ involvement in drug dealing in the downtown eastside of Vancouver: Social organization and systemic violence

BackgroundIllicit drug markets are a key component of the risk environment surrounding injection drug use. However, relatively few studies have explored how injection drug users’ (IDUs) involvement in drug dealing shapes their experiences of drug market-related harm. This exploratory qualitative study aims to understand IDUs’ dealing activities and roles, as well as the perceived benefits and risks related to participation in illicit drug markets, including experiences of drug market violence. MethodsTen IDUs with extensive involvement in drug dealing activities were recruited from the Vancouver Injection Drug User Study (VIDUS) and participated in semi-structured qualitative interviews, which elicited discussion of experiences dealing drugs, perceived benefits and hazards related to dealing, and understandings of drug market violence. ResultsParticipant's involvement in drug market activities included corporate sales, freelance or independent sales, and opportunistic sales termed “middling” as well as drug market-related hustles entailing selling bogus drugs and robbing dealers. Participants primarily dealt drugs to support their own illicit drug use, and we found that arrest and criminal justice involvement, hazards stemming from drug debts, and drug market-related violence were key risks related to dealing activities. ConclusionThe challenges of managing personal consumption while selling drugs exacerbates the hazards associated with drug dealing. Efforts to address drug dealing among IDUs should consider both drug dependency and the material conditions that propel drug users towards dealing activities. Interventions should explore the potential of combining enhanced drug treatment programs with low threshold employment and alternative income generation opportunities.

“Immigrant Sisters Organising for Change”: The Gujarati Mahila Mandal, 1930-2010

The formation of women's groups, clubs or networks has played an important role for ethnic and immigrant women in the construction of their cultural and religious identity. It has also served as a vehicle for adaption and acculturation, creating a 'home away from home'. This article traces the history and activities of a women's group, the Gujarati Mahila Mandal (GMM) which was established by Gujarati-speaking immigrant women from India in 1930. This article argues that, while it played an important role in sustaining ethnic identity, the GMM did not preclude women from empowering themselves. It provided women with a social platform: to meet, to socialise, to engage in decision-making, public speaking, fundraising, confidence building and to co-ordinate activities as well as opportunities for income generation and networking. This article will make an important contribution to the history of immigrant women to Natal, the role of women in public life, the history of women's organisations and the construction of ethnic identity in the context of religion and language.

‘Los meses flacos’: seasonal food insecurity in a Salvadoran organic coffee cooperative

Central American coffee farmers commonly refer to annual periods of food insecurity as ‘los meses flacos’ – the thin months – indicating a recurring season in which they are unable to meet household food needs. Although this is a common phenomenon, little empirical research has documented the seasonal food insecurity that many small-scale coffee farmers face. Household surveys and focus groups were conducted with 29 members of an organic coffee cooperative in western El Salvador to determine the causes of, and responses to, seasonal food insecurity. Ninety-seven percent of households faced food shortages during some period of the year. The two most common proximate causes of food shortages were lack of income-generating opportunities to buy food and running out of staple food crops. Families coped with seasonal food shortages by borrowing money and food, seeking work outside of the community, changing diet, and selling livestock. It is clear that small-scale coffee farmers seek to maintain a balance between coffee, which provides income, and food crops, which provide staple food. Livelihood and income diversification are important coping strategies that should be supported; however, we conclude that efforts to address food insecurity in coffee regions require deeper structural changes to support peasant farmers.