Participatory Research Appraisal Research Articles

Social learning and collective action in flood-hazard management in Manitoba, Canada

ABSTRACT Knowledge of social learning about flood hazards in the literature, especially regarding its transformation into collective action for risk reduction, is very limited. This study addresses these gaps by developing an integrated framework that describes how social learning is transformed into collective action – particularly the underlying components and processes – and then applying it to empirical case studies of two communities, (namely, St. Adolphe and St. Agathe) of the Rural Municipality of Ritchot, Manitoba, Canada. Primary data were collected during the summer months of 2022 using participatory research appraisal (PRA) tools (i.e. key informant interviews and oral histories), while secondary data were collected primarily via government and NGO sources. The findings revealed that a) the flood experience and related interactions among community members and local institutions produced unique and distinct types of social learning, and b) that local and multilevel institutions had helped to create learning platforms that facilitated the formation of strategies for collective action related to flood risk reduction. These processes resulted in single – and double-loop learning at the community level. Based on the findings of this work, we recommend that learning and reflection relating to community members’ flood experiences be integrated into disaster risk reduction and management policies.

Determination of Adoption Traits and Key Production Constraints of Improved Maize Varieties Using Participatory Research Appraisal

Introduction: Maize is a staple crop critical to the food security and livelihoods of millions of smallholder farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa. Despite the availability of improved maize varieties, adoption rates among farmers remain suboptimal. Understanding the traits that drive adoption and identifying key production constraints is essential for the development and dissemination of varieties that meet farmers' needs. Aims: This study aimed to identifying the most valued traits of improved maize varieties from the farmers' perspective, assessing the socio-economic and biophysical factors influencing the adoption of these varieties and identifying the main production constraints faced by farmers in different agro-ecological zones. Study Design: The study was conducted in three regions representing diverse agro-ecological zones. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select a representative sample of maize farmers. Data collection involved focus group discussions (FGDs), key informant interviews (KIIs), and household surveys. PRA tools such as pairwise ranking and matrix scoring were employed to capture qualitative and quantitative data on adoption traits and production constraints. Place and Duration of Study: The study took place at Ejura Sekyeredumasi, Nkoranza South District and Wenchi Municipal district, between June 2017 and December 2017. Methodology: Descriptive statistics were used analyzed the demographic characteristics of maize farmers as well as socioeconomic factors influencing the adoption of improved maize farming technology using SPSS 16 version. Data collected included; socio-demographic characteristics, adoption of improved maize varieties and constraints to maize production. Results: The results showed that about 78 % and 18 % of farmer respondents perceived that both fertilizers and improved seed were too expensive. Other constraints to maize production were drought, high cost of other agro-inputs, lack of improved cultivars and poor soil fertility significantly influenced the adoption of improved maize farming technologies in the area Conclusion: The study underscores the importance of incorporating farmers' preferences and addressing context-specific production constraints in maize breeding programs. Enhanced extension services, improved seed distribution systems, and tailored agronomic practices are recommended to increase adoption rates and improve productivity. Participatory approaches in agricultural research are vital for aligning breeding objectives with the real-world needs of smallholder farmers, ensuring the relevance and impact of improved maize varieties in the Ghana.

ANALYSIS OF INSTITUTIONAL ENGINEERING IN ONE OF THE WET CLIMATE DRY LAND AGROECOSYSTEM VEGETABLE PLANTING

This study is the first to apply a relationship approach between farmer groups and other supporting institutions to develop a farming system and rice crop institutions in a region. The study aims to solve the problems faced by rice farmers in Rawa Medang village, West Tanjung Jabung Regency, by facilitating the adoption of sustainable rice farming system technology through institutional cooperation. The methodology used in this study applies the Participatory Research Appraisal (PRA) method, to explore the problems faced by rice farmers. Alternative interventions include the formation of several farmer groups or Gapoktan, named Joint Enterprises, a short discussion about the rice farming system, looking at the urgent needs of farmer groups, and connecting them with supporting institutions. Based on the PRA results, the problems prioritized are (1) Rice stem disease by Blas, (2) The presence of snail pests, (3) Seedlings, (4) Capital, (5) Subsidized fertilizer, (6) Meetings between groups, and (7) Technical guidance for rice plants. The novelty of this study is that it introduces a new framework of institutional engineering analysis supporting rice farming technology, based on the FSA (Farming System Analysis) concept. The study also provides empirical evidence of the effectiveness of the relationship approach in improving the productivity and profitability of rice farming in the region. The study contributes to the literature on agricultural development and innovation by highlighting the role of institutional cooperation in enhancing the adoption of sustainable rice farming system technology.

Needs for Terengganu Sweet Melon Growers for Quality Production using Fertigation System

The Terengganu government needs 100 more fertigation growers of Terengganu Sweet Melon (MMT), to meet the European market demand. Undocumented local growers' needs for MMT fertigation farming hinder the local government’s efforts to retain and attract new local growers. Hence, this study’s objective was to explore the needs of MMT growers using the fertigation system for quality production in Terengganu. This qualitative study used semi-structured interviews complemented with Participatory Research Appraisal (PRA) tools for data collection. Through purposive sampling, 13 MMT growers volunteered as the study informants. The thematic analysis of the semi-structured interviews extracted six themes on growers’ needs. Almost all growers acknowledged MMT has promising prospects for its high market price and cost-effective fertigation system for quality production. However, they expressed six needs to help retain and support MMT fertigation technology adoption for quality production. All growers received a lack of technical consultancy; thus, their top urgent need was the advisory services on the technical knowledge and skills on MMT, fertigation system, and pests and diseases controls. Lack of financial support was also their urgent need for financial assistance to initiate, operate and maintain the high-cost infrastructure of the fertigation farming system. Different roles of agricultural-related and financial institutions were crucial to support their need for professional development, resources, and fertigation farm upscaling. In conclusion, MMT fertigation growers identified six needs that must be addressed for quality production. Their major needs were the technical advisory services on MMT and fertigation system, and financial assistance. Thus, the Terengganu government may incorporate the study findings to formulate an attractive policy for relevant government and NGOs’ roles to provide the relevant extension and advisory services, professional development packages, and friendly resources aid for the advancement of existing growers and to solicit new growers' participation.

Rice farmers’ perceptions and response to climate variability, and determinants of adaptation strategies in the Republic of Benin

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to evaluate rice farmers’ perceptions on the manifestations of the climate change and identify efficient strategies and determinants of adoption of these strategies in the Republic of Benin.Design/methodology/approachSurveys were conducted using participatory research appraisal tools and techniques, such as direct observation, individual interviews and field visits through a questionnaire for data collection. A total of 418 rice farmers across 39 villages located in the three climatic zones of the Republic of Benin were interviewed. Farmers’ perceptions, temperature from 1952 to 2018 and rainfall from 1960 to 2018 data obtained from meteorological stations were analysed using descriptive and inferences statistics.FindingsAll the surveyed farmers were aware of climate change and perceived diverse manifestations including the delay in rainfall regarded as the most important risk. They perceived that deforestation, no respect for the laws of nature and desacralization of morals, no respect for cultures and the traditional rainmakers are the main causes of climate change. The disruption of agricultural calendar and the reduction in rice yield were perceived as the main impacts of climate change in rice production. They used various approaches to adapt and mitigate climate change effects. The adoption of adaptation strategies was influenced either negatively or positively by the household size, land size, education level, membership to rice farmer’s association, training in rice production, access to extension services, use of improved varieties and the location in climatic zones.Research limitations/implicationsFor each climatic zone of the Republic of Benin, weather data were collected in only one meteorological station.Practical implicationsThe study showed that it is important to educate rice farmers on the scientific causes of climate change for better resilience. There is an urgent need to train rice farmers in irrigation and water management techniques to cope with climate variability. To promote irrigation, the authors suggest the establishment of a subsidy and credit mechanism by the government. Factors that influenced adoption of efficient adaptation strategies to climate events must be taken into account for future adaptation policies in the Republic of Benin.Originality/valueThis study provided an overview of the perceptions and adaptations of rice farmers along the climatic gradient in the Republic of Benin. Therefore, the knowledge of the determining factors of the adaptation strategies used by rice farmers could be used in the setting up of effective climate change resilience policies in Benin.

Utilization of Household Waste as Economic Added Value in Community Care for the Environment Sumber Subdistrict Cirebon Regency

The purpose of this activity is to convey the success of the Kopeling youth program (Community Care for the Environment) along with all the people who have supported them, especially those in the RT.05/RW.05 Kelurahan Sumber to convert household waste into compost and catfish farming feed to have a selling value. The research method uses a qualitative approach with the Participatory Research Appraisal research design through the Participatory Rural Appraisal method. This research was conducted on Kopeling youth and communities in the neighborhood RT.05/RW.05 Kelurahan Sumber. The findings obtained from this activity are that Kopeling and related communities have active participation and real motivation to minimize the problem of piles of garbage, especially household waste, to be something of economic value.

English

The coconut palm (Cocos nucifera L.), also known as “tree of life”, is widely distributed across the Coastal Zone in Benin, where its cultivation is most important. Using participatory research appraisal tools and techniques, a survey was conducted in this zone to assess the diversity of coconut ecotypes, associated endogenous knowledge and their utilization. Nineteen villages randomly selected, and comprising seven ethnic groups were surveyed. Ten different vernacular names were recorded across the study sites. The local diversity is very low. In particular, the number of ecotypes varied from 1 to 5. Moreover, recorded ecotypes were grouped in three categories including the tall ecotype known as endogenous ecotype, dwarf ecotypes known as introduced ecotypes and medium-sized ecotypes resulting from the crossing between the first two. The most important preference criteria used by producers were productivity (43%) followed by sweet taste (33%) and quantity of water (33%). Apart from being used for food, the species is also used for construction, traditional medicine, and traditional ceremonies. This study provides important information on the genetic resources of coconut palm while highlighting the socio-economic importance of the species in the Coastal Zone of Benin.   Key words: Endogenous knowledge, diversity, Cocos nucifera, palm uses, preference criteria, Benin.

Folk classification and traditional uses of Cyperus esculentus, a neglected and underutilized species in Benin

Abstract. Adjahossou VN, Gbemavo DSJC, Abidja S, Laly J, Gbaguidi AA, Anagonou AD. 2021. Folk classification and traditional uses of Cyperus esculentus, a neglected and underutilized species in Benin. Biodiversitas 22: 2972-2979. The sweet pea or tigernut (Cyperus esculentus L.) has very high potential to be developed but is considered a neglected and underutilized plant in Benin. The current study aims to investigate the indigenous knowledge related to local diversity, production and uses of various landrace types of tigernut grown in its production areas in Benin. Using Participatory Research Appraisal (PRA) method, we surveyed 113 tigernut farmers in different regions of production in Atacora Department, Benin. Univariate statistics were performed to describe and compare tigernut farmers' responses on botanical and agronomic criteria. We found that the tigernut farmers in the studied area distinguished three landraces of C. esculentus. Two landrace types produced yellow-skinned tubers and the other produced black-skinned tubers. Economic value, agro-morphological traits and organoleptic quality were the criteria considered by the farmers when choosing the type of landrace to cultivate. According to the farmers, the attacks of the tubers by earthworms and termites constituted the main constraints of the production of tigernut. Local people used the species mainly for food, while small proportion was for medicine (e.g., for aphrodisiac) and soil fertilization purposes. This study implies that C. esculentus in Benin deserves better attention to be conserved and developed.

Sustainable Livelihood Strategies and Potential Socio-Economic Development Activities in Kampung Kesindu, Simunjan

This study takes place in an Iban community village located at the foot of Bukit Buri in an area called Kampung Kesindu, Simunjan. A part of the community lives in the longhouse headed by a headman named Tuai Rumah Robert Gana anak Jampong, while others have built their own houses around the longhouse. The aims of this study are to study the sustainable livelihood strategies and potential socio-economic development activities in Kampung Kesindu, Simunjan. The study explores how the community livelihood strategies influenced their socio-economic and natural environment. This study combines qualitative survey and participatory research techniques, namely Participatory Research Appraisal (PRA), as an approach to achieve a broad understanding of the livelihood strategies and land use of the community in Kampung Kesindu. The social sciences techniques used in this study are transect walk, seasonal calendar, focus group interview, and questionnaire survey. The study shows the essential aspect of the livelihood strategy in the community is to strike a balance between income security and food security. In addition, natural, social, human, financial, and physical capitals were identified to study the livelihood strategies at Kampung Kesindu. It is also important to realise that the community is dynamic in managing their resources. Government agencies play an important role in providing the subsidy and assistance for agriculture development in Kampung Kesindu. In summary, the current agricultural activities and practices of the community have little impact on the local natural resources. The community of Kampung Kesindu has identified that the community after much experience and observation made throughout the years of carrying out the agricultural activities as top priority that will improve their socio-economic.

Indigenous biosystematics of yams (Dioscorea spp.) in Southwest Ethiopia: folk taxonomy, ethnolinguistic analysis, and folk descriptors

BackgroundIn Southwest Ethiopia, various plant species are coexisting in wild and cultivated forms. This provides an ideal setting for studying folk biosystematics of neglected species. One of such species is the Dioscorea species, in which we studied to assess the commonly applied folk wisdom of identifying, naming, and classifying yams by Sheko and Bench farmers.MethodsThis study was conducted in Bench-Maji and Sheka Zones using 272 farmers. Data on the lists of local names and system of folk taxonomy; the inherent logic, etymons, and consistency of names; and the folk descriptors and other criteria involved in taxonomy were collected. Data were collected by establishing participatory research appraisal tools, i.e., informant interviews and researcher direct observation.ResultsThe result suggests that there exists a well-developed folk taxonomic system in Sheko and Bench. This is evident in the recognition of four distinct folk ranks: sub-variety, variety, supra-variety, and folk generic. Taxa assigned to each ranks have distinct features that mark them as members of a separate categories. Farmers over-differentiate 58 individual taxa at the intraspecific levels. Of these, 37 represented varietal taxa while the rest are sub-varietal taxa. Structurally, over 78% of the varieties are labeled with unitary names while all the sub-varieties consisted of binomial names. Farmers used a total of 26 characters and 74 character states for identifying the different taxa. More than 84% of these refer to aspects of plant characteristics. Tuber characters played a key role in the local identification of varietal and sub-varietal taxa while contexts and gender played a key role in the recognition of supra-variety groups.ConclusionsThis study documented a great wealth of knowledge on indigenous biosystematics of yams, constitutes an essential step towards setting development priorities aimed at in situ conservation. The study clearly demonstrated the value of folk biosystematics for assessing the actual extent and spatial dynamics of yam diversity in traditional farming.

Possible Causes of Health Disorders in Stored Yam at Farm Gate

This study investigated and ascertained causes of health disorders in stored yam at farm gate in major yam producing communities in the Nanumba North District of Ghana. A mixed method research design was adopted for data collection through the application of Participatory Research Appraisal tools and techniques including individual interviews using questionnaires. Random sampling technique was used to select five communities and hundred respondents. Data was analyzed via descriptive statistics which generated summaries, Tables, histograms, and pie-charts using SAS software. Ages of respondents were in the range of 11 to over 60 years with illiterate majority. They were inadequate in their knowledge of agronomic, harvest, and postharvest practices and techniques including curing, chemical or botanical treatments for the yam tuber prior to storage. Fresh yam produce was kept in shallow dug trenches where temporal storage was the target but stored their dry yam produce intended for long periods in barns (most preferred) and on wooden platforms which were more sustainable with a little preponderance of the former. Causes of yam health disorders and associated problems in store were insect pests, rodents, weed pests, diseases (tuber rot), yam beetles, snakes, scorpions, and the inability of some storage structures to keep produce for a long time. Research, government, and other stakeholder institutions should partner up and make improved and certified yam sets accessible and affordable, and intensify agriculture extension services’ interventions that empower farmers the knowledge on agronomic, harvest, and postharvest practices and techniques.

On-farm management and participatory evaluation of pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan [L.] Millspaugh) diversity across the agro-ecological zones of the Republic of Benin

BackgroundPigeonpea is a multipurpose food legume crop that contributes to food security in the Republic of Benin. For the establishment of conservation and breeding programs, previous ethnobotanical surveys on pigeonpea were done in Benin but restricted to south and central regions. In previous years, pigeonpea landraces were introduced in northern Benin for soil fertility management; it is therefore important to evaluate the diversity in this legume in this region. Exhaustive documentation of pigeonpea diversity grown in the Republic of Benin will be necessary for effective breeding and conservation programs. Therefore, the aim of this study was to document genetic diversity of pigeonpea, across the agro-ecological zones of the Republic of Benin for its promotion and valorization.MethodsA total of 500 pigeonpea farmers representing 13 sociolinguistic groups were selected from 50 villages. The data were collected using methods and tools of participatory research appraisal. Folk nomenclatures, taxonomy of pigeonpea and seed system were investigated. The distribution and extent of pigeonpea landraces were evaluated using the Four Square Analysis method. A comparative analysis of pigeonpea use categories production systems, production constraints, famers’ preference criteria, and participative evaluation for existing landraces across agro-ecological zones was done.ResultFolk nomenclature and taxonomy were mainly based on seed coat color and size. Seven pigeonpea use categories were recorded including sacrifice, grain processing and fertilization. The results showed that the pigeonpea seed system is informal. Based on seed characteristics, fifteen landraces were recorded including seven new landraces. The Sudano-Guinean zone contained the highest number (11) of landraces. The average number of landraces per village was 2.7. A high rate of landraces facing threat of disappearance was observed across the ecological zones. Ten constraints are known to affect pigeonpea production in Benin, with pests and diseases as the most critical in all agro-ecological zones. This study revealed that pigeonpea cultivation is increasing in the Sudanian zone. Varieties to be produced must be selected based on 11 criteria which included precocity and resistance to pests and diseases in the three ecological zones and adaptability to any type of soil in the Sudanian zone. The participatory evaluation revealed the existence of a few performing cultivars.ConclusionsOur results revealed that implementation of a pigeonpea genetic conservation program in Benin must take into account the diversity, production constraints and varietal preference, which varied according to agro-ecological zones. In situ and ex situ conservation strategies are important to preserve pigeonpea landraces. Morphological and molecular characterizations of identified cultivars are highly recommended to help select suitable varieties for breeding programs.

Structuring urban slum areas based on social enrichment in Gumelem Village

Gumelem village is one of the slums in the Pemalang Regency, Central Java Province. The area has characteristics such as high population density, the narrowness of the neighborhood road, the location of houses that coincide, the narrow house, and the house is inhabited by several families and does not have a private toilet. The formation of slums is an obstacle in regional development; for this, it is necessary to arrange the area. This study uses the Participatory Research Appraisal (PRA) method to ensure the active involvement of the target group community and place the community as a subject in the activation process. The research results show that social strengthening efforts in the community and government agencies in the management of the slum areas of Gumelem are essential to realizing the success of the slum structuring program.

Development of guided reading-based village library services and its implementation

Introduction. The role of village libraries as resource centers are not widely known by the community. The village libraries have varying weaknesses in aspects of a library. The problems are the lack of human resources; less library services and promotion; insufficient collection; inadequacy of library furniture and equipment; unstable internet network; and lack of local government support. This study was a pioneer in facilitating the reading service system to support implementation of reading materials. This system was developed by village libraries through guided reading techniques.Data Collection Method. This paper used Participatory Research Appraisal to guide the data collection process involving 15 participants.Analysis Data. The participants were rural people living in West Java, Indonesia. Additional data were obtained through direct observations in seven village libraries in West Java. Data from informants were compiled and categorized according to their comparative aspects. The result is sequential activity design in accordance with PRAResults and Discussions. The results showed that village libraries were not being recognized and utilized by members of the rural community.Conclusion. They expect that the entrepreneurship activities of reading efficient technology–based books are supported by actual business practices.

A university's response to people with disabilities in Worcester, Western Cape.

BackgroundThe call for institutions of higher education to foster interaction with communities and ensure training is responsive to the needs of communities is well documented. In 2011, Stellenbosch University collaborated with the Worcester community to identify the needs of people with disabilities within the community. How the university was engaging with these identified needs through student training still needed to be determined.ObjectivesThis study describes the engagement process of reciprocity and responsivity in aligning needs identified by persons with disability to four undergraduate allied health student training programmes in Worcester, Western Cape.MethodA single case study using the participatory action research appraisal methods explored how undergraduate student service learning was responding to 21 needs previously identified in 2011 alongside persons with disability allowing for comprehensive feedback and a collaborative and coordinated response.ResultsStudents’ service learning activities addressed 14 of the 21 needs. Further collaborative dialogue resulted in re-grouping the needs into six themes accompanied by a planned collaborative response by both community and student learning to address all 21 needs previously identified.ConclusionUndergraduate students’ service learning in communities has the potential to meet community identified needs especially when participatory action research strategies are implemented. Reciprocity exists when university and community co-engage to construct, reflect and adjust responsive service learning. This has the potential to create a collaborative environment and process in which trust, accountability, inclusion and communication is possible between the university and the community.

English

Banana and plantain are popular fruits considered as major staple foods, and provide significant income to farming communities. A handicap to their development and production remains access to quality suckers. However, their diversity is still unknown in Benin. To assess the knowledge on the diversity of local varieties of both dessert banana and plantain at the community level, ethnobotanical surveys were undertaken using participatory research appraisal tools such as direct observations, group discussions and field visits from 119 interviewees living in 63 villages from 24 communes districts in Central and South of Benin. A total of 121 farmer-named banana and plantain varieties (83 vernacular names for banana and 39 others for plantains) were recorded and gathered into 58 differentiated varieties on the basis of the significance of the vernacular name relying on morphological traits and medicinal uses. Southern ethnic groups hold higher local varieties (H = 3.15 bits for the ethnic group Fon and H = 2.09 bits for Wemegbé) due to the high rainfall conditions favorable for the development of banana species than those from Central-Benin (H = 0.64 bits for the sociocultural group Mahi). The main constraints to these crop productions were drought (23.8% of responses), stealing of the whole bunch (19.0%), pests and diseases (14.3%), susceptibility to flood (9.5%) and pseudostem break by wind (7.8%). In situ and ex situ conservation should be undertaken to preserve the varieties cultivated by a few households on small areas defining their vulnerability status as well as those most commonly produced in large amounts.   Key words: Banana, plantain, parataxonomy, conservation, varietal diversity, Benin.

Recreation centre potentials for tourism development in Calabar, Cross River State Nigeria

Recreation centre plays an important role in promoting tourism activities across the world. The study examined the availability, location characteristics and patronage of recreation centres by visitors and residents of the study area. Primary and secondary sources of data were employed for the study. The primary source involved the use of questionnaires, interview sessions aided by participatory research appraisal methods, G.I.S technique and direct field observations. The secondary sources involved the use of journals, textbook, records from the management of the various centres within the area. The study population involved managers of recreation centres, visitors and residents of the study area. Data derived for the study were presented with the aid of tables, charts, simple percentages, graphs and charts. Nearest neighbour index and Analysis of Variance were employed to analyze the data. The study revealed that tourists’ centres in the area were not evenly distributed with z-value of 0.69 and further investigation revealed that factors such as accessible road network, security and availability of infrastructures were determinants for location of recreation centres. The study also observed that the recreation centres faced challenges such as high cost of rent, insecurity and lack of infrastructures. It was also observed that the patronage of the various centres significantly varies from one another with F-ratio of (F = 8.580; P < 0.05) at a confidence level of 0.05. The study also revealed that some of the most visited recreation centres in the area were equipped with numerous recreational equipments such as swimming pool, gymnasium, night clubs and sport facilities. The study further observed that recreation centres faced challenges ranging from lack of infrastructure to lack of accessible road and insecurity. Based on these findings, it was recommended that government and private investors should support the tourism support facilities by reducing the rate of tax, provide loan facilities and infrastructures to encourage the growth of the tourism industry in the study area.

Folk taxonomy and traditional uses of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) landraces by the sociolinguistic groups in the central region of the Republic of Benin

BackgroundCommon bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is an important grain legume crop grown in the central region of the Republic of Benin. However, its production declined in recent years to the extent that its diversity is being threatened with extinction. Understanding the folk nomenclature and taxonomy, as well as use values that allow its maintenance in Beninese agricultural system, is a prerequisite to develop efficient strategies for its conservation. Knowing that each sociolinguistic group develop various uses and traditional knowledge for their crop genetic resources, we hypothesized that enhancement of farmers’ livelihood, thanks to the use values of common bean landraces, differ from one sociolinguistic group to another and contribute to their conservation in the traditional agriculture of central Benin.MethodsHundred and one common bean producers belonging to seven sociolinguistic groups selected through 23 villages of the region under study were surveyed. Data were collected through participatory research appraisal tools and techniques (individual interviews and direct observation) using a semi-structured questionnaire. Folk nomenclature and taxonomy of common bean, local uses, and factors affecting them were investigated.ResultsAcross the seven sociolinguistic groups surveyed in the study area, five common bean generic names and 26 folk varieties corresponding to 12 landraces have been recorded. Folk nomenclature and taxonomy were mainly based on seeds’ coat color. The present study has revealed five common bean use values in the study area (food, medicinal, commercial, fodder, and mystic-religious), which are influenced by sociolinguistic groups. Leaves, roots, and seeds of three common bean folk varieties are used by surveyed farmers for disease treatment. Nine common bean folk varieties are considered by farmers as magical plants which have supernatural properties while several taboos for deities’ followers regarding Séssé landrace are inventoried across sociolinguistic groups. Level of education and age of respondents influence positively and significantly medicine and mystical-religious uses of common bean respectively while commercial use is positively influenced by age and negatively by gender.ConclusionsTraditional values associated with common bean landraces in the central region of the Republic of Benin increase their chance of survival in the farming systems. Socio-demographic characteristics of respondents which influence common bean use values must be taken into account in future programs of conservation. However, an assessment of diversity and analysis of distribution of extend of common bean landraces in the study area is a necessity for the development of an efficient strategy of conservation of this genetic resource.

Assessment of Impact of Recreational Resorts on Socio-Economic Growth of Calabar, Cross River State - Nigeria

This study examined the influence of the tourism industry on socio-economic growth of Calabar, Cross River State with special interest on the role of the resorts operating within the study area. Primary and secondary sources of data were employed for the study. The primary source involved the use of questionnaires, interview with participatory research appraisal methods while the secondary sources involved the use of journals, textbooks and records from the management of the various resorts within the area. The study observed that the highest medium of awareness of the existence of the resorts was through family and friends leading to 36% of the entire visitors to the resorts. It was also observed that 89% of the employed workers in the resorts were residents of the study area. The study analysis revealed that the number of employed workers in the resorts varied significantly across the various resorts with F=5.243; P&lt;0.05 and also a significant variation across the class of employment with F=8.383; P&lt;0.05. The study also observed that the resorts provided opportunities for employment, generation of more income and infrastructural enhancement within the area. Based on these findings, it was therefore recommended that government of Cross River State should direct interest in investing in the tourism industry through collaboration with private investors and providing an enabling business environment by the reduction of tax, provision of loan facilities and provision of infrastructures in the study area.

Diversity Status and Traditional Uses of Pearl Millet in Benin Northern

Millet is an important cereal crop in the northern Benin. However, the diversity level of cultivated varieties still remain unknown. In order to document the diversity of cultivated species, the vernacular names, the geographical distribution of cultivated varieties, the traditional cultural practices, the uses and the farmers’ preferences related to millet cultivation, 52 villages were randomly selected and surveyed throughout the northern part of Benin using the participatory research appraisal. A total of twenty two vernacular names were recorded. Results from our survey showed that farmers cultivated both earlier and later varieties. The level of diversity is very low and the number of varieties cultivated varied from one to a maximum of three. Farmers primarily cultivated millet to fill household needs. However, productivity and culinary qualities appeared to be the most preferences criteria which determined the choice of cultivated variety. Both men and women are involved in millet ‘cultivation. Men are mostly in charge of hard work and women are mainly involved in harvesting and post-harvest. With the nmber of vernacular names recorded it is clearly recommended to clarify the reel level of diversity of cultivated millet through agromrophological and genetic characterization.