Socio-economic Constraints Research Articles

An Analysis of Socio-economic, Marketing and Management Constraints Faced by Beneficiaries after the Integrated Fisheries Development Scheme in Khammam District of Telangana

Aims: This study typically aims to analyze the multifaceted challenges faced by fishers who are the beneficiaries of the Integrated Fisheries Development Scheme (IFDS) in Khammam District of Telangana. Study Design: Ex-post facto research design was used for the study and revealed the constraints faced by beneficiaries after IFDS. Place and Duration of Study: The study was held in Khammam district of Telangana. In Khammam district top 5 mandals with the highest number of beneficiaries were selected for the study. The study lasts from April to May 2024. Methodology: A three-stage random sampling technique was selected for the study with a sampling population of 120 beneficiaries. A well-structured pretested interview schedule was prepared that includes major constraints faced by respondents regarding socio-economic, marketing, and management challenges they faced after IFDS. The constraints were selected from previous literature. Based on ranks given to the listed constraints by respondents, the ranks were analyzed and conclusive results were drawn by using Garette’s ranking Technique. Results: The prime constraint with higher mean score values identified in these categories are in socio-economic constraints where problems in availing loans and insurance with mean score values of 72.06 and 66.31 respectively. In marketing constraints, Lack of proper market infrastructure (73.31) and Lack of processing facilities (61.61) were observed as major constraints. In management constraints, prime constraints observed were the high cost of material inputs (72) and high labor cost (59.91). Along with these major constraints some minor constraints were also identified in the study. Conclusion: Through a comprehensive examination of these constraints, the study seeks to offer insights that can assist policymakers, practitioners, and stakeholders in developing strategies to address the challenges encountered by beneficiaries of IFDS in the Khammam district of Telangana. This could potentially have a significant impact on fish productivity and the livelihood of fishers across the state.

Calibration and Evaluation of CERES-Maize and CROPGRO-Dry Bean Crop Simulation Models of the DSSAT in the Great Rift Valley Region of Ethiopia

Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the most principal cereal crops ranking first in production in Ethiopia, predominantly produced and consumed directly by the smallholder farmers in the Great Rift Valley (GRV) of Ethiopia. Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) is also the most important legume crops as the source of protein and export commodity in the GRV. However, the average maize and common bean yields in Ethiopia are still low due to abiotic, biotic and socioeconomic constraints. In this regard, Crop simulation models (CSMs) are used in predicting growth and yield of crops and associated yield gaps under various management options and changing climatic parameters that are profitable with minimal unwanted impacts on the environment. Before using the CSMs, it is necessary to specify model parameters and understand the uncertainties associated with simulating variables that are needed for decision-making. Therefore, the research objective of this study was to calibrate and evaluate the performance of the CERES-Maize and CROPGRO-Dry bean CSMs of the Decision Support System for Agrotechnology Transfer (DSSAT) in the GRV of Ethiopia. The generalized likelihood uncertainty estimation (GLUE) method was used to estimate the genetic parameters of the CSM-CERES-Maize and CROPGRO-Dry bean models. Root mean squared error (RMSE) and Index of agreement (I) were used to evaluate the performance of the models. The DSSAT model reasonably reproduced observations for days to anthesis, days to physiological maturity, and grain yields, with values for the index of agreement of 0.97, 0.88 and 0.61 for CERES-Maize and 0.84, 0.75 and 0.51 for CROPGRO-Dry bean. Similarly, root mean square errors were moderate for days to anthesis (1.2 and 1.2 days), maturity (4.1 and 1.6 days), and yield (0.8 and 1.1 t/ha) for CERES-Maize and CROPGRO-Dry bean, respectively. The model has been successfully calibrated and evaluated for maize and common bean crop varieties and can now it can be taken for further applications in evaluating various crop and soil management options including climate smart agriculture technologies and climate change impact studies.

Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic and to Develop Strategies for Resistance on the Farming Practices in Ganjam District-An Analysis

The present study entitled “Scientific study on the farming practices in ganjam district to comprehend the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and to develop strategies for resistance” was undertaken with a view to evaluate COVID-19's effects on farmers of Ganjam District of Odisha and to suggest them how to overcome such pandemic situation. The study followed purposive and random sampling techniques that were found appropriate and taken to undergo the analysis. The study was conducted in the Department of Agricultural Extension and Communication, Institute of Agricultural Sciences (IAS), Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan University Bhubaneswar, between December 2020 and August 2022. For the selection of District, Blocks and Villages covering 120 respondents, information was collected through structured interview schedule and focus group discussion. Suitable tools and techniques used during the analysis to suffice the study need are frequency, percentage, mean score, standard deviation, Person’s coefficient Correlation, T- test, multiple regression was employed for analyzing collected data. The study revealed that majority of the respondents (85%) belong to middle and older group, having the sex ratio of 3:2 male and female. The study revealed that the education of children adversely affected with mean score of 2.625, further it has been observed that the farmers couldn’t ensure expenses on purchase of household materials. The study depicted that quality food consumption, expenditure habit and farming in general have been adversely affected. The banking activities as regard to getting loan, taking banking transactions have also been adversely affected. Several farmers have faced physical, socio-economic, technological and production constraints. In this study, particularly problem in sound sleep, depression, feeling of insecurity, slowdown of supply chain and non-availability of quality inputs for cultivation are the main focus constraints encountered by agriculture. It was also found that to mitigate such situation farmers had opined that the vaccine should be taken regularly and farmer should develop the saving habit for future use.

Socio-Economic Characterization, Identification and Prioritization of Major Constraints and Potentials in Gara Ebanu Community Watershed in Sululta District, Ethiopia

Baseline characterization builds necessary foundation for the plan and obtains proper information for elective planning, implementation and monitoring of the research and development endeavors. The objective of the study was to document baseline information on socio-economic for planning and impact monitoring and to identify and document major socio-economic constraints and potential in the watershed. A total of 62 sample households were selected randomly from all farmers engaged in farming activities in the watershed. The average inorganic fertilizer (NPS and Urea) used in the watershed were 75 kg/ha and 75 kg/ha respectively. The response of the respondents showed that the average yield obtained in the watershed was about 10 qt/ha for barley, 12 qt/ha for wheat, 5 qt/ha for faba bean and field pea 6 qt/ha. The major livestock feed type in the watershed were crop residue (93.5%) followed by hay making (91.9%), grazing in the field (80.6%), local beverage by-products (72.6%), concentrates of different type (67.7%), green feed (50%), stubble grazing (41.9%) and improved forage (14.5%). The result of survey shows that the major income sources of the farmers living in the watershed were livestock production (77.4%) followed by crop production (45.2%) and off-farm activities (25.8%). About 71% of the households have encountered high cost and shortage of agricultural inputs followed by low crop productivity (19.4%), crop disease (8.1%) and existence storage pests (1.6%) were the common in the watershed. In the watershed, high cost of agricultural inputs, low crop productivity, crop disease, shortage of animal feed and fodder, inflation, lack of employment opportunity and other income source were addressed as the highest priority issues by the community that are contributing to the crop productivity reductions and low level of their livelihood in the watershed. By considering the addressed problem related to crop production, livestock production and socio-economic, the interventions on introduction and demonstration of improved and high yielding crop varieties that are resistant or tolerant to the already existing and emerging pests to increase production and productivity of crops should be done. In general, immediate short-term actions should be taken particularly participatory integrated watershed management were recommended.

Influences of camp refugees on the environment of Minawao in Cameroon

Since 2013, Minawao, in Cameroon's Far North region, has been home to a camp for Nigerian refugees fleeing the violence perpetrated by the Boko Haram movement. The long-term establishment of the base has significantly impacted all aspects of the locality, particularly the environment. This article focuses on the influence of the refugee camp's presence on the territory of Minawao and its surroundings, emphasising changes in vegetation cover and land-use dynamics. The article was carried out using a methodology that included household surveys, cartographic analysis, and the collection of testimonies in the field. The investigation results reveal that the camp installation first led to declining agricultural and grazing activities. Secondly, the cutting of wood by the refugees has further degraded the region's vegetation cover, particularly in the forest reserve, showing a regression rate of minus 37.38% between 2015 and 2022. Lastly, the land occupied by the camp has gradually grown to exceed 1,493.11 ha of the area initially granted, and signs of soil degradation, mainly erosion (77.04%), are already visible. Initiatives have been implemented to combat this environmental degradation, including the "Make Minawao Green Again" project, activities to promote ecological charcoal and improved stoves, and waves of formal repatriation of refugees. However, these measures have not yet produced satisfactory results due to socio-economic and cultural constraints. Therefore, further humanitarian action to improve environmental management is needed to remedy these problems.

An experience of the Conservation of Historic Buildings’ Facades in Old Saida City

This article delves into the nuanced experience and challenges involved in conserving historic building facades within an old Saida city neighborhood marked by neglect and limited restoration efforts due to class dynamics and discrimination by heritage curators. Nevertheless, its buildings have been subjected to lack of maintenance and repair which led to processes of degradation with time and loss of some cultural heritage [6]. Focusing on a deprived area, the paper examines the challenges and opportunities encountered in conserving architectural heritage amidst socioeconomic constraints. Damage related to the collapse of building elements necessitates an investigation into the underlying causes to prevent such occurrences. This involves identifying a set of parameters to assess the hazards of façades and public exposure. Through a blend of community involvement in close coordination between the author who drives innovative conservation techniques, UNDP and the Municipality of Saida, the project sheds light on the potential for safeguarding the historical character to the damaged historic Musalkhiyyeh street arcades and façades, Kaniset el-amercani, Musallabiyyeh old market streets amongst with a specific square called “Furn el Saha” in old Saida historic city. The project falls under the UNDP project “Improving Living Conditions in Gatherings Host Communities”. The conservation project aimed to conserve those buildings, and promoted histories of places and people’s memories connected to the selected heritage sites. The project rehabilitated internally and externally for the three selected areas. It addressed both the physical deterioration and build the knowledge about the importance of the sites. By documenting this journey, valuable lessons emerge for policymakers, urban planners, and conservationists seeking to address heritage preservation in marginalized communities. Historic structures design and construction tell us much about the cultures and the history of a community that created them and about the traditions and events from which our society grew.

Supporting breastfeeding for women with low education levels, psychosocial problems, and/or socioeconomic constraints: a scoping review protocol

Objective: This scoping review aims to identify and map interventions and/or strategies used to support the initiation and continuation of breastfeeding for women at risk of delaying initiation, early cessation, or not breastfeeding due to low levels of education, psychosocial problems, and/or socioeconomic challenges in high-income countries. Introduction: While breastfeeding has lifelong beneficial health effects for women and infants, there is a risk of delaying initiation, early cessation, or not initiating breastfeeding at all due to factors related to health inequalities, such as low levels of education, psychosocial problems, and/or socioeconomic constraints. Inclusion criteria: This review will include eligible quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods studies, as well as systematic reviews and gray literature. We will encompass studies conducted in high-income countries, focusing on interventions and/or strategies to support women with low levels of education, psychosocial problems, and/or socioeconomic constraints in the initiation and continuation of breastfeeding for up to 6 months postpartum. Methods: This review will follow the JBI methodology for scoping reviews, using the Participants, Concept, and Context framework. The primary search will be performed in the following databases: MEDLINE (PubMed), PsycINFO (EBSCOhost), Embase (Ovid), and CINAHL (EBSCOhost). We will include publications in English, Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, German, Bulgarian, Arabic, and Spanish, published from 1991 until the present. A data charting form will be developed and applied to all the included articles. Review Registration: The study is registered in Open Science Framework, DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/TMP4V

Exploring inhibiting factors to affordable housing provision in Lagos metropolitan city, Nigeria

Different inhibiting factors have affected the need for affordable housing provisions to keep pace with the increase in urbanisation and population growth, leading to the non-availability of desirable, affordable housing goals for low-income earners. Unfortunately, these inhibiting factors continue to create challenges that affect affordable housing development for low-income earners. Hence, this study examines the inhibiting factors affecting affordable housing provisions using Lagos metropolitan city, Nigeria, as a case study exemplar. A quantitative research design was employed, using the survey to collect data from the target populations of low-income earners in Lagos, Nigeria, through a purposive sampling technique with a high response rate of 75.3%. Descriptive and exploratory factor analysis was conducted on the retrieved data and Cronbach’s alpha test to determine data reliability and interrelatedness. Thirty-seven identified inhibiting factors of affordable housing provisions were clustered into seven components: problems with affordable land and security of tenure; socioeconomic constraints; problems with conventional materials and technologies; unpredictable internal factors; absence of innovative framework and supply chain; absent of community collaboration and external economic factors; and urbanisation factors. The implications of the study findings provide a better understanding of land tenureship, improved social inclusion, community-based stakeholder collaboration, standardisation of indigenous construction materials and technologies utilisation, and housing policy reforms to alleviate the shortage of affordable housing delivery in metropolitan cities. The study recommends successful implementations of affordable housing provisions hinged on an innovative housing framework and affordable supply chain through design, standardisation of non-conventional materials and technologies utilisation and social inclusion. The study’s conclusion gives housing stakeholders, realtors, policymakers, and government agencies the ability to understand and implement strategies to overcome socioeconomic constraints, land security of tenure, and urbanisation factors to predict and improve affordable housing demand and supply in metropolitan cities.

Socio-economic status and constraints faced by shrimp farmers of Raigad district of Maharashtra

Socio-economic status and constraints faced by shrimp farmers of Raigad district of Maharashtra

Advancement Of Women Education In Relation To Attitude Of The Shedule Castes People With Various Socio-Economic Sectors And Regions Of Nadia District In West Bengal

Abstract Introduction: The study investigates the progress of women’s education among Scheduled Castes (SCs) in Nadia District, West Bengal, highlighting the significant barriers they face due to historical marginalization and socio-economic constraints. Objectives: The study investigates socio-economic factors’ influence on women’s education, community attitudes towards it, identified barriers, evaluated policy effectiveness, and devised region-specific recommendations for SC women in Nadia District.

Socioeconomic factors and constraints on food safety practices in locust bean processing in Southwest Nigeria

Properly processed locust bean (Parkia biglobosa) is very important, especially in countries where the need for protein supplementation is high for both adults and infants. However, in the past there have been some inexcusable failures in the processing of the locust bean seed condiment, such as poor processing practices. Therefore, this study seeks to investigate how socioeconomic factors lead to constraints on the food safety practices of locust bean processors (LBP) in Southwest Nigeria. A multistage sampling procedure was used to select 277 respondents from a list of LBPs obtained from states with a high prevalence of locust bean processing activities. The primary data for the study were collected using a well-structured questionnaire and were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results show that 99.3% of the respondents were female with an average age of 42 years and an average processing experience of 17 years. 50.4% of the respondents' processing activities were unsafe, while 49.6% had adopted adequate food safety practices. Marital status, social association, household size, year of processing and various constraints were significant factors that influenced food safety practices. The results further show that the respondents were faced with major constraints like the difficulty of processing locust bean seed and inadequate credit facilities which prevented them from adopting appropriate food safety practices. The study concludes that processors are faced with challenges related to equipment and finance. Therefore, intervention to help them overcome some of the challenges which interfere with their ability to engage in food safety practices, such as the lack of sufficient financial resources to purchase modern equipment, could enhance safe food processing practices.

Women-Led Pulse Agriculture for Enhanced Household Nutrition Security in East African Countries

Pulse crops are significant sources of starch, fiber, protein and micronutrients for the human population. Four East African countries (Ethiopia, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda) have huge potential of pulse production but are constrained by several challenges in the production-consumption chain. This scoping review has assessed the challenges and opportunities related to women-led, nutrition-sensitive pulse agriculture in the four East African countries. This scoping review is based on data from major scientific databases, such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, which are commonly used for research purposes, as well as grey literature. The criteria used were studies conducted in Ethiopia, Tanzania, Uganda, or Rwanda; grey literature which includes reports, theses, and other unpublished materials that may be relevant to a particular topic (years 2010 to 2023); observational studies, including case-control, cohort, and cross-sectional studies that assessed pulse crop production and consumption; and those published in English. Evidence from these countries shows that the historical gender gap and low level of participation by women in the sector have had adverse effects on the production of pulses. There are also social and cultural barriers that severely constrain women’s role in pulse agriculture, such as poor knowledge of the benefits of pulses, constraining cultural practice and gender-based norms in the pulse sector, limited access to market, land and finance, underdeveloped delivery/supply chain and extension services, less developed value addition culture, and the stigma of pulse consumption. This study identifies multiple avenues to ameliorate the identified socioeconomic, cultural and policy constraints, including promoting women-led pulse production through increasing access to financing for small-scale pulse crop farmers, improving market access through better marketing and distribution networks, and investing in infrastructure to support pulse production and consumption.

Demand-side barriers and economic burden in accessing Human Papillomavirus screening for cervical cancer prevention in rural India: Evidence from a cross-sectional study

Introduction Cervical cancer is a significant global health concern, especially in low- and middle-income countries with limited access to preventive healthcare. India’s vast rural population amplifies the challenge, demanding immediate action. Despite advancements, cervical cancer remains prevalent among underserved rural communities, hindered by barriers to Human Papillomavirus (HPV) screening uptake, including socioeconomic and financial constraints. This study aims to evaluate the economic challenges encountered by rural women when accessing HPV screening. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 1502 women aged 30 to 45 in Pondicherry, India, utilizing the Andersen Model as a conceptual framework. Household questionnaires gathered data on HPV screening expenses, including patient travel costs, productivity loss, and companion costs. The analysis utilized regression models, to identify the factors impacting the economic challenges associated with accessing HPV screening. Results Employment status and higher education significantly increase total costs by 73.483 (p < 0.001) and 90.169 units (p < 0.001) respectively. Income level, though with a minimal coefficient (B = 0.000), shows a significant effect (p = 0.019) on total costs. Longer travel hours raise costs by 5.129 units (p < 0.001), while having a companion increases costs by 106.095 units (p = 0.004). Prolonged patient time at Primary Health Center (PHC) contributes to a 2.357-unit increase in costs (p < 0.001). Conclusions The study highlights the multifaceted economic challenges faced by rural populations accessing HPV screening for cervical cancer prevention in India. Notwithstanding diverse demographics and varying proximity to healthcare facilities, individuals encounter significant barriers such as travel time and associated costs. Addressing these challenges necessitates targeted interventions to reduce socioeconomic disparities and improve healthcare accessibility for vulnerable populations, thereby advancing cervical cancer prevention efforts and promoting health equity in rural communities.

Holistic analysis of cropping diversity and intensity implications for productive, environmental, and nutritional performance of smallholder farms in Bihar, India

The agricultural productivity and sustainability in Eastern Gangetic Plain Zones of India are threatened because of the inefficiency of current production practices, shortage of resources, and socioeconomic constraints. We hypothesized the potential impact of intensified cereal systems with mung bean as a third crop within the annual cropping cycle. We assessed economic, social, and environmental indicators for intensified and current cropping system management practiced by different farm types in the region using the FarmDESIGN model. Building on a farm typology constructed for the region in our past research, we used five types of farmers: part-time (PT), well-endowed (WE), small-scale (SS) crop and livestock mix, medium-scale (MS), and resource-poor farmers (RP) in this study. The performance indicators of the 229 original cropping systems cultivated within the 43 farms varied strongly in the eight performance indicators. This variability of cropping systems performance within the farm types resulted in the absence of significant differences between the types. Compared to the original cropping systems, the intensified cropping systems with mung bean not only performed high in dietary energy (DE) production and organic matter (OM) inputs into the soil but also had high application rates of biocides and minimized losses of nitrogen (N). The intervention systems were low in labor requirement and scored at an intermediate level for crop gross margin, water use, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The ranges of areas of maize- and rice-based systems that could be replaced by intensified systems were largest for the WE and RP farm types. This was reflected in large ranges of change in the performance indicators, but no significant differences in response were found between the farm types. The intensification of maize- and rice-based systems with the proposed intervention cropping systems involving mung bean would result in increased profitability, higher DE yield, and lower requirements for labor and water as the proportion of the farms being converted increases. However, the use of biocides would increase, while the intervention cropping systems would have no significant effect on OM input, GHG emissions, and soil N losses.

NIoBReTH: A novel integrative paradigm of protection against SARS-CoV-2 and other airborne pathogens with fewer socioeconomic constraints

There is an imperative need of an effective prophylactic strategy to contain or even end the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, and to protect the human race from further such pandemics. We propose that NIoBReTH, a composite paradigm of Negative air Ions, virus Blockage, Respiratory Treatment with disinfectants, and Hand hygiene, may provide enough protection against infection by SARS-CoV-2 and perhaps other airborne pathogens, with acceptable safety and less restriction on social/economic activities. Compared to traditional paradigms like N95 respirators and strict social distancing or even large-scale lockdown, the new paradigm may be more easily practiced by individuals, and government adoption may be more robust to individual non-compliance.

Agribusiness analysis of seed producer supports increased soybean production in East Java production centre areas

ABSTRACT Quality seeds are one of the main technological components for increasing soybean crop production. Until now the use of quality soybean seeds in Indonesia only reaches 30%. The constraints of providing soybean quality seeds still often occur. The objectives of this study are to identify the financial feasibility of soybean seed producer in various uses of soybean products; to identify socio-economic constraints on soybean seed producer and to propose a strategy for developing soybean seed producer agribusiness in East Java province. The survey was conducted on soybean seed growers and soybean farmers who planted soybeans in the 2022 growing season. The results showed that the R/C ratio of producers for seed purposes, producers for consumption purposes, and soybean farmers are 1.34, 1.23 and 1.2, respectively. Threats faced by soybean seed producers include suboptimal post-harvest handling and the rapidly decreasing soybean seed germination. The strategy in developing soybean seed producer that can be proposed are: growing soybean seed farmers at each production centre location to meet the needs of seeds on time, quantity, variety, agroclimate, quality, and price, so as to meet the need of local farmers quickly, and reduce the risk of rapidly decreasing seed germination.

Bridging the gap: Leveraging AI to enhance access to clinical trials for underrepresented and underserved populations with cancer.

e13701 Background: National guidelines emphasize the crucial role of clinical trials (CTs) participation for all cancer patients. Despite this, significant barriers hinder access, particularly for underrepresented populations. Patients encounter obstacles such as geographic disparities and limited knowledge of tumor genetics, which impact their access to innovative CTs in metropolitan areas and academic centers. Furthermore, the increasing requirement for specific genetic profiles poses an additional challenge. This study aims to assess the impact of digital health platforms on improving access to CTs, with a specific focus on barriers related to ethnicity, geographic location, and disease knowledge. Methods: Leal (formerly, Trialjectory) is an AI-based platform that matches cancer patients to CTs based on self-reported medical profiles. The study included a diverse cohort of 39,031 users who completed the questionnaire. The patients’ geographic distribution across the US was analyzed, considering proximity to medical/academic centers, willingness to travel, and disease knowledge. Additionally, we examined genetic testing and biomarker knowledge across various clinical and sociodemographic groups. Results: The digital platform significantly improved geographic and ethnic diversity among CT seekers. Compared to industry standards of as low as 3% CT diversity, nearly a quarter of platform users were non-whites. Users outside major metropolitan areas, where CT enrollment is traditionally lower, were also better represented. Markedly, non-whites reported a lower willingness to travel outside their residence for CT participation compared to their white counterparts (p < 0.0001). A gap in disease knowledge was more evident in minority groups (p < 0.0001), with African Americans having a lower probability of knowing their mutation status compared to other ethnic groups. Conclusions: Access to CTs is hindered by barriers such as ethnicity, location, and knowledge. AI-based platforms swiftly identify and resolve these issues, empowering healthcare and support organizations to address individual patient concerns and boost diversity in CTs. AI analysis pinpoints underrepresented populations and regions with limited trial access, paving the way for tailored education and support initiatives to encourage informed decision-making. Strategically establishing trial sites in relevant areas addresses limited travel willingness due to cultural or socioeconomic constraints. AI technologies offer a promising approach to mitigate disparities, improve disease knowledge, ensuring equitable CT access, and enhancing healthcare outcomes for underrepresented populations.

Role of Micro Finance in uplifting Indian Economy: An Analysis

Microfinance institutions (MFIs) act as indispensable financial intermediaries, providing small loans and services to individuals excluded from mainstream banking due to socio-economic constraints. Their significance lies in empowering marginalized communities, promoting financial inclusion, and fostering opportunities for income generation and entrepreneurship. Notably, microfinance contributes significantly to poverty alleviation and gender equality, particularly in empowering women, who often constitute a substantial portion of its beneficiaries. However, the effectiveness of microfinance in India faces multifaceted challenges. This paper addresses hurdles such as exorbitant interest rates, insufficient infrastructure, and the urgent need for effective regulation to prevent the exploitation of vulnerable borrowers Overall, this paper will find out the indispensable role of microfinance in India's economic development while acknowledging the challenges hindering its full potential. Unravelling these dynamics provides policymakers, practitioners, and stakeholders with a comprehensive understanding of microfinance in the Indian context, crucial for formulating informed strategies that foster sustained growth and ensure its continued positive impact on economic development. The insights gleaned from this study are vital for shaping the trajectory of microfinance in India.

Teaching pre-clinical medical students remotely in Nigeria post Covid-19 pandemic: can past experiences shape future directions?

PurposeOnline teaching has gained popularity in recent years, but changes have been slower to implement in Lower or Medium Income Countries (LMIC). The aim of this research was to build upon educators’ experiences of remote teaching during Covid-19 to inform the development of a blended learning approach for teaching pre-clinical subjects at the Faculty of Biomedical Sciences at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria (OAU).MethodsThe Critical Incident Technique (CIT) was used in this exploratory study. Participants were invited to either complete an online qualitative questionnaire or take part in an online structured interview, which were hosted on Microsoft platforms. Data were obtained from eighteen educators and were analyzed using thematic analysis.ResultsFindings suggest that most educators (72%) continued to engage with remote teaching post-pandemic. All lab-based practical topics returned to being in-person, and teachers’ experiences highlighted that a new blended learning approach should focus on asynchronized online teaching of didactic subjects. Five main themes captured educators’ experiences and lessons learned regarding online teaching including: skills and training, teachers’ motivation and attitudes, internet and connectivity, learners’ behaviors, and socio-economic constraints.ConclusionFindings provided additional evidence on the way in which educators in LMIC would like to build upon the positive aspects of online teaching and move towards a blended learning model. However, the implementation of such an approach should consider students’ and faculty’s needs and socio-economic constraints.

Navigating divergent perspectives on critical habitat designation: Insights from the little bustard (Tetrax tetrax) conservation in Spain

The designation of critical habitats is a conservation tool extensively used worldwide. Although the effectiveness of this tool has been proved globally, its implementation in Spain is scarce, probably due to the ambiguous character of its definition in policy and other related problems. This study provides insight into some of these aspects and how different groups of experts interpret the concept of critical habitat. We used the little bustard (Tetrax tetrax) as a case study of an endangered species for which critical habitats must be designated. We interviewed 47 experts of the species, from researchers to environmental agency technicians, about the objectives that critical habitats should address, and which facilitating and constraining aspects should be considered in such designation. By grouping the answers in different categories and running ordination analyses (Non-Metric Multidimensional Scaling) we found that researchers mainly focused on ecological objectives for critical habitats, compared to the rest of the respondents who also considered socioeconomic aspects as basic objectives for critical habitats. Only 36% of the experts mentioned ecological factors as constraints to such designation, while socioeconomic constraints were mentioned by all but two of the experts (96%). These results suggest differences in the conceptualization of critical habitat between scientists and managers, from pure ecological requirements of the species to the actual implications and socioeconomic constraints of its implementation, respectively. Integrating multiple stakeholders and views will reflect these differences into the operational understanding of critical habitats and will ensure that future critical habitat designations are effective management tools.