Traditional Practices Research Articles

Embracing Duality: Exploring the Synergy of Traditional and Religious HRM Practices to Enhance Volunteer Retention in Faith-Based Organizations

ABSTRACT Volunteer retention is critical for the sustainable functioning of faith-based organizations (FBOs). This qualitative study examines the interplay of two distinct streams of Human Resource Management (HRM) within FBOs: traditional HRM practices and religious HRM practices. Drawing on data from 33 interviews conducted across four Indonesian FBOs, we explore how the integration of these practices influences volunteer retention. Our findings reveal that FBOs employ traditional HRM practices, including recruitment, task design, training, supervision, rewards systems, and managing diversity, to retain volunteers. Additionally, strategically designed religious HRM practices, encompassing spiritual individual development, spiritual leadership, shaping organizational religious culture, and managing volunteers’ relations, augment volunteer commitment. This research contributes novel insights into the nexus between secular and spiritual dimensions in volunteer retention, offering a holistic framework for FBOs to optimize volunteer management strategies and sustain their impactful missions.

Tradition and Modernity: The Interface of Clan Structures and Electoral Politics in Naga Society

This paper delves into the intricate relationship between clan structures and electoral politics within Naga society, focusing on the interface between tradition and modernity. Challenging the perception of traditional institutions as static entities, the study highlights how clan structures are not timeless but rather modern constructs, subject to reinvention and adaptation. Drawing on the works of Hobsbawm and Ranger (1983), the research explores how clan members navigate power dynamics and political influences, particularly in the context of emerging political elites. By employing a social construction approach, the author investigates how traditional clan systems influence modern electoral contestation and vice versa. Through fieldwork conducted in Phaibung Khullen village, the author, an insider researcher, examines the interplay between traditional practices and contemporary electoral processes. The findings underscore the mutual reconfiguration of clan structures and electoral politics, emphasizing the enduring influence of tradition on modern political mobilization. This study contributes to a nuanced understanding of how traditional institutions shape and are shaped by the evolving landscape of electoral contestation in Naga society, highlighting the complex interface between tradition and modernity in clan-based communities.

Rompendo o ciclo de emergência da justiça espacial

This paper examines the critical need to integrate prospective planning into territorial development processes for achieving spatial justice and sustainable urban futures. It highlights the limitations of a reactive approach to urban governance, particularly prevalent in Latin America, where weak institutions and unstable political systems often hinder long-term perspectives. The research emphasizes the importance of strategic foresight as a complementary tool to traditional planning practices. Territorial foresight facilitates the exploration of complex future scenarios, fostering collaborative learning and a shared vision among stakeholders. The study proposes a shift towards a proactive, foresight-driven approach that can help break the vicious cycle of addressing only immediate crises. By embracing prospective studies, urban planners and policymakers can gain insights into potential future trajectories, enabling them to anticipate challenges, adapt strategies, and make informed decisions aligned with long-term goals. This paper draws on discourse analysis to examine the work of Latin American institutions and scholars engaged in foresight studies. Ultimately, the paper advocates for a paradigm shift in urban governance, prioritizing long-term strategic vision. This is essential for overcoming the fragmentation of urban planning, addressing systemic inequalities, and laying the groundwork for more just, resilient, and sustainable urban territories.

Ethnicity, culture and human development of Bangladesh’s tea workers

ABSTRACT This study sets out to investigate the human development situation of ethnic tea workers in Bangladesh against the underpinnings of human development theories by employing a qualitative research approach. We collected data for this study from people of diverse ethnic backgrounds and identities through in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and direct observation. The study finds that human development of ethnic tea workers is extremely constrained by the lack of their freedom and adequate income, which is systematically created by the tea planters to serve their business interests. Tea workers’ social isolation from the mainstream Bangladeshi society, coupled with their traditional social life and poor socioeconomic conditions, also manufactured by the regulatory systems, remains the significant marker for the deterrent of their human development. Different traditional beliefs, rituals and practices of these ethic communities are also spotted as contributing factors for their poor human development situation, forcing them to sustain the legacy of working-class status of their predecessors and wind up in the tea plantations for generations.

Precision Fertilization Strategies for Maximizing Jute Yield in Alluvial Soils of Seemanchal Region of Bihar

This research explores precision fertilization techniques to enhance jute production in Katihar district, Bihar, crucial for small farming households in the Seemanchal region, aiming to replace indiscriminate nitrogen application with the Soil Test Targeted Yield (ST-TY) method, crucial for the economic and environmental value of jute, known as the "golden fiber." Over two years (2019-2020) in the Seemanchal region's Katihar district, an experiment compared Soil Test Targeted Yield (ST-TY) method with traditional practices, revealing minimal impact on soil properties but significant decreases in available nitrogen and phosphorus levels raising concern over nutrient management. Notably, achieving a targeted fiber yield of 32.52 qha-1 through specific fertilizer applications (83:35:19 N:P:K kg/ha) with organic matter consistently outperformed other methods. The method resulted in superior plant growth (385 cm) and fiber production (32.52 q ha-1), yielding the highest net income (96884 Rs ha-1) and benefit-cost ratio (3.44), showcasing its economic viability. This underscores the importance of tailored fertilizer strategies and organic materials for enhancing jute cultivation, suggesting broader adoption potential in Seemanchal and beyond.

Rural Tourism and Homestays in India: Impact on Local Economy, Culture and Ecology

Purpose of the study: This study explores rural tourism as a sustainable form that encompasses environmental preservation, entrepreneurial opportunities, and the preservation of traditional village customs, values, and practices. Methodology: The research methodology employed a literature review approach, focusing on secondary data sources. The search utilized the Google Scholar database as a search engine, with the initial 500 results sorted by relevance to ensure comprehensive coverage of relevant scholarly sources. Finally, 31 articles were selected for this study. Principal Findings: Operating homestays can provide alternative accommodation options and catalyze the promotion of rural tourism, benefiting the local community, economy, and regional art and culture. A well-executed marketing plan in rural tourism can bring significant societal advantages by channeling resources from urban to rural areas and curbing rural-urban migration. Applications of the study: This study can be helpful in the tourism and hospitality industry. It is instrumental in promoting rural tourism and supplementary accommodation like homestays in India, thus boosting the local economy and promoting local culture and tradition. Novelty/Originality of the study: Tourism and related industries substantially impact employment due to the sector's labor-intensive nature. Village tourism can generate income and employment and contribute to rural development, preventing rural-urban migration and promoting sustainable revenue generation.

(Re)discovering Ukrainianness: Hutsul folk culture and Ukrainian identity in Soviet film, 1939–1941

ABSTRACT This article examines the Soviet encounter with the Hutsul highlanders of the Eastern Carpathian mountains following the Soviet annexation of eastern Poland in 1939. It demonstrates that the period from September 1939 to June 1941 saw a wave of interest in Hutsul traditional practices across the Soviet cultural sphere that influenced expressions of Ukrainian identity in the USSR. Hutsul folk customs, clothing and handicrafts are displayed in detail in the two most prominent documentaries propagating the Soviet takeover of the Ukrainian west, Oleksandr Dovzhenko’s The Liberation and Iuliia Solntseva’s Bukovyna is a Ukrainian Land (both 1940). Through close analysis of the Carpathian sequences of these films and an examination of the attention given to the highlanders elsewhere in Soviet media, the article reveals how Soviet cultural practitioners view the Hutsuls through an ethnographic gaze that emphasises both their exoticism and their fundamental Ukrainianness. Drawing off a variety of precedents (both Soviet and non-Soviet), the films and other sources depicting Hutsul life contribute to a vision of Ukrainian identity defined by pre-modern culture and an absence of modernity, simultaneously furthering Ukrainian patriotism within the USSR and perpetuating imperialist perceptions of a civilisational gap between Ukraine and the Soviet centre.

Nutrition knowledge of caregivers and feeding practices of children 6-59 months in rural Kajiado central, Kenya

Abstract Introduction: Childhood malnutrition remains a critical public health concern, particularly in developing countries. This study explores the nutrition knowledge of caregivers and its association with feeding practices among children aged 6-59 months in the Maasai community of Rural Kajiado Central, Kenya. Traditional practices and cultural norms significantly influence daily life in this community, emphasizing the need to understand caregivers' nutritional knowledge and its association with child-feeding practices. Objective: The study aims to determine the association between nutrition knowledge of the caregivers and feeding practices among children aged 6-59 months in rural Kajiado Central, Kenya. Methods: A cross-sectional mixed study design was employed, with data collected from caregivers (N=294) using a pre-tested questionnaire. Nutrition knowledge was assessed through a nutrition test, and feeding practices were evaluated using a 24-hour recall and dietary diversity score. Focus Group Discussions provided qualitative insights. Data were analysed using SPSS V26, Nutri-survey software, and qualitative thematic analysis. Results: Caregivers demonstrated high nutrition knowledge (60.9% high, 3.4% very high), yet feeding practices revealed challenges. Most children consumed three meals daily, but dietary diversity was limited, focusing on cereals, milk, and fats. Despite high knowledge levels, there was no significant association between nutrition knowledge and several feeding practices (p>0.05). Conclusion: Improving dietary diversity requires addressing infrastructural barriers alongside nutrition education. The study emphasizes the complex interplay between nutritional practices, socio-economic factors, and educational opportunities, highlighting the need for holistic interventions. Recommendations: Infrastructure support is crucial to improving food accessibility in rural areas. Nutrition education alone may not suffice to enhance feeding practices and nutritional status.

Integrating Water Management Practices with Modern Irrigation Technologies in Aalo, West Siang District, Arunachal Pradesh

This research addresses the imperative of harmonizing traditional water management practices with contemporary irrigation technologies to ensure sustainable water use in Aalo, West Siang District, Arunachal Pradesh. Given the pressing need to optimize water resources for agricultural pursuits while upholding environmental integrity and socio-economic progress, a multidisciplinary methodology is employed. Aalo faces multifaceted challenges such as water scarcity, erratic rainfall patterns, and escalating agricultural demands. While traditional water management methods have historically upheld agricultural livelihoods, the advent of modern irrigation technologies presents promising avenues for bolstering water efficiency, crop productivity, and sustainable development. Through a mixed-methods approach, including quantitative analysis, qualitative assessments, and participatory research methods, the study endeavors to comprehensively understand water management practices and irrigation technologies in Aalo. Surveys, interviews, and field observations will facilitate the assessment of traditional water management systems' efficacy in mitigating water scarcity and supporting agricultural productivity. Concurrently, the study will evaluate the adoption and impact of modern irrigation technologies on water use efficiency, crop yields, and socio-economic indicators in the region. Anticipated findings are poised to unveil synergies and prospects for integrating traditional wisdom with modern irrigation practices to fortify sustainability and resilience in water management. Consequently, the study will offer actionable recommendations targeted at policymakers, agricultural extension services, and local communities. These recommendations encompass preserving traditional water management systems, promoting the uptake of modern irrigation technologies, fostering knowledge exchange, capacity-building initiatives, and nurturing community engagement in water management endeavors. Through these initiatives, the research aims to foster a holistic approach towards sustainable water management practices in Aalo, poised at the nexus of traditional knowledge and contemporary innovation.

Pagelaran Pottery Village: Culture-Education Resin-Concrete Souvenir in Industrial Tourism

This implementation aims to develop resin-concrete souvenirs as a superior product for the pottery industry tourism in Pagelaran Village, with the aim of promoting cultural education and enhancing the visitor experience. Pagelaran Village, renowned for its heritage in pottery production and traditional cultural practices, faces challenges in preserving its cultural identity and attracting tourists amid changing consumer preferences. Consequently, this activity explores the concept of resin-concrete souvenirs as a method to convey the cultural identity of Pagelaran Village pottery according to tourist preferences. Implementation of this activity employed a mixed approach, combining qualitative interviews with local artisans and quantitative surveys of tourists, to gather insights into the village’s cultural heritage and visitor preferences. The resin-concrete souvenir prototype in the form of merchandise was designed by amalgamating traditional pottery motifs and cultural elements unique Pagelaran Village. Subsequently, it underwent user tests and feedback sessions to ensure their aesthetic appeal, durability, and ability to evoke cultural narratives. The resin-concrete souvenir prototype has significant potential as a superior product in industrial tourism. The integration of traditional pottery with modern materials enables the creation of products that are both visually appealing and culturally relevant. Additionally, tourist responses show high interest in souvenirs characterized by authentic and narrative cultural experiences. This implementation contributes to the development of souvenirs in the context of industrial tourism, emphasizing the significance of education and preservation of cultural heritage. Besides bolstering the economy of Pagelaran Village, resin-concrete souvenirs can educate visitors about the village’s cultural heritage, thereby encouraging sustainable tourism practices. Keywords: resin, concrete, souvenir, pottery, pagelaran

Impact of Climate Change on the Farming Community of Bhaktapur District of Nepal

This study was carried out to evaluate the impact of climate change on the farming community in Bhaktapur, Nepal. The study considered rainfall, temperature, flood/drought, harvest and sowing time, and pest and disease incidence over 20 years as primary factors to be considered. A household survey of 120 houses was conducted following the set of questionnaires prepared. As a result, significant changes were observed in climatic aspects as well as biological aspects. The obtained result demonstrated that the precipitation observed drastic change as there was an incidence of erratic and heavy rainfall on summer days while the intensity and frequency of rainfall decreased during winter. These abnormalities certainly do not favor agriculture and farming. Similarly, the temperature of the study area has increased annually over the last two decades. The data suggests that the average annual temperature is increasing at the rate of 0.038°C per year. Moreover, the survey showed that the time of harvest and time of sowing seeds have been delayed respectively to the time a few decades back while the climatic aberrations have increased the incidence of pests and diseases. In a nutshell, the changes in climatic conditions have a drastic change in the farming system and thus the agricultural produce and productivity. The study highlights the significant impact of climate change on traditional farming practices in Bhaktapur, Nepal. It underscores how changes in rainfall patterns, temperature, and the incidence of extreme weather events like floods and droughts have disrupted agricultural activities such as planting and harvesting cycles. The research not only identifies challenges but also emphasizes the need for adaptation strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate change on farming communities. By linking research findings to policy recommendations and practical interventions, the study offers actionable insights for policymakers, practitioners, and local stakeholders striving to build resilience in agricultural systems.

Sustainable Sheep and Goat Farming in Arid Regions of Jordan

This study examines the sustainability of livestock farming in Jordan’s arid regions, focusing on smallholder Awassi sheep and Baladi goat farming. It assesses breeders, economic factors, herd productivity, and sustainability, evaluating the vitality of these breeds by examining reproductive success through birth and survival rates. In 2021–2022, a total of 53 traditional Awassi sheep and Baladi goat farms in Northern Jordan’s Mafraq Governorate were surveyed using a comprehensive questionnaire to gather data on breeders’ information, farm economics, and herd indicators. Dry seasons in arid lands are tough on sheep and goats, with limited fodder and water availability harming their health and reproductive capacity. While wet seasons bring relief, they can also introduce diseases. Special care for these animals throughout the year is crucial to maintain healthy herds in arid regions. Linear models were employed to analyze sample data, with variance and correlation tests used to explore relationships among variables. Additionally, chi-squared analysis was utilized to assess the impact of male replacement plans on these herds. The main outcomes of this study reveal that breeder indicators pose challenges to the sustainability and growth of Awassi sheep and Baladi goat farming. Conversely, economic indicators suggest a blend of financial stability alongside obstacles related to profitability and resource ownership. Breeder age emerges as a significant factor in livestock herd management, influenced by elements such as experience, resource availability, and adherence to traditional practices. Experience notably influences breeders’ decisions regarding male insemination replacements, likely due to acquired skills. Crop cultivation is shown to reduce fodder costs, thereby enhancing profitability for each young animal sold and consequently increasing the breeders’ returns. Winter conditions elevate animal mortality rates due to cold stress, while other animals within herds contribute to increased kid mortality by facilitating disease transmission. Breeder experience significantly impacts lamb survival, underscoring its importance in ensuring proper care. Increasing ewe proportions within herds enhances lamb production and lowers lamb mortality rates. Effective ram management and yearling lamb sales further contribute to herd health and productivity. A higher proportion of goats within a herd positively correlates with the number of young yearlings sold but inversely affects breeding males and overall kid numbers, indicating a delicate balance that influences herd productivity and mortality rates. Sheep (92.5%) and goat herds (90.6%) demonstrate reproductive success, indicative of superior long-term vitality. While sheep excel in birth rates, survival, and sales, they exhibit lower ewe and lambing percentages. Goat farming demonstrates high birth rates, sales, and overall success but requires particular attention to ensuring kid survival, especially during the winter months. Improving the characteristics of the Awassi sheep and Baladi goat flocks is crucial for ensuring sustainability, achievable through proper care practices in dry lands. In conclusion, despite the challenges, there are promising opportunities to enhance sheep and goat farming in Jordan. Effective management, informed by the breeders’ experience and economics, is crucial. Empowering small-scale herders and implementing targeted interventions, like winter mortality solutions and selective breeding, is vital for sustainable growth.

Relationality in Indigenous Climate Change Education Research: A Learning Journey from Indigenous Communities in Bangladesh

Abstract This article explores my relational learning reflections with the Laitu Khyeng Indigenous community in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT), Bangladesh, focusing on Indigenous perspectives on climate change education. Implementing a relational theoretical framework, I share my reflections on relational learning in this research as part of being accountable to the Indigenous community. Through exploring Indigenous land-based climate change research, five central themes emerge Indigenous land rights, relationship with the environment, community-led relationality as collaboration, intergenerational relational knowledge and relationality as ethical reciprocity. The findings explore the intrinsic connection between Indigenous communities and their ancestral territories, emphasising the significance of upholding Indigenous sovereignty over land for sustainable adaptation to climate change. In this article, I highlight the importance of relational learning as a form of education, fostering resilience rooted in preserving traditional practices and spaces. Relationality with the environment is central to Indigenous climate education, promoting understanding and reciprocity with the land. In my learning, I learned that community dynamics and collaborative learning are essential for effective climate education, emphasising collective action and diverse perspectives. In relational learning, inter-generational knowledge transmission ensures the preservation and sharing of traditional land-based knowledge across generations, forming the foundation for sustainable adaptation strategies. Ethical engagement and reciprocity guide research interactions, emphasising mutual respect and cultural sensitivity. By centring Indigenous perspectives and knowledge systems, this study advocates for community-led approaches to climate change education, fostering resilience and environmental stewardship within Indigenous communities.

Rabi groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) yield in different agro-ecologies of eastern India: Factors analyses

Improving edible oilseed production is a need of the hour to ensure food security in India. Numerous efforts were made to fasten these efforts, including implementation of Cluster Frontline Demonstration (CFLDs). In this initiative, the groundnut crop has also been promoted in various parts of India in the form of CFLD under different agro-ecological zones of eastern India through the lead taken up by Krishi Vigyan Kendra, the Farm Science Centre (KVK) of Odisha and West Bengal. The assessment aimed at underlying the relative importance of the factors affecting the groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) yield in this region. A study was carried out in the winter (rabi) season 2018–22, revealed that the application of improved technologies, namely seed treatment, use of biofertilizers, Integrated Nutrient Management (INM), Integrated Pest Management (IPM), irrigation etc. increased groundnut yield to the tune of 46.83%. The benefit-cost ratio of demonstrated plot was much higher (2.04) against the traditional practices (1.63). Further, seed treatment, application of bio-fertilizer, and Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) were the major determinants behind enhancement of groundnut yield. These critical factors can significantly contribute towards augmenting the yield of groundnut followed by enhancing the profitability of farmers, besides addressing the agroecological challenges in different agro-ecological zones of eastern India.

Phytochemical profiling, cytotoxic, anti-migration, and anti-angiogenic potential of phenolic-rich fraction from Peganum harmala: in vitro and in ovo studies.

Peganum harmala has been extensively employed in Algerian traditional medicine practices. This study aimed to explore the impact of n-butanol (n-BuOH) extract sourced from Peganum harmala seeds on cell proliferation, cell migration, and angiogenesis inhibition. Cytotoxic potential of n-BuOH extract was evaluated using MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl) 2,5 diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay against human breast adenocarcinoma MCF-7 cells, cell migration was determined using scratch assay, and anti-angiogenic effect was evaluated through macroscopic and histological examinations conducted on chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane. Additionally, this research estimated the phytochemical profile of n-BuOH extract. Fifteen phenolic compounds were identified using Ultra-performance liquid chromatography UPLC-ESI-MS-MS analysis. In addition, the n-BuOH extract of P. harmala exhibited potent antioxidant and free radical scavenging properties. The n-BuOH extract showed potent cytotoxicity against MCF-7 cell with an IC50 value of 8.68 ± 1.58 μg/mL. Furthermore, n-BuOH extract significantly reduced migration. A strong anti-angiogenic activity was observed in the groups treated with n-BuOH extract in comparison to the negative control. Histological analysis confirmed the anti-angiogenic effect of the n-BuOH extract. This activity is probably a result of the synergistic effects produced by different polyphenolic classes.

Navigating the green growth spectrum: Exploring the synergy between geopolitical risk, environmental policy stringency, and green production practices

The deepening understanding of the environment has heightened our perception of the causes of environmental damage, promoting a shift from combating pollution to preventing it with a core emphasis on environmental protection. Academicians and governance authorities have shifted their focus from traditional production practices to green production practices (GPP). The current body of literature has explored the impact of GPP on environmental quality. Whereas, the implications of geopolitical risk (GPR) and environmental policy stringency (EPS) on GPP are still unexplored. Keeping in view these gaps in existing research, this research is the earliest endeavor to examine the impact of GPR and EPS on GPP for the group of seven (G-7) countries from 1990 to 2020. In this regard, we have applied panel quantile regression (PQR) which allows for a more flexible treatment of heterogeneity and is robust to deal with outliers and skewed distributions compared to traditional panel data techniques. The empirical findings reveal that GPR has a significant destructive impact on GPP whereas, the EPS upsurge the GPP in G-7 countries. Founded on the factual outcomes, we recommend policy recommendations to achieve the objectives of SDG 07 (affordable and clean energy), SDG 08 (exports for decent economic growth), SDG 09 (industry innovation and infrastructure), SDG 11 (sustainable cities and societies), SDG 12 (responsible consumption and production), SDG 13 (environmental policies for climate action), and SDG 16 (conflict, peace, and justice strong institutions).

Greater Attention to Wild Foods and Cultural Knowledge Supports Increased Nutrition Outcomes Associated with Agroecology

Agroecology frameworks do not explicitly include nutrition, but nutrition is an outcome of many principles of agroecology, with growing evidence that agroecological interventions improve diet quality and nutrition. In this paper, we argue that more explicit attention to the importance of wild foods from diverse agroecological landscapes will further enhance the nutrition outcomes associated with agroecology. In rural landscapes around the world, wild foods provide nutrient-dense and culturally important foods that make significant contributions to the diet in some contexts and are culturally important and highly valued delicacies in others. Agroecological principles, science, and practice already support the maintenance of wild foods in food systems by highlighting ecological principles. These include low or no use of pesticides, landscape diversity, and maintenance of biodiversity, alongside social principles such as traditional knowledge and cultural practices. The focus in agroecology on working with traditional knowledge and cultural practices supports the preservation of traditional knowledge required to responsibly harvest and prepare wild foods. Centering landscape diversity and nutrition as outcomes of agroecology supports the continued use of wild foods and cultural knowledge, especially in rural communities around the globe. More explicit attention to wild foods in agroecological systems will further contribute to associated nutrition outcomes, while simultaneously promoting the maintenance of landscape diversity, biodiversity, preservation of cultural knowledge, and other ecological sound and socially just agricultural practices.

QUANTUM MARKETING

Industrial revolution 4.0 and 5.0 is driven by exponential disruptions in consumers lives, caused by a deluge of emerging technologies. The world is changing with such unprecedented speed and disruption that traditional marketing theories, strategies and practices are failing. Quantum marketing is a term that refers to the application of quantum principles, such as superposition, entanglement, and uncertainty, to marketing strategies and practices. It involves leveraging data analytics, AI, and other technologies to personalize marketing efforts and create more targeted and effective campaigns. The idea is to harness the power of quantum-inspired algorithms to optimize marketing outcomes and enhance customer engagement. This Thematic paper takes into account key ideas and issues related to Quantum marketing. KEYWORDS: Quantum Marketing, Chief Quantum Marketing Officer, Consumer Behaviour and relationship, Traditional Vs Quantum Marketing.

Promote Innovation In Madrasah Through The Use Of Educational Technology

The research aims to explore and evaluate the application of educational technology in promoting learning innovation in the madrasah. With the increasing importance of technology integration in the world of education, madrasas also need to adapt teaching methods by integrating relevant digital tools and resources. The research digs into a range of strategies that can be applied by the matrasah to integrate educational technology effectively, including teacher training, developing technological infrastructure, revising curricula, and applying project-based learning using technology. The study uses a qualitative approach through literary research methods, by reviewing and analyzing previous studies, reports, and data on similar topics. Research results show that the use of educational technology in the madrasah has significant potential to drive innovation in the teaching learning process. The training and professional development of teachers is identified as a key factor in the successful implementation of technology, with adequate technological infrastructure as an essential prerequisite. The integration of curricula with digital resources and the implementation of technology-supported project-based learning strategies has proven to enhance student engagement and deepen their understanding of the subject matter. However, challenges such as limited access to technological resources, lack of effective teacher training, and resistance to change in traditional learning practices are also identified as obstacles to be overcome.

Gender gaps in the adoption of climate‐smart agricultural practices: Evidence from sub‐Saharan Africa

AbstractIn this paper we examine whether there are significant gender differences in the adoption of climate‐smart agricultural (CSA) practices in sub‐Saharan Africa. Using individual‐level data from four sites in Kenya, Uganda and Senegal, our empirical analysis provides robust evidence that men have a higher likelihood of adopting high‐return CSA practices including modern chemical fertiliser, improved high‐yielding varieties and drought/pest tolerant livestock practices. In contrast, women tend to have a higher likelihood of adopting low‐risk and low‐return traditional CSA practices such as water harvesting, crop covering, rangeland management and pest management. Our subsample analysis shows significant heterogeneity in the gender gap across countries. The results of the decomposition of the observed gender gap show that personal values and norms, access to weather and production information and farm characteristics are important factors that explain the gender differential in the likelihood of CSA adoption. Our findings imply that equalising access to key resources such as plots of land, information and decision making power will be crucial to close the gender gap in the adoption of CSA practices. This is particularly important given the differential impacts of climate change between men and women in sub‐Saharan Africa.