Views Of Local Community Research Articles

Are We All Archaeologists Now?

The claim that “we are all archaeologists now” extends existing commitments to include into archaeological discussions the views of local communities, researchers in other disciplines, amateur researchers (citizen scientists) and other important stakeholders such as indigenous populations. However, far from all would agree that such inclusivity is indeed appropriate or sensible. The present Forum debating the question whether or not “we are all archaeologists now” demonstrates not only the diversity of viable perspectives on the practice of archaeology but also the variety of possible means of expression and indeed the vitality of archaeological questions in many realms of contemporary society. Contributions have been submitted from around the world and they encompass disciplinary perspectives from archaeology, art, architecture, Urban Studies, design, sociology and anthropology, as well as very personal accounts involving sickness, music and homelessness.

Sustainable production and consumption of palm oil in Indonesia: What can stakeholder perceptions offer to the debate?

Meeting the global demand for palm oil poses great sustainability challenges. Indonesia is experiencing one of the largest oil palm expansions worldwide. Important socioeconomic and environmental impacts of the palm oil sector remain unsolved including conflicts over land tenure, loss of biodiversity, air pollution and emission of greenhouse gases. The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) is a multi-stakeholder alliance promoting best practices along palm oil supply chains. However, the RSPO’s potential to truly enhance the sustainability of palm oil production and consumption has been questioned. The different stakeholder groups that comprise the RSPO often hold different agendas and perspectives, posing a barrier for enhancing the sustainability of the sector. Moreover, RSPO stakeholders’ perceptions may not be necessarily attuned to local realities and sensibilities in Indonesia. This paper, (a) provides a rapid appraisal of the perceptions on the barriers for improving palm oil sustainability as held by the main RSPO stakeholder groups and (b) contrasts them with the views of local communities in oil palm expansion areas. Our results suggest that RSPO stakeholders’ perceptions about enhancing palm oil sustainability are overall highly divergent. However there seemed to be an underlying common optimism among some RSPO stakeholders and local communities about the feasibility of a technical fix. Understanding RSPO stakeholders’ perceptions can enrich the current debate about the sustainable production and consumption of palm oil that is usually informed by rigorous yet highly compartmentalized research.

Towards Adaptation to Climate Change: Water for Rice in the Coastal Wetlands of Doñana, Southern Spain

Rice production in coastal wetlands provides critical ecosystem services that range from flood control to wildlife habitat. In the Iberian Peninsula rice was introduced in the 10th Century. Today Iberian rice accounts for about one quarter of the total rice production of the European Union, almost exclusively cultivated in the coastal wetlands of Spain, with permanent flooding. The intensive water management required to produce rice stands at a crucial point since freshwater supply is deteriorating at an unprecedented rate. Here we explore flexible adaptation options to climate change in the Doñana wetlands - a world heritage and biodiversity site - from two points of view: What are the policy options for agricultural water management in view of climate change? How can informed stakeholders contribute to better adaptation? The first question is addressed by simulating water availability to farmers with the WAAPA model under a range of adaptation policy options derived from the view of the local communities. The second question was addressed by means of participatory research. Adaptation options are framed according to the local environmental, social and policy context. Results suggest that perception on the potential role of new water infrastructure and farming subsidies dominates the view of local communities. The choices of the stakeholders that could be simulated with the hydrological model, were quantified in terms of additional water availability for the rice farming, therefore providing a quantitative measure to the qualitative solutions. Information provided during the study shaped the final adaptation options developed. Our research contributes to the definition of sustainable rice production in Europe.

Community engagement strategies for genomic studies in Africa: a review of the literature.

BackgroundCommunity engagement has been recognised as an important aspect of the ethical conduct of biomedical research, especially when research is focused on ethnically or culturally distinct populations. While this is a generally accepted tenet of biomedical research, it is unclear what components are necessary for effective community engagement, particularly in the context of genomic research in Africa.MethodsWe conducted a review of the published literature to identify the community engagement strategies that can support the successful implementation of genomic studies in Africa. Our search strategy involved using online databases, Pubmed (National Library of Medicine), Medline and Google scholar. Search terms included a combination of the following: community engagement, community advisory boards, community consultation, community participation, effectiveness, genetic and genomic research, Africa, developing countries.ResultsA total of 44 articles and 1 thesis were retrieved of which 38 met the selection criteria. Of these, 21 were primary studies on community engagement, while the rest were secondary reports on community engagement efforts in biomedical research studies. 34 related to biomedical research generally, while 4 were specific to genetic and genomic research in Africa.ConclusionWe concluded that there were several community engagement strategies that could support genomic studies in Africa. While many of the strategies could support the early stages of a research project such as the recruitment of research participants, further research is needed to identify effective strategies to engage research participants and their communities beyond the participant recruitment stage. Research is also needed to address how the views of local communities should be incorporated into future uses of human biological samples. Finally, studies evaluating the impact of CE on genetic research are lacking. Systematic evaluation of CE strategies is essential to determine the most effective models of CE for genetic and genomic research conducted in African settings.

How the local community views wildlife conservation: a case of Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary, Uttar Pradesh, India

A study was conducted to assess the local community’s attitudes towards wildlife conservation in Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary (HWS), Uttar Pradesh, India. It is the largest sanctuary in the state and under the highest anthropogenic pressure. People engage in fishing, livestock grazing, fuel wood/fodder collection, cash cropping of cucurbits in the sandy river banks for sustenance and commercial extraction of sand and grass for construction. These activities threaten the survival of threatened species like Swamp Deer Rucervus duvaucelii, Gangetic Dolphin Platanista gangetica, Smooth-coated Otter Lutrogale perspicillata and Gharial Gavialis gangeticus. Interviews were conducted with heads of randomly selected families and ‘yes/no’ opinions were taken. Questions included direct statements on biodiversity status and relationship with the Sanctuary resources. Data was classified in percent values and it was found that there is no difference in people’s perception on increase, decrease or stability of biodiversity. Further, a majority of people find life around a protected area disadvantageous, or with dismal advantages. Building on this premise the study suggests that a better share in development and alternative livelihood options for the local community of HWS can decrease their dependence on natural resources and improve conservation as a favourable option in the present perceptions of the people.

Entering history? Archaeologists as intellectualsà la recherche du temps perdu

AbstractFollowing some comments on the notion of ‘public’ intellectuals (can they be otherwise?), this brief paper focuses on the intellectual roles that could be played by archaeologists today. Exposure to the media, usually following some spectacular discovery, serves to confirm the romantico-empirical image of the discipline, but should also lead to an engagement with key public debates. Three such debates are indicated: the idea that ‘African man has yet to enter history’ as expressed by the former French president; the creation of a Maison de l'histoire de France under the tutelage of the Ministry of National Identity; and, across the Channel, the Localism Bill, which pushes decision making to an untenably low level while promoting a historically and archaeologically questionable view of local communities.

Social and cultural determinants of oral cholera vaccine uptake in Zanzibar

Effectiveness of mass cholera vaccination campaigns requires not only technical and financial capacity but also consideration of social and cultural factors affecting vaccine acceptance. This study examined the influence of local community views of cholera on oral cholera vaccine (OCV) uptake in a mass vaccination campaign in 2009 in peri-urban and rural areas of Zanzibar. It used data from interviews conducted before the campaign and followed previous research assessing determinants of anticipated OCV acceptance. OCV uptake was lower than the reported anticipated acceptance. Less than half of the 356 adult respondents (49.7%) drank the required two doses of OCV. Variables referring to socio-cultural features of diarrheal illness that respondents identified with a cholera case vignette explained uptake better than analysis only of socio-demographic characteristics. Somatic features of illness not specific for cholera were negative determinants. Recognition of unconsciousness as a serious sign of dehydration and concern that cholera outbreaks would overwhelm the local healthcare system in the rural area were positive determinants of acceptance. Female gender, rural residence and older age were also positive determinants of OCV uptake. For further vaccine action with OCVs, cholera as a cause of severe dehydration should be distinguished from other causes of diarrhea. Planning should acknowledge rural concern about the relationship of limited capacity of the healthcare system to cope with cholera outbreaks and the priority of a cholera vaccine. Findings recommend particular efforts to increase cholera immunization coverage among young adults, in peri-urban areas and for men.

Hope and skepticism: Farmer and local community views on the socio-economic benefits of agricultural bioenergy

U.S. government policies and programs promoting agricultural bioenergy development have tended to prioritize national goals of energy security, economic growth and environmental improvement, while marginalizing the local experiences, views and concerns of farmers and rural communities that will produce the needed energy crops. Based on qualitative field interviews with 48 farming and non-farming participants in two switchgrass bioenergy projects (in southern Iowa and in northeastern Kentucky), this paper examines local perspectives on the potential opportunities, drawbacks, and tradeoffs of the emerging agricultural bioeconomy for rural people and places. Individual project participants expressed both positive and negative perceptions about the impacts of the agricultural bioeconomy, with local and regional revitalization being the benefit most desired and also least expected. Skepticism about the social impacts of the agricultural bioeconomy often stemmed from observations of corporate control in agriculture more generally. This research suggests that narrow instrumental views of farmers and rural communities as technical providers of energy feedstocks can be misleading, because they omit the local social and cultural context that complicates rural responses and receptivity to the development of the agricultural bioeconomy.

Public Education in Heritage Conservation for Geopark Community

This paper examines Langkawi's local community's views on their appreciation of the geopark as a tool for heritage conservation. Data were collected through qualitative method using interviews with key village informants and local residents. The results of this study are presented according the five core values established in a newly developed framework: knowledge and understanding, shared values, benefit and opportunities, role and responsibilities, and empowerment. The conclusions point to the needs for public education programmes, and awareness initiatives aimed not only at ensuring community engagement within the development of Langkawi Geopark but also at generating stewardship actions from the community.

Effectiveness of exclosures to control soil erosion and local community perception on soil erosion in Tigray, Ethiopia

The study investigated how effective exclosures are in the fight against soil erosion and how they are perceived as a means to control soil erosion by the local community (farmers and local experts). The universal soil loss equation (USLE) used to estimate potential soil erosion. Data on local community perception obtained from a survey of 62 farm households and five local experts. In-depth interview, group discussion and non-participant field observation also carried out to obtain additional information. The USLE results agreed with the farmers’ (67%) and local experts’ opinion that erosion at study area is severe and affects the quality of lives of residents. Insignificant difference (p > 0.05) was observed in the estimated soil loss among treatments. However, the estimated soil loss from free grazing lands was higher by 47% than soil loss from exclosures which illustrated that exclosures are effective to control soil erosion. The majority of farmers (70%) also rated exclosures effectiveness to control soil erosion as high. Local communities were optimistic about the chances to rehabilitate degraded lands and make them productive. The majority of farmers (60%) did not consider population growth as a cause of soil erosion. For the majority of interviewed farmers, poor land management is more important. Efforts to create awareness within the rural communities should focus on the link between high population growth, environmental degradation and poverty. The optimistic view of local communities can be considered as an asset for the planning and development of degraded lands rehabilitation efforts. Key words: Ethiopia, exclosures, local experts, perception, rural community, soil erosion.

Developing a Predictive Understanding of Landscape Importance to the Punan-Pelancau of East Kalimantan, Borneo

In order for local community views to be incorporated into new development initiatives, their perceptions need to be clearly understood and documented in a format that is readily accessible to planners and developers. The current study sought to develop a predictive understanding of how the Punan Pelancau community, living in a forested landscape in East Kalimantan, assigns importance to its surrounding landscapes and to present these perceptions in the form of maps. The approach entailed the iterative use of a combination of participatory community evaluation methods and more formal modeling and geographic information system techniques. Results suggest that landscape importance is largely dictated by potential benefits, such as inputs to production, health, and houses. Neither land types nor distance were good predictors of landscape importance. The grid-cell method, developed as part of the study, appears to offer a simple technique to capture and present the knowledge of local communities, even where their relationship to the land is highly complex, as was the case for this particular community.

The Impact of Local Voluntary and Community Sector Infrastructure on Community Involvement in Rural Regeneration Partnerships

This article reviews the role of local voluntary and community sector infrastructure bodies in promoting and supporting community involvement in rural regeneration partnerships. It shows that they are an essential element in addressing the power and structural inequalities that have often dogged such partnerships in the past. The authors identify key approaches that these bodies can take, both to stimulate local grassroots community involvement in regeneration initiatives and to ensure that community representatives at the strategic level are sensitive to the needs and views of local communities.

Visitor management and the preservation of rock art: Two case studies of open air rock art sites in north eastern Portugal: Côa Valley and Mazouco

Since the opening in 1996 of the Parque Arqueológico Vale do Côa (Côa Valley Archaeological Park, PAVC) the visitation scheme implemented has come under intense scrutiny and criticism, mostly from Portuguese archaeologists and the local community. Considering these criticisms and some examples of different management strategies employed in other Open Air Rock Art Sites in the northeastern area of Portugal and also in the rest of the world, this paper aims to discuss visitor access systems from a preservation versus public access, socio-economic perspective. Since visitors are one of the main stakeholders in Cultural Heritage Resources management, their feelings and opinions on public access schemes will also be assessed by means of a survey that aims to determine visitor satisfaction levels in the Côa Valley. Likewise, other stakeholders' and local community's views on development and visitor management will be considered by means of interviews and articles published in the local and national press. The intent is to demonstrate that rock art sites, because of their special nature, especially the ones situated in this area of the Iberian Peninsula, require particular approaches, namely in the implementation of visitor access systems.

Local attitudes toward community-based conservation policy and programmes in Nepal: a case study in the Makalu-Barun Conservation Area

Community-based conservation (CBC) has been projected as the most practical approach to stem biodiversity loss in developing countries. Since CBC is 'people-centred' and experience with it is relatively new, it is important to know the views of local communities regarding implemented policies and programmes. This paper examines the attitudes of local communities toward policy and programmes implemented by a project under the CBC approach in the Makalu-Barun National Park and Conservation Area of Nepal, based on a 1996 survey of 400 people living in it.Overall, respondents did not have a particularly favourable perception of the community development programmes implemented. Strong support existed for ecotourism development in the Conservation Area. Respondents overwhelmingly endorsed community forestry. Wildlife protection remained a low priority amongst a significant majority of respondents. Some demographic and socio-economic factors exerted important influences on the attitudes of respondents. This study suggests that the project should continue addressing local development needs, encourage women's participation in community forestry, work toward dispute settlement of community forest-user groups, and allow hunting of pest wild animals, if it wants to win the support of local communities for long-term biodiversity conservation goals.

Communal land use and the ‘tragedy of the commons’: Some problems and development perspectives with specific reference to semi‐arid regions of southern Africa

Traditional communal farming in southern Africa has often been described as unproductive and directly responsible for regional poverty and vegetation degradation. Each aspect of this argument rests on a set of unchallenged assumptions concerning the nature of communal farming. Studies which emphasize the social and cultural significance of communal farming systems are highlighted. These studies also suggest that communal farming systems are logical and pragmatic adaptations to local conditions, especially from the point of view of local communities, and that they often have underlying rules of behaviour. It is concluded that unless full participation of local communities at every level of the decision‐making process is guaranteed, resistance to and failure of agricultural development programmes is likely.

Współbycie, współodpowiedzialność i współzależność jako kategorie ważne dla pedagogiki społecznej skierowanej ku budowaniu wspólnot lokalnych

The article analyzes three categories: co-existence, co-responsibility and interdependence in the context of contemporary discussions about the role of social pedagogy in building local communities. New possible approaches arise while using these concepts for addressing contemporary conditions of the communities which result in new tasks of education. There are analysed also the consequences of the transformation from the previous rather static (territorial) view of local communities, that had the aim to root people in existing social structures, towards more dynamic, open and diverse spaces. They are not considered only as physical places anymore but as new local relations that are being developed, based on not stable, however increasingly popular forms of sharing experiences. For these changes the studied concepts match the new realities and in consequence demand pedagogical considerations.