bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bush encroachment under three contrasting land‐use practices in a mesic South African savanna
Authors: Wigley B. J. , Bond W. J. , Hoffman M. T. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThis study determined the effects of land‐use practice had on the rate and extent of bush encroachment in a mesic savanna in KwaZulu‐Natal, South Africa. Changes in woody cover were measured for 1 km2 sites in areas under communal, commercial and conservation land‐use systems for the period between 1937 and 2000. Land users from each area were interviewed to gain the histories of each area and to determine how the changes in woody cover had impacted them and whether anything was being done to counteract the spread of trees and shrubs on their land. Bush encroachment occurred across all three of the land‐use types in the 67‐year period between 1937 and 2000. The results showed that land‐use practice had enormous impacts on the process of bush encroachment. The communal site showed a decrease in grass (21%) and tree (5%) cover and an increase in shrub cover (13%). At the commercial site, there was a considerable decrease in grass cover (46%) and moderate increase in shrub cover (10%) and a massive increase in tree cover (36%). The area under conservation showed a substantial decrease in grass cover (47%), a slight decrease in shrub cover (19%) and a massive increase in tree cover (66%). The perceived causes of these changes were fairly similar amongst the different land users. The changes were mostly not perceived to be a problem for the communal land users. The main advantages mentioned were increased woody resources for building and firewood and increased browse availability. The commercial and conservation land users perceived the changes to have significant negative connotations including the loss of grazing land and biodiversity and secondary invasion of encroached areas by alien plant species. Despite these perceptions, very little has been done to combat bush encroachment in the commercial and conservation land use systems.
Assessing the impacts of fire on the vegetation resources that are available to the local communities of the seasonal wetlands of the Okavango, Botswana, in the context of different land uses and key government policies
Authors: Tacheba Budzanani , Segosebe Eagilwe , Vanderpost Cornelis , Sebego Reuben 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThe Okavango wetlands in north western Botswana are the most fire‐prone environment in Botswana. Most of these fires are anthropogenic. The fires in this environment are thought to impact the environment negatively and therefore practices that are associated with extensive use of fire have been strongly criticized. Despite this, there has been little work done to understand how these fires impact the wetlands environment and its dynamics, especially the vegetation resources that are used by the local communities in the wetlands. The objective of the study was to identify fire spatial and temporal trends in relation to settlement distribution, through the use of remote sensing, socio‐economic and phytosociological surveys. The fire history results show that geographically there has not been any significant change in vegetation structure and that in fact fires may have promoted biodiversity. The results of analysis show an overall variance on vegetation structure of 23% whereas the rest are unaccounted for. There is a strong association between settlements, ethnicities, literacy and fire occurrences. The most fire‐prone areas are inhabited by communities that have used fire in the past for various resource use practices.
An overview of environmental issues in Southern Africa
Authors: Darkoh Michael Bernard Kwesi 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThis paper provides an overview of some of the significant environmental problems in the Southern African region. The key problems highlighted are global warming and climate variability, loss of biodiversity, deforestation, desertification‐land degradation, waste and littering, population growth, urbanization, pollution, poverty and health hazards. These problems present a challenge to governments and other players within and outside Southern Africa to seek for long‐term solutions by addressing the root causes of these problems. The paper notes that although the environmental problems facing the Southern African region are being tackled at national, regional and international levels, there is more that can be done. At the national level, the different agencies and players, both within and outside government need to strengthen coordination and implementation of key interventions in different sectors in both rural and urban areas. At the African regional and international levels, there is a need to address geopolitical forces and issues that contribute to the underdevelopment of the African region. Among the major issues are poor terms of international trade, political instability, poverty, declining economic performance and international debt.
Assessment of spring water quality and quantity, and health implications in Tongaren division, Nzoia River catchment, Kenya
Authors: Simiyu G. M. , Ngetich J. , Esipila T. A. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractSpring water is the common source of public water supply in most rural communities of developing countries such as Kenya. The water quality and quantity may be altered due to catchments degradation. This study was carried out in Tongaren division, Nzoia River catchment. The aim of this study was to investigate and map the occurrence and distribution of springs and to determine their water quality and quantity. This study determined the spring water discharge, conductivity, turbidity, total and thermotolerant (faecal) coliforms to assess suitability and sustainability of spring water for safe drinking. Twenty‐eight springs were identified and their locations mapped using Global Positioning System (GPS) geo‐reference data. Discharge ranged from 0.1 to 3 l s−1, with some drying up during dry season. Total coliform was innumerable in most of the studied springs while thermotolerant (faecal) coliform counts occurred in eight springs, including four protected springs. This poses high risks of water‐borne diseases. The water should be filtered and boiled prior to use for drinking. Facilitation of communities enabled development of seven springs to enhance water yield and quality. This study established high potential in the communities to develop springs and utilize the spring water as alternative source of livelihoods.
Environmental variability and the fishery dynamics of the Okavango delta, Botswana: the case of subsistence fishing
Authors: Mmopelwa G. , Mosepele K. , Mosepele B. , Moleele N. , Ngwenya B. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThe hydrological regime of the Okavango River Basin is the main driver of ecological change in the delta. The delta supports a small‐scale fishery which is a source of livelihood for communities within its fringes. The fish resource is particularly important to subsistence fishers, who have limited access to socio‐economic opportunities. However, fish availability is subject to ‘concentration and dilution’ effects because of the hydrological regime. As a copying strategy, fishers use a variety of fishing methods to effectively harvest the delta’s fish community across all its trophic levels. This exploitation regime helps to maintain the delta’s species diversity and only reduces fish biomass proportionally across the different trophical levels. Furthermore, fishers have developed different fish‐processing techniques to preserve their harvest for low fishing season periods to cope with low food availability. The aim of this paper therefore, was to explore spatio‐temporal variations in fish availability and to show how the delta’s subsistence fishers cope with this dynamicity.
Livelihood diversification and implications on dryland resources of central Tanzania
Authors: Liwenga Emma T. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThe concern over sustainable livelihoods in African drylands is an issue that has received considerable attention from researchers and policy makers alike. Over the past two decades African rural areas have undergone rapid changes, whereby, rural income diversification has become the most salient feature. With a particular focus on dryland ecosystems, among the major challenges facing communities in these areas is recurrent drought leading to conditions of food insecurity. This paper draws on experience on coping mechanisms for food insecurity from an agro‐pastoral community in Mvumi, located in the semiarid areas of central Tanzania. An understanding of livelihoods of people in this area has involved examining how communities have managed to adjust their livelihood in the midst of challenges resulting not only from drought but also from various forces such as socio–economic, political and ecological factors. It has been found out that, despite profound food crisis in this area, people are not always desperate and that there are possibilities for realizing some hidden potentials of dryland resources for livelihood diversification. The issue of sustainable natural resource management in such areas is, however, questionable because of some adverse environmental effects associated with some of the coping mechanisms.
Participatory planning, management and alternative livelihoods for poor wetland‐dependent communities in Kampala, Uganda
Authors: Kabumbuli Robert , Kiwazi Frederick William 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThe paper is based on an on‐going 3‐year study in the wetland communities of Kampala. The study uses participatory methods and aims to contribute to (i) the development of low‐income wetland communities, (ii) to prepare these communities to become less dependent on wetlands without receding into poverty, and (iii) the better management of the wetlands. The communities in direct dependence and intimate interaction with Nakivubo wetlands are mainly poor, live and work under hazardous conditions, and their activities pose a threat to the ecological function of the wetlands. Yet these wetlands are important for filtering the city’s waste and storm water before it flows into Lake Victoria’s Murchison Bay, which is Kampala’s source of piped water. Government approaches to the problem of wetland encroachment have largely failed because they are confrontational, and are not consistent or participatory. The study has in the first year conducted a series of activities including stakeholder analysis, resource analysis, livelihood analysis, a questionnaire survey and action planning. Preliminary data show that wetland dependency is very high among the poor nearby communities. They practice cultivation, brick‐making and harvesting of wetland vegetation. However, these activities are under threat because wetland resources are dwindling due to increasing population and over‐use. Livelihoods are threatened not only by the decreasing productivity of the wetland, but also by the ever‐present government threat to evict wetland encroachers to restore its ecology. The study therefore works with communities to prepare for less dependence on wetlands so that they do not suddenly recede into worse poverty if they are evicted. They formulate strategies to enhance alternative livelihood, and for management of the wetland. Action plans have been formulated to address the situation through a newly created association.
Ecotourism and biodiversity conservation in Jozani–Chwaka Bay National Park, Zanzibar
Authors: Salum Layla A. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThis study is based on a study undertaken to assess how ecotourism has influenced biodiversity conservation in Jozani–Chwaka Bay National Park (JCBNP). It involved two communities surrounding the park, namely Pete and Kitogani. Field data were collected using structured questionnaires, key informant interviews and field observations. Questionnaires were administered to 76 households, whereas key informant interviews were conducted with foresters and JCBNP officials. Data analysis was undertaken using standard statistical methods. Findings from the study show that biodiversity management in the JCBNP has improved considerably after the introduction of ecotourism. The number of endemic colobus monkeys (Piliocolobus kirkii) and other rare species has increased. However, this achievement has been attained by restricting surrounding communities from using forest resources without providing alternative sources of livelihood. Findings also show that the benefits from ecotourism do not reach individual households, but the community as whole, in form of various social services. This has caused some resentment among the local people leading to their reluctance to reduce their direct use of ecosystem services available in the JCBNP, claiming that they cannot sustain their livelihood without such services. This has become a major source of conflict between the JCBNP and surrounding communities. Increased awareness and knowledge on biodiversity conservation would be needed for the communities surrounding the park to realize the potential and long‐term benefits of ecotourism, and hence the need for their increased involvement in biodiversity management.
The implications of improved communications for participatory forest management in Tanzania
Authors: Robinson Elizabeth J. Z. , Maganga Faustin 
Published: February 2009

AbstractFollowing the 1998 National Forest Policy and Forest Act of 2002, participatory forest management (PFM) is being introduced in Tanzania. PFM has two key objectives: to reduce forest degradation thereby increasing ecosystem services, and to improve the livelihoods of local villagers. A unique data set collected in 2006 suggests that significant challenges remain with respect to communicating the new forest policies if the objectives of PFM are to be achieved. First, villagers as a group are much less well informed than other stakeholders, and their knowledge is often inaccurate. Second, women are less likely than men to have heard of the changes. Third, how PFM will contribute to poverty reduction (a key objective of PFM) is not always clear. Fourth, environmental degradation may not be reduced as much as anticipated – without alternatives sources, villagers often continue to cut trees for charcoal and firewood in the protected forests. Finally, several mismatches in perceptions are identified that could lead to difficulties in implementing PFM.
Political ecology: a synthesis and search for relevance to today’s ecosystems conservation and development
Authors: Mung’ong’o C. G. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractAfrica is facing problems of deforestation, desertification, loss of soil fertility, loss of wildlife habitats and biodiversity, and the deterioration of aquatic ecosystems and lack of accessible, good quality water. Governments have formulated policies, enacted legislation and established various institutions addressing these issues. African countries are yet to arrest the environmental problems they are facing, due to, among others, the ineffectual theoretical analysis of the problem of ecosystems degradation. This study argues for the adoption of the political ecological framework in the analysis of sociopolitical sources, conditions and ramifications of ecosystems change and also highlights the explanatory power of this conceptual framework as far as the explanation of the problem of ecosystems degradation is concerned, and shows how it can enable us deal with the multi‐layered causality rather than the symptoms of the problem of ecosystems change.
The impacts of changes in vegetation cover on dry season flow in the Kikuletwa River, northern Tanzania
Authors: Munishi P. K. T. , Hermegast A. M. , Mbilinyi B. P. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractWhile the decrease in flow is obvious in the Kikuletwa River, the mechanism leading to the decrease is unclear. We assessed the influence of vegetation cover change on dry season flow in the Kikuletwa River. The combined cover of closed and open forests decreased by 68% while closed and open forests decreased by 56% and 64% respectively. Land under agroforestry decreased by 25%, while that under annual crops increased by 41%. Grasslands increased by 116% and riverine vegetation decreased by 53%. Daily dry season flow showed a slightly decreasing trend in one of the stations despite all of them receiving water from the Rundugai natural springs. On the other hand, low flow indices indicated no statistically significant changes in the long‐term average flow and there was no identifiable change in the rainfall amount. The majority (93%) of the local people perceived a changing rainfall pattern and decline in dry season flow in the Kikuletwa River. Changes in the dry season flow then can be associated with the identified land cover changes. Further research to substantiate the local people perceptions is important as indigenous knowledge may be good evidence for ascertaining changes in the natural environment.
Co-existence of Hashimoto's thyroiditis with familial Mediterranean fever: is there a pathophysiological association between the two diseases?
Authors: Gulcan E , Gulcan A , Koplay M , Alcelik A , Korkmaz U 
Published: February 2009

SummaryFamilial Mediterranean fever is an autosomal recessive disease characterized by periodic attacks of fever and polyserositis, while Hashimoto's thyroiditis is the most common cause of hypothyroidism. We suggest that common autoimmune mechanisms may underlie both disorders, describe their clinical co-existence in a patient, and discuss a possible causal link between them.
Development and psychometric testing of the Scale of Older Adults’ Routine
Authors: Zisberg Anna , Young Heather M. , Schepp Karen 
Published: February 2009

AbstractTitle. Development and psychometric testing of the Scale of Older Adults’ Routine.Aim. This paper is a report of a study to develop, test the reliability, convergent and criterion‐related validity of the Scale of Older Adults’ Routine, using measures of routinization and functional status.Background. The concept of routine needs a reliable and valid measure in order to allow for further expansion of research in this field.Methods. An instrument development procedure, followed by two studies, was conducted in 2004–2005. The validation study utilized a prospective, within‐subject design. Testing took place in samples of independently dwelling residents in four retirement communities in an urban area in the Pacific Northwest of the United States of America (USA). A total of 90 participants took part in the studies. A pilot study (n = 10) allowed for feasibility testing, and a prospective three‐time point longitudinal study (n = 80) assessed the instrument’s reliability and preliminary validity.Results. The 42‐item scale describes various aspects of older adults’ routines and assesses routine stability across time. The scale has five dimensions (Basic, Instrumental, Social, Leisure and Rest Activities) and five scoring systems. The scale’s content validity and feasibility were high. Reliability indices were acceptable, ranging from 0·56 to 0·90 for the subscales. Validity tests showed moderate correlations with both functional indices (r = 0·29–0·56;P < 0·01) and trait routinization (r = 0·30–0·38;P < 0·01).Conclusions. Scale of Older Adults’ Routine demonstrated acceptable psychometric properties for most of its subscales and scores. Although further research is needed, it can be applied in both research and practice for evaluating routine among older adults and its associations with various outcome measures.
Assessing workload in general practice in England before and after the introduction of the pay‐for‐performance contract
Authors: Gemmell Islay , Campbell Stephen , Hann Mark , Sibbald Bonnie 
Published: February 2009

AbstractTitle.  Assessing workload in general practice in England before and after the introduction of the pay‐for‐performance contract.Aim.  This paper is a report of a study conducted to describe changes in practice team size and composition, and the workload of doctors and nursing staff, before (2003) and after (2005) the introduction of the pay‐for‐performance contract for general practice.Background.  In 2004, a new pay‐for‐performance contract for general practice was introduced in England. This improved the quality but may also have altered practice workload, including the workload of nursing staff.Method.  Practice profile questionnaires and staff workload diaries were completed in 42 practices in England in 2003 and 2005. Managers provided information on team size and composition in 2003 and 2005. One week workload diaries were completed by doctors and nursing staff in both years. Diaries recorded: hours of work, number and complexity of patient visits, and types of problems (acute, chronic, preventative).Findings.  The number of practice staff increased with greater increases observed for nursing staff than doctors. There was no change in the average number of hours worked per week by nursing staff or doctors but nurse visit rates increased while doctors’ rates decreased. The proportion of presenting problems described as chronic or preventative increased for doctors (χ2= 8·54, d.f. = 1, P < 0·004) but was unchanged for nursing staff. Nursing staff dealt with more complex visits in 2005 compared to 2003 (χ2 = 30·70, d.f. = 3, P < 0·001) but there was no change for doctors.Conclusion.  General practices may have responded to the 2004 contract by increasing staffing levels, with nursing staff absorbing a higher proportion of the clinical workload and doctors focusing more attention on chronic and preventive care. Expanding nursing staff roles may increase the quality of primary care but may lead also to intensification of nurses’ work.
The phenomenon of resilience as described by adults who have experienced mental illness
Authors: Edward Karen‐leigh , Welch Anthony , Chater Keri 
Published: February 2009

AbstractTitle.  The phenomenon of resilience as described by adults who have experienced mental illness. Aim.  This paper is a report of a study to explore the phenomenon of resilience in the lives of adult patients of mental health services who have experienced mental illness.Background.  Mental illness is a major health concern worldwide, and the majority experiencing it will continue to battle with relapses throughout their lives. However, in many instances people go on to overcome their illness to lead productive and socially engaged lives. Contemporary mental health nursing practice primarily focuses on symptom reduction, and working with resilience has not generally been a consideration.Method.  A descriptive phenomenological study was carried out in 2006. One participant was recruited through advertisements in community newspapers and newsletters and the others using the snowballing method. Information was gathered through in‐depth individual interviews which were tape‐recorded and subsequently transcribed. Colaizzi’s original seven‐step approach was used for data analysis, with the inclusion of two additional steps.Findings.  The following themes were identified: Universality, Acceptance, Naming and knowing, Faith, Hope, Being the fool and Striking a balance, Having meaning and meaningful relationships, and ‘Just doing it’. The conceptualization identified as encapsulating the themes was ‘Viewing life from the ridge with eyes wide open’, which involved knowing the risks and dangers ahead and making a decision for life amid ever‐present hardships.Conclusion.  Knowledge about resilience should be included in the theoretical and practical education of nursing students and experienced nurses. Early intervention, based on resilience factors identified through screening processes, is needed for people with mental illness.