title: Agrobiodiversity Enhancement for the sustainability of the tropical uplands:  An evaluation of agricultural land use  in Liliw, Laguna, Philippines

authors: Wagan, Amparo M.

subjects: Agrobiodiversity Enhancement ABDE

abstract: Agrobiodiversity Enhancement (ABDE) is a strategy that has been advanced for preventing environmental degradation without losing agricultural productivity. However, there is not yet sufficient evidence to support the important role that ABDE might have for managing agricultural land use in the tropical uplands. This research is an attempt to help fill this knowledge gap. The general aim of the thesis was to explore the potential of ABDE as a management alternative for agricultural land use in the uplands in terms of environmental protection, productivity and farmer acceptability. To achieve the aim, a methodological framework for evaluating agricultural land use in the uplands was developed. The methodology aimed at allowing one to understand the influence of agricultural land use on natural resources and farm productivity and the social factors that will most likely influence land users to enhance agrobiodiversity of their production. The methodological framework provided a minimum set of criteria and indicators that can be used for assessing agricultural land uses in the uplands. Main criteria for the evaluation included protection, productivity, viability security and acceptability. The following indicators were included: Shannon Diversity Index, Depth of Topsoil, Soil Organic Matter, Soil Nitrate, Crop Yields, Net Income, Trend in Income and Harvest Loss, Farmer Traits, Farm Characteristics and Farmer perceptions on the influence of farming on the health of natural resources and of the farm workers. The methodological framework also includes a range of methods and techniques for gathering environmental, economic and social data in the uplands and indicates circumstances under which each might best be utilized. 

Using the methodological framework, agricultural land use in an upland area in Liliw, Laguna Philippines was evaluated for protection of natural resources, specifically of the soil quality and for farm productivity and for the social factors that influence the way agricultural lands are managed. Results showed integration of horticultural trees and crops have potential for protecting thickness of the topsoil, reducing nutrient wastage and is more economically profitable than monocropping systems. Specifically, coconut exhibited importance in maintaining thickness of topsoil while lanzones played major role in augmenting farm income and as buffer to income losses from annual crops. Older farmers and women were found associated with agricultural land use with diversified production in the case study area. The Logit model analysis further showed that leadership quality and land ownership are the social factors that will likely influence integration of horticultural trees and crops in the uplands. Other personal characteristics like years of experience in farming, access to other sources of livelihood, land size, awareness of land degradation and effect of agrochemicals on heath of the farm workers have no likely influence on agricultural lands with integration of horticultural trees and crops. SWOT analysis of agricultural land use in the case study site showed that despite the environmental and economic advantages of agricultural lands with diversified production, there are weaknesses and barriers to its further development and implementation. From this assessment, implications for developing and implementing an ABDE intervention program for the tropical uplands were drawn.

text: Agrobiodiversity Enhancement for the sustainability of the tropical uplands:  An evaluation of agricultural land use  in Liliw, Laguna, Philippines Agrobiodiversity Enhancement (ABDE) is a strategy that has been advanced for preventing environmental degradation without losing agricultural productivity. However, there is not yet sufficient evidence to support the important role that ABDE might have for managing agricultural land use in the tropical uplands. This research is an attempt to help fill this knowledge gap. The general aim of the thesis was to explore the potential of ABDE as a management alternative for agricultural land use in the uplands in terms of environmental protection, productivity and farmer acceptability. To achieve the aim, a methodological framework for evaluating agricultural land use in the uplands was developed. The methodology aimed at allowing one to understand the influence of agricultural land use on natural resources and farm productivity and the social factors that will most likely influence land users to enhance agrobiodiversity of their production. The methodological framework provided a minimum set of criteria and indicators that can be used for assessing agricultural land uses in the uplands. Main criteria for the evaluation included protection, productivity, viability security and acceptability. The following indicators were included: Shannon Diversity Index, Depth of Topsoil, Soil Organic Matter, Soil Nitrate, Crop Yields, Net Income, Trend in Income and Harvest Loss, Farmer Traits, Farm Characteristics and Farmer perceptions on the influence of farming on the health of natural resources and of the farm workers. The methodological framework also includes a range of methods and techniques for gathering environmental, economic and social data in the uplands and indicates circumstances under which each might best be utilized. 

Using the methodological framework, agricultural land use in an upland area in Liliw, Laguna Philippines was evaluated for protection of natural resources, specifically of the soil quality and for farm productivity and for the social factors that influence the way agricultural lands are managed. Results showed integration of horticultural trees and crops have potential for protecting thickness of the topsoil, reducing nutrient wastage and is more economically profitable than monocropping systems. Specifically, coconut exhibited importance in maintaining thickness of topsoil while lanzones played major role in augmenting farm income and as buffer to income losses from annual crops. Older farmers and women were found associated with agricultural land use with diversified production in the case study area. The Logit model analysis further showed that leadership quality and land ownership are the social factors that will likely influence integration of horticultural trees and crops in the uplands. Other personal characteristics like years of experience in farming, access to other sources of livelihood, land size, awareness of land degradation and effect of agrochemicals on heath of the farm workers have no likely influence on agricultural lands with integration of horticultural trees and crops. SWOT analysis of agricultural land use in the case study site showed that despite the environmental and economic advantages of agricultural lands with diversified production, there are weaknesses and barriers to its further development and implementation. From this assessment, implications for developing and implementing an ABDE intervention program for the tropical uplands were drawn.

year: 2008

title: General image of and beliefs about European food in two mainland Chinese cities Shanghai and Xi'an

authors: Wang, Ou

subjects: Science & Technology

abstract: Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide a picture of the current image and consumer beliefs of European food in mainland Chinese consumers’ minds.

Design/methodology/approach
A web-based survey was conducted for data collection in December 2013 with 541 participants from two Chinese cities: Shanghai and Xi’an. The participants reported about the image of European food and characterized European food according to 14 items for product-related beliefs and 18 items for perceived profiles. Descriptive analysis, cluster analysis and partial least squares regression were employed for data analyses.

Findings
Findings show that European food has a unanimously positive image among mainland Chinese consumers. Three consumer segments were distinguished based on attribute beliefs about European food: a positive-beliefs segment, a negative-beliefs segment and an unfamiliar segment. The characteristics of typical European food consumers were high income, having long overseas experience, having visited Europe or living in a big and developed city. In addition, “safe” and “upscale” were the most important attribute beliefs driving mainland Chinese consumers to have a positive image of European food; while “unfamiliar” and “sweet” were the most negative drivers of European food’s image.

Originality/value
This is the first study to present information about consumer beliefs, general image and consumer segments in relation to European food in mainland China. These insights can help European food marketers to better understand mainland Chinese consumers and the current image of their products in mainland China so that they can develop effective marketing strategies for this huge and potential food market.

text: General image of and beliefs about European food in two mainland Chinese cities Shanghai and Xi'an Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide a picture of the current image and consumer beliefs of European food in mainland Chinese consumers’ minds.

Design/methodology/approach
A web-based survey was conducted for data collection in December 2013 with 541 participants from two Chinese cities: Shanghai and Xi’an. The participants reported about the image of European food and characterized European food according to 14 items for product-related beliefs and 18 items for perceived profiles. Descriptive analysis, cluster analysis and partial least squares regression were employed for data analyses.

Findings
Findings show that European food has a unanimously positive image among mainland Chinese consumers. Three consumer segments were distinguished based on attribute beliefs about European food: a positive-beliefs segment, a negative-beliefs segment and an unfamiliar segment. The characteristics of typical European food consumers were high income, having long overseas experience, having visited Europe or living in a big and developed city. In addition, “safe” and “upscale” were the most important attribute beliefs driving mainland Chinese consumers to have a positive image of European food; while “unfamiliar” and “sweet” were the most negative drivers of European food’s image.

Originality/value
This is the first study to present information about consumer beliefs, general image and consumer segments in relation to European food in mainland China. These insights can help European food marketers to better understand mainland Chinese consumers and the current image of their products in mainland China so that they can develop effective marketing strategies for this huge and potential food market.

year: 2015

title: An evaluation of Kaupapa Māori in Psychology at the University of Waikato

authors: McAllister, Sue

abstract: The University of Waikato’s (UOW) reputation has been built on its unique commitment to Māori aspirations and the educational success of Māori students (The University of Waikato, n.d.-c). Kaupapa Māori has made a significant contribution to this commitment, including in the School of Psychology. Kaupapa Māori prioritises Māori values and a Māori worldview which is necessary in educating culturally aware practitioners. In addition, the inclusion of kaupapa Māori within the School ensures Māori psychology students are valued and their beliefs and worldviews are acknowledged and included. Through this evaluation we aspired to gain insight into how the UOW maintains its commitment to Māori aspirations and the educational success of Māori students.
This evaluation was conducted at the request of the Māori and Psychology Research Unit (MPRU). The aim of this evaluation was to investigate the presence and practice of kaupapa Māori within the School of Psychology at the UOW. Presence and practice refers to the ways in which kaupapa Māori is included, and actively engaged in, within the School of Psychology. This might include, public notices in the School of Psychology, tutorials, workshops, laboratories, support programmes, training, or the inclusion of kaupapa Māori material in the teaching curriculum. The vision for this evaluation was to help assist in shaping practitioners who are able to engage with Māori clients in a culturally appropriate way.
Our evaluation was guided by three objectives:
(1) to consider the experiences of psychology staff in integrating kaupapa Māori into their teaching and administration,
(2) to explore the barriers experienced by Māori psychology students during their programmes of study (both undergraduate and graduate level), and
(3) to identify the practices and structures that support the implementation of kaupapa Māori in the School of Psychology, and ways of expanding these. This evaluation adds to three previous evaluations of kaupapa Māori within the School (Masters & Levy, 1995; Hunt, Morgan & Teddy, 2002; MacLennan, Namwinga, Taylor, & Theodorus, 2013). In this evaluation we investigated outcomes of the past evaluations while exploring ways to further develop kaupapa Māori within the School.
Drawing on the UOW’s Charter, Strategy, Investment Plan, and Māori Advancement Plan, which all set out specific goals and commitments to provide culturally responsive research and education that meets the needs of Māori communities, this evaluation investigates whether the goals and commitments outlined in these documents are being met. In order to do this, this evaluation has aspired to provide significant information regarding the importance and experiences of kaupapa Māori for staff and students (both current and former) within the School of Psychology.
The evaluators conducted four focus groups and 13 semi-structured qualitative interviews with current undergraduate and graduate Māori students, former Māori students, and current and former Māori and non-Māori UOW staff. In total, the voices of 23 participants are reflected in this report.
The analysis of our findings resulted in the following themes relating to staff experiences integrating kaupapa Māori into their teaching and administration: inconsistent integration of kaupapa Māori across the School, cultural incompetence, and harmful University politics. Barriers that were identified by our participants were: lack of kaupapa Māori visibility, navigating two worlds, and financial and practical barriers experienced by Māori students. Various supports for kaupapa Māori were identified and suggestions were given on ways of expanding these. These supports, which included structures and people, were: the MPRU, Te Aka Matua (a mentoring service within the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS, now the DALPSS)), kaupapa Māori tutorials, specific staff in the School of Psychology, integration of kaupapa Māori into papers, support of Māori peers, the importance of role models, and the importance of kaupapa Māori in preparing students for the workforce. Ideas often overlapped due to the interrelated nature of experiences, barriers, and supports.
Overall, participants advocated their support for increasing kaupapa Māori support and content within the School of Psychology through the recognition of Māori worldviews. However, it is clear that there is room for development and expansion of the ways kaupapa Māori is currently supported.
Based on the evaluation findings, the recommendations are:
● Recruit more Māori staff
● Further develop kaupapa Māori Tutorials
● Re-establish the Kaupapa Māori Student Advisor position
● Implement discussion of psychology pathways
● Include more bicultural knowledge in paper content
● Include workforce preparation
● Implement kaupapa Māori training for staff
● Incorporate cultural practices into teaching
● Appoint a cultural advisor for staff
● Offer scholarships to alleviate financial barriers
● Invite a kaumatua on site
● Create a whānau space
● Increase the marketing of all Māori services within FASS (DALPSS) and the School of Psychology
● Allocate funding to all Māori support services
● Incorporate more Māori culture visually on campus

text: An evaluation of Kaupapa Māori in Psychology at the University of Waikato The University of Waikato’s (UOW) reputation has been built on its unique commitment to Māori aspirations and the educational success of Māori students (The University of Waikato, n.d.-c). Kaupapa Māori has made a significant contribution to this commitment, including in the School of Psychology. Kaupapa Māori prioritises Māori values and a Māori worldview which is necessary in educating culturally aware practitioners. In addition, the inclusion of kaupapa Māori within the School ensures Māori psychology students are valued and their beliefs and worldviews are acknowledged and included. Through this evaluation we aspired to gain insight into how the UOW maintains its commitment to Māori aspirations and the educational success of Māori students.
This evaluation was conducted at the request of the Māori and Psychology Research Unit (MPRU). The aim of this evaluation was to investigate the presence and practice of kaupapa Māori within the School of Psychology at the UOW. Presence and practice refers to the ways in which kaupapa Māori is included, and actively engaged in, within the School of Psychology. This might include, public notices in the School of Psychology, tutorials, workshops, laboratories, support programmes, training, or the inclusion of kaupapa Māori material in the teaching curriculum. The vision for this evaluation was to help assist in shaping practitioners who are able to engage with Māori clients in a culturally appropriate way.
Our evaluation was guided by three objectives:
(1) to consider the experiences of psychology staff in integrating kaupapa Māori into their teaching and administration,
(2) to explore the barriers experienced by Māori psychology students during their programmes of study (both undergraduate and graduate level), and
(3) to identify the practices and structures that support the implementation of kaupapa Māori in the School of Psychology, and ways of expanding these. This evaluation adds to three previous evaluations of kaupapa Māori within the School (Masters & Levy, 1995; Hunt, Morgan & Teddy, 2002; MacLennan, Namwinga, Taylor, & Theodorus, 2013). In this evaluation we investigated outcomes of the past evaluations while exploring ways to further develop kaupapa Māori within the School.
Drawing on the UOW’s Charter, Strategy, Investment Plan, and Māori Advancement Plan, which all set out specific goals and commitments to provide culturally responsive research and education that meets the needs of Māori communities, this evaluation investigates whether the goals and commitments outlined in these documents are being met. In order to do this, this evaluation has aspired to provide significant information regarding the importance and experiences of kaupapa Māori for staff and students (both current and former) within the School of Psychology.
The evaluators conducted four focus groups and 13 semi-structured qualitative interviews with current undergraduate and graduate Māori students, former Māori students, and current and former Māori and non-Māori UOW staff. In total, the voices of 23 participants are reflected in this report.
The analysis of our findings resulted in the following themes relating to staff experiences integrating kaupapa Māori into their teaching and administration: inconsistent integration of kaupapa Māori across the School, cultural incompetence, and harmful University politics. Barriers that were identified by our participants were: lack of kaupapa Māori visibility, navigating two worlds, and financial and practical barriers experienced by Māori students. Various supports for kaupapa Māori were identified and suggestions were given on ways of expanding these. These supports, which included structures and people, were: the MPRU, Te Aka Matua (a mentoring service within the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS, now the DALPSS)), kaupapa Māori tutorials, specific staff in the School of Psychology, integration of kaupapa Māori into papers, support of Māori peers, the importance of role models, and the importance of kaupapa Māori in preparing students for the workforce. Ideas often overlapped due to the interrelated nature of experiences, barriers, and supports.
Overall, participants advocated their support for increasing kaupapa Māori support and content within the School of Psychology through the recognition of Māori worldviews. However, it is clear that there is room for development and expansion of the ways kaupapa Māori is currently supported.
Based on the evaluation findings, the recommendations are:
● Recruit more Māori staff
● Further develop kaupapa Māori Tutorials
● Re-establish the Kaupapa Māori Student Advisor position
● Implement discussion of psychology pathways
● Include more bicultural knowledge in paper content
● Include workforce preparation
● Implement kaupapa Māori training for staff
● Incorporate cultural practices into teaching
● Appoint a cultural advisor for staff
● Offer scholarships to alleviate financial barriers
● Invite a kaumatua on site
● Create a whānau space
● Increase the marketing of all Māori services within FASS (DALPSS) and the School of Psychology
● Allocate funding to all Māori support services
● Incorporate more Māori culture visually on campus

year: 2018