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Gender in Tanzania: People’s perceptions on changing female gender roles in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
Get PDFTraditional gender roles have existed in Tanzania for centuries and are only now beginning to change as the country becomes increasingly globalized and more immersed in the global scene. Many studies in Tanzania focus on the lived experiences of women and women’s equality from an outsider’s perspective. Few focus on the general population’s perception of the state of gender roles and how they are changing. The city of Dar Es Salaam is uniquely exposed to external influences, being a large commercial city growing more rapidly than most cities in Africa. By using a questionnaire and the general population of Dar Es Salaam, this study aims to collect people’s attitudes and beliefs towards changing female gender roles to fill the knowledge gap of how residents view gender and globalization. The data was collected for one week in November 2024. Data was analyzed by identifying trends found in the data, as well as chi-square tests to determine the statistical significance of demographic variables on responses to the questionnaire. Findings revealed that most participants believe that gender roles should exist and are open to change. Most participants agreed that gender roles have changed in the past ten years, and many traditional designated roles have shifted to be responsibilities for both genders. In addition, most participants agree that while the father is the family\u27s main provider, both mother and father should have equal roles in parenting. While gender roles should continue to exist, most participants believed that women are capable of holding any job in Tanzania, including those commonly held by men. Additionally, women should be empowered by education to achieve their career goals. Lastly, most participants answered that Tanzanian society should work to promote changing female gender roles, an important declaration for making change. It is recommended that comparative studies be conducted in other regions of the country to understand where perceptions differ and studies conducted over time to measure trends in response to current events. Global context provides an important background to one’s perception of gender
Written History and Lived Legacy of Cape Town Jazz
Get PDFThis paper examines the historical and current implications of Cape Town Jazz in juxtaposition with the genre\u27s written history and lived experiences of four key members of the jazz community. Drawing from the interviews with a musician, promoter, educator, and enthusiast, this study explores the influence of Cape Jazz as a subgenre rooted in the Coloured community\u27s cultural heritage and the apartheid struggle. While Cape Jazz remains practiced through its legacy, the current jazz scene in Cape Town reflects a broader global influence that is evolving through younger musicians\u27 interpretations of local and global musics. Key areas of issue as indicated by interviewees include limited “formal” education about local music traditions, inadequate promotion of events, and difficulties utilizing performance venues. Despite these challenges, community members have started solving these issues to help create a more informed Cape Town jazz culture. This study contributes to the community by highlighting historically significant literature in conjunction with the current opinions of some community members
Assessing the effects of human settlement proximity on tree health using visual symptoms of tree ill health in Mgwashi Ward, Tanzania
Get PDFThis study aimed to assess the impact of human settlement proximity on tree health within the Mgwashi ward of Tanzania using visual indicators of ill tree health. The study was conducted over eight days in November of 2024. Eight transects, each 100 meters apart, were laid within the study area, extending from human settlement boundaries into forested areas. Each transect contained five 10 X 10-meter plots located at 20-meter intervals extending from human settlements into forested areas. Within each plot, the species of each tree was identified, and the health of each tree was analyzed using a set of visual indicators of ill tree health including defoliation scores, leaf abnormalities, and physical damage. In total, 724 trees were observed, with 695 showing damage as indicators of ill tree health (95.99%). In total, 63 known species were represented, with 62 showing individuals with signs of damage as indicators of ill tree health. Similar proportions of trees located at all measured distances from human settlements showed defoliation, physical damage, and leaf abnormalities. The results of a generalized linear model (GLM) showed no significant relationship between the extent of physical damage and distance from human settlement (R2 = 0.0024, F(1, 703) =1.678, p = 0.196). Likewise, no significant relationship was shown between the extent of defoliation and distance from human settlement (R2 = 0.0013, F(1, 703) = 0.9426, p = 0.3319). A significant relationship was shown between the extent of leaf abnormalities and distance from human settlement (R2 = 0.0775, F(1, 703) = 59.05, p = 5.173e-14), with the extent of leaf abnormalities increasing as distance from human settlement increased. It was concluded that human settlement proximity within the Mgwashi ward of Tanzania does not directly influence tree health using visual indicators of ill health. Future research should utilize a larger sample size, incorporate objective indicators of ill tree health, and analyze environmental conditions within each plot to thoroughly analyze the impact of human settlement proximity on ill tree health
Ontological Commitment in Nāgārjuna’s Madhyamaka on Inherent Existence and the Emptiness of Emptiness
Get PDFThis paper explores Nāgārjuna’s Madhyamaka philosophy, particularly focusing on the ontological consequences of his doctrine of emptiness and rejection of inherent existence. In it, I will examine Nāgārjuna’s nuanced anti-realist ontology that both denies the ultimate existence of all entities while preserving their conventional reality. Through an analysis of several aspects of Nāgārjuna’s Madhyamaka and their logical consequences, this study aims to demonstrate the internal coherence of Nāgārjuna’s thought. I additionally address potential objections to Nāgārjuna, attempting to defend Nāgārjuna’s philosophy as both consistent and rigorous, with enduring relevance to both Buddhist thought and contemporary philosophical discourse. This project was conducted in McLeod Ganj, Dharamsala, from November 13 to December 4, 2024. Research consisted of a review of several works from contemporary and historical scholarship on Nāgārjuna and discussion with local teachers and other experts on the topic. These findings were then compiled and developed on to form the present paper
Thirst for Power: Exploring the Impact of the 2023 Israel-Gaza War on the Jordanian Water Crisis
Get PDFThis study examines the impact of the 2023 Israel-Gaza War on Jordan’s escalating water crisis, a challenge compounded by rapid population growth, climate change, and regional geopolitics. Jordan, one of the most water-scarce countries in the world, relies heavily on transboundary water-sharing agreements, particularly with Israel. However, the war has intensified tensions between the two countries, disrupting existing agreements and exposing Jordan’s vulnerability to Israel’s hydro-hegemony. Through qualitative research, including interviews with Jordanian experts in water policy, environmental studies, and geopolitics, the study explores three key themes: Israel’s dominance over regional water resources, the domestic and international pressures constraining Jordan’s diplomacy, and the nation’s uncertain future in balancing water security with sovereignty. The findings reveal how the war has deepened Jordan’s dependence on Israeli resources while sparking widespread domestic opposition to such reliance. The study emphasizes the urgent need for equitable resource-sharing agreements, improved water infrastructure, and regional collaboration to address the intersecting pressures of resource scarcity and conflict. By highlighting the complex interplay of geopolitics and environmental challenges, this research contributes to understanding how conflict exacerbates resource insecurity and underscores the necessity of innovative, sustainable strategies for managing water resources in the Levant
Dismantling feminism: the Milei administration and the setback of gender rights in Argentina
Get PDFEste trabajo analiza el impacto de las políticas de género implementadas por el gobierno de Javier Milei en Argentina, caracterizadas por el desmantelamiento acelerado de logros feministas en áreas como derechos reproductivos, lucha contra la violencia de género y promoción de la igualdad. A través de un enfoque interdisciplinario que combina teoría feminista interseccional y análisis de gobernanza neoliberal, el estudio examina cómo estas políticas exacerban las desigualdades estructurales y afectan desproporcionadamente a mujeres jóvenes y comunidades vulnerables. El texto explora cómo estas políticas, sustentadas en una narrativa anti-feminista y una agenda económica neoliberal, han socavado las estructuras institucionales y los programas destinados a promover la igualdad de género. A través de un análisis detallado de medidas como el recorte presupuestario a servicios esenciales y la remoción de defensoras feministas de espacios clave, se evidencia un proceso de regresión sistemática. Además, se examinan las estrategias de resistencia desplegadas por el movimiento feminista y las organizaciones sociales, que buscan contrarrestar estos retrocesos mediante movilizaciones, redes de apoyo y alianzas internacionales. Los resultados muestran que, bajo la administración de Milei, las políticas neoliberales no solo desarticulan avances feministas, sino que también consolidan un modelo de gobernanza que prioriza intereses económicos sobre derechos humanos. Sin embargo, la resistencia feminista argentina continúa siendo un bastión de movilización y organización, ofreciendo una vía para contrarrestar este retroceso y abogar por una sociedad más justa y equitativa
Las prácticas alimentarias de la sociedad Selk’nam y el rol de la mujer Un análisis de las actividades culinarias, qué recursos consumián y cómo los procesaban identificar diferencias en las prácticas alimentarias entre las mujeres y los hombres Selk’nam.
No full textTierra del Fuego, conocida como uno de los lugares más australes de asentamiento humano, ha sido habitada por comunidades indígenas durante más de 10,200 años. Este estudio se centra en las prácticas alimenticias del pueblo Selk’nam cuando vivían como una sociedad de cazadores-recolectores en el momento de la llegada de los europeos a la isla. Se examinan los componentes de su dieta, los métodos de cocción y los roles de género relacionados con la obtención y preparación de alimentos. El método de investigación usado es un análisis bibliográfico de fuentes etnográficas, para ello se leyeron 7 fuentes primarias, correspondientes a registros etnográficos. La dieta de los Selk’nam se basaba principalmente en el consumo de guanacos, un camélido sudamericano. También incluía aves, huevos, roedores, focas, peces, ballenas, bayas, hongos, raíces y semillas. La carne generalmente se asaba al fuego, mientras que los alimentos vegetales solían consumirse crudos, con excepción de algunos tubérculos y semillas. Las mujeres desempeñaban un papel importante en la recolección y preparación de alimentos para sus familias
Systems of Sustainable Chocolate: A Look into the Effects of Monocultural Cocoa Farming on Edaphic Macroinvertebrate Diversity in the Amazonian Foothills of Ecuador
Get PDFAgroforestry has been a recent topic for its regard to both human and environmental health. This is due to the vast benefits, ranging from increased carbon sequestration to food provisions for populations. As we’re beginning to deal with a warming climate and attempting to obtain international food security, it’s important to societally consider our food systems. However, to commit to action regarding more beneficial food systems, it\u27s necessary to first fully understand them on an ecological level. As a step forward, this study explores the differences in macroinvertebrate communities between monoculture and polyculture agricultural systems. To consider biodiversity amongst these communities, we’ve focused on abundance, richness, dominance, and evenness. Because biodiversity is a difficult metric to measure, it’s important to think of such a topic in similar regards to the unique and complicated systems that they’re a part of. Additionally, it’s important to consider the soil as a living being with its own systems which contribute to its function. In this study, three sites were identified: a polycultural cocoa chakra, a primary forest, and a monocultural cocoa farm. Because there were as few variables as possible, we can compare the macrofauna communities of these sites to determine their differences and consider soil health in relation to these results. There were a handful of significant relationships found throughout this research, including richness and abundance being much more prevalent in the polycultural system. However, due to the extreme unevenness of the polycultural data, the primary forest was found to have the most biodiverse soil under the majority of statistical measures. In all, the polycultural chakra had the highest Global Indicator score, suggesting that it had the healthiest soil out of the three sample sites. Because of these results, this study suggests more in depth research to confidently conclude biodiversity. This would include multiple testing sites of each agricultural system and expanding the study to crops beyond cocoa to have the possibility of an effect on large scale food production systems
The Impact of the Nitrates Directive on the Portuguese Agricultural Sector
Get PDFThe European Union’s 1991 Nitrates Directive was designed to mitigate agricultural nitrogen pollution to ground and surface waters, thereby alleviating its damaging effects to natural environments and human health. This study confirmed that its purpose and goals were justified by the positive linear relationship that exists between levels of agricultural fertilizer application and nitrogen ecosystem surplus. However, this policy has had several second-hand impacts on the Portuguese agricultural sector, such as imposing infrastructure implementation costs and forcing methodology changes. These impacts were examined in the context of the Esposende-Vila do Conde action program, which is within a Nitrate Vulnerable Zone just north of Porto, on a strictly monetary basis with all uncommodifiable impacts being excluded. The study estimated an aggregate annual opportunity cost of 14,217 euros. This coupled with the study’s inability to unveil a stable trend of environmental alleviation suggests the need for policy reform. While this reform can come through different structural changes, its broad goal should be for regulatory efforts to more surgically target polluted areas. This will ensure that sacrifices made by farmers are efficiently translating to environmental benefits, ultimately creating a more sustainable yet still economically functional Portuguese agricultural sector
Assessing the Impact of Climate Change on Harbor Seals: Haul-out Patterns in Iceland using CMIP6 projections
Get PDFHarbor seals (Phoca vitulina) are known to exhibit a preference for specific environmental and weather conditions when hauling out, particularly during the pupping and molting cycles during summer. Climate change is projected to have a significant impact on the haul-out patterns and site conditions of harbor seals in Iceland, which could further diminish their dwindling population. A comprehensive literature review was conducted to identify and discuss the environmental variables that can affect haul-out probability. Among them, surface wind speed and air temperature are reported to have the biggest influence on harbor seal haul-out numbers between May and August. Climate projections for the year 2100 were made using a statistically downscaled climate model for two scenarios (SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5) to compare the monthly and regional shifts in these two variables. Results indicate a statistically significant increase in surface wind speed and air temperature under both scenarios with a large regional difference across Iceland. Stronger wind will likely deter haul-outs due to wind chill effects, while warmer temperature, which increases molting rate, will increase haul-out probability. While the findings represent just a fraction of the widespread impact of climate change on harbor seals’ haul-out, they highlight the urgent need for further investigations into other biotic factors to fully grasp the intricate relationship between harbor seals and the ever-changing environment