8411 research outputs found
Sort by
SOCIAL AND CULTURAL VALUES IN ALASKAN SUBSISTENCE MANAGEMENT: RURALITY AND THE MEANING OF “MEANINGFUL” NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
Get PDFIn Alaska, subsistence is a way of life for some communities. The Federal Subsistence Board (FSB) oversees the Federal Subsistence Management Program. One of its responsibilities is to determine areas as subsistence or non-subsistence areas. This decision, in part, is based on whether subsistence is a “principal characteristic of the economy, culture, and way of life”. (James A. Fall, Division of Subsistence, 2018). The federal policy grants these communities priority in the taking of wild resources (Title VIII of the Alaska National Interests Lands Conservation Act). Interviews revealed factors of vulnerability and resilience, specifically in the context of subsistence. Scoones (1998) defines resilience simply as the capability of a person and their livelihood to cope with and recover from stresses and shocks.” Kirmayer et al. (2011) further define resilience in a cultural context as the “ability to do well despite adversity.”
Interview findings revealed food insecurity in Ketchikan due to a lack of local production and unreliable supply lines from the lower 48 states. Further, some respondents mentioned uncertainty of supply longevity in grocery store shelves due to increases in tourist activity during the summer season. Priority harvest can serve as a livelihood supplement, buffering against food insecurity and creating strong social networks. It can also serve as a medium for the transmission of cultural values and practices. This research asks what role subsistence plays in an isolated, mixed community of Alaska Natives and non-Natives in Southeast Alaska, what pressures they experience on their livelihoods and the potential that a rural determination and subsistence priority have in sustaining quasi-rural livelihoods
Gallardo, Guisinde y hacer Puntas Agudas de huesos de Guanacos: Un Análisis de Fuentes Etnográficas sobre tecnologías Elaboradas sobre materias primas duras de origen animal
Get PDFTierra del Fuego has been home to hunter-gatherer-fisher societies since time immemorial, and over time these societies developed quite distinct subsistence economies. Among these are the Yaghan and Selk\u27nam, who traditionally practiced nomadic hunting and gathering, with marine centered and pedestrian subsistence economies respectively. For these, they had developed a diverse and specialized assemblage of technologies. Among these technologies were those which came from bone and shell, which although well preserved in the archaeological record of Tierra del Fuego, remain poorly understood. For this study an analysis of a number of ethnographic sources was undertaken to compile data on these technologies. After which, an experimental reproduction of three Guanaco bone points in accordance with data from the sources was done. The results of these activities suggested that the interaction of factors such as local faunal distribution, and properties of raw material bone and shells, such as mechanical, material and geometric qualities were major drivers of what raw materials were used for what technologies.
Tierra del Fuego ha albergado sociedades de cazadores-recolectores-pescadores desde tiempos inmemoriales, y con el tiempo estas sociedades desarrollaron economías de subsistencia bastante diferenciadas. Entre ellas se encuentran los yaganes y los selk\u27nam, que tradicionalmente practicaban la caza y la recolección nómadas, con economías de subsistencia centradas en el mar y pedestres, respectivamente. Para ello desarrollaron un conjunto de tecnologías diversas y especializadas. Entre estas tecnologías se encontraban las de hueso y concha, que si bien están bien preservadas en el registro arqueológico de Tierra del Fuego, siguen siendo poco conocidas. Para este estudio se realizó un análisis de varias fuentes etnográficas para recopilar datos sobre estas tecnologías. Posteriormente, se realizó una reproducción experimental de tres puntas de hueso de Guanaco de acuerdo con los datos de las fuentes. Los resultados de estas actividades sugirieron que que la interacción de factores como la distribución faunística local y las propiedades de las materias primas óseas y conchíferas, como las cualidades mecánicas, materiales y geométricas, eran los principales impulsores de qué materias primas se utilizaban y para qué tecnologías
Soil succession: Short and long-term impacts of grazing on soil properties in a Tropical Montane Cloud Forest
Get PDFCattle ranching is the leading cause of deforestation in South America, causing long-lasting alterations to the continent\u27s landscape and ecology. Tropical montane cloud forests (TMCFs) are a rare ecosystem particularly vulnerable to the effects of land conversion to pasture, a process which has implications ranging from biodiversity loss to soil degradation. Grazing is known to significantly alter soils\u27 physical structure through processes of compaction and erosion as well as significant additions of organic matter. Silvopasture, or the integration of pasture and forest, has emerged as an alternative to traditional grazing practices with the hope of mitigating environmental and soil degradation. Still, the differing effects of traditional and silvopastoral grazing systems on soil health are not widely studied. This study analyzed the short and long-term effects of grazing at 12 active and abandoned pasture and silvopasture sites in an Ecuadorian TMCF. Comparing their physical properties to those of primary forest soils, research examined pasture soil recovery after abandonment. Twelve soil profiles were analyzed for horizon depth, distinction and development as well as color and compositional gradients. Samples from each horizon were analyzed for bulk and particle density, color, moisture content, texture and composition. Pasture soils were found to be most vulnerable to erosion in the early stages of abandonment. Active and abandoned pastures showed evidence of significant and long-lasting compaction. Soil degradation was less visible in silvopastures, and preliminary data showed a faster recovery from compaction.
La ganadería es responsable por lo más de la deforestación en Sudamérica, con alteraciones a largo plazo a la tierra y ecología del continente. El bosque nublado es un ecosistema raro que es particularmente vulnerable a los efectos de la conversión de la tierra a pastos, un proceso cuyos implicaciones varían entre la pérdida de biodiversidad y la degradación de los suelos. Es un hecho conocido que el pastoreo altera la estructura física de los suelos con los procesos de compactación y erosión, además de una adición considerable de materia orgánica. La silvopastura, o la integración de pastos con bosque, ha emergido como alternativa a la ganadería tradicional con la esperanza de disminuir su degradación ambiental– incluso lo de los suelos. Sin embargo, los efectos diferentes de los sistemas tradicionales y silvopastorales no han sido estudiados a profundidad. Este estudio analizó los efectos a corto y a largo plazo de la ganadería en 12 sitios de pastura y silvopastura activa y abandonada en el bosque nublado de Ecuador. Con una comparación de sus características físicas, la investigación examinó la recuperación de los suelos después del abandono de los pastos. Doce perfiles fueron analizadas según la profundidad, distinccíon y desarollo de sus horizontes además de sus gradientes de color y de composición. Muestras de cada horizonte fueron analizadas en términos de densidad, color, humedad, textura y composición. Los suelos pastorales fueron encontrados de ser más vulnerables en las etapas inmediatas del abandono. Las pasturas activas y abandonadas mostraron evidencias de compactación importante a largo plazo. La degradación del suelo era menos visible en silvopasturas, y los datos preliminares mostraron una recuperación más rápida de la compactación
Hidden Hurdles: Evaluating Informal Barriers to Primary Healthcare Access Among Undocumented Migrants in Switzerland
Get PDFUndocumented migrants face heightened difficulties in accessing healthcare due to a combination of legal, financial, and social challenges. Informal barriers to accessing healthcare further exacerbate poor health outcomes among undocumented migrants. In Switzerland, where undocumented migrants have the right to health insurance, barriers to receiving healthcare continue to restrict their access to essential services, such as primary healthcare (PHC). Employing a meta-analysis approach, this qualitative study aimed to broaden existing research on informal barriers hindering access to PHC for undocumented migrants, with a particular focus on the Swiss context. The identified informal barriers centered around health insurance, fear of deportation, and sociocultural factors. Accessibility of health insurance was challenged by financial and administrative barriers. Fear of deportation precluded undocumented migrants from taking out health insurance or seeking healthcare services. Lastly, sociocultural factors, such as limited health literacy and intercultural and linguistic differences, hindered mutual understanding between patients and providers, challenging the effective provision of PHC for this population. Public hospitals, migrants NGOs, and interpreting services play a vital role in mitigating informal barriers to PHC. Nevertheless, gaps in PHC accessibility and ongoing efforts to mitigate informal barriers remain. Thus, there is a need for policies addressing the multi- dimensional challenges and systemic barriers that restrict access to PHC services among undocumented migrants in Switzerland
Islamophobia in India and its Impact on India’s Foreign Relations
Get PDFIndia has a vast history of Islam throughout the subcontinent, beginning over a millennia ago. Throughout this time, developments such as Muslim rule over Hindus, British colonization, the partition to create Pakistan and eventually Bangladesh, as well as the rise of Hindu nationalism throughout India from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have created a dangerous status quo for Muslims in India. Communal, state-sanctioned, violence against Muslims, their businesses, symbols of the religion, and any sort of public display is increasingly common. The impact on India’s international standing, especially with predominantly Muslim countries such as Arabian Gulf countries, Iran, Malaysia, and more, maybe in jeopardy because of clear discrimination due to religion. On the other hand, India may be allying with other countries that have Islamophobia within their governments, such as Israel and even the United States, thereby becoming valuable and powerful strategic partnerships. Islamophobia will impact India’s international relations somewhat; most, if not all, countries prefer to engage with India on strategic opportunities in military and economic areas instead of looking elsewhere because of their domestic issues. Countries are moving away from the U.S.’s imposement on sovereignty in the name of human rights and democracy, and Islamophobia in India is a prime example. While there is some anger towards India, it is only in a few instances and does not harm relations significantly. Meanwhile, India continues to grow closer to Israel and work Islamophobia into their foreign policy
Talking to the Earth: A Digital Documentation of Biodiversity in the Sherpa Language
Get PDFIdentified as a pressing matter by organizations as prominent as the UN, the conservation of minority and indigenous languages “is essential for ensuring the continuation and transmission of culture, customs, and history, but it is also important to address biodiversity loss and climate change.” This project focuses on one of the latter issues, biodiversity loss, as it relates to Sherpa, a minority language spoken primarily in Eastern Nepal. In an effort to help preserve the native vocabulary and descriptions of basic plants and animals found in Sherpa-speaking regions, primarily interview-based fieldwork was conducted in the lower Solu regions of Lumsa, Salleri and Junbesi. Approximately 100 instances of biodiversity and their corresponding Sherpa names were recorded, in addition to a selection of photographs and pieces of community knowledge relating to nature; these data were then compiled into the form of a website, with the aim of keeping the information as accessible as possible to the intended audience of Sherpa youth, and to a lesser extent, the wider community. Finally, challenges encountered and suggestions for further study are also discussed
Entre Punzones y Percutores Reconstrucción de tecnología ósea de los Selk\u27nam (Tierra del Fuego)
No full textEsta investigación se enfoca en el estudio, reconstrucción y uso de la tecnología ósea empleada por las sociedades cazadoras-recolectoras-pedestres que ocuparon el litoral Atlántico de Tierra del Fuego, durante el Holoceno, específicamente se enfoca en la tecnología utilizada por los Selk´nam del Norte de Tierra del Fuego. La tecnología ósea fue una parte importante de su cultura y dos tipos fueron elegidos para investigar: percutores blandos y punzones huecos. Los percutores blandos fueron confeccionados sobre huesos de guanaco, un recurso importante para las sociedades cazadoras-recolectoras.
Los percutores blandos fueron usados para la formatización de artefactos líticos a través de la percusión. Las aves, por su parte, se empleaban para confeccionar punzones huecos, a partir de los huesos de sus patas, mediante el corte, raspado y pulido. Los punzones fueron usados para perforar materiales como cuero y corteza, así como para tejer junto y llevar a cabo cestas.
El objetivo de este ensayo es contribuir al estudio de los modos de producción y uso de tecnología ósea de las sociedades cazadoras recolectoras pedestres que ocuparon el norte y costa Atlántica de Tierra del Fuego, conocidas etnográficamente como Selk’nam. Más específico, se pretende evaluar diferencias o similitudes en las propiedades de los huesos y en las tecnologías, de acuerdo a su forma y función. El fin último es aportar al conocimiento de esta sociedad y su relación con el ambiente. La investigación encontró que en los percutores blandos y los punzones huecos puede ser posible identificar rastros de formatización y diferentes rastros de uso. En las zonas de actividad (uso) fue posible diferenciar los rastros de formatización de los de uso. Además, había diferencias entre los rastros y marcas en los huesos según el tipo de materia prima que la réplica fue usada y el tipo de uso. Los rastros en los punzones eran diferentes de los rastros en los percutores. Estudios futuros deberan investigar las diferencias en los estados de las materias primas empleadas para la manufactura de los instrumentos óseos (seco, fresco) y el tipo de recurso procesado y su estado (madera, cuero, junco, etc).
This research project focuses on the study, reconstruction, and use of bone technology from the hunter-gatherer societies of Tierra del Fuego during the Holocene era. This investigation focuses on the technology of the Selk´nam, from the north of the island. Bone tools were an important part of their culture and two types of bone tools were selected: soft hammers, and hollow awls. The soft hammers were made from guanaco bones and were used to create lithic artifacts through percussion. Hollow awls on the other hand were made from bones from bird feet, which were cut, filed and polished. They were used to drill through material such as leather and bark, or to weave baskets.
The objective of the project is to contribute to the study of the modes of production and use of bone technology of the Selk’nam. More specifically, to evaluate the similarities and differences in the properties of the bone technology according to their form and function. The ultimate goal is to contribute to the knowledge of this society and its relationship with its environment. The study found that for both the soft hammers and hollow awls it is possible to differentiate markings from the creation of the tool and those from the use of the tool, even in the active zones. Whatsmore, differences were noted in the traces left behind from use, depending on the type of material used and the type of activity the tool was used for. The traces on soft hammers were different from the traces on hollow awls. Future studies could investigate the differences in the state of the raw material used (fresh vs dry bones) and the type of resource processed and its state (wood, leather, reed, etc)
Forging Flourishing Futures: An Ethnographic Analysis of the Construction of Dreams for Internally Displaced Cameroonian Youth
Get PDFYoung people are thermometers and essential actors in the future-oriented process of national development. In Cameroon, youth are affected by constraints which can hinder these processes and aims–economic stagnancy, inequality of resources, ethnic nepotism and rampant government corruption. Additionally, thousands of youth are internally displaced (IDPs) by violent conflicts: particularly the Anglophone crisis in the South West and North West regions. This study seeks to understand young people’s experiences in this context. Through twenty interviews with IDPs in Yaoundé ages 18 to 30, the study sheds light on the following questions: How do young IDPs conceive the flourishing for themselves and their home communities? What strategies do they use in attempts to realize these ideas? Young IDPs present heterogenous understandings of flourishing, with some emphasizing financial ease, personal fulfillment or social recognition. Participants with the most formal education expressed the most expansive and community-wide plans. They cite hard work and religious belief as key strategies with varying degrees of importance
Exploring the Role LO Plays in Preparing South African Learners for Life After Matric: A Case Study in Cato Manor
Get PDFRecent surges in youth unemployment and limited access to higher education in South Africa suggests that schools are not adequately preparing learners for life after matriculation. Existing literature has addressed problems within secondary schooling as well as potential reasons for youth unemployment and limited access to higher education, however, very little work has focused on the role Life Orientation (LO) courses play in this societal crisis. In an effort to fill this gap, this study aimed to identify a disconnect between what content LO learners are receiving and what content is required to access these post-matric opportunities. This case study collected data through classroom observations and LO teacher interviews from three Cato Manor secondary schools in KwaZulu Natal (KZN), and interviews with post-matric individuals living in Cato Manor. Findings suggested that learners and teachers face several challenges in LO classes that are relevant to accessing higher education and employment. Ultimately, this study validates the experiences and challenges of LO teachers and learners in order to identify areas where the LO course can improve so that learners are adequately prepared for life after matriculation
A Multi-Factorial Analysis of the Sustainability of Non-Governmental Organizations’ Psychosocial Support Programs in Jordan
Get PDFThis research paper aims to explore the factors that affect the sustainability of psychosocial support (PSS) programs provided by non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Jordan. NGOs in Jordan are facing a significant issue when it comes to the sustainability of their programs, and they provide crucial programs for refugees and underserviced populations. So, it is crucial to investigate the factors affecting and solutions to sustainability. It is hypothesized that sustainability is a multi- factorial concept, affected by financial, organizational, and environmental factors. It is predicted that NGO characteristics, program effectiveness, and program type can affect sustainability. To combat sustainability issues, it is hypothesized that increasing community awareness to combat stigma can help. This qualitative study consisted of five interviews of varied ages and sex were conducted over the course of one month. Each interviewee works at a different NGO that provides PSS support in Jordan (IMC, SAMS, RI, IFH, and GIZ). They were each asked six questions about the research topics. Content analysis was used to analyze the data from said interviews. The results found that sustainability is affected by lack of funding, organizational collaboration, and environmental (stigma) factors. Plus, the way in which NGOs provide PSS support (direct vs. indirect) and the type of program (PSS vs other programs) changed the factors affecting sustainability. However, NGO size and program effectiveness did not. Community awareness and organizational collaboration can solve some sustainability issues, while funding is an issue that does not have a clear solution. Overall, the study illuminates more nuances associated with factors affecting sustainability; its findings can encourage NGOs to consider factors affecting sustainability more closely in order to improve it. Plus, it suggests the need for more research into how sustainability issues, most significantly lack of funding, can be solved