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Cover crops : may they appear as weeds?
Get PDFOdlingen av mellangrödor ökar i Sverige. Då de ännu inte är ett vanligt inslag i svenska växtföljder dyker regelbundet nya frågor upp och kunskapsluckor identifieras. Mellangrödor omfattar i det här arbetet samtliga grödor som odlas för odlingssystemets skull snarare än dess skörd, och därför inte räknas som huvudgrödor. De odlas bland annat för deras: (i) förmåga att ta upp näring för att minska näringsläckage, (ii) effektiva kolinlagring och (iii) konkurrenskraft mot ogräs som annars kan få fäste vid avsaknad av gröda på fältet. Ökad användning av mellangrödor ger inte bara kortsiktiga effekter utan kan även påverka odlingssystemet på lång sikt. En fråga som ofta ställs om mellangrödor är om det finns risk för att de uppträder som ogräs kommande säsong och i efterföljande gröda. Egenskaper som gör arterna lämpade som mellangrödor kan även innebära att de i vissa situationer kan tänkas bli konkurrenskraftiga ogräs i stället. Termen ogräs innebär arter som växer på en oönskad plats, vilket gör att samtliga arter kan uppträda som ogräs. I växtodlingssystemet kan ogräsens konkurrens om resurser orsaka minskad skörd och försämrad skördekvalitet, vilket gör ogräs till en av de stora utmaningarna inom växtodling. I denna litteraturstudie sammanställdes information om egenskaper hos (i) arter som vanligen förekommer som åkerogräs samt (ii) vanliga mellangrödor i Sverige. Informationen om mellangrödor användes sedan till en klassificering i fyra grupper som baserades på om grödorna var kvävefixerande eller ej, samt om de var ett- eller två- respektive fleråriga. Under arbetets gång identifierades 31 arter som i olika utsträckning förekommer som mellangrödor i Sverige, varav sju bedöms ha en hög potential att uppträda som ogräs i senare grödor. Dessa är: doftklöver, fodervicker, luddvicker, italienskt rajgräs, vitsenap, westerwoldiskt rajgräs och engelskt rajgräs. Alla arterna har hög konkurrensförmåga och flera av dem kan återväxa efter avslagning. Dessutom har fodervicker, italienskt och engelskt rajgräs uppvisat herbicidresistens, vilket kan göra dem svårbekämpade i efterföljande grödor. Arternas frömognad, utvecklingshastighet och vinterhärdighet är andra egenskaper som vägts in i bedömningen av deras förmåga att föröka sig i kommande huvudgröda och då bli ett kvarstående ogräsinslag på åkern. En generell metod för att hindra spridning av ogräs är att se till att odlingssystemet och miljön missgynnar dem. Trots att ogräs vanligen är väl anpassade till den störda miljö som odlingssystemet innebär så finns det möjlighet att störa miljön på vissa sätt eller under vissa tidsperioder som missgynnar det aktuella ogräset. Det kan till exempel vara att jordbearbeta under det utvecklingsstadiet då ogräs är som känsligast för mekaniska störningar. Det blir svårare att arbeta så kring mellangrödor då de, under sin etablering och tillväxt, ska ges bästa möjliga förutsättningar för att få god tillväxt. Detta kan å andra sidan underlätta vid förebyggande åtgärder då ogräs sällan får optimala förutsättningar vid groning och etablering, då odlingsinsatserna anpassas efter huvudgrödans behov. Genom att förstå hur olika arter förhåller sig till växtplatsens förutsättningar och till andra växter går det att jobba förebyggande, så att mellangrödorna fortsatt fyller sin funktion utan att ha negativ verkan på växtodlingen.The use of and interest for cover crops have increased in Sweden. Since cover crops are not commonly used in Swedish crop rotations yet, new questions and knowledge gaps appear on a regular basis. In this report, the term ‘cover crops’ is defined as all crops that are cultivated for the benefit of the cropping system rather than the yield itself, and therefore is not considered as a main crop. Cover crops are cultivated for their (i) ability to utilize nutrients in order to decrease nutrient leaching, (ii) efficient carbon sequestration and (iii) competitiveness against weeds, that otherwise may spread during the time gap between main crops. An increased use of cover crops will result in both short-term and long-term consequences. One concern is whether cover crops may appear as weeds in the following season and main crop. The characteristics that make species suitable as cover crops may have both advantages and disadvantages, since these species may appear as competitive weeds in certain situations. The definition of weeds is species that grow in a place where they are not wanted. This means that all species can appear as weeds, including cover crops. The weeds compete for resources with the main crop and may lower both quantity and quality of the yield, making weeds one of the largest challenges in crop cultivation. In this literature study, important characteristics of cover crops and common weeds were identified. The cover crops were classified by their traits as agricultural crops, which enables an estimation of their potential of becoming weeds. This resulted in a classification of cover crops in four groups based on the ability to fix nitrogen or not and whether they had a life cycle of one, two or several years. Thirty-one species of cover crops used to various extent in Sweden, were identified and evaluated. Seven species were considered to have a high potential of becoming weeds later on in the crop rotation. These were: Persian clover, common vetch, hairy vetch, Italian ryegrass, white mustard, Westerwold ryegrass and perennial ryegrass. All of these species are highly competitive and several of them may regrow after cutting. In addition to these characteristics, common vetch, Italian and perennial ryegrass have shown signs of herbicide resistance, which makes them more difficult to control. Seed maturation, development rate and winter hardiness were other characteristics considered when evaluating whether these species can reproduce during competition with crops and other weeds, and in that way become future weed problems in the fields. One method used to prevent weeds from spreading is making the cropping system and environmental conditions unfavourable for the weeds. Despite many weed species’ ability to adapt to changing growth conditions in agricultural fields; it might be possible to disturb the weeds in some ways or during some periods. For example, performing soil tillage when the weeds have reached a certain growth stage where they are sensitive for disturbance. This method might be difficult to use when cover crop species become weeds, since during establishment and growth, they should have the best conditions possible in order to grow and have the desired effect on the cropping system. On the other hand this might help as preventative method since weeds rarely get optimal conditions at germination and establishment, as result of the efforts being adapted to the main crop. By understanding how different species adapt to the conditions in the field as well as to other species, it may be possible to work preventative. In this way, cover crops can still contribute with positive effects to the cropping system without the risk of becoming a problematic weed in the future
The implementation of the EU pig directive (Council Directive 2008/120/EC) in different EU countries : focusing on routine tail docki
Get PDFIdag är grisköttsproduktion en av de största köttproduktionerna inom EU. Ett av de största upplevda välfärdsproblemen inom grisuppfödningen är svansbitning. Svanskupering är en lösning som ofta används inom EU för att minska risken för svansbitning, dock leder svanskuperingen själv till annan problematik såsom smärta och risk för infektioner. I ett försök att förbättra välfärden för grisar godkändes ett lagförslag inom EU där det inkluderas delar som svanskupering, tandfilning och utrymmeskrav.
Svansbitning är ett multifaktoriellt problem som ofta uppstår i samband med undermåliga förhållanden som inte uppfyller djurens behov. Det går att förebygga svansbitning på olika sätt, exempelvis genom att erbjuda manipulerbart material, bra stallklimat och en lämplig beläggningsgrad. Svanskupering riskerar att leda till långvarig smärta och infektioner, samtidigt som grundproblematiken till svansbitning inte blir löst.
Svenska och nederländska lantbrukare i denna studie upplevde delar av direktivet som svårtolkat och ”fyrkantigt”. Det fanns en tydlig skillnad mellan svenska och nederländska lantbrukare i hanteringen av grisens svans. Det var en märkbar skillnad i vad lantbrukare från de olika länderna anser som svanskupering, där det i Sverige anses som något som inte bör ske och i Nederländerna anses vara det bästa sättet att hantera svansbitning på, där man ser det som den snällaste metoden.
Tolkningen av direktivet anses vara en av de huvudsakliga anledningarna till att direktivet har hanterats olika i medlemsstaterna. Lantbrukare anser att det finns bra och dåligt innehåll med direktivet och det skiljer mellan svenska och nederländska lantbrukare i hur svansar ska hanteras. Det finns olika sätt att minska rutinmässig svanskupering inom EU beroende på vilken väg EU vill ta, antingen en kombination av eller enbart via mer auktoritära metoder eller med mer vägledande metoder. Avslutningsvis behövs det fler studier om hur man på bästa sätt implementerar direktivet och hur svanskupering kan minskas.Today, pig production stands as one of the largest meat industries in the EU. A common welfare concern in this sector is tail biting. To reduce tail biting, farmers turn to tail docking. Tail docking, unfortunately, contributes to welfare issues, such as pain and risk of infection. Recognizing the need to enhance pig welfare, bills have been passed, incorporating measures such as tail docking, tooth filing, and space requirements.
Tail biting is a multifactorial problem that often arises in connection with poorer welfare conditions, and it is possible to prevent tail biting in different ways, such as by offering manipulable material, providing an optimal stable climate, and a reasonable stocking density. Tail docking contributes to welfare problems, such as the risk of long-term pain and infections, while the fundamental problem of tail biting is not solved.
Swedish and Dutch farmers experienced parts of the directive as challenging to interpret, where there is a clear difference between Swedish and Dutch farmers in the handling of the pig's tail. There is also a clear difference in how farmers from the two countries consider tail docking; in Sweden, it is considered something that should not occur, and in the Netherlands, it is considered the best way to deal with tail biting, and considered as the kindest method.
The interpretation is one of the main reasons the directive has been handled differently in the Member States. Farmers believe that there are good and bad content about the directive and that there is a difference between Swedish and Dutch farmers in how tails should be handled. There are different ways to reduce routine tail docking within the EU, depending on which way the EU wants to go: either a combination of or only through more authoritarian or helpful methods. In conclusion, more studies are needed about how to implement the pig directive in the best way and how to reduce tail docking
To certify social sustainability : a qualitativ study on the sustainability-certified area Rosendal in Uppsala
Get PDFDet här arbetet diskuterar ett planeringsprojekt i Rosendal i Uppsala. Planeringen sker med stöd av certifieringsmodellen City Lab som fokuserar på hur man utvecklar hållbara städer. I arbetet undersöks hur projektet relaterar till begreppet ”social hållbarhet”, vilket problematiseras med teoretisk utgångspunkt i Pierre Bourdieus och Loic Wacquants teoretiska ramverk. Dessa teoretiker grundar sina resonemang i kritisk teori och undersöker samhällets ojämlikheter och dominansproblematik.
Uppsatsen diskuterar hur begreppet social hållbarhet används inom modellen och kommer till uttryck i projektet. Rosendalsprojektet inkluderar olika perspektiv för att värna om natur, miljö och de människor som bor i stadsdelen, vilket undersökningen ser som positivt. Lokala intentioner med ansats att skapa social hållbarhet behöver backas upp av politiska och samhälleliga ambitioner i en vidare kontext.
Avgörande för att lyckas uppfylla projektmålet att ”välkomna alla” bygger på att det finns ett övergripande politiskt stöd för projektets planering. Det blir problematiskt att bygga ” oaser” inom en i övrigt socialt differentierad samhällsutveckling, hur ”goda” de lokala ambitionerna än kan tyckas vara. Viktigt är också att en verklig medborgardialog utvecklas inom projektet.This work discusses a planning project in Rosendal in Uppsala. The planning takes place with the support of the City Lab certification model, which focuses on how to develop sustainable cities. The work examines how the project relates to the concept of "social sustainability", which is problematized with a theoretical starting point in Pierre Bourdieu's and Loic Wacquant's theoretical framework. These theorists base their reasoning on critical theory and examine society's inequalities and problems of dominance.
The essay discusses how the concept of social sustainability is used within the model and is expressed in the project. The Rosendal´s project includes different perspectives to protect nature, the environment and the people who live in the district, which the survey sees as positive. Local intentions with an approach to creating social sustainability need to be backed up by political and societal ambitions in a wider context.
Decisive in order to succeed in fulfilling the project goal of "welcoming everyone" is based on the fact that there is overall political support for the project's planning. It becomes problematic to build "oases" within an otherwise socially differentiated community development, no matter how "good" the local ambitions may seem to be. It is also important that a real citizen dialogue develops within the project
Pawsitive minds : a literature study on canine mental health
Get PDFIn this literature review, we explore the mental health of dogs, focusing on grief, separation anxiety and aggression. Understanding and addressing dogs’ mental health is important because it helps prevent unnecessary suffering of the dogs, as directed by animal welfare laws.
Grief in dogs is not fully understood, but it exhibits characteristics like those observed in human grief. Studies suggest that dogs may exhibit behavioral changes following the loss of a companion. However, distinguishing genuine grief from anthropomorphic interpretations remains challenging. Nevertheless, research into this area is vital for enhancing our understanding of dogs’ emotional needs and promoting their overall wellbeing.
Separation anxiety ranks among the most prevalent behavioral issues in dogs, often manifesting in distress when left alone. This condition is particularly common in dogs with strong attachments to their owners, leading to behaviors like following the owner closely, exhibiting signs of stress when anticipating separation, and sometimes resorting to destructive behaviors. Treatment usually involves environmental management, behavior modification techniques and medication.
Dog aggression poses significant challenges, both for the animals and the owners of the dogs. While various factors contribute to aggressive behavior, effective management strategies are crucial for preventing incidents and ensuring the safety of humans and other animals. Treatment approaches focus on behavior modification techniques alongside educating dog owners on understanding and addressing their dogs’ needs.
To effectively address dogs’ mental health, we need a comprehensive strategy that includes preventive measures and owner education. By increasing awareness and empathy for dogs´ emotional wellbeing, we can enhance their quality of life and deepen the bond between humans and animals
The impact of bureaucracies on peasant autonomy : a case study from the region Mühlviertel, Austria
Get PDFThe current food system is characterized by long value chains, commodification, and environmental degradation. Simultaneously the European Common Agricultural Policy favours this system, benefiting industrial agriculture. This setup creates complex bureaucracies that bind rural areas to urban centers, limiting peasants' agency. This raises the interest in alternatives, where a focus on autonomy is highly relevant, as it shows how peasants navigate their foperation within capitalism and the state. Thus, this exploratory case study revolves around the impact of bureaucracies on peasant autonomy. A qualitative methodology was employed, incorporating in-depth interviews and observations with seven peasants, two of whom were also part of a group interview. The study’s analysis critically builds on the concept of autonomy by van der Ploeg (2018). First, the research presents different meanings of autonomy, including farm-level autonomy and forms of collective autonomy, in a regionally situated context in Mühlviertel, Austria, also identifying contradictions to the literature. Second, it identifies relevant bureaucracies for peasants under study. Lastly, it examines how these bureaucracies impact their autonomy. The study concludes that bureaucracies have a significant impact on peasant autonomy. They were found to limit the development of resource base and constrain autonomy from the market. This is relevant as it shows how bureaucracies can contribute to alternative pathways to the current food system, making it an important lever for the needed food system transformation. Thus, this study has policy implications, but also contributes to the current debate on autonomy within peasant studies
The welfare of the Roti snake-necked turtle (Chelodina mccordi) and the Pig-nosed turtle (Carettochelys insculpta) : enclosure usage, behaviour and visitor effect
Get PDFConserving animal species is an important part of protecting and conserving ecosystems. To work ex situ with conservation biology is an important part since many wild habitats are no longer available. In an attempt to make animal husbandry more effective and making it possible to conserve additional species, animals that do not have the same endemic origin are placed in the same enclosure. At Nordens Ark, a zoo in Sweden, the Roti Island snake-necked turtle (Chelodina McCordi) and the Pig-nosed turtle (Carettochelys insculpta) are kept together even though they don’t have the same geographical origin. How the two species affect each other and if it affects their welfare is unknown.
The aim of the study was to see if the presence of the other species affects the turtles’ behaviour, enclosure usage and if interactions between the Roti Island snake-necked turtle and the Pig-nosed turtle occurrence. The study also investigated if visitors influence the behaviour and enclosure usage of the two species. The method used in the study was direct observations with scan sampling. Behaviour was registered after an ethogram adapted to freshwater turtles and the enclosure was divided into zones to register enclosure usage. For every registration guest attendance was noted.
The behaviour most performed by the Roti Island snake-necked turtle was ‘swimming’ while ‘interaction’ was the least performed. The snake-necked turtle interacted more with its own species than with the Pig-nosed turtle. The most exploited zone was above surface. For the Pig-nosed turtle the most frequent behaviour was ‘withdrawn’ and interactions with its own species and the snake-necked turtle were performed the same number of occasions. The Pig-nosed turtle utilised two zones along the bottom of the enclosure during the majority of all registrations. The study also showed that visitor attendance influenced the turtles’ behaviour, making the Roti Island snake-necked turtle swim in the zones along the window and the Pig-nosed turtle withdraw themselves and using zones on the bottom that provided some kind of hiding opportunity.
In summary, both species showed behaviours that indicate stress and their enclosure usage could be interpreted as sharing the enclosure is not suitable and that there might be some competition for spatial resources. During visitor attendance the Roti Island snake-necked turtles performed pacing, a stereotypic behaviour where the turtle swims back and forth along an enclosure boundary. Further studies are needed to make it possible to find factors that induces stress in turtles or if it is a combination of multiple factors that are stressful. Additional studies on the behaviour of freshwater turtles are also necessary to improve the understanding of their natural needs
The financial effects of climate change : a study regarding adaptation strategies communicated by the EU
Get PDFSweden's agriculture has historically been a cornerstone of Sweden's economy. By providing food security, rural employment and economic stability. Lantmännen was established in 1889. The cooperative is owned by approximately 18 000 farmers and functions as an organization encompassing sectors such as agriculture, food production, machinery and bioenergy. This organization has favorably contributed to the development of Swedish agriculture. However, in recent years, the agricultural production in Sweden has been affected by the intensified climate changes. The Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute presents extreme and unpredictable weather due to Climate changes. These periods were significantly observed in agricultural production during the years 2018 and 2023. The drought in 2018 led to a lower harvest in quantity, whilst the drought followed by heavy precipitation 2023 led to a lower quality and quantity of the harvest. These trends are observed within the EU, and consequently, the Common agricultural Policy, as well as new directives are being formed to combat these new challenges.
This research aims to contribute to an understanding of various sets of policy frameworks within the EU that are communicated to the Swedish agricultural production through Lantmännen. Furthermore, it is of interest to investigate the perception of climate change and how well adaptation strategies are being implemented for maintaining a financially stable production.
To comprehend factors influencing the rate of implementation and adaptation to climate change, the reader additionally needs to comprehend market circumstances and the impact of attitudes on producers' decision-making. Furthermore, it is of significance to the reader to understand how institutions such as the EU promote and support producers, and how this is received by the member states, specifically Sweden. The theoretical framework in which this research is based includes Contingency theory, Institutional theory, and SWOT analysis. This research is conducted through a qualitative research method, including a narrative literature review. The author conducted interviews with five respondents from the organization Lanmännen. The respondents were asked to answer the questions found in Annex 1. The answers are further presented in Chapter 4.
The research shows how different market conditions contribute to the attitudes of the producers. Furthermore, attitudes of producers are significantly linked to formal and informal institutions, which in turn affects various contingencies forming an organization. The created policy frameworks, in combination with Lantmännens communication to producers, constitutes how well adaptation strategies are implemented by producers
Kvicksilver i ett svenskt landskap över 30 år
Get PDFFöroreningar av kvicksilver är ett välkänt problem Världen över. Långvarig användning har lett till stora antropogena utsläpp som förorenar både utsläppsplats och områden långt från utsläppskällan. Syftet med denna rapport är att studera långtidsdata av totalkvicksilver (TotHg), metylkvicksilver (MeHg), DOC och vattenföring som finns tillgänglig över 30 år från fyra avrinningsområden nära Vindeln, Sverige och att undersöka eventuella samband mellan variablerna.
All data sammanställdes i Excel där även de statistiska testerna gjordes. För att analysera tidsserierna av TotHg, MeHg, DOC och vattenföring användes det statistiska testet ANOVA och t-test, båda med en signifikansnivå på 0,05. Ingen av de fyra variablerna visade några signifikanta trender över tid för alla fyra undersökta avrinningsområden, utan alla var relativt stabila med några uppgångar och några nedgångar.
Förvånande nog sågs inga tydliga samband mellan varken DOC och TotHg eller DOC och MeHg som vissa tidigare studier visat. Däremot fanns det ett klart negativt samband mellan MeHg och vattenföring för alla fyra platser som tros bero på utspädningseffekten där höga flöden ledde till lägre halter MeHg. Även sambandet mellan TotHg och vattenföring gav intressanta resultat där det fanns en stark positiv korrelation mellan de båda variablerna för de två avrinningsområden med ingen respektive liten andel våtmark. Detta tros kunna bero på att mer TotHg och organiskt material kan spolas ut från områden med en större grundvattennivåvariation. Variationen sträcker sig från djupt ner i marken där kolinnehållet är lågt till högre upp i marken där kolinnehållet är större, jämfört med områden med stor andel våtmark där grundvattennivån ofta ligger närmare markytan och inte varierar så mycket.Mercury pollution is a well-known problem worldwide. Long-term use has led to large anthropogenic emissions that contaminate both the emission site and areas far from the emission source. The aim of this report is to study long-term data of total mercury (TotHg), methylmercury (MeHg), DOC and streamflow available over 30 years from four catchments near Vindeln, Sweden and to investigate possible relationships between the variables.
All data were compiled in Excel where the statistical tests were also performed. To analyze the time series of TotHg, MeHg, DOC and streamflow, the statistical test ANOVA and t-test were used, both with a significance level of 0.05. None of the four variables showed any significant trends over time for all four investigated catchments, but all were relatively stable with some ups and some downs.
Surprisingly, there were no clear relationships between either DOC and TotHg or DOC and MeHg as some previous studies have shown. However, there was a clear negative correlation between MeHg and flow for all four sites, which is thought to be due to the dilution effect where high flows led to lower MeHg concentrations. The relationship between TotHg and flow also gave interesting results, with a strong positive correlation between the two variables for the two catchments with no and little wetland area, respectively. This is thought to be due to greater groundwater level variation from deeper in the soil with less carbon to higher in the soil with more carbon, compared to areas with a high proportion of wetlands where the groundwater level is often closer to the surface and more stable
En mångfald av möjligheter
Get PDFEn av samtidens stora utmaningar är att demokratiskt ställa om till mer hållbara samhällen. Historiskt har sociala rörelser haft en central roll i att driva på samhällsförändringar i Sverige genom folklig förankring och nytänkande lösningar, och framöver kan denna roll vara väl så viktig. I den här studien undersöks hur omställningsrörelser driver på för förändring, främjar engagemang och hanterar motstånd mot deras arbete. Studiens teoretiska utgångspunkt ligger i forskning om ickevåld och sociala rörelser som bedriver civilt motstånd, där strategisk variation identifierats som gemensam nämnare bland rörelser som uppnår sina mål.
Genom att undersöka omställningsrörelser genom tolkningsramen av strategisk variation har den här studien bidragit till förståelse av hur människor engagerade i omställningsrörelser resonerar kring strategin att arbeta med en mångfald av tillvägagångssätt. I materialet framträder tydligt att rörelserna arbetar aktivt och kreativt med variation för att bjuda in till engagemang och skapa en inkluderande rörelse som fångar upp fler människor. Andra strategiska motiv är att verka för lustfylld omställning som tillvaratar lokala förutsättningar, och möjligheten att utforska och forma bättre liv inom planetens gränser.
Undersökningens empiri utgörs av sex semistrukturerade intervjuer med människor engagerade i organisationerna Klimataktion, Omställningsnätverket och Grön kyrka. Dessa representeras av två röster vardera som berättar utifrån sina erfarenheter av sitt engagemang.
Studien belyser hur omställningsrörelsernas uppfinningsrika sätt att arbeta kan vara viktiga för att minska friktionen kring omställning och möjliggöra att den sker snabbare och mer demokratiskt än dem förutan. Centralt är både hur de prövar sig fram och testar att utforma nya sätt att leva och organisera sig, hur de samlar människor, utbildar, informerar, bygger gemenskaper, samt arbetar med inre omställning. Studien skildrar även hur motstånd mot omställning kan ta sig i uttryck, och visar entydigt att de engagerade personerna förklarar det i termer av normer, vanor och narrativ. De beskriver även hur resursstarka aktörer tjänar på att upprätthålla status quo och därför aktivt motarbetar rörelsernas syften. Sammantaget gestaltas en tankestruktur som motverkar omställning, en förståelse där strategisk variation delvis kommer till korta som förklaringsmodell. Sammanfattningsvis synliggör strategisk variation den mångfald av tillvägagångssätt som engagerade i omställningsrörelser kreativt uppfinner och anammar för att hantera motstånd, främja engagemang och driva på för omfattande samhällsomställning i riktningar för hållbarhet.A current challenge is how to democratically transition towards more sustainable societies. Historically in Sweden, social movements have played a vital part in advocating for societal changes, and they may continue to be a force for change in the future. This study focuses on how transitional movements advocate change, engagement and handle resistance towards their work. Theoretically, the starting point is in research about nonviolence and social movements working with civil resistance, which identifies strategic diversification as a common ingredient among movements that achieve their goals.
By examining transition movements through the theoretical lens of strategic diversification, this study has contributed to the understanding of what factors members of the movements consider when choosing to include different and varied courses of action. The study shows that the organisations work actively and creatively with variation using different strategies to include a broad range of people in the movement. Central motives also include the wish to contribute to a positive transition that takes local conditions into account, and the opportunity to explore and create better ways of living within the planetary boundaries.
The empirics in the study is based on six interviews with members from Klimataktion, Omställningsnätverket and Grön kyrka. The organisations are represented by two voices each.
The results show how transition movements´ creative methods are considered important to lessen the potential friction around transitioning and enable it to be quicker and more democratic. Vital factors include how they innovate new ways of living and organising, how they gather people, educate, inform, build communities, and focus on inner transition. Regarding resistance, the study describes how it can manifest in the context of transition, and clearly shows how the respondents describe it in terms of norms, habits and narratives. They describe how resourceful actors benefit from maintaining status quo, hence actively counteract the purposes of the movement. Overall, a picture emerges of a structure of thought which prevents transition, where strategic diversification partly fails as a theoretical lens to understand the phenomenon. In conclusion, strategic diversification contributes with new perspectives on the multiple methods that the people engaged in transition movements creatively invent and use to handle resistance, mobilize and advocate a comprehensive transition towards more sustainable directions
Bridging Nature and Care : nurturing Individuals with Dementia in a Residential Care Facility in Denmark
Get PDFThe global demographic shift towards an aging population, with a projected 22% of the world over
60 by 2050, presents a significant challenge because of the soaring rates of dementia, carrying
profound economic, political, and social consequences. Research emphasizes the potential of naturebased
interventions in improving the well-being of individuals with dementia. However, practical implementation in residential care facilities remains limited.
This thesis investigates the integration of a nature-based care culture for residents with dementia in
a real-world residential care facility context, focusing on the crucial role of healthcare professionals
and environmental qualities. Using an intrinsic single case study design, the research centers on a
residential care facility in Denmark that has successfully integrated nature into its care culture. It
employs qualitative research methods, including interviews and place analysis, to address research
questions.
Focus group and joint walk-along interview were conducted to explore healthcare professionals' roles
in nature- based care cultures. Participants were purposefully selected, including four healthcare
professionals of varying backgrounds in the focus group and a healthcare professional and a project
manager from a previous nature and outdoor life project in the joint interview. Indoor and outdoor
environments were assessed using the Quality Evaluation Tool and Principal Model in four zones of
contact with the outdoors.
According to the research findings, integrating a nature-based care culture within a residential care
facility depends on motivated healthcare professionals, employing nature-based interventions.
Emphasizing the need for supportive environments, strong leadership, and volunteers. The
identification of a 'prime mover,' a healthcare professional responsible for planning and executing
nature-based interventions, emerges as a critical success factor.
Future research could explore the dynamics between the 'prime mover' and the interplay among
management, volunteers, healthcare professionals, and the physical residential care facility
environment, shedding light on broader implications for enhancing the well-being of residents with
dementia