Paper short abstract:

South asian Cities are observing rapid urbanization creating disparity on water distribution.Drawing cases from cities of Nepal we conclude urbanisation process creates two types of communities and Social movement inevitable are at suppressed form and surfaced when national politics favours it.

Paper long abstract:

The sustainable development goal number 6 "Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all" by 2030. However, there are many challenges to achieve this in South Asian cities which are observing rapid urbanization and creating disparity between different sections within the urban areas which has raised concerns for equitable access to water. In this context, this paper examines the challenge of equitable water distribution in peripheral regions and the perspectives and contribution of social movements to address the unfulfilled water need. We present a case of community struggle for water access, drawing on the case of Dharan and Dhulikhel from Nepal which has witnessed urban movement for access to water in peripheral regions. This paper will draw out perspectives and experiences on how organized citizens conduct social movements and what are the outcomes of these urban movements for equitable water access. The findings helped us to reveal what has been achieved by the social movements in terms of water access and redistribution. we try to argue that this misbalanced economy creates tension and triggers 'social movement' eventually enhancing 'spread effect' of urbanization from core regions to peripheral areas to minimise imbalance. We draw conclusion that urbanisation process creates two types of communities and Social movement inevitable are at suppressed form and surfaced when national politics favours it. Finally, Even when strong movements exist, challenges and gaps exist in relation to the translation of voice into policy and then in the delivery of results on equitable service delivery.

Paper short abstract:

Taking an actor-oriented approach to social-ecological systems, we paper explores the ways in which marginalised Thai farmers involved in the production of animal feed corn are incorporated as both producers and consumers in global food systems that are the creations of powerful agribusiness.

Paper long abstract:

This paper takes the perspective of farming households as the starting point for analysing increasingly complex food systems. Focusing on the case study of animal feed corner farmers in Mae Chaem district in Thailand, we explore the ways in which marginalised farmers are incorporated as both producers and consumers in global food systems that are the creations of powerful agribusiness. Animal feed corn production has been promoted to support the growing poultry and pork industry in Thailand, that reaches both national and international markets. It is an industry that is itself based on a food systems approach, with a business plan that links all stages of production, processing, distribution and retail. Our analysis draws on both food systems and agrarian change theory. The actor perspective provides important insight into the internal dynamics of multi-scale, complex social ecological systems. While such farming households maintain a degree of agency, they have limited influence in the decisions of agricultural production and marketing. Such analysis is consistent with agrarian change literature, but also illustrates how engagement in food systems creates farmers as consumers of the same systems to which they contribute as producers. Despite avoiding consumption of what they produce, ultimately the way in which their own production is incorporated into global food systems means that they are bound as consumers to these very systems.

Paper short abstract:

The aim of this paper is to identify legal barriers to the development of organic farming by analyzing the EU regulations constituting the Common Agricultural Policy 2014-2020 and Polish supplementing acts including those that aim to develop the short supply chains of organic food.

Paper long abstract:

The 2013 reform of the Common Agricultural Policy for the 2014-2020 period aimed to be a flagship initiative for the delivery of more environmental and climate friendly agriculture. To achieve its environmental goals, the EU uses key instruments of Pillars 1 and 2 to provide more public goods from EU agriculture. Organic farming is recognized under both instruments in terms of its contribution to public goods. Organic farming responds also to specific consumer demand for high quality food production. Organic farms tend to grow a wider range of crops, often those that are high in micronutrients. Organic management techniques are often highly appropriate technology for small farms and farms with more labor equity than cash to spend on off-farm inputs, making organic farming knowledge a powerful tool to help small farmers succeed and boost their yields.

However, there are still significant legal barriers that discourage farmers from conversion to organic farming. Those barriers could be divided into three main issues:

1. The problems concerning meeting the demands of organic production in the light of European law

2. Is the financial support for organic farming in CAP 2014-2020 sufficient for making organic farming an attractive alternative for farmers?

3. The legal problems of developing short supply chains so as to enable consumers to buy organic food at a reasonable price.

The aim of the paper is to discuss the above-mentioned issues.

Paper short abstract:

This paper examines 3 interrelated economic impacts of Merowe Dam in Sudan electricity, agriculture and infrastructure. Evidence suggests, local communities are aware of positive and adverse impacts but mainly focused on the visible impact related to livelihood sources and limited on infrastructure.

Paper long abstract:

Concern on the economic impacts of Merowe Dam in Sudan and studies exploring local communities' perception of this issue are nascent. The present paper provides an insight on the economic impacts of Merowe Dam as perceived by Merowian farmers and other stakeholders which are supported by material evidences, such as: electricity supply and its role in agriculture and other areas of the economy; and infrastructure for transportation and marketing of agricultural goods.. Three inter-related areas of impact have been analysed - electricity, agriculture and infrastructure in the region, using an array of indicators collected through questionnaires and interviews. The results show that local communities are well aware of both positive and adverse economic impacts of Merowe Dam although these are more focused on the visible impacts closely related to livelihood sources, such as 'food production', 'water supply' and 'electricity cost'. Food production has increased including fishing despite some shortages in irrigation water supply especially in relocated communities. Electricity supply led to reduction in irrigation cost but domestically the cost of obtaining electricity has increased. Local communities' perceptions are weak for impacts not related to agriculture, such as infrastructure. Raising farmers' awareness of the role of infrastructure in supporting agro-economic activities is urgently needed for sustainable economic development in the region. In doing so modern agriculture and its applications needs improvement in all fronts, however, there is a need to be a balance between addressing the livelihood needs of local communities and enhancing agribusiness in the region by policy-makers.

Paper short abstract:

The study tests the link between gender, development, and utilization of technological innovations. We observed that the varietal preference of male rice farmers is marketability whereas that of the female is early maturity. We recommend broader investment in rice research for gender-inclusiveness.

Paper long abstract:

The study sought to investigate the linkage between gender, development, and utilization of technological innovations in Ghana. The study adopted an exploratory design and employed a thematic content analysis for the qualitative data derived from in-depth interviews with selected rice scientists and farmers. We identified that research institutions lack the requisite mandate, capacity, and resources to mainstream gender issues in research activities. We also observed that the varietal preference of male rice farmers is marketability whereas that of their female counterparts is early maturity, suggesting differences in gender needs and concerns. We recommend broader investment in rice research for gender-inclusiveness and equity.

Paper short abstract:

The present study sought to ascertain the reality of the involvement of children in cocoa production constituting "child Labour". Specifically, the study investigated whether the involvement of children in cocoa production kept them from schooling and academic progression.

Paper long abstract:

Child labour in cocoa production in West Africa became an issue in the late 2000 especially foreign media leading to the promulgation of the ILO Convention 182. This study sought to ascertain the reality of the involvement of children in cocoa production constituting "Child Labour" in 12 cocoa producing districts in Ghana. The study took into cognisance the traditional mode of training of future cocoa farmers to ensure sustainability of the industry. The study used interpretivist approach which allowed those being investigated to interpret the world around them as they felt. The study found that children of all farming households were involved in ion the larger; the land holding of the farming household, the higher the propensity to use children in farm work; Children largely work on household farms; Saturday was the most common days children went to farm; Children worked between 3-4 hours not counting travelling time. Reasons for using children in: farming were the high cost of scarce Wage-labour; a means of training children in the art of cocoa production; Mode of cocoa production was largely peasant that depended on household labour; the children are assured of meals for the day; their needs were met by the relatives they live with from proceeds; children learn skills and experience in farming. The study concludes that the involvement of children in cocoa production in Ghana does not constitute child labour and recommends the recognition of cultural relativism in prescription of global policies and protocols.