Agroecosystem resilience and farmers’ perceptions of climate change impacts on cocoa farms in Alto Beni, Bolivia

Cocoa-based small-scale agriculture is the most important source of income for most farming families in the region of Alto Beni in the sub-humid foothills of the Andes. Cocoa is grown in cultivation systems of varying ecological complexity. The plantations are highly susceptible to climate change impacts. Local cocoa producers mention heat waves, droughts, floods and plant diseases as the main impacts affecting plants and working conditions, and they associate these impacts with global climate change. From a sustainable regional development point of view, cocoa farms need to become more resilient in order to cope with the climate change related effects that are putting cocoa-based livelihoods at risk. This study assesses agroecosystem resilience under three different cocoa cultivation systems (successional agroforestry, simple agroforestry and common practice monocultures). In a first step, farmers’ perceptions of climate change impacts were assessed and eight indicators of agroecological resilience were derived in a transdisciplinary process (focus groups and workshop) based on farmers’ and scientists’ knowledge. These indicators (soil organic matter, depth of Ah horizon, soil bulk density, tree species diversity, crop varieties diversity, ant species diversity, cocoa yields and infestation of cocoa trees with Moniliophthora perniciosa) were then surveyed on 15 cocoa farms and compared for the three different cultivation systems. Parts of the socio-economic aspects of resilience were covered by evaluating the role of cocoa cooperatives and organic certification in transitioning to more resilient cocoa farms (interviews with 15 cocoa farmers combined with five expert interviews). Agroecosystem resilience was higher under the two agroforestry systems than under common practice monoculture, especially under successional agroforestry. Both agroforestry systems achieved higher cocoa yields than common practice monoculture due to agroforestry farmers’ enhanced knowledge regarding cocoa cultivation. Knowledge sharing was promoted by local organizations facilitating organic certification. These organizations were thus found to enhance the social process of farmers’ integration into cooperatives and their reorientation toward organic principles and diversified agroforestry.

Sanitation in developing countries: A review through a gender lens

Sanitation has evolved from a purely technical discipline to one that includes social, environmental, economic and, increasingly, gender considerations. However, blurry notions of gender are frequently offered in the sanitation literature. Although it has been recognized that gender-responsive sanitation does not mean ‘toilets for women’, substantial alternatives are rarely debated. We structure our review of sanitation in developing countries along three lines: we start by fine-tuning the concept of gender both from the academic and the practitioner's perspective, analyse relevant developments in gender-specific policies and programming, and finally review the most appropriate toilet room and menstrual hygiene technologies. We argue that strategies to make technologies gender-responsive need to be based upon a thorough analysis of the social arrangements of the intimate, and how these are negotiated and institutionalized in a specific context. A lack of robust gender-segregated data on sanitation policies and technologies, along with reductionist framings of gender are to blame for limited progress in verifying the need for, and impact of, gender-responsive sanitation. Technology and policy development and implementation would benefit from gender-considerate interpretations of shame, dignity, safety and status. Further progress could be achieved by improving the translation process between different academic framings of the sanitation crisis. Keywords: appropriate technology; development; gender; menstrual hygiene management (MHM); sanitation

Sex as a source of power? Backlash against self-sexualizing women

Although women are thought to possess sexual power, they risk social and economic penalties (i.e., backlash; Rudman, 1998) when they self-sexualize (i.e., assert their power; Cahoon & Edmonds, 1989; Glick, Larsen, Johnson, & Branstiter, 2005). Why? Drawing on the status incongruity hypothesis (SIH), which predicts backlash against powerful women because they challenge the gender hierarchy, we expected prejudice against self-sexualizing women to be explained by a dominance penalty rather than a communality deficit (Rudman, Moss-Racusin, Phelan, & Nauts, 2012). Two experiments supported this hypothesis, and Experiment 3 further showed that the dominance penalty was explained by ascribing power motives to self-sexualized women. These findings extend the SIH’s utility to the domain of self-sexualization and illuminate the scope of people’s discomfort with female power. Implications for the advancement of gender equality are discussed.

Cultural capital and smoking in young adults: applying new indicators to explore social inequalities in health behaviour.

BACKGROUND Associations between social status and health behaviours are well documented, but the mechanisms involved are less understood. Cultural capital theory may contribute to a better understanding by expanding the scope of inequality indicators to include individuals' knowledge, skills, beliefs and material goods to examine how these indicators impact individuals' health lifestyles. We explore the structure and applicability of a set of cultural capital indicators in the empirical exploration of smoking behaviour among young male adults. METHODS We analysed data from the Swiss Federal Survey of Adolescents (CH-X) 2010-11 panel of young Swiss males (n = 10 736). A set of nine theoretically relevant variables (including incorporated, institutionalized and objectified cultural capital) were investigated using exploratory factor analysis. Regression models were run to observe the association between factor scores and smoking outcomes. Outcome measures consisted of daily smoking status and the number of cigarettes smoked by daily smokers. RESULTS Cultural capital indicators aggregated in a three-factor solution representing 'health values', 'education and knowledge' and 'family resources'. Each factor score predicted the smoking outcomes. In young males, scoring low on health values, education and knowledge and family resources was associated with a higher risk of being a daily smoker and of smoking more cigarettes daily. CONCLUSION Cultural capital measures that include, but go beyond, educational attainment can improve prediction models of smoking in young male adults. New measures of cultural capital may thus contribute to our understanding of the social status-based resources that individuals can use towards health behaviours.

Does gender-fair language pay off? The social perception of professions from a cross-linguistic perspective

In many languages, masculine forms (e.g., German Lehrer, “teachers, masc.”) have traditionally been used to refer to both women and men, although feminine forms are available, too. Feminine-masculine word pairs (e.g., German Lehrerinnen und Lehrer, “teachers, fem. and teachers, masc.”) are recommended as gender-fair alternatives. A large body of empirical research documents that the use of gender-fair forms instead of masculine forms has a substantial impact on mental representations. Masculine forms activate more male representations even when used in a generic sense, whereas word pairs (e.g., German Lehrerinnen und Lehrer, “teachers, fem. and teachers, masc.”) lead to a higher cognitive inclusion of women (i.e., visibility of women). Some recent studies, however, have also shown that in a professional context word pairs may be associated with lesser status. The present research is the first to investigate both effects within a single paradigm. A cross-linguistic (Italian and German) study with 391 participants shows that word pairs help to avoid a male bias in the gender-typing of professions and increase women's visibility; at the same time, they decrease the estimated salaries of typically feminine professions (but do not affect perceived social status or competence). This potential payoff has implications for language policies aiming at gender-fairness.

Sustaining the Economic Rent of Oceanic Resources: The Case of Marine Protected Areas

This paper investigates economic aspects of marine protected areas (MPAs) that are closely related to the underlying marine biota. Many marine scientists recognize that enough is now known about the marine biology for the scientific siting of MPAs to protect marine environments that create associated economic values. Marine scientists have identified several objectives of MPAs. These include protection of genetic and biodiversity, increase in population levels and structures (e.g., age, size, fecundity), enrichment of ecosystems by promoting species interactions, and the protection of continental shelf landscapes from invasive human actions. Indeed, some marine scientists and fisheries economists view MPAs as an 'insurance policy' against over-fishing and other human uses of oceanic resources that have damaged so many of the world's fisheries. The economic analysis presented here pays attention to optimal zoning, policies to maintain sustainable economic rents, and the optimal policing of MPAs.

Economic Reforms and Pro-Poor Growth: Lessons for Africa and other Developing Regions and Economies in Transition

The paper discusses the meaning and measurement of pro-poor growth and also reviews evidence of pro-poor growth (or the lack of it) in a large cross-section of countries and time periods. The emerging story is that many episodes of growth are not pro-poor and also that although economic reforms have had positive effects in those countries that have been steadfast in implementing market reforms, the overall impact on growth has been small for many countries and in most cases not pro-poor. I present a general theory of pro-poor growth that includes ten principles that should be incorporated in all economic reforms that seek to generate pro-poor growth. These principles highlight the importance of understanding the poor, their economic activities, capabilities, constraints that impede their participation in markets and also an appreciation of linkages within sectors and regions. It is argued that pro-poor reforms cannot have the intended impact unless there are significant changes in the institutions of governance. Finally, the principles presented underscore the fact that pro-poor growth policies cannot be sustained without workable partnerships between markets and states in the ever changing and complex processes of social and economic development.

A systematic review of literature on socioeconomic disparities in the prevalence of dental caries

Dental caries, also known as tooth decay, are a disease of the oral cavity that affects the tooth structure and leads to the occurrence of cavities in teeth. Dental caries are one of the leading chronic diseases in the population and are very common in childhood. If not treated appropriately, dental caries have debilitating effect on the oral and general health of individuals. ^ Objectives. The aims of this review are to (1) analyze and elucidate the relationship between the social and economic determinants of health like income, education and race/ethnicity and the prevalence of dental caries and (2) identify and understand the pathways/underlying causes through which these factors affect the occurrence of dental caries. This review will provide a foundation for formulation of better oral health policies in future by identifying the key socio-economic factors and pathways affecting the prevalence of dental caries. Knowledge about these socioeconomic factors could be incorporated in the design of future policies and interventions to achieve greater benefits.^ Methods. This review includes information from all pertinent articles, reviews, surveys, reports, peer reviewed literature and web sources that were published after 2000. The selection criterion includes literature focusing on individuals between the ages of 1 to 65 years, and individuals from different subgroups of community based on income, education and race/ethnicity. The analyses of literature include identifying if a relationship between income/education/race and the prevalence of dental caries exists by comparing the prevalence of dental caries in different socio-economic groups. Also included in this review are articles that are relevant to the mechanisms/pathways through which income/education/race affect the prevalence of dental caries.^ Results. Analyses of available literature suggests that disparities in the prevalence of dental caries may be attributed to differences in income, education and race/ethnicity. Higher prevalence of dental caries was observed in African-American and Mexican-American individuals, and in people with low income and low education. The leading pathways through which the socioeconomic factors affect the prevalence of dental caries are the lack of access to dental care, lack of awareness about good oral hygiene beliefs and habits, oral health, inability to afford dental care, lack of social support to maintain oral health and lack of dental insurance.^ Conclusion. Disparities in the prevalence of dental caries exist in various socio-economic groups. The relationship between socio-economic factors and dental caries prevalence should be considered in the development of future policies and interventions that are aimed at reducing the prevalence of dental caries and enhancing oral health status.^

HEALTH MAINTENANCE ORGANIZATION ENVIRONMENT: AN EMPIRICAL STUDY OF THE RELATIONSHIP OF EXTERNAL CONTEXT AND PERFORMANCE

The research project is an extension of a series of administrative science and health care research projects evaluating the influence of external context, organizational strategy, and organizational structure upon organizational success or performance. The research will rely on the assumption that there is not one single best approach to the management of organizations (the contingency theory). As organizational effectiveness is dependent on an appropriate mix of factors, organizations may be equally effective based on differing combinations of factors. The external context of the organization is expected to influence internal organizational strategy and structure and in turn the internal measures affect performance (discriminant theory). The research considers the relationship of external context and organization performance.^ The unit of study for the research will be the health maintenance organization (HMO); an organization the accepts in exchange for a fixed, advance capitation payment, contractual responsibility to assure the delivery of a stated range of health sevices to a voluntary enrolled population. With the current Federal resurgence of interest in the Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) as a major component in the health care system, attention must be directed at maximizing development of HMOs from the limited resources available. Increased skills are needed in both Federal and private evaluation of HMO feasibility in order to prevent resource investment and in projects that will fail while concurrently identifying potentially successful projects that will not be considered using current standards.^ The research considers 192 factors measuring contextual milieu (social, educational, economic, legal, demographic, health and technological factors). Through intercorrelation and principle components data reduction techniques this was reduced to 12 variables. Two measures of HMO performance were identified, they are (1) HMO status (operational or defunct), and (2) a principle components factor score considering eight measures of performance. The relationship between HMO context and performance was analysed using correlation and stepwise multiple regression methods. In each case it has been concluded that the external contextual variables are not predictive of success or failure of study Health Maintenance Organizations. This suggests that performance of an HMO may rely on internal organizational factors. These findings have policy implications as contextual measures are used as a major determinant in HMO feasibility analysis, and as a factor in the allocation of limited Federal funds. ^

Propuesta de indicadores de sustentabilidad para la producción de vid en Mendoza, Argentina

El concepto de sustentabilidad implica una relación a largo plazo entre los seres humanos y la naturaleza. Un sistema productivo sustentable es aquel capaz de permanecer en el tiempo ya que promueve la conservación de los recursos naturales, del capital social y genera una renta económica suficiente para la subsistencia de los mismos. La vitivinicultura brinda numerosos beneficios al sector agrícola, sector responsable del uso y contaminación de recursos naturales de la provincia de Mendoza (Argentina). Si bien existen algunos indicadores inherentes al sector vitivinícola, la mayoría se concentran en aspectos físicos y económicos. El trabajo consiste en elaborar indicadores para evaluar la sustentabilidad de la producción de vid en Mendoza, sobre la base del concepto de sustentabilidad que integra las tres dimensiones de un sistema: la económica, la social y la ambiental. Esto se aplicó a la producción vitícola, para lo cual se construyeron indicadores que caracterizaron al sistema siguiendo el concepto de sustentabilidad. Los indicadores se probaron con encuestas a productores (estudio de caso). Los indicadores seleccionados resultaron apropiados para determinar en qué estado de sustentabilidad está un viñedo respecto de cada una de las dimensiones (económica, social y ambiental); fáciles de obtener y de interpretar.

A avaliação ambiental estratégica como ferramenta ao planejamento e à gestão do território

Planned to be a process of early evaluation of Politics, Plans and Programs (PPPs), which interfere in the environment; the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) suggests a methodology for planning and managing the land, which overcomes the limitations of the traditional plans that try to mitigate the environmental impacts of Projects, assuming a pro-active conception that incorporates the social and environmental aspects in the planning stage of the PPPs. This kind of Evaluation surpasses the existing limitations of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), once the EIA happens after the planning process, when lots of decisions have been made and carried out. In order to overcome the limitations of EIA, the SEA is a strategic tool in the process of planning and managing the land. When we focus on the PPPs and not on the Projects, the SEA, which is more political than technical, priorizes the strategies that assure the integration of the environmental, social, economic and institutional aspects into the planning process, in private or public organizations. In this context, this work aims to establish the concept basis of the Strategic Environmental Evaluation as a tool for land planning and managing. The methodology procedures used here lie in the literature review concerning the SEA, analyzing how this tool can be introduced as an alternative for sustainable development. Although the SEA is a tool that introduces the sustainable development theme as a guiding principle of planning, it is seldom used by managers and decision makers, locally and nationally

Cotidianidades territorializadas entre la proxemia y la diastemia : Ritmos espacio-temporales en un contexto de aceleración

La aceleración de las sociedades contemporáneas constituye un fenómeno insoslayable, ampliamente instaurado desde las últimas dos décadas del siglo XX. La aceleración tuvo su mayor impulso con el desarrollo tecnológico del siglo XX y su origen ha radicado en el proceso de acumulación capitalista actual. Sin embargo, ha desbordado lo tecnológico y lo económico, se ha entronizado culturalmente y también se ha articulado como parte nodal de la construcción social del mundo actual. En este documento, se analiza la aceleración y los ritmos sociales asociados a ella desde la perspectiva de los sujetos en su mundo de la vida cotidiana. Como toda perspectiva focalizada en el sujeto en la vida cotidiana, esto trae consigo el interés analítico por la acción y las prácticas, el sentido y los significados. No obstante, en esta ocasión esas dimensiones de la cotidianidad son consideradas junto a la corporeidad-emocionalidad del sujeto y su espacio-temporalidad. El documento aborda ciertas estrategias que desarrollan algunos tipos de sujetos sociales que están inmersos enteramente en dicha aceleración. En ocasiones forjan de manera espontánea estrategias de adaptación a la aceleración, otras veces configuran estrategias de resistencia. En otros casos se orientan hacia estrategias híbridas que incluyen tanto la adaptación como la resistencia. Así, estas estrategias buscan cotidianidades inmersas en distintas formas de proxemia corporal y afectiva, y otras veces se persiguen cotidianidades fundadas en la diastemia corporal y afectiva través de la distancia y el aislamiento. El texto aborda primero algunas estrategias cotidianas de tipo proxémico. En la segunda parte,se abordan estrategias de carácter diastémico. Por último, se presentan algunas reflexiones finales

Transformaciones territoriales en áreas de riesgo de inundación. El caso del Arroyo El Gato. Partido de La Plata. Período 1980-2004

El presente trabajo tiene como objetivo realizar el estudio de los cambios territoriales a partir de la evolución en los usos de suelo, la estructura morfológica urbana y aspectos socio-económicos de la población en uno de los asentamientos poblacionales situados en las márgenes del Arroyo El Gato. El mismo se llevará a cabo a partir de la implementación de la teledetección, análisis de datos estadísticos y encuestas. El estudio de las transformaciones territoriales nos ayudará a abordar en una primera aproximación las dimensiones de peligrosidad y exposición enmarcadas en la teoría social del riesgo. Este análisis servirá como insumo para la determinación de áreas de riesgo de inundación que se está desarrollando dentro del proyecto "Inundaciones en la Provincia de Buenos Aires. Factores naturales y antrópicos desde la Teoría Social del Riesgo. Cuenca Parano-Platense. 1980-2000".

El progreso de microrregionalización como estrategia del desarrollo local : Un estudio de la provincia de Chaco

El artículo analiza la experiencia de desarrollo llevada a cabo por el gobierno del Chaco, Argentina, entre los años 2000 y 2007 mediante la organización del territorio provincial en microrregiones. El énfasis ha sido puesto en los aspectos participativos y en el sentido que el proceso adquirió para sus propios actores. La noción de territorio, en su vinculación con el término ?campo? de Bourdieu, constituyó un concepto relevante a los efectos del análisis. En primer lugar, se explicitan los ejes teóricos del discurso oficial que origina y promueve el proceso: la opción por el desarrollo sustentable, la perspectiva de integración de lo económico con lo social y la generación de espacios participativos para la gestión de las políticas públicas. En la descripción de la experiencia se identifican las tensiones, actores y lógicas subyacentes: iniciativas y razones para la creación de cada microrregión, modalidad de la participación, consecuencias y obstáculos. El análisis muestra que la tensión entre los intereses económicos de los sectores productivos más estabilizados y las expectativas sociales de los sectores vulnerados no logra dirimirse, por lo cual la voluntad asociativa discurre en el marco de esta lógica. El Estado no puede ser un actor prescindente. Estos procesos deben contribuir a afirmar la identidad cultural y el sentido de pertenencia desde una perspectiva que reconozca la diversidad pero no legitime la desigualdad. En este contexto, se destaca la importancia de abrir espacios que permitan nuclear a la población de las distintas jurisdicciones para la discusión de ejes, la definición de políticas y la construcción de consensos que incluyan el reconocimiento del otro como igual, fortaleciendo los mecanismos de cohesión social