Please note that there are two different conference venues: June 14/15 - Century City Conference Centre June 16 - Kirstenbosch Conference Centre (transportation available)
Enironmental Impacts from a Global South Perspective
Abstract #16 Title: Resilience pathways on the Effects of Recurrent Drought in Borana Pastoralist Communities, Southern Ethiopia Presenter: Argaw Ambelu (Jimma University, Ethiopia) Introduction: Borana pastoralist communities in Ethiopia are frequently affected by recurrent drought. Their resilience to the effects of the disasters is affected by different factors. The aim of the study was to identify resilience dimensions and adaptive mechanisms among pastoralist communities to the effects of recurrent drought. Methods: Primarily community consultations were conducted to identify resilience dimensions, adaptive strategies and coping mechanisms to the effects of recurrent drought in Borana pastoralist communities. Qualitative data were processed using atlas ti7 software. After the identification of resilience dimensions, household survey was conducted to assess the relationships between the resilience dimensions and determine key resilience pathways. Principal component analyses were undertaken to represent each resilience dimension. Dimensions were represented by their first unrotated component. Resilience pathways were established using a pathway model. Findings: The pathway model indicates that environment strongly affects livestock condition which leads to food insecurity followed by psychosocial distress. Peace and security is another important dimension to improve the resilience of the Borana pastoralists for many reasons which is often caused by cross-border clashes with neighboring pastoralists during migration.
Abstract #98 Title: Market-based solutions and value addition for sustainable baobab enterprises for resilience in arid rural communities of Zimbabwe Presenter: Doreen Mnyulwa (RAEIN-Africa, South Africa) Co-Author: Alice Maredza Introduction: Beitbridge communities, Zimbabwe, face multiple challenges, chief among them food insecurity and malnutrition. Wild fruits, including baobab, edible insects and other forestry products are part of their resilience options. However, incomes are paltry and inadequate to improve the quality of life. Limited capacity precludes processing and value addition Methods: Using ethnography, the community context and needs were explored. Using Focus group discussions, in-depth interviews of a purposefully selected sample, observations, and in-depth secondary data analysis, empirical evidence was sought. An analysis of the inherent resilience factors and adaptive capacities was carried out. Insights drawn included cultural settings, socio-economic factors, and limited capacity to maximisation of the existing resilience factors. Informed by these insights, the problem was reframed. Furthermore, human-centred, context specific innovations were designed working with multi-stakeholder partners with experience in baobab processing and marketing. Community input was sought to endorse and adopt the designed prototypes Findings: Whilst processed baobab products can earn higher incomes to communities, extractive market intermediaries have not benefitted the producers. Baobab for Dollars Project seeks to use market and value chain integration to improve incomes earned by bottom of the pyramid producers and fostering fair trade relationships with other value chain actors
Abstract #133 Title: Pathway model using a wealth resilience dimension scale associated with climate variability in Uganda Presenter: Roy William Mayego (Makerere University School of Public Health, Uganda) Co-Authors: Christine Muhumuza, Simon Kasasa, Roy Williams Mayega, Julius Ssentongo, Nathan Tumuhamye Introduction: By integrating resilience mechanisms into relief and development efforts, humanitarian and development practitioners seek to break the cycle of vulnerability and find locally identified and developed solutions for sustainability and positive impact in the communities. Methods: This study aimed at quantifying the relationship between various resilience dimension scales and wealth dimension as an outcome. Data was from a sample size of up to 2023 households, Principle Component Analysis (PCA) was used to identify reliable factors for each dimension scale. Linear regression analysis and Structural Equation Models (SES) were applied in order to explain this relationship. Findings: Using a framework for resilience factors associated with climatic variability, it was found that wealth was a vital outcome from the RAN qualitative research. Quantitatively using PCA, a set of factors were identified for each dimensions and wealth status was described through a range of variables as a vital pathway.
