Volume 04 Issue 12

OIDA International Journal of Sustainable Development
Open access peer-reviewed journal

Liberation Theology: Development and Sustainable Decision Making
Musarrat Jabeen a, Abu Turab Khan b
a, b Development Studies, COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Abbotabad, Pakistan.

Volume 04, Issue 12, Pg. 12-15, 2012.

Abstract: Liberation Theology offers an alternative vision of development as it does not concise with trained perception of development. Sustainable decision making may be parametric to comprehend the poverty of the society. The public policy decisions must be looked at in terms of how they impact the poor. The concern for the poor has sledded down while evaluating the decisions only in terms of profit of the organizations or economic growth of the countries as manifestations of prevailing political and economic structures. Based on this concern this paper focuses on Liberation Theology and its first dimension: political and social liberation, the elimination of the immediate causes of poverty and injustices; which may lead to socio-political change and development. The objective of this paper is to find out the capacity of existing Decision Support Systems akin to Liberation Theology. The paper is comprised of understanding, “Liberation Theology” and its application to decision support systems for sustainable decision making. 

Keywords: Liberation Theology, Development, Sustainable Decision Making 

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The State-Civil Society Relations in Shaping the National Policy Agenda in Southern Africa
Bonginkosi Maxwell Nkosi a
a Department of Development Studies and  Anthropology, 
University of Zululand, KwaDlangezwa, South Africa.

Volume 04, Issue 12, Pg. 16-26, 2012.

Abstract: The concept of state-civil society relations is experiencing criticism and revival in the academic spaces starting from its basic understanding to the various roles. Fundamental attributes of development in the Southern African region depends on these relations since these relations are somehow confrontational and contradictory in some issues, while fruitful in one way or the other. On the other hand, they differ on how they organise themselves and how they desire to shape the public or private policy discourse. Secondary data, such as state policies and reports, were analysed using content-based data analysis. Some critical observation of civil society through participation and indirect and direct observation of proceedings in Southern Africa has been used to supplement the secondary information. This article explores how the state-civil society  by first providing a clear background and literature in understanding the state and civil society and how  should each function in a democratic society, not neglecting how civil society contributes or shape national policy in the various sectors of the public sector in Southern Africa. On the other hand, the article looks at the challenges that cripple these relations in shaping the national policy agenda in South Africa. 

Keywords: civil society, state relations

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Environmental Health, Indigenous Identity, Cultural Representations and the Production of Ecological Consciousness in Northern Ontario
Alfonso Marquina a , Jorge Virchez b, ,  Raul Ruiz-Callado c
a Department of Anthropology, University of Granada, Spain.
b Department of Geography, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada.
c  Department of Sociology, Alicante University, Spain.

Volume 04, Issue 12, Pg. 26-36, 2012.

Abstract: Disparities in health status have existed in all cultures at all times. The history of native populations in North America provides a particularly valuable case. Their burden of ill health has persisted over the five centuries since European contact (Kirmayer et. al. 2008; Waldram et. al. 2006; Jones 2004). They have experienced profound disruption and alteration of their traditional ways of life through culture contact. This historical and cultural experience has involved diverse processes: “epidemics of infectious disease, systematic efforts at religious conversion, colonization with forced sedentarization, relocation and confinement to reserves, prolonged separation from family and kin in residential schools and hospitals, gradual involvement in local and global cash economies, political marginalization, and increasingly pervasive bureaucratic and technocratic control of every detail of their lives. This history has had complex effects on the structure of communities, individual and collective identity, and mental health” (Kirmayer et. al. 2008). Nowadays, epidemics such as elevated rates of suicide, alcoholism, and domestic violence and the pervasive demoralization seen in many Aboriginal communities can be readily understood as both direct and indirect consequences of this history of colonization. 

During 1980´s and 1990´s a pan-Indian healing movement has emerged in many Aboriginal communities across Canada as a current effort made by Canadian Indigenous peoples to face the legacy of suffering and dislocation brought on by the history of colonialism. Since then, there has been a renewed awareness of spirituality, Native identity, and healing. Practices associated with traditional healing have been widely adopted and have served both as effective healing rituals for groups and as symbols of shared identity and affiliation. This cultural phenomenon of bringing back and re-legitimizing traditional spiritual and cultural teachings is contributing greatly to community healing and development processes. 

The significance and impact of pan-Indian healing movement is that a local level, it has contributed to create a postcolonial paradigm based on the Medicine Wheel model. This paradigm views healing as a process that achieves a relationship with the self, Mother Earth, and the natural world. Teachings in contemporary Native communities based on the medicine wheel model create an epistemological paradigm that employs cultural representations of personhood and community, creating a new understanding through a revised view of self conceived as ecocentric (connected to the land, animals, and the environment) and sociocentric (connected to the extended family, kin, clan and nation). The medicine wheel model and its cultural representation of personhood is increasingly becoming a fundamental tool to promote a holistic foundation for human behavior and interaction as well as sustainable and healthy communities. This holistic philosophy is now being borrowed and employed by many Aboriginal communities across Canada.

Through an ethnographic case study we explore how the contemporary production of the indigenous self-representation of “stewards of the land” and the promotion of a sociocentric and ecocentric self as ethnic marker and moral category is contributing to environmental, community health and well-being in native reserves. The primary goal of the research is to document local perspectives by presenting a set of commentaries and meanings, in the form of narratives, related to environmental health conceptions in a Oji-Cree reserve in Northeastern Ontario, Canada. 

Keywords:  Culture,  Environment , Health , Identity and  Indigenous.

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Enhancement of Indigenous Production Capacity through an Assessment of Masonry Units Produced in Mamelodi, South Africa
Stefano Grassi a, Williams Kehinde  Kupolati b, Antonio Frattari c
a, c  Department of Architecture & Civil Engineering, University of Trento, Italy.
b Department of Civil Engineering, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria 0001, South Africa.

Volume 04, Issue 12, Pg. 38-58, 2012.

Abstract: There is a dearth of housing units for the teeming population in developing countries: similar challenge is noticeable in South African’s townships such as Mamelodi among others. Records showed that Mamelodi is a large, historically designated black township in Pretoria that is situated on the north eastern outskirts of Pretoria, in the Guateng Province of South Africa with a population of about one million people. The research sought to assess masonry units commonly used for housing from indigenous producers in the township with a view to determining its strength and quality in order to enhance their output capacity.  Fourty three masonry units made up of bricks and sandcrete blocks were collected from five indigenous producers in Mamelodi east; and the laboratory of the Department of Civil Engineering, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria. Materials used include different types of cement, aggregates, hardener and water with manual as well as mechanical equipments. Sieve analyses of the different types of sand used were undertaken in line with SABS Method 829:1994. The sizes and compressive strengths of the samples were determined according to South African standards, SANS 1215:2008 and SABS EN 197-1; and compared to specified values. In addition, materials, mix proportions and production techniques were appropriately assessed.   It was observed that the types of cement used by the producers were CEM 42,5N, CEM 32.5R, CEM IV/B [V] 32.5R and CEM 32,5R. The different types of sand used as aggregates were crusher sand, plaster sand and dag sand. The water used was clean devoid of any deleterious material. Though the compressive strengths were found to be less than those specified in the standards, the sizes of the samples showed variation from the specification. However, the compressive strength of the masonry units from the laboratory of the Department of Civil Engineering, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria complied with the specified standard. The observed deviation of the results from the approved specification may be as a result of unfamiliarity with the standard by indigenous producers, the properties of the material ingredients, proportion of the mix, the method of compaction and other controls during placing, compaction and curing. It was also observed that the materials used by the producers were found to be from different sources, while there were variable mix proportions as well as production techniques.  The knowledge available to the indigenous producers from the research on the quality of the masonry units would enhance the productive capacity of the indigenous producers in the townships.

Keywords: Bricks; Compressive strength; Indigenous producers; Production capacity; and Sandcrete blocks.

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Protection of Human Rights Through Environmental Ethics
Syed Mehartaj Begum a
a Centre for Federal Studies, Faculty of Islamic Studies and Social Sciences, 
Jamia Hamdard (Hamdard University), New Delhi, India.

Volume 04, Issue 12, Pg. 56-62, 2012.

Abstract: One of the most crucial problems facing the mankind today is the preservation of the environment. The pollution of the environment around our mother earth is affecting not only the lives of human beings but also the entire living organism.  Environmental problem has received the attention of the whole world as it is recognized as a worldwide disaster. The main reason of this problem is increasing human activities in the modern society which has accelerated the pace of environmental pollution.  Pollution is a major human rights problem. Human rights are the basic and inalienable rights a man possesses.  The presence of human rights can be seen throughout the history of mankind.  These rights need to be protected and at times enforced. The effects of pollution on human health as well as other living organism are really profound. The need to protect and improve the environment is so compelling and pressing for the survival of not only mankind but also the life form on the planet-Earth. This  right to environment has emerged as a human right. Environment plays a protective and promotional role in the survival of humanity. No doubt, specific laws with the intention to preserve the environment have been legislated all over the world. But the sources indicate that environmental problem is increasing day by day due to various kinds of pollutions.   

It is true that human beings by their own misdeeds are responsible for the environmental pollution. The growing population coupled with the modern culture of consumerism has caused alarming damage to our environment.  It is a fact that the economic development is essential to improve the quality of life; and natural resources play an important role to achieve this goal.  But today the ecological disaster has made it mandatory for us to utilize these limited resources in a judicious and rational manner. The collective destiny of our globalised world lies in our attempts at “improving the quality of human life while living within the carrying capacity of supporting eco-systems”. This is what we call ‘sustainable development’.  Sustainable development means the kind of development that can be effected by us without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. This idea embodies a pious aspiration for economic growth and social equity while ensuring environmental protection simultaneously. To meet this goal, we need to imbibe a holistic approach comprising human values, social participation, clean technologies and good governance. The only solution to our current environmental problems is to go back to nature, our ancient ideals and traditional values. Our current living style, preferences in life, and attitude towards nature is not only causing environmental degradation, but also distorting human personality and value pattern. Environmental ethics are the best means to protect the human rights from the environmental pollution.

Environmental ethics are required to play a major  role in preserving the environment.  Every one of us is having the responsibility to protect the environment from all sorts of pollution. Environmental ethics can help the society tremendously in protecting environment.  It is the high time to develop environmental ethics to understand the problems of environment through relevant experiences and to extend all possible assistance to the society so that the right to environment of human beings is protected.   Therefore, the main objective of the paper is to highlight how polluted environment violates the human rights and focus on the significance of environmental ethics to protect human rights by preserving nature from polluted environment.   

Keywords: Ethics, Environment, Human Rights, Pollution, Sustainable Development

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Environmental Greening through Utilization of Sawdust for Production of Bricks
Williams Kehinde  Kupolati a , Stefano  Grassi b,  Antonio Frattari c
a Department of Civil Engineering, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa.

Volume 04, Issue 12, Pg. 64-81, 2012.

Abstract: South Africa and the rest of the world are saddled with challenges of appropriately using the enormous amount of waste that have negative impact on the environment. The investigation of sawdust as a waste material has been conducted in many countries over many years; and received positive attention as partial component for masonry units in building construction. Owing to the availability of sawdust and its inexpensiveness in Pretoria, South Africa, the research sought to investigate the utilization of sawdust for the partial replacement of crusher sand for the production of bricks in order to enhance the greening of the environment. The sawdust used in the research was generated from the laboratory of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa, as a waste of the timber processing. While the source of the crusher sand was Hoicim-Ferro, Weltevredenpark, Pretoria, South Africa; the cement used was CEM IV/B [V] 32,5R. The methodology involved the conduct of gradation analysis on the sawdust and crusher sand used for the production of bricks. Thereafter, sawdust was used as a partial replacement of crusher sand at 1, 3 and 5 percent by volume to produce bricks at a productive site in Malelodi, Pretoria as well as cubes at the laboratory of the Department of Civil Engineering, Tshwane University of Technology. The compressive strengths of the produced bricks were determined at 7 and 28 days in line with the South African standards on masonry units. The compressive strength of the bricks showed a steady increase from the values at 7th day to that at the 28th day. Though, it was observed that there was a reduction in compressive strength with the increase of sawdust by volume. However, the compressive strength values of the bricks produced on site was less than the minimum specified in the standard; while those produced at the laboratory had satisfactory strength values that satisfied the minimum standards. The results may be due to better quality control practices in the laboratory. Therefore, the quality of the bricks produced on site may be improved. The research showed the potential of sawdust being used as a partial replacement for crusher sand in the production of bricks. Thus heaps of sawdust that would have constituted environmental nuisance could be gainfully utilized by providing solution for the waste management problems of sawdust waste and also contribution towards maximizing the strength of the bricks utilized in the building industry.

Keywords: Environmental greening; Compressive strength; Bricks, Sawdust; and Crusher sand.

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Internationalization of Higher Education: A Tool for Sustainable Development
Shakeel Ahmad a
a University Grants Commission, Government of India, New Delhi, 110 002, India.

Volume 04, Issue 12, Pg. 80-90, 2012.

Abstract: In the present Century i.e. 21st knowledge has become a key driving force. Ability of any country to emerge as a globally competitive player, substantially depends on its knowledge resources and their effective and efficient transformation. Generation of new knowledge is a major concern of every country. To address the concern of the entire knowledge spectrum, a systematic approach is sine-quo-non. Higher education is a most powerful and strategic tool not only to create new knowledge but also a very important sector for the growth and development of human resource which can take responsibility for economic, social, and scientific growth and development of the country. 

The socio-economic changes in the World and developing information and knowledge society have emphasized the importance of higher education and research in the whole World. There is well known quote “education is an ornament in prosperity and a refuge in adversity”. With the liberalization resulting into quality education, the role of higher education in the future economic, societal, and cultural development of the World has become an issue of paramount significance. The World Declaration on Higher Education for the 21st Century:  Vision and Action (1998) states that “Higher education should be considered as a public service”.  Furthermore, the Declaration affirms that the role of higher education in the “consolidation of human rights, sustainable development, democracy and peace, in a context of justice”, and that “international cooperation and exchange are major avenues for advancing higher education throughout the world”.

Higher education sector worldwide is going through rapid, and dynamic as well as irreversible changes.  It is faced with great challenges and difficulties. New modes of teaching learning methods and application of information and communication technologies in the face of burgeoning demand for higher education, have transformed the way of higher education which was traditionally offered and received. Education systems have reacted to the developments in the users’ expectations and enabling environment by diversifying their syllabi, structures and the ways of delivering effective, efficient and quality education.  Today, countries expect that their higher educational institutions must provide education of high quality, which meets international benchmarks, competition and standards, and should be relevant to the needs of the international community.

Internationalisation of higher education promotes the possibility for innovation in teaching and delivery methods and higher mobility of students, programmes and providers. It enhances the productivity and makes educational system a spring board for preparing manpower of high quality that can successfully face the competition in the world market. At the same time, it improves relevance with closer links with the world of work and achieves quality in its teaching, research and business.  The most important aspect of the internationalization of higher education is students mobility.  Student mobility is a critical component in connecting people from countries around the world as globe has become seamless. 

Internationalization of higher education has gained enormous momentum because of its impact on the development of a country, both politically and economically.  It is one of the ways in which higher education may respond to the potential, opportunities and challenges of globalization. Internationalization of higher education is a development process that is greatly accelerated by the new information and communication technologies. Internationalisation is a critical tool for the sustainable development. Sustainable Development means, the development which aims at meeting the present demands without compromising the possibility of future generations to satisfy their own demands.  Sustainable development is possible only through  internationalization of higher education.  Internationalisation provides an opportunity of inter-disciplinarily, international networking and exchange of ideas between institutions, faculty, researchers, and students. 

It is a fact that Indian higher education is struggling to infuse quality at all levels.  Internationalisation is the crucial need of higher education as it would infuse a sense of competition which is essential. A lot of efforts are being made to internationalize the higher education in India. The paper attempts to highlight the importance of internationalization i.e. [why and how] of higher education for the sustainable development and initiatives that have been and are being taken for internationalization of higher education in India.  In addition, a few suggestions have been made. 

Keywords: Communication Technologies, Economic Development, Internationalisation of Higher Education, Knowledge, Sustainable Development. 

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The Legacy Of Poverty, Marginalization And Underdevelopment In Balochistan: Historical, Political And Social Factors
Musarrat Jabeen a, Ehsan Inamullah b, Mariam Arif c, Rubeena Batool d
a, b Development Studies, COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Abbotabad, Pakistan.
c Humanities, COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Abbotabad, Pakistan
d Gender and Development Studies, University of Balochistan, Quetta, Pakistan

Volume 04, Issue 12, Pg.92-97, 2012.

Abstract: The correlates of marginalization are poverty and underdevelopment. This paper is concerned about the dynamics of marginalization and Balochistan in relevancy to strategic, political and economic systems. This study asserts that the determining factors of marginalization of Balochistan are; historical, political, and international.  The objective of this study is to map out the determining factors of marginalization and propose some policy suggestions to create compatibility between global geo-economic trends and the interests of native population by managing marginalization for the development of Balochistan.

Keywords: poverty, marginalization, underdevelopment, legacy

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Sustainable Development: Straddling the Divide Between Two Worldviews
John Esposito a
a School of International Liberal Studies, Chukyo University, 
Yagotohonmachi, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Japan.

Volume 04, Issue 12, Pg. 98-112, 2012.

Abstract: The interpretive ambiguity of sustainable development is apparently the source of its widespread appeal. What is not as clear, however, is that the contentious nature of this collocation lies not so much in a lack of denotative or descriptive power, but in an axiomatic clash of perspectives at its core. A relic of the colonial era when culture and nature were viewed not only as distinct entities, but also as resources to be exploited, the modern idea of development is clearly steeped in values that prioritize human imperatives. Attempts to splice sustainable connotations onto this concept, which are derived from a wholly distinct epistemology, have thus far proven unsuccessful. Evidence gleaned from official discourse on sustainable development suggests that this is due to the radical discontinuities between a modern worldview that privileges a mechanistic outlook to human-nature interactions and an ecological one where the emphasis is on an organic reality composed of complex systems. In order to address the normative controversies that have arisen as a result, an alternate paradigm is proposed that seeks to ground the primary objectives of sustainable development in a more harmonious environment. 

Keywords: critical analysis, ecological worldview, economic growth, modernism, sustainable development

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An Evaluation of the Quality of Government Extension Services in West Coast District of Western Cape Province, RSA
V.M. Mmbengwa a, J.A. Groenewald b, H.D van Schalkwyk c, M.P Sebopetsa d
a,b,c North-West University (NWU), Potchefstroom Campus, Republic of South Africa. 
 d Department of Agriculture, Western Cape Province, Republic of South Africa. 

Volume 04, Issue 12, Pg. 114-128, 2012.

Abstract: The quality of agricultural extension services is perceived to be a key determinant of profitable farming enterprises. Consequently, the South African government has initiated a capacity building programme  for extension workers called extension recovery plan in the year 2009, where all extension workers in South Africa were compelled to upgrade their qualifications. The extension recovery plan also aimed to enhance the image of extension and also bring about accountability of the service through the use of Information Communication Technology, where extension are required to document every advice given to farmers. The aim of this study was assess the quality of the extension services in West Coast district with the objective to determine the impact of extension services on the rate of the establishment of start-up farming enterprises, the linkages of emerging farmers to extension workers, frequency of technology dissemination and transfer, the respondents’ perception on the quality of extension services and marketing information. The study was conducted at West Coast District of Western Cape Province. The study used both qualitative and quantitative methodology. The data used in the quantitative analysis was collected from 20% of the sample population.  Whilst data collected through qualitative methodology was used to explain the outcome of the quantitative method. The test used in analysing the data was a non-parametric test where Friedman Two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied.  The study found that 77.78% of respondents are aware of the extension services. It was also found that the extension workers do have regular contacts with the entrepreneurs (respondents). In addition, it was found that the respondents regard the service of extension workers to be of less value to their farming activities. The study recommends the training of extension workers on impact subjects such as marketing, technology transfer and finances.

Keywords: Agricultural extension, recovery plan, quality, training, contacts

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