Volume 06 Issue 03

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

Development of Supportive Housing for Seniors in Iroquois Falls, Canada
Arshi Shaikh a, Carol Kauppi b, Henri Pallard c
a Social Development Studies, Renison University College, University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
b Director, Poverty, Homelessness and Migration, Professor School of Social Work
Laurentian University, Ontario, Canada
c Director, International Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Law, Professor, Department of Law and Justice`
Laurentian University, Ontario, Canada

Volume 06, Issue 03, Pg. 11-24, 2013.

Abstract:  An unprecedented demographic shift cha­racterized by a substantial increase in the population of seniors is occurring in Ontario, Canada. In order to meet the changing housing and health care needs of seniors, a community driven supportive housing com­plex was constructed in Iroquois Falls, a small town situated in northeastern Ontario.

This study had the following objectives: (i) to review the processes, including legal and regulatory require­ments, involved in the establishment of the seniors’ supportive housing complex, and (ii) to analyse the challenges and solutions devised during its concep­tualization and implementation. Site visits, a review of policy documents, and semi-structured interviews with multiple stakeholders were conducted over a period of four months.

The findings revealed several key elements that ensured the successful establishment of the suppor­tive housing complex for seniors. These elements included adequate identification of needs in the com­munity, unique and solid partnerships among mul­tiple stakeholders, a strong commitment among part­ners to provide affordable and supportive housing to seniors, support from the broader community, avail­ability of funding, and alignment of the priorities of the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing and the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.

Keywords: Aging, health, seniors, supportive housing, housing policy, northern Ontario.

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BIRDING TRAILS AS SUSTAINABLE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT  
Krisztian Vas
New Zealand Tourism Research Institute (NZTRI), Auckland University of Technology (AUT),
Auckland, New Zealand

Volume 06, Issue 03, Pg. 23-33, 2013.

Abstract: The growth and popularity of birding has provided many communities, regions and countries with new economic income. As a result, many places are keen to attract more birdwatchers and develop this niche segment of tourism. Birding trails seem to be a viable and sustainable tourism development option. Prior to this article, no previous literature has been written on assessing if birding trails are actually sustainable or if they can function as a form of sustainable tourism development. Through 10 in-depth semi-structured interviews with (five birding and five other types of tourism trail) trail managers, the research aimed to determine how sustainable are such trails within the definition of sustainable development. The perspectives and understanding of “sustainability” by trail mangers and operators was the focal point of the research. Results indicate that most trail managers and operators overlooked some aspect of sustainability; whether environmental, economic or socio-cultural. It seems that environmental aspects of sustainability were usually first mentioned and prioritized by trail managers, particularly birding trail operators. Most trail managers overlooked economic sustainability and many were unable to meet operating costs. The research determined that birding trails can indeed function as sustainable tourism development if all three pillars of sustainability are incorporated into the development process. A series of recommendations are provided in the discussion chapter that lists what elements should be taken into account when planning and managing a birding trail, to ensure sustainability.

Keywords: birding trail; bird-watching; sustainable development; sustainability; tourism

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Teaching chemistry by using “Proverbs”
Zahra Arzani a 
a Beheshty School, Azymeyeh Mehran squre, Karaj, Iran. 

Volume 06, Issue 03, Pg. 35-45, 2013.

Abstract: An analogy is a comparison between two domains of knowledge, one familiar and the other less familiar. The familiar domain is often referred to as the “source,” or “analog”; the less familiar domain, or the domain to be learned, is usually referred to as the “target”.11 Three major teaching models are presented in the analogy literature: Teaching-With-Analogies (TWA), General Model of Analogy Teaching (GMAT), and FAR (Focus, Action, Reflection). In this research, these three methods of  teaching analogy where used. The FAR method was found to be sufficient and easier for teaching.

According to researches, analogies increase motivation, and meaningful learning. They help students visualize concepts and clarify their way of thinking. In this research, three chemistry subject concepts for grade 11 students (high school) and one in an organic chemistry class (collage) were taught by using new analogies, mostly proverbs. A “Proverb” is a rich and short sentence, which enjoys a high potential for penetrating deep into people’s minds. Once learned, the opinions of students were collected and the effect of analogy on their ability to remember the information was investigated. According to students’ opinions, teaching chemistry by using proverbs is fun and proverbs are helpful especially in memorizing chemistry rules. On the other hand, Students with lower abilities, use proverbs as a means of answering questions in exams. 

Keywords: Teaching Chemistry, Analogy, Proverbs, High School  

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Contributing to the food sovereignty debate: Re-linking local production and consumption
Wilhelmina Quaye a, Guido Ruivenkamp b , Godfred Frimpong c , Joost Jongerden d
a Food Research Institute, Ghana.
b Wageningen University, Ghana.
c Science and Technology Policy Research Institute, Ghana.
d Wageningen University, Ghana.

Volume 06, Issue 03, Pg. 46-56, 2013.

Abstract: Agri-based economies especially those in developing countries are becoming increasingly dependent on foreign markets and losing their autonomy in food production and distribution. However, there are possibilities to re-link local production and consumption. That is reconnecting local productive resources and local access to healthy and nutritious food for enhanced food sovereignty. Access to markets (both domestic and international) for smallholder farmers which is one of the principles governing the food sovereignty concept requires that local actors take control over their own production and consumption decisions. Food Sovereignty is the right of peoples to define their own food and agriculture; to protect and regulate domestic agricultural production and trade in order to achieve sustainable development objectives; to determine the extent to which they want to be self-reliant; to restrict the dumping of products in their markets; and to provide local fisheries-based communities the priority in managing the use of and the rights to aquatic resources. Food Sovereignty does not negate trade, but rather it promotes the formulation of trade policies and practices that serve the rights of peoples to food and to safe, healthy and ecologically sustainable production.Historically, the local market served as a tool to facilitate production-consumption linkages in local food networks, but in recent decades the global market has effected a disconnection of such linkages. Global market forces have succeeded in crowding out small-scale farmers from their domestic markets and also made the international market inaccessible through unfair trading policies. This paper contributes to the food sovereignty debate focusing on threats to localised food systems, perspectives for post-modern peasants and the need for reconnection of local food production and consumption systems particularly in developing countries. Main themes discussed include (1) Threats to localized food systems: Trade relations and misconceptions (2) Perspectives for localized food systems: post-modern peasants and reconnections and (3) Seed as Common Heritage Vs Tradable Commodity: Implications for Food Sovereignty. Highlighting on access to and control over production resources such as seeds or crop varieties by the post-modern peasants, the paper recommends the need to investigate and unravel the power relations that are ‘encoded’ in the development of new varieties and market relations for enhanced food sovereignty. From the Food Sovereignty perspective, seed should be a common heritage, free for all and not a tradable commodity. Peasant farmers seek to have their own seed stock season after season to ensure that they do not lose their premium varieties which they have carefully selected over time to meet their own needs. 

 Keywords: Food, Market access, Seed, Sovereignty, Peasant Farmers

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Trade Regulation of Environmental Goods in an Oil Producing Economy: A Computational General Equilibrium Analysis on Abu Dhabi
Yanxiang Wang a, Marwa Al Mohaideb b, I-Tsung Tsai c, Zhanna Kapsalyamova d
a,b,c,d Engineering System and Management Department, Masdar Institute, United Arab Emirates. 

Volume 06, Issue 03, Pg. 58-63, 2013.

Abstract: The reduction of trade barriers for environmental goods and services has been proposed by the World Trade Organization (WTO), Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) as one of the means to diffuse clean technologies. This paper examines the economic and environmental effects of the three proposed trade regulation schemes on oil producing economies using Abu Dhabi as an example. Using administrative trade data, a Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) model calibrated with Abu Dhabi’s social accounting matrix is developed to analyze industrial outputs and CO2 emissions reductions by sectors. The results shows that an elimination of import tariff for environmental goods lead to a drop in GDP by 0.012%, 0.014%, 0.027%, and reduction of CO2 emissions by 0.015%, 0.018%, and 0.036% respectively under the WTO, APEC, and OECD proposals. The manufacturing and the construction industries contribute to most of the CO2 emission reductions. While the OECD proposal reduces most CO2 emissions, the elasticity of GDP change to Carbon emissions change are similar across all proposals.

Keywords: International Trade, CO2 Regulation, Environmental Goods, Oil Producing Economies

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Sustainable Energy Consumption in Developing Countries:
An Analysis on Thailand’s Household Socio-Economic Survey
Saranyupa Chaiprasithikul
Graduate School of Business and Commerce, Keio University, Japan. 

Volume 06, Issue 03, Pg. 63-71, 2013.

Abstract: Developing countries have been dramatically changing their ways of consuming energy for the past decades. Between 1987 and 2006, developing countries experienced high rate of growth in energy consumption as much as 63 percent per year while energy consumption in OECD countries grew only around 1.5 percent per year. Without effective policies, such dramatic change in energy consumption would undoubtedly lead to unsustainable future of global energy. This paper analyzes distribution of energy consumption across income classes in Thailand by using household socio-economic data of Thailand from the period 2003-2009. It can be found that there were high inequalities in energy consumption among household income classes especially in electricity and transport fuel consumptions. The study also estimates carbon emission of each income class and finds that the highest income group emits carbon emission 7 times higher than the lowest income. The study finally conducts policy scenarios based on the fact findings. The first scenario assumes a change in carbon emission factor, which refers to the technology level of country. The result implies that adaptation of cleaner energy and technology on power generation can substantially decrease carbon emission of Thailand. The second scenario assumes changes in tax on carbon-intensive energies which lead to a substantial decline in carbon emission.

Keywords: “energy policy”, “household socio-economic survey”, “income quintiles”, “sustainable energy consumption”, 

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Assessing Impact of Economic Development on Water Pollution in Thailand
Using Dynamic Spatial Econometrics Analysis
Saranyupa Chaiprasithikul
Graduate School of Business and Commerce, Keio University,, Japan. 

Volume 06, Issue 03, Pg. 70-77, 2013.

Abstract: Although most developed nations have discovered various solutions to their conventional pollution problems, many developing countries still suffer from environmental degradations. Thailand is a prime example of these countries. Its environmental problems have increased in severity, becoming more complicated to solve despite current global awareness regarding environmental issues. These problems provide the context in which “sustainable development” has been introduced as a key paradigm in creating a balance between economic development and environment. The aim of current paper is to empirically examine the sustainability in Thailand in terms of EKC relationship between economic activities and water pollution, and discuss the implications of our findings on policy implementations. The conventional EKC relationship between water pollution and income is statistically insignificance for the case of Thailand’s water pollution data. However, water pollution tends to be inverted-U related with other output level of economic activities such as manufacturing and agricultural products. The study also found that previous investment in education and environment statistically decreases water pollution at the present time.   

Keywords: “Dynamic Spatial Econometrics Analysis”, “Economic Development”,  “Environmental Kuznets Hypothesis”, “Sustainability”, “Water Pollution”, 

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The Challenges South Asian Immigrants Face In Accessing The Education And Employment Opportunities In The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) Needed for their Human Development
S.M. Tariqul Islam a,  Raoul Etongue Mayer b
a Human Studies PhD Program, Laurentian University, 935 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6
b  Department of Geography, Laurentian University, 935 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6

Volume 06, Issue 03, Pg. 77-94, 2013.

Abstract: The objective of the study is to investigate the challenges/barriers South Asian immigrants face in accessing the education and employment opportunities in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) needed for their health and well-being and maximizing their human development. Using the convenience sampling technique, we collected 307 samples of self-administered survey questionnaires and five focus group discussions of South Asian immigrants living in the GTA. The preliminary results of this research show that South Asian immigrants living in the GTA face multiple barriers such as their degrees/diplomas are not recognized and those who reported that their degrees are recognized, say, they are not treated as equal to Canadian/USA degrees. The data also shows that the unemployment rate of the sample population is higher than the national average. They are also facing challenges in finding an employment in their field of study and their monthly income is very low.  This research conducted Person Chi-Square test and cross tabulation and the results show there are significant relationships between self-rated health and variables related to accessing education and employment opportunities.  It also shows that those who have obtained their degrees from South Asia, those whose degrees/diplomas, professional degrees/diplomas, skills and experience were not recognized, who did not have opportunities for accessing community resources had lower self-rated health. In addition, the results also show that among the sample population those whose degrees, professional degrees, and outside work experience were not recognized, who were not working in their same profession, whose credentials were undervalued and  whose jobs did not match with qualifications had  higher unemployment rate, lower income and living lower quality of life. As a result, their health is deteriorating and their human development is being compromised, affecting their integration into the new society. 

Keywords: Education; Employment; Human development; South Asian; Well-being.

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Root and Tuber Expansion Programme Technologies and Farmers’ Productivity in Lagos and Ogun States of Nigeria
 Jaji, M. F. O. a, Yusuf-Oshoala, M. A. b , Issa, F. O c
a Department of Agricultural Extension and Management, Lagos State Polytechnic, Ikorodu , Lagos, Nigeria
 b Lagos State FADAMA Office, Oko-Oba Road, Agege, Lagos, Nigeria
 c National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria

Volume 06, Issue 03, Pg. 95-105, 2013.

Abstract: There are several problems responsible for the inability of Nigeria as a nation towards attaining self sufficiency in food production especially in root and tuber crops, one of these problems is the unrealized yield potential that could be achieved through the adoption of improved and recommended technologies. Increase in crop productivity has always remain a concern of both governmental and non-governmental organisations and this is the reason many agricultural technologies have been introduced towards improving the efficiency of crop production systems. Several reasons have however been attributed to the less than desirable performance of these technologies. This study examined the effect of Root and Tuber Expansion Programme (RTEP) technologies on farmers’ productivity in Lagos and Ogun States. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select two hundred farmers from two blocks in each of the states in the study area. Interview schedule was administered on 50 farmers who were randomly selected from each block to make a total of 200. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data collected. The result revealed that 67.3% of the respondents had formal education, which has a great influence on technologies use and 24.6% were below 40 years of age. Majority were married while only 4.5% indicated being widowed, there were more male than female in root and tuber crop production. The chi-square analysis indicated that there was no significant relationship between sex and productivity level of farmers in Lagos state (χ2 =1.306, P = 0.521), while there was significant relationship between sex and productivity level of farmers in Ogun state (χ2 =21.335, P = 0.000). The result of the study also revealed a significant relationship between the use of Root and Tuber Expansion Programme technologies and productivity of farmers in Lagos state (ρ = 0.491, P = 0.000) and Ogun state (ρ = 0.575, P = 0.000). The analysis of variance showed a significant difference in the use of technologies between farmers in Lagos and Ogun states as well as in their productivity level. Based on the results of this study, a number of recommendations were made.

 Keywords: RTEP, RTEP technologies, Root and tuber crops, Productivity, Nigeria 

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Influence Of Public And Private Sector Extension Services In The Adoption Of Improved Cassava Varieties By Farmers In Rivers State, Nigeria
Emmanuel Ifeanyi Ogueri
Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology, Faculty of Agricultural Technology,
Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Amassoma, Bayelsa State, Nigeria.

Volume 06, Issue 03, Pg. 103-120, 2013.

Abstract: The public sector extension service in Nigeria was anchored by the Agricultural Development Programmes (ADPs). In Rivers State, the ADP was established in 1987 as a semi-autonomous, self accounting unit with the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources and funding was based on the following ration, RSG – 14%, FG-20% and world bank-66%. 

Similarly, the private sector extension services in Rivers State was provided by the multinational oil and gas companies notably, SPDC, TEPNG and NAOC with SPDC taken the lead, hence its choice in the study. SPDC started agricultural projects in 1965 in Ogoni but the activities were blown to limelight in early 90s with 9 extension officers resident in the company’s host communities called zones.

The main objectives of the public and private sector extension services was to ensure food security through communication of technologies to farmers for enhanced adoption of improved varieties and farming systems mostly in the areas of crop, fisheries and animal productions.

This study x-rayed the adoption of improved cassava varieties that was considered in great demand over local varieties (due to its numerous advantages) as a source of major staple food (garri, amala, fufu) in Nigeria.

Participatory and interactive bottom-up approach was employed to obtain data from the farmers and extension officers.

Simple descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation were used.

Technologies considered influential on improved cassava varieties adoption were planting time, planting length/population, planting distance (spacing), planting regime, weed control, appropriate fertilizer availability / application methods, harvesting time and other agronomic procedures.

Results showed moderate adoption of overall recommended technologies of improved cassava production from farmers served by the public and private sector extension services but relatively higher adoption rate by the private sector than the public sector. A phenomenon caused by additional incentives by the operators of the private sector extension system. 

However, there was a significant difference in the adoption of recommended planting date between farmers reached by public and private extension officers. Conversely, there were no significant differences between farmers served by the extension systems with respect to the adoption of spacing, fertilizer type and fertilizer quantity.

Thus, it revealed that when the component technologies were pooled, their overall adoption was not significantly different between farmers served by the public and private sector extension services.

It was also found that private sector extension system operates like a social responsibility without legislative framework; hence their continued operation in Nigeria was doubtful. This situation could impose a serious threat to food security and negatively affect government transformation plan for agriculture.

It was recommended among others that the skills of extension officers of both public and private sectors be improved through periodic trainings. Regular logistics was important for effective extension system and that holistic approach using Research-Extension-Farmers-Inputs-Linkage-System (REFILS) should be employed and MTRM organized so that the farmers through the extension officers would constantly be informed of new varieties from the Research Institutes. Legislative framework would be a must for multinational oil and gas companies in Nigeria to continued support for agricultural development. 

 In conclusion, until cassava production is enhanced through mass adoption of improved varieties, the Federal Government plan of using cassava flour as input in bread production would introduce scarcity to source of Nigerian most staple food which could result to starvation. This scenario and security situation in Nigeria would rather be imagined than described. 

Keywords: Agricultural extension value chain, Overall adoption, improved cassava production technologies, Food security, Public and Private sector extension system, Legislative framework.

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