Volume 07 Issue 05

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

Optimal Harvesting of a Renewable Resource: A Mathematical Model
Sudipto Sarkar
DeGroote School of Business, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4M4, Canada.

Volume 07, Issue 05, Pg. 11-19, 2014.

Abstract: This paper derives the optimal harvesting policy for a renewable natural resource using a real-option model. The harvesting policy is illustrated using the well-known “tree-cutting” or “optimal rotation” problem from Forest Economics. We show how to identify the optimal tree size at which to harvest (or the optimal harvesting trigger), and also the resulting expected rotation period. The optimal trigger depends on (i) the growth dynamics of the tree, (ii) the interest rate, (iii) the harvesting cost, and (iv) size of the replacement seedling. With reasonable input parameters, it is shown that tree size must increase to 4½ times the original size before it is optimal to harvest it, which gives an expected rotation period of 51 years. The model is flexible enough to accommodate various adjustments if necessary. 

Keywords: Renewable resource; Harvesting; Optimal policy; Mathematical model.

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The Dynamics Of Rural Credit And Its Impacts On Agricultural Productivity: An Empirical Study In Rural Ghana
Gideon Baffoe a, Hirotaka Matsudab, Masafumi Nagaoc, Tomohiro Akiyamad
a,b,c,d Graduate Program in Sustainability Science – Global Leadership Initiative, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Japan.

Volume 07, Issue 05, Pg. 20-34, 2014.

Abstract: Rural households in developing countries continue to have limited access to credit although credit is thought to play a vital role not only in agricultural activities but also in poverty reduction through improving the economic and social wellbeing of the people. Existing studies on rural credit do not allow us to clearly understand the relationship between agricultural production and credit. The main objective of this study is to investigate the relationship between access to credit and agricultural productivity using Ghana as a case study. Data were collected with structured questionnaire from 109 farm households who were categorised into borrowed and non-borrowed households. The results revealed that 66% of the sampled households (109) do not have access to credit.  Non-borrowed households on average spend more (GHc675.6) on variable inputs than borrowed households (GHc652.6). However, the yield productivity (cassava, maize and yam) of borrowed households is larger than that of non-borrowed households and the difference is statistically significant at 5% confidence level. Average profit of borrowed households (GHc468.14) is also larger and statistically different from that of non-borrowed households (GHc323.48). The main factor that distinguishes borrowed households from non-borrowed households is livelihood diversification. The reason is that financial institutions prefer given credit to diversified households because of their ability to spread risk across a number of income generating activities. Results of the study imply that for a household to access credit, they must first improve agricultural productivity and this can be achieved by crop diversification. Access to credit will then help the household to diversify the livelihood more and diversification further, will allow such to have access to more credit.  We argue that borrowed households with diversified livelihood have the potential to reduce vulnerability and enhance resilience even though using credit for non-farm activities is seen as risk taking strategy. We conclude by proposing an innovative development transitional model with the potential to increase productivity and enhance resilience. 

Keywords:  Agricultural Productivity, Credit Accessibility, Ghana, Poverty reduction, Livelihood Diversification

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Product And By-Product Development For Pandan 
Ma. Merlie R. Arbo 
Bicol University, Polangui Campus, Polangui, Albay, Philippines

Volume 07, Issue 05, Pg. 35-39, 2014.

Abstract: The Bicol Region particularly the 3rd District of Albay, Philippines has an abundant supply of raw materials which are potential sources of alternative medicines and culinary condiments. The crop used in this study is Pandan, which is cultivated in all parts of the Philippines. At present, lack of technology to process this crop delimits its use. Knowledge on the use of this herb in the country is very limited, hence, usually neglected. 

This research project focused on the characterization of Pandan and developing it into different products by-product such as granulated herbal drinks, food seasoning and flavorings.  It also focused on the development of processing technologies that could lead to the maximum utilization of productive lands, create livelihood, provide employment and generate income for the farmers.

The Descriptive-Developmental and Experimental Methods of Research were adopted in the conduct of the study. The finished products were subjected to sensory evaluation to determine its acceptability.

The study revealed that: both the ready-to-drink and granulated herbal drinks from Pandan are highly acceptable in terms of taste, odor/aroma, and texture/consistency. Different recipes which were prepared, seasoned and flavored with Pandan were all found to be highly acceptable in terms of taste and aroma. 

The following conclusions were drawn: (1) physico-chemical properties of Pandan could affect the recoveries and processing technologies; (2) Pandan could be processed into acceptable products such as granules, drinks, food seasoning and flavorings; and (3) the cost of the production for Pandan is also acceptable. 

The development of these processing technologies could pave way to the utilization of less productive lands, generation of income for the farmers and entrepreneurs, provision of employment, and generation of livelihood for everyone. 

It is therefore recommended that: (1) identification of varieties to increase the crop production be conducted; (2) promotion and marketing of the new products be made; (3) other recipes be prepared using Pandan as seasoning or flavoring;(4) similar studies be conducted using other herbs with medicinal value; and (5) further studies on product process standardization be done.

Keywords: Food Seasonings, Herbal Drinks, Indigenous Materials, Livelihood, Processing Technologies.

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Social sustainable development and economic transformation
Abdoullah Bazyar
Faculty of Politics and International Relations, Islamic Azad University, Iran.
International Supporting Association for War Victims (ISAWV), Im Flachsgarten 15, 50226 Frechen, Germany

Volume 07, Issue 05, Pg. 40-50, 2014.

Abstract: Sustainable development is “the development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”. This definition recognizes the use of natural resources to the extent permitted and the equal right of each generation to have access to the natural capital.

Sustainable development, adopted worldwide, is a new important approach in management and public policy-making. This notion, with its various aspects, takes the future consequences of our current actions into account. 

Social sustainable development can be defined as the process of radical transformation in social structures and relationships driven by such goals as social integration, social cohesion, quality of life, social equality, and accountability of authorities and public agencies. Hence, achieving a comprehensive development, capable of fostering national solidarity, is impossible without considering social dimensions to which authorities has to pay special attention. 

Studies and International experience affirm that comprehensive sustainable development has to be based on human resources potentials and no development venture succeeds unless it invests in human development as its core element. The most recent data published by United Nations Development Plan (UNDP) illustrates the human resource contribution to the wealth of world countries- for example, Japan (80%), Germany (78%), Spain (78%), turkey (72%). Therefore, to attain sustainable development, ‘human’ should be at the center of development and the largest portion of investment has to be channeled towards human resources; this is exactly what is carried out by some less-developed countries like South Korea, China and Malaysia in order to achieve sustainable development. `

Theories and concepts of economic development in past centuries could not meet human needs and they were limited to the studies on environmental protection. This paved the way for new approaches to emerge and helped defining the nature of theories and their potential roles in solving problems related to critical human and citizenship survival.

Sustainability is a condition under which the current utility and existing facilities do not decline over time and ecosystems continue their functions into indefinite future. It is a condition under which social and natural systems work subtly together. However, this notion is still used by some international organizations, such as World Bank, to depict the vision of growth.       

Redirecting the society and economy towards sustainability is a mission which cannot be accomplished by any social subgroup; it needs a larger society which lends itself to management. Cooperation of all major groups of society is one of the main innovations of an institution which is equipped with sustainability.

The principles of management in social sustainable development management are practical through focusing on the factors below: (a) intersectional perspective  (b) social cooperation (c) foresightedness (d) efficient exploitation of natural resources (e) evaluation of the effects of local, regional, and global activities (f) planning (g) holistic reasoning

With regard to the process of decision-making for sustainable development, considerable attention should be given to gathering the strategies sustainable societies make use of. Successful implementation of the strategies of sustainable societies in the intended society results in: (1) the development of other sustainable societies  (2) the development of sustainable regions as a result of the establishment of the very sustainable societies (3) the development of a sustainable global society due to the formation of the very sustainable regions 

 Keywords: development, economic, management, social, sustainable,  

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Novel Biomass Based Energy Conversion Systems For Sustainable Rural Development
S. Ghosh a, P. Mondal b 
a, b Department of Mechanical Engineering, IIEST, Shibpur , West Bengal, India

Volume 07, Issue 10, Pg. 51-60, 2014.

Abstract: Recent years have witnessed rapid development in renewable energy technologies. Several renewable energy technologies have found wide acceptance and deployment in the developed as well as the developing nations. Apart from solar PV, biomass based energy systems have gained much popularity, particularly in the developing economies, where unavailability of grid electricity in remote and rural areas paved the way for wide deployment of biomass based energy systems. This paper focuses on two novel and high-efficiency biomass gasification based conceptualized combined cycle plants that offer promising performance. Biomass gasification, when integrated to combined cycles, offers high efficiency compared to the conventional biomass based gas engines. An indirectly heated GT cycle has been considered in the topping cycle, while in the bottoming cycle both Steam Rankine cycle (SRC) has been considered in one configuration and Organic Rankine cycle (ORC) has been considered for the other. The study reveals that high overall efficiency is achievable in such combined cycle systems. ORC is found to give much better energetic performance, giving conversion efficiency as high as 46% while similar configuration with SRC yields about 39% overall efficiency.

Keywords: Biomass gasification; Combined cycle, Organic Rankine cycle, efficiency, cogeneration. 

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Assessment Of Constraints Of Women In Fish Processing And Accessibility To Extension Activities In Lagos State, Nigeria
Moshood Feyishetan Jaji a, Banke Adegbuyi b, Morufat Adedoyin Yusuf-Oshoala c
a,b  Agricultural Extension and Management, Lagos State Polytechnic, Ikorodu , Lagos, Nigeria.
c Lagos State FADAMA Office, Oko-Oba Road, Agege, Lagos Nigeria.

Volume 07, Issue 10, Pg. 61-71, 2014.

Abstract: This paper assessed the constraints of women in fish processing and accessibility to extension activities in Lagos State, Nigeria. The study examined the personal characteristics of the women in fish processing; investigated the approach through which the improved technologies are transferred to the women in fish processing; determined packages of the improved technologies; and determined the benefits derived by the women in fish processing from the use of the improved technologies.  The study was conducted in eight purposively selected villages out of the fifty fishing villages in Lagos state. Structured interview schedule was administered on two hundred and eight women in fish processing selected through the simple random sampling technique. Descriptive statistics like frequency counts, percentages, and charts were used to analyse the data. Chi-square (χ2) and correlation analysis inferential statistics were used to determine the association among some variables. The results indicated that majority of the women in fish processing (76.1%) were between the age range 21 – 50 years. Most (90%) of the women in fish processing had one form of education or the other. Most of the women (90.4%) were married with 56.94percent having family size of an average of five persons. All the respondents were members of social associations, with 30.14 percent holding offices in the various associations. Only 45% had contact with extension agents. Majority of the women had been in the enterprise for more than five years, while 50.72 percent of the women were in low socio-economic status. Constraints perceived as impediments by the women include lack of electricity (96.65%), non availability of improved oven (77.03%), and lack of training on financial management and loan acquisition (77.03%). Other constraints were lack of transportation facilities (66.51%), non availability of extension agents (65.07%), lack of adequate capital (61.24%) high cost of inputs (49.76%) and inadequate fish landing (25.36%). Hypotheses testing showed that significant associations existed between accessibility to extension activities and age (χ2= 22.45, p< 0.05); level of education (χ2= 28.87, p< 0.05); contact with extension agents (χ2= 13.72, p< 0.05). Significant relationships also existed between constraints of women in fish processing and accessibility to improved technologies (rho = 0.66, p< 0.05). The result is indicative of constraints influencing the women’s accessibility to extension services. The association between the income of the women in fish processing and availability of improved fish processing techniques was significant (χ2= 112.06, p< 0.05).  In view of the findings of this study, it is recommended that the Lagos State Government ensures an improvement in the present state of agricultural extension services delivery to women in fish processing in the study area; There is an urgent need by stakeholders in the fishery sub-sector of the agricultural economy of the nation to ameliorate the constraints faced by women in fish production which include among others high cost of inputs, inadequate electricity supply, lack of adequate capital, non availability of improved oven, non availability of extension agents, inadequate fish landing, lack of transportation facilities, lack of training on financial management and loan acquisition and that LSADA must serve women participating in fish processing in Lagos state better through employment of more agents, and improving the communication support unit of the authority.

Keywords:   Accessibility, Constraints, Extension Activities, Nigeria, Women in fish processing

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Use of system innovation for sustainable health system in Angola
Palesa Sekhejane a and Moeketsi Modisenyane b
a Human Sciences Research Council, Africa Institute of South Africa Research Programme, Pretoria, South Africa; bFaculty of Health, University of Pretoria, South Africa. 

Volume 07, Issue 05, Pg. 72-84, 2014.

Abstract

Background: Health systems in low-and middle-income countries face different problems as they generally fall short of providing universal, equitable, and appropriate high-quality services. The challenges relate to amongst others, double burden of disease, high maternal and child mortality and growing non-communicable diseases. Furthermore, people living with mental or physical disabilities do not have sufficient access to healthcare. Angola is also faced with these challenges due to its weak health system and also other social determinants of health such as lack of proper housing, education, water and sanitation. Conventional solutions to address these problems have generally not led to the desired effects in many countries. Therefore, this study looked at how adoption and diffusion of system innovation may facilitate sustainable health systems in Angola. 

Research Problem: The Angolan health system, like many health systems from low- and middle-income countries, faces problems eluded in the background. Problems are also manifested in sub-systems of the health system, such as lack of skilled personnel; leadership and governance issues; inappropriate service delivery models and lack of access to quality and affordable medicines. Furthermore, other challenges relate to understanding how innovations (such as new policies, new knowledge and novel technologies) can be effectively introduced into the health systems and how these innovations interact with health system variables to influence health outcomes.

Aims: We presented an adapted model in the context of low and middle-income countries for analyzing adoption and diffusion of innovations in health service delivery and organizations towards more sustainable health systems and contribute towards improved health outcomes, focusing on Angola. 

Methodology: We searched 10 database for peer-reviewed and grey literature published between 2000 and 2013. The keywords varied according to the database. From an initial set of thousand articles, only 647 were identified as relevant to the focus of inquiry. Of these, 23 were selected after data extraction independently by two team members using a pre-established data extraction form to list determinants that may facilitate or impede the dissemination, diffusion, adoption, implementation of innovation in service organizations or systems. These determinants were divided into four categories: characteristics of the environment, characteristics of the organization, and characteristics of the user (or adopting person), and the characteristics of the innovation.

Results and Conclusion: The study has demonstrated the usefulness of systems innovation to study health system change. In the context of low and middle-income countries, there are multiple interacting determinants of innovation factors which influence adoption of innovations ranging from understanding characteristics of innovation, complex health system and socio-political contexts and characteristics of adopting person (or user). Therefore, understanding these innovations determinants, sophisticated analysis of the socio-political context and health system user will enable better understanding of the short- and long-term effects of an innovation when introduced into health systems. Hence, systems thinking approach will assist in understanding of the linkages, inter-relationships, interactions, and behaviors among elements that characterize the entire health organization or system. The study has also provided insights on the central role of systems change agents in the restructuring the thinking and organizing of sustainable health system in Angola and other low- and middle-income countries. Furthermore, we proposed a framework for analyzing adoption and diffusion of innovations in health service delivery and organizations towards more sustainable health systems. This framework will help to shift the boundaries of the debate, especially in low and middle-income countries. As with any conceptual or analytical framework, our model will evolve over time.

Keywords: Angola; Health system; Innovation; Sustainable development; System thinking 

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The Social-Cultural Dimension of Globalization in Kuwait: Implications for Young Kuwaiti Adults Identity Negotiation
Godwin  Samuel  Ashiabi
Department of Social Sciences and Humanities, Gulf University for Science and Technology, Hawally, Kuwait.

Volume 07, Issue 05, Pg. 85-94, 2014.

Abstract

Globalization has meant an important conceptual change in the way we think about our world. The interconnectedness (on an unprecedented scale) that globalization engenders has implications for how individuals organize their lives in response to the new social realities of the world we live in. In view of the above, this presentation examines the following issues:  (a) the extent of globalization in Kuwaiti society, with a specific focus on social globalization, (b) young adult Kuwaitis self-reported experiences of selected indicators of social globalization, (c) the associations between the selected indicators of social globalization and an index of bicultural identity, and (d) finally, the implications of social globalization for identity negotiation among young Kuwaitis.

Much of the literature on globalization has used the nation as the unit of analyses 

However, this presentation takes a social-psychological slant on the globalization debate and investigates the relations between aspects of social globalization and young adult Kuwaitis sense of bicultural identity. This is premised on the argument that the younger generation in the Arab world may be more exposed to Western and other non-Western worldviews and cultures (Solberg, 2002).

Arnett (2000) offers two lines of argument on why in attempting to understand the effects of globalization on identity development, adolescents and young adults should be the foci. First, Arnett (2000) argues that youths and young adults’ identities are still in flux and may not have fully committed to a way of life. Second, adolescents and young adults are more likely to be exposed to the global media and consumerism through movies, internet, music, and TV. 

Taylor (1991) also contended that globalization has given rise to a more self-centered form of individualism that emphasizes, almost exclusively, the fulfillment and authenticity of the individual. However, as identity theorists such as Erikson (1968) and Tajfel (1981) point out, identity negotiation is not solely an individual undertaking.  

On the other hand, identification with social groups are, however, also complicated and eroded by the increasing prevalence of ideas that individual identity is seen as a product of self-construction, open to free choice. Consequently, group identification has also become largely a matter of individual choice (Calhoun 1994). The interaction of cultures via globalization can lead to the transformation of identity (Arnett, 2002) through a process of bicultural identity formation – adoption of a global identity and a local identity that is defined by traditional values and family obligations (Arnett, 2002). These views suggest that the forces that shape identity are no longer restricted to a locality, but have a complex mixture of both local and global elements (Pieterse, 2009).  

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Risk Management: A Powerful Instrument for Sustainable Development
Sadegh Bakhtiari
Department of Economics, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan (Branch) Khorasgan, Isfahan, Iran.

Volume 07, Issue 05, Pg. 95-104, 2014.

Abstract 

The term, sustainable development, came into general use following the publication of the Brundtland Commission report in 1987. In it, the term Sustainable Development was defined as something which “meets the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” 

However, this definition has been difficult to implement in practical terms, thus making it necessary to search for more specific definitions of sustainable development. It is now generally recognized that sustainable development does not focus entirely on the environment. In fact, this notion encompasses three primary aspects, namely the economic, the social, and the environmental. As such, sustainable development can be said to rest on three fundamental principles: economic development, social development, and environmental protection. The MDGs also contain economic, social and environmental aspects, however in this framework these three dimensions have been represented without having a strong connection between them. The MDG focuses more on the social dimension of development, covering issues such as hunger, education, gender equality, child and maternal health and combating major diseases. These Goals are evidently important, but they are also deeply linked with environmental and economic factors, a relation which the MDG framework does not fully reflect. The MDG framework was explicitly designed as a framework for supporting human development in developing countries and in particular among the poor. 

Sustainable development and MDGs try to provide a growth parameter which eliminates extreme poverty and allows people to vulnerability distance themselves from the sustained growth that risk management offers. Risk management is an essential tool for sustainable development because people in developing countries are exposed to many risks, and an inability to manage those risks can jeopardize development goals, including economic growth and poverty reduction.

Turning development into something sustainable requires addressing natural hazard risks and vulnerability in development plans. Natural hazards, such as earthquakes, cyclones, floods and drought, pose significant threats to achieving and sustaining development plans and goals. 

Disaster risk reduction is an integral part of social and economic development, and is essential if development is to be sustainable for the future

Based on UNSIRD the direct damage costs of disasters alone have risen from US$ 75.5 billion in the 1960s to roughly a trillion dollars in the past decade. These increasing figures have long-term social, economic and environmental impacts for the people and communities that are affected by the disasters. Considering that around 85 percent of the world’s population that is exposed to natural hazards lives in developing countries, reducing disaster risks in order to achieve sustainable development is of central importance.

Based on a World Bank research covering the years of 1980-2012, an estimated loss of about US$3.8 trillion was attributed to disasters. Disasters trap people into poverty. Poor and marginalized households tend to be less resilient and face greater difficulties in absorbing and recovering from disaster impacts.

Based on the aforementioned points, the present paper consists of six sections:

The first section will discuss basic concepts and terminology. In the second section the differences and similarities between MDGs and sustainable development will be presented. The 3rd part will focus on risk management as a powerful instrument for Sustainable Development.  Managing large systematic risk and natural hazard will be discussed in the 4th section. In the 5th part of the paper, some selected countries of the MENA region will be ranked based on the Risk Preparation index. And finally, in the last part, some concluding remarks will be presented. 

 Keywords: Millennium Development Goals, Risk Management, Risk Preparation Index, Sustainable Development,  Systematic Risk 

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Range suitability model for livestock grazing
Hossein Arzani a, Ali Reza Mousavi b, Masoud Jafari Shalamzary c, Ghanimat Ajdary d
a,c,d College of Natural Resources,
University of Tehran, Iran.
b Department of Natural Resources, Isfahan University of Technology, Iran.

Volume 07, Issue 05, Pg. 105-112, 2014.

Abstract

This paper follows FAO model of suitability analysis. Influential factors affecting extensive grazing were determined and converted into a model. Taleghan rangelands were examined for common types of grazing animals as an example. Advantages and limitations were elicited. All range ecosystems’ components affect range suitability but due to the time and money restrictions, the most important and feasible elements were investigated. From which three sub models including water accessibility, forage production and erosion sensitivity were considered. Suitable areas in four levels of suitability were calculated using GIS. This suitability modeling approach was adopted due to its simplicity and the minimal time that is required for transforming and analyzing the data sets. Managers could be benefited from the model to devise the measures more wisely to cope with the limitations and enhance the rangelands health and condition.

 Keywords: extensive grazing, land evaluation, modeling, range suitability, Taleghan.

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