Publikationen

Role of agency in envisioning future human-nature relationships in the context of road infrastructure development in the Kavango-Zambezi region, Namibia

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Role of agency in envisioning future human-nature relationships in the context of road infrastructure development in the Kavango-Zambezi region, Namibia Musa, Judith K.; Moseti, Vincent; Biber-Freudenberger, Lisa Amid growing concerns over climate change and biodiversity loss, there is increasing recognition of the need to reconcile local communities' economic aspirations with environmental conservation. The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) introduced the Nature Futures Framework (NFF) to foster nature-positive future scenarios. This study explores the impact of road infrastructure on local communities' agency to envision and achieve desirable futures, focusing on Namibia's Kavango-Zambezi (KAZA) region. Using semi-structured questions and participatory mapping, we assessed how communities near and far from the Trans-Caprivi highway value nature in present, probable, and desirable future scenarios, as defined by the NFF. We also analyzed the impacts of socioeconomic factors such as age, education, occupation, and gender on shaping these visions. Higher education levels were associated with higher overall agency among respondents, both near and far from roads. Additionally, proximity to roads corresponded with higher agency scores for instrumental (Nature for Society) and intrinsic (Nature for Nature) values, while slightly lower scores were observed for relational (Nature as Culture) values. These patterns suggest spatial and educational factors may influence how individuals perceive their ability to shape future human–nature relationships across different value dimensions. These insights underscore the crucial need to foster nature-positive and socially inclusive futures by systematically integrating local knowledge and stakeholder perspectives into infrastructure planning and decision-making processes.

A systematic review of gender in participatory and social learning research in agriculture and land management in Africa

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMT

A systematic review of gender in participatory and social learning research in agriculture and land management in Africa Asare-Nuamah, Peter; Anaafo, David; Beuchelt, Tina; Akurugu, Constance A. We conduct a systematic review to explore the state of knowledge on participatory and social learning research in agriculture and land management in Africa, the extent to which women and other marginalized groups are engaged in the collective development processes, and how gender issues are addressed. Grounded in gender and social inclusion concepts, guided by Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA), and using Scopus and Web of Science databases, we discover a modest and fluctuating growth in participatory and social learning research since 2005. However, many participatory studies, do not address specifically collective learning and reflection nor integrate gender. For those with in-depth gender focus, multiple approaches are adopted for stakeholder selection and engagement, enabling a detailed reflection and integration of gender dimensions in co-developing solutions. It is crucial for participatory studies to be socially inclusive and gender sensitive, and address power dynamics, which are necessary to alter gender relations and norms, tackle inequality, and enhance agency at the household and community levels.

Beyond insecticide treated bed nets coverage to heterogeneous human behaviors and spatial realities

Fri, 16 May 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Beyond insecticide treated bed nets coverage to heterogeneous human behaviors and spatial realities Savi, Merveille Koissi; Childs, Lauren M.; Borgemeister, Christian Introduction: Insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs) are a cost-efficient prevention method used to prevent malaria, yet their use in poorly urbanized and slum areas remains low. For instance, in these areas in Accra, Ghana, less than 2% of children sleep under fully functional ITNs. Thus, the expected drop in malaria prevalence in Accra and the rest of the country is still much below target. This study deconstructs urban malaria dynamics, revealing the complex interplay of ITNs, spatial heterogeneity, and human behaviors.
Methods: We evaluated urban malaria prevention knowledge, developed a metapopulation framework aligned with empirical findings, and incorporated behavior scenarios to understand urban malaria dynamics better.
Results: Our findings revealed that owning an ITN does not ensure its use, especially in densely populated areas. Limited living space and repurposing are identified as key barriers in Accra, Ghana, with healthcare visits emerging as catalysts for ITN use. Mathematical models incorporating spatial and demographic factors emphasize achieving 60% ITN use in each community patch for epidemic elimination. Our model emphasizes that while ITN use is a crucial intervention in malaria control, it alone may not significantly reduce malaria prevalence without considering spatial, demographic, and behavioral factors.
Discussion: To maximize the effectiveness of ITNs and significantly reduce malaria prevalence, decision-making processes must address the underlying reasons for late or nonadoption of the intervention. Therefore, we strongly recommend prioritizing targeted, one-onone sensitization campaigns, ensuring that barriers to ITN adoption are effectively identified and mitigated.

Behaviour intention to eat reared crickets in Myanmar

Tue, 26 Sep 2023 00:00:00 GMT

Behaviour intention to eat reared crickets in Myanmar Thu Thu, A. Myint; Klink-Lehmann, J.; Dürr, J.; Borgemeister, C. Edible insects are a good source of proteins, fats, and micronutrients for human consumption. Crickets are one of the most widely reared insects worldwide. They require less capital spending and less space and water consumption while offering more food, employment, and income possibilities than conventional animal farming. Additionally, raising crickets may aid in achieving various sustainable development objectives. Although crickets are Myanmar's most popular edible insects, a few farmers are presently rearing them. The farming business is not thriving as in other countries mainly because consumers primarily eat crickets collected from the wild. Using the extended theory of planned behaviour, this study identifies factors possibly impacting the intention to eat reared crickets in Myanmar, alongside perceived product quality, consumer knowledge, and trust in value chain actors. Data were collected through telephone interviews, resulting in a valid data set of 212 respondents from Yangon and Mandalay who recently ate crickets collected from the wild. The result of the structural equation modelling revealed that participants are ready to accept reared crickets as a food source. Consumption intention towards reared crickets is directly influenced by consumers' attitudes, perceived behavioural control, and trust in producers. Concurrently, it is indirectly influenced by consumer knowledge of the environmental friendliness of cricket farming. Subjective norms, trust in retailers, and perceived product quality do not significantly affect the intention to eat crickets. As trust in producers is the new main predictive factor, cricket farmers should build public trust by giving transparency in the production process, thereby achieving a more favourable attitude towards reared insects, possibly leading to higher consumption levels.