Common-Pool Resource Management and Conflict Resolution: A Case Study of Two Self-Governed Irrigation Schemes in Ntcheu, Malawi

Contrary to conventional common-pool resource (CPR) theory – where it is presumed that strong central states must be the primary actors in regulating the commons – self-governed CPR theory is a method that enables the appropriators themselves to be the primary actors in designing and managing a given CPR. Irrigation systems are one on the most common examples of CPR sharing. Using Elinor Ostrom’s theory on self-governed CPR management and her Eight Design Principles, I examine the mechanisms by which two neighboring small-scale irrigation schemes in rural Malawi manage and govern common-pool water resources to contrast intra-scheme functions and the presence or absence of inter-scheme conflict and collaboration. I discuss how Elinor Ostrom’s design principles should be critically examined, especially in contexts where CPR arenas have limited to no coordination or oversight from external authorities. I elaborate how these schemes have a top-down governance approach, thus, local agriculture offices should organize schemes to introduce more democratic bottom-up reforms. Even in these setting where appropriators are generally homogenous, I demonstrate how appropriators from both schemes often avoid conflict and collaboration. Ultimately, this study demonstrates the coordination opportunities amongst neighboring schemes and local external authorities; specifically, in market integration, crop diversification and joint-scheme capacity building so other self-governed irrigation schemes can be more resilient to climate change, combat food insecurities and have enhanced conflict-resolution tools for self-governed water systems in rural Malawi

Inclusión Cultural en FONASA: Parto aymara como un estudio de caso

Los primeros años de la década de 2000s sirven como un período legal transformador en Chile, debido al auge de los grupos de representación indígena y la introducción de la ley 20.584 que asegura un modelo de interculturalidad en los servicios de salud. El objetivo de esta investigación es comprender los factores que impactaron en la priorización de la inclusión cultural en el sistema público de salud (FONASA), utilizando el parto aymara en Arica como un estudio de caso. Esta investigación toma forma en un diseño de investigación cualitativa y exploratoria utilizando 5 entrevistas y 5 observaciones, así como las bases de investigaciones anteriores. La investigación anterior describe el rol de la interculturalidad en el sistema de salud de Chile y sus influencias políticas. Para dar más forma a esta investigación, el estudio se guía por los subtemas de identificar las definiciones de salud como un derecho, describir las formas de partos apoyadas por FONASA y, en última instancia, el rol de las partes pertinentes en la integración de la inclusión cultural en los servicios de salud pública. Los principales resultados del estudio muestran que la definición intercultural no se ve ni se trata de la misma manera que la definición de salud menos holística y aceptada internacionalmente. Debido a esto, la atención culturalmente inclusiva, como el parto aymara, son más difíciles de acceder. Los resultados demuestran que si bien el marco legal bien intencionado proporcionó esperanza para esta atención intercultural, el gobierno no brinda el apoyo necesario en la implementación y estructura de responsabilidad de esta atención. Por lo tanto, las entrevistas revelan que la presentación de atención intercultural se está convirtiendo en una carga y responsabilidad de los médicos, las embarazadas, los activistas y los grupos indígenas. Este sistema crea una dinámica en la que los médicos usan su discreción personal en lugar de tener un forma y comprensión de la atención institucionalizada. Además, estos resultados resultan significativos ya que la salud es un derecho en Chile. Sin embargo, esta atención intercultural inconsistente no respeta la definición reconocida de salud intercultural que se promete como un derecho. Por lo tanto, la falta de implementación y responsabilidad gubernamentales a menudo conduce a una violación de los derechos de salud y, a veces, inclusio a daños. The early 2000s serve as a transformative legal period in Chile, due to the rise of indigenous representation groups and the introduction of law 20.584 which ensures a model of interculturality in health services. The objective of this research is to understand the factors that impacted the prioritization of cultural inclusion in the public healthcare system (FONASA), using aymara birthing practices in Northern Chile as a case study. This research takes form in a qualitative and exploratory research design using 5 semi-structured interviews and 5 observations, as well as the basis of past research. The past research outlines the role of interculturality in Chile’s health system and its political influences. To give more form to this investigation, the study is guided by the subtopics of identifying the definitions of health as a right, describing the forms of birthing practices supported by FONASA, and ultimately the roles of relevant parties in the integration of cultural inclusion in public health services. The main results of this study show that the intercultural definition of health is not viewed or treated equally to the internationally accepted, less holistic definition of health. Because of this, culturally inclusive care, such as aymara birthing practices, are harder to access. The results demonstrate that while the well intentioned legal framework provided hope for this intercultural care, the government fails to provide necessary support in the implementation and accountability of this care. Therefore, the interviews reveal that the provision of intercultural care is becoming a burden and responsibility of the medics, birthing people, activists, and indigenous groups. This system creates a dynamic where medics use their personal discretion rather than having an institutionalized form and understanding of care. Furthermore, these results prove to be significant as health is a right in Chile. However, this inconsistent intercultural care does not respect the recognized definition of health that is promised as a right. Therefore, the lack of governmental implementation and accountability often leads to a violation of health rights and at times even harm

Bridging the Education Gap: Series of Infographic Guides to Sustainable Living for Low-Income Communities

Low-income communities in Australia face numerous negative impacts, such as health issues, social exclusion, educational disparities, and discrimination, which limit their opportunities to improve their quality of life (The Public Defenders,2022). As a result, students from these communities often have fewer resources and less funding, contributing to poor educational outcomes and underrepresentation in STEM fields, which includes environmental education (Australian Department of Education, 2022). To address these challenges, I created an 8-page infographic series titled “Sustainable Living: On a Budget.” The series includes a cover page, an overview page, and four infographics covering : climate change, waste, preserving biodiversity, and using nature for therapy. The front side of each infographic contains educational information, while the back side offers practical tips for promoting sustainability that are not only beneficial for the environment but can also save money. Additionally, I created a bonus infographic on the impact of nature on mental health, along with actionable ways to spend more time outdoors. Infographics were the perfect medium for this topic because I wanted to educate low- income communities on environmental issues and sustainability, which could be overwhelming to research. Infographics make it easy to present information in an accessible and compact space, saving people time and making the information more digestible (Williams,2014). Notably, Coast Adapt and Climate Council recognizes the effectiveness of infographics and uses them to share information on current environmental issues, as well as interpreting environmental information. While searching for infographics that directly target low-income communities, I found inspiration from Sekharan (2015) infographics on the Homeless Hub website. The consistent font, bright colors, and playful graphics make the information presented both engaging and easy to comprehend, which was a key factor in creating my own series of infographics. To further narrow the scope of my project, I had the opportunity to interview 2 organizational leaders: Carol Hicklenton, Founder of NUJO, and Elyse Cunningham, a Community Organizer at Friends of the Earth Melbourne. These interviews provided important insights into the importance of inclusivity and communication in sustainability efforts. After completing the series, I took steps to ensure the effectiveness of the infographics. This included seeking feedback from 2 organizational leaders, as well as my advisor, and analyzing survey data from 6 members of my own low-income community. Through this process, I received valuable insights and suggestions which I incorporated to improve the project’s effectiveness. As a black, low-income student from an inner city in the U.S., I created these infographics based on my own lived experiences. I was not aware of current environmental issues and their significant impacts on future generations growing up. Having experienced financial struggles, myself, I understand the significance of producing infographics that are accessible and relevant to the community. I hope my project delivers the message is that sustainability is a crucial aspect that needs to be accessible to everyone, regardless of socio- economic background. We all share the responsibility of preserving and protecting our planet for future generations. My infographics aim to inspire and empower individuals from low- income communities to make more sustainable choices and take action to protect our planet. By providing accessible and engaging information on environmental issues and practical tips for sustainable living, I hope to bridge the gap between low-income communities and sustainability education

El impacto del diagnóstico de cáncer de mama en los vínculos en mujeres de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires (2023) / The impact of a breast cancer diagnosis on the relationships of women living in the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires (2023)

El siguiente trabajo de investigación busca describir las relaciones sociales de una persona con cáncer de mama. Para colectar datos, se entrevistó a cuatro mujeres argentinas CIS que han padecido cáncer de mama para investigar sus relaciones con sus amigos, sus parejas, y sus familias, y si estas relaciones han cambiado como resultado de su diagnóstico. Estas entrevistas estaban destinadas a informar cómo se distribuyen los roles de cuidado y acompañamiento durante el tratamiento por la enfermedad e indagar cómo pueden ayudar los amigos y la familia a la gente durante el tratamiento para el cáncer de mama. El trabajo también usa entrevistas realizadas por Natalia Luxardo con mujeres argentinas con cáncer de mama. Con una metodología cualitativa, este estudio busca probar la hipótesis de que sí cambian las relaciones sociales de una mujer con cáncer de mama después de su diagnóstico. Entre las relaciones con amigos, el trabajo encontró que algunos amigos apoyaron mucho a la enferma, mientras otros se distanciaron por miedo de la enfermedad. Otros colocaron una carga emocional en su amiga enferma, y al fin del tratamiento por cáncer de mama las entrevistadas se volvieron menos pacientes con malos amigos. En términos de las relaciones con parejas, muchas sufren una disminución en las relaciones sexuales, un aumento en los desacuerdos, y una falta de comunicación sobre las emociones. Debido a esto, algunas parejas no sobreviven el tratamiento para cáncer de mama, mientras otras se fortalecen. Otro vínculo importante para las entrevistadas fue el de sus familias. Algunas se sentían más cómodas con sus familiares, aunque muchas también sentían que sus familias eran demasiado dominantes en su búsqueda de hacer lo más posible por su ser querida enferma. Una similitud entre las entrevistadas era que ellas continuaron con su tratamiento para el cáncer de mama porque querían estar vivas para criar a sus hijos. Con todo esto en mente, además de los cambios en las relaciones con hijos, parejas, y otros como resultado de que se conviertan en cuidadores informales, el trabajo muestra que las relaciones sociales de mujeres con cáncer de mama cambian en la mayoría de los casos

No Integration Without Employment: Asylum-Seekers in Serbia and their Search for Employment

Employment is traditionally viewed as an integral component of refugee integration. Previous research suggests that for refugees, employment benefits psychological well-being, provides economic security, and develops social networks. The current research explores the dynamic between integration and employment for asylum-seekers and refugees in Serbia. It seeks to understand the difficulties these displaced populations face finding employment and why they remain in a country which is traditionally viewed as a transit country into the European Union. Data collection was conducted through semi-structured, qualitative interviews with asylum-seekers, refugees, and Key Informants in Serbian CSOs (Civil Society Organizations). The data shows that employment is a top priority for refugees and asylum-seekers in Serbia. It is an immediate need upon arrival, providing an income, cultural exchange opportunities, and overall stability. Due to waiting periods imposed by the Serbian government, and a general institutional lag, asylum-seekers are unable to fully participate in the Serbian labor market when it would benefit them most. Those who do find stable employment are most likely to remain in Serbia and build a life. The current research discovered that the reciprocal relationship between integration and employment in Serbia is currently fractured. Only by shifting public policy and investing in refugee integration can this relationship be mended

Existir y Sobrevivir: El prejuicio que enfrentan los inmigrantes venezolanos en la quinta región de Chile.

This investigation looks at determining the institutional prejudice that Venezuelan immigrants face while being in Chile, specifically in Valparaíso and Viña del Mar. Immigration is not a new concept in Chile but in recent years the great influx of Latin American immigrants, including Venezuelan immigrants, has seen a great backlash from the Chilean government and society. This is largely due to the white and European values that have been integrated into Chilean society. Therefore, driven by colonialist and nationalist views, Venezuelan immigrants are deemed as the “other” and have become criminalized and stigmatized by Chilean society. Ultimately leading the Venezuelan community to confront various forms of violence including racism, discrimination, the sexualization of their bodies and institutional prejudice. But how do we determine what these experiences are like? This investigation was framed by three main concepts: colonialism, nationalism, and racism in order to understand and explain the institutional prejudice found in the Venezuelan immigrant experience. In order to develop this investigation I interviewed two Venezuelan immigrant professionals to understand the institutional prejudice they have had to face since their arrival to Chile. In my interviews, I found institutional prejudice present in the regulation process for Venezuelan immigrants as well as in immigration laws that have played a big role in problematizing migration instead of centering it as a social problem. Today the Venezuelan community is struggling to be and exist in Chilean society due to the institutional prejudice present. In order for there to be change and to help in the migratory experience of this group, there must be a shift to a more humanitarian focus. Only this way can the Venezuelan community be seen as more than the “other”, as more than a threat to national security. Venezuelan immigrants, as well as other immigrants, deserve to fulfill their human rights wherever they decide to migrate

El Empoderamiento de Personas Embarazadas y Posparto en Arica, Chile: Perspectivas Indígenas y Biomédicas

El parto, sin importar las tradiciones o los procedimientos utilizados, es un proceso transformador tanto para quien da a luz como para el bebé. Si bien los procesos de embarazo, parto y posparto son experiencias individualizadas, el apoyo de la comunidad y la atención médica cuidadosa pueden marcar una gran diferencia en los sentimientos de empoderamiento y satisfacción en la vida de los pacientes. Este estudio exploratorio cualitativo tiene como objetivo comprender los contextos culturales que influyen en el apoyo disponible para las personas embarazadas y puérperas en Arica, Chile, así como investigar las formas en que este apoyo conduce al empoderamiento de estas personas. Se realizaron seis entrevistas cualitativas abiertas con miembros de la comunidad con un amplio conocimiento del sistema de salud reproductiva en Arica, ya sea a través de su experiencia personal o profesional. Estas entrevistas luego se transcribieron y codificaron temáticamente para determinar los conceptos clave que se anotaron en respuesta a las preguntas de investigación. Aunque el sistema de salud biomédica ha avanzado mucho en los últimos años para brindar un apoyo educativo valioso a la comunidad que beneficia la salud y el empoderamiento de las pacientes embarazadas y posparto, este estudio encontró que el sistema de salud aymara brinda un apoyo emocional y espiritual más completo a las pacientes que, en última instancia, contribuye a mayores sentimientos de agencia y confianza. A pesar de los esfuerzos recientes del sistema de salud biomédico, el fenómeno de la violencia obstétrica está muy extendido y es perjudicial para los sentimientos de agencia de los pacientes. En consecuencia, muchos pacientes, particularmente aquellos con antecedentes indígenas, prefieren confiar en las prácticas indígenas debido a la preocupación por su comodidad y seguridad. Los resultados de este estudio enfatizan la necesidad de una mayor educación sobre la interculturalidad en los hospitales y clínicas, así como la importancia de educar a los trabajadores de la salud en el respeto cultural y los aspectos espirituales y emocionales de la atención al paciente. Los resultados de este estudio también enfatizaron el papel que juega el machismo en el desempoderamiento de las mujeres chilenas y la prevalencia de la inequidad de género en las experiencias posparto de las pacientes. Childbirth, no matter the traditions or procedures used, is a transformative process for both the birther and the baby. While the processes of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum are individualized experiences, community support and thoughtful healthcare can make tremendous differences in the feelings of empowerment and satisfaction in patients’ lives. This qualitative, exploratory study aims to understand the cultural contexts that influence the support available to pregnant and postpartum people in Arica, Chile, as well as investigate the ways in which this support leads to the empowerment of these individuals. Six open-ended, qualitative interviews were conducted with community members with extensive knowledge of the reproductive healthcare system in Arica, either through personal or career experience. These interviews were then transcribed and thematically coded to determine the key concepts that were noted in response to the research questions. Though the biomedical health system has made strides in recent years to provide valuable educational support to the community that benefits the health and empowerment of pregnant and postpartum patients, this study found that the Aymaran health system provides more comprehensive emotional and spiritual support to patients that ultimately contributes to greater feelings of agency and confidence. Despite the biomedical health system’s recent efforts, the phenomenon of obstetric violence is widespread and detrimental to feelings of agency in patients. Consequently, many patients, particularly those with an indigenous background, prefer to rely on indigenous practices due to concerns for their comfort and safety. The results of this study emphasize the need for increased education on interculturality in hospital and clinic settings, as well as the importance of educating healthcare workers on cultural respect and the spiritual and emotional aspects of patient care. Results of this study additionally emphasized the role that machismo plays in the disempowerment of Chilean women, and the prevalence of gender inequity in patients’ postpartum experiences

Hydrological patterns of the Chimborazo Reserve: Streamflow, climate, and glacier recession data show a loss of glacial influence on the southwestern aspect of the Chimborazo volcano, Ecuador.

The Chimborazo volcano of the central Ecuadorian Andean Cordillera (6310 m) has been shown to currently be undergoing extreme glacial recession due to climate change. For this reason, this study sought to analyze climate and glacier recession data in conjunction with streamflow from kryal (glacial-fed), rhithral (non-glacial-fed), and intermediate streams to not only evaluate the current health of Chimborazo’s glaciers, but also determine how hydrology in the region will respond to future climate change. The rate of glacial recession on the volcano was determined using satellite imagery between 1965 and 2019. Measurements of stream elevation, pH, water temperature, width, depth, and turbidity were taken at a total of 11 sites, 4 kryal sites, 4 rhithral sites, and 3 intermediate sites. Climate data was measured over the course of 20 days and used in comparison with stream data. An estimation of overall glacial recession of 42.5% was made between 1965 and 2019, with this value most likely being higher on the southwestern aspect of the volcano where data was collected. Kryal streams were observed to encompass the greatest range of water temperature in any stream-type, with their coldest temperatures between 5.5 and 7.5 ˚C already being too warm for the upper limits of kryal streams. Rhithral streams generally responded to differences in precipitation and air temperature more than kryal streams. However, the kryal stream with a source deeper in the volcano’s rain shadow responded similarly to rhithral streams. Together, these data implied a lower degree of glacial influence, with the least influence farthest into Chimborazo’s rain shadow. Furthermore, it exemplified that there no longer exist truly kryal streams on the volcano’s southwestern aspect. Implications of this data include that streams in this part of the reserve will become more susceptible to climate change in the future, as glacial influence all but disappears

Sunan Kalijaga: The Birth of a Self-Actualized Pilgrimage Culture

Javanese Islam is incredibly unique in its style and practice. Despite boasting a Muslim population larger than the entire Middle East, Indonesia and its Islamic cultural practices are largely unknown in academic circles. This has made an introduction to Islam in the archipelago even more difficult for the rare interested Western reader. Frustratingly, what is lost on the rest of the world is basically second nature to 155 million Javanese Muslims, who learn from their families, schools, and pilgrimages about the Wali Songo, a group of nine semi-mythical figures credited with spreading Islam to Java. When we stop casting a value judgment on oral histories, we see they allow us into the ethos and nuance of Javanese society (even if their methods do not have the rigid fact-based approach that scholars are used to). In place of textbook history, the Wali, such as Sunan Kalijaga, offer a compromise: an origin story for the Muslims of Indonesia that aligns their faith with indigenous cultural values. It cannot be confirmed whether they lived at the same time or if they ever existed at all, but their social “footprints” validate the differences in Indonesian religious practice and fasten Java sturdily to the family of the Prophet Muhammad, recentering an ancient history into the fold of Islam. Much like the characters in his wayang puppet shows, the Wali Sunan Kalijaga has achieved immortality in the retelling of his stories. This essay attempts to use personal travels around Central Java and interviews, visits to makams and mosques (masjids), and collected oral histories to formulate a basic narrative and historically contextualize the so-called Bandit saint, Sunan Kalijågå. Most importantly, it presents a depiction of the Wali not as he really was, but as Java remembers him today, and considers why he remains essential to a thorough understanding of Islam on the island

Exploring the Role LO Plays in Preparing South African Learners for Life After Matric: A Case Study in Cato Manor

Recent surges in youth unemployment and limited access to higher education in South Africa suggests that schools are not adequately preparing learners for life after matriculation. Existing literature has addressed problems within secondary schooling as well as potential reasons for youth unemployment and limited access to higher education, however, very little work has focused on the role Life Orientation (LO) courses play in this societal crisis. In an effort to fill this gap, this study aimed to identify a disconnect between what content LO learners are receiving and what content is required to access these post-matric opportunities. This case study collected data through classroom observations and LO teacher interviews from three Cato Manor secondary schools in KwaZulu Natal (KZN), and interviews with post-matric individuals living in Cato Manor. Findings suggested that learners and teachers face several challenges in LO classes that are relevant to accessing higher education and employment. Ultimately, this study validates the experiences and challenges of LO teachers and learners in order to identify areas where the LO course can improve so that learners are adequately prepared for life after matriculation