The Intersection Between Black Hair and the Environment: Hair as a Site for Environmental Justice and Sustainability

Currently, we are facing several global crises that include but are not limited to climate change, food insecurity, pollution of the body and environment, as well as racial, gender, and class inequities. This thesis seeks to understand how the natural hair movement, which strives to omit toxic chemicals while embracing textured hair, can be a tool of reconnecting to nature. As humans we are intrinsically part of ecosystems and nature, we must find our niche in it instead of occupying and destroying our environment entirely. The methodology includes compiling a small array of experiences that show the nuance of hair and how individuals may or may not use it to accept themselves intrinsically and thus find a way to uphold nature in all of its forms. African ecofeminism, the history of hair and corresponding environmental racism, health studies, and an anthology are used to flesh out the existence of this phenomenon. The conclusion suggests that this study warrants further research by further exploring the unique experiences of Black people in relation to their hair and nature

Does participatory forest management change household attitudes towards forest conservation and management?

The study assessed the impact of participatory forest management (PFM) on household attitudes towards conservation and management of Arabuko–Sokoke Forest. The results obtained show that the impact of the forest on households was positive and higher in households in PFM zones than in those in non-PFM zones. There were higher proportions of households in PFM zones than in non-PFM zones, although it was a good objective to create the forest. They have good relations with the forest, benefit quite a deal from it as they obtain forest-related products from the forest; and want it protected. Also, the land adjacent to the forest has higher positive impact on household livelihood than the land further away. Higher proportions of households in non-PFM zones than PFM zones have poor relations with the forest as they are unhappy with the fact that the forest is linked to livestock deaths through tsetse fly, crop damage by wild animals, and predation of livestock without income generating activities to offset these losses. The study concluded that PFM is an asset for forest conservation in Arabuko-Sokoke Forest.Key words: Participatory forest management, household, benefit, cost, Arabuko-Sokoke

Strategies Used to Monitor and Control Service Quality: A Case Study of Restaurants in Nairobi City

Service quality (SQ) plays an important role in the success of any service establishment. The purpose of the current study was to assess the strategies used in the process of monitoring and controlling SQ in the restaurant business. Specifically, the study aimed to establish what is involved in monitoring and controlling SQ, to identify the challenges encountered in monitoring and controlling SQ, to establish what restaurants are doing to overcome these challenges and to determine the most effective strategies in monitoring and controlling SQ. A case study design was adopted with primary data being collected through questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. A sample of 60 staff respondents were chosen while all managers and supervisors of restaurants involved in the study qualified to be part of the respondents. However, only 35 questionnaires were filled and returned. The major findings from the study indicated that all restaurants carry out monitoring and controlling of SQ. The control of SQ is done mostly through use of some process standards manual. However, there is more reliance on supervision and verbal guidance than a strict manual. Monitoring of SQ is done on a daily basis by a majority of restaurants through close supervision. Of all the indicators of SQ, ‘sales’ was highly ranked. Some of the challenges encountered during monitoring and controlling of SQ included diversity among customers with dissimilar needs and expectations, and employees giving varied responses to quality issues. It is recommended that efforts to improve team work among staff must be made. Keywords: Service quality; Strategy; Monitoring and controlling; Restaurants; Nairobi

Clients Perception of the Role of Marketing Strategies on the Profitability of SACCOS in Dodoma City, Tanzania.

This study assessed the clients’ perception of the role of marketing strategies on the profitability of SACCOS in Dodoma city, Tanzania. The study specifically addressed the five specific objectives which are: the influence of product, service delivery, price, promotion and place strategies on the profitability of SACCOS in Dodoma City. This study used the descriptive and explanatory design where the regression analysis was used to determine the relationship between the marketing strategies and profitability of SACCOS in Dodoma City. The information was collected from the 112 members of SACCOS in Dodoma City using the systematic sampling technique. Data were collected through a questionnaire and data were analysed by Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). The findings revealed that clients’ perceived that the product, service delivery, pricing and place strategies influenced negatively and significantly the profitability of SACCOS in Dodoma City. Therefore, this study recommends that the SACCOS management continue improving the marketing strategies tools of service delivery, price, promotion and place for sustainable profitability of SACCOS in Dodoma City. Keywords: Clients’ perception, marketing strategies, profitability of SACCOS, Dodoma cit

Institutional Framework as a Determinant of Variations in Service Quality Between Public and Private Hospitals in Tanzania

Purpose of the article: This study was set to determine the influence of institutional framework on service quality in both private and public hospitals. The paper sought to establish the perception of respondents regarding the institutional factors that explain the existence of variations in service quality between public and private hospitals. The institutional framework aspects that were considered in comparing health service quality in public and private hospitals were: institutional culture, control, stability and structure. A descriptive survey design was used because the study sought to know the perception of respondents regarding the factors that influence quality of service in hospitals. Research methods: A multistage sampling method was used to select three public hospitals and three private hospitals from the health service sector. The three public hospitals were Muhimbili referral hospital in Dar es Salaam City, Dodoma regional referral hospital and Geita referral hospital in Geita municipality. Private hospitals included in the study were Bugando referral hospital in Mwanza City, St Francis referral hospital in Ifakara town in Morogoro region and Nkinga referral hospital in Tabora region. Medical doctors, nurses and patients were selected using a systematic random sampling method and patients were selected using a convenience sampling method. The total population for the study comprised 10,650 people (i.e. 2,610 doctors and nurses and 8,040 patients) and the selected sample size, which was determined using McCall’s Table was 400 people. Both primary and secondary data collection sources were used. Analysis of the quantitative data was done using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and qualitative data were transcribed verbatim, coded and analysed manually. All ethical considerations were observed. Main findings: The findings revealed that private hospitals were better in cleanliness compared to public hospitals and physical arrangement was user friendly in private hospitals compared to public hospitals. There was also more control in private hospitals compared to public hospitals in management of resources and this demonstrates an application of strong institutional framework in private hospitals compared to public hospitals in terms of control, structure and culture. Likewise, there was a more friendly atmosphere in private hospitals compared to public hospitals. However, there was more stability in public hospitals compared to private hospitals in terms of financial stability, affordability of service and medical supplies. It is concluded that quality of service provided in private hospitals is higher compared to quality of service in public hospitals. The possible explanation for the causes for differences in levels of service quality could be the existence of strong institutional framework in private hospitals. It is recommended that for higher service quality, organizations should practice the institutional framework aspects in terms of culture, control, stability and structure

Strong fisheries management and governance positively impact ecosystem status

Fisheries have had major negative impacts on marine ecosystems, and effective fisheries management and governance are needed to achieve sustainable fisheries, biodiversity conservation goals and thus good ecosystem status. To date, the IndiSeas programme (Indicators for the Seas) has focussed on assessing the ecological impacts of fishing at the ecosystem scale using ecological indicators. Here, we explore fisheries Management Effectiveness' and Governance Quality' and relate this to ecosystem health and status. We developed a dedicated expert survey, focused at the ecosystem level, with a series of questions addressing aspects of management and governance, from an ecosystem-based perspective, using objective and evidence-based criteria. The survey was completed by ecosystem experts (managers and scientists) and results analysed using ranking and multivariate methods. Results were further examined for selected ecosystems, using expert knowledge, to explore the overall findings in greater depth. Higher scores for Management Effectiveness' and Governance Quality' were significantly and positively related to ecosystems with better ecological status. Key factors that point to success in delivering fisheries and conservation objectives were as follows: the use of reference points for management, frequent review of stock assessments, whether Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) catches were being accounted for and addressed, and the inclusion of stakeholders. Additionally, we found that the implementation of a long-term management plan, including economic and social dimensions of fisheries in exploited ecosystems, was a key factor in successful, sustainable fisheries management. Our results support the thesis that good ecosystem-based management and governance, sustainable fisheries and healthy ecosystems go together.IOC-UNESCO; EuroMarine; European FP7 MEECE research project; European Network of Excellence Eur-Oceans; FRB EMIBIOS project [212085]info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Conservation and human livelihoods at the crossroads : local needs and knowledge in the management of Arabuko Sokoke Forest

Arabuko Sokoke Forest is the largest remaining single block of indigenous dry coastal tropical forest in Eastern Africa. Households within a 5 km buffer zone depend heavily on the forest for their livelihood needs, and the pressure on forest resources is on the increase. In May 2015, 109 households were interviewed on resources they obtain from the forest, in terms of the self-reported level of monthly income. We found household income and farm size significantly positively correlated with benefits from the forest, highlighting the possible influence of household wealth in exploiting forest resources. A large proportion of households (32%) had limited knowledge of local birds, while human–bird conflict was reported by 44% of the households. While many households were keen to participate in conservation projects that maintain the forest, 44% had no knowledge of the forest management plan, and 60% of those interviewed had no idea of how forest zones were designated for particular activities. Drivers for local community participation in conservation projects appear to be sustainable income and fulfilment of basic household needs

Laboratory and semi-field efficacy evaluation of permethrin-piperonyl butoxide treated blankets against pyrethroid-resistant malaria vectors.

To control pyrethroid-resistant malaria vectors, Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) and Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs) that include additional ingredients to pyrethroid are being developed. Same progress needs to be made to the pyrethroid-treated blankets, which are more compatible with shelter structures found in emergency settings such as displaced populations. In the current study, efficacy of blankets treated with permethrin and piperonyl butoxide (PBO) was evaluated against pyrethroid-resistant Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto. Efficacy was compared with that of Olyset LLIN, Olyset Plus LLIN and untreated blanket in terms of mortality and blood-feeding inhibition against pyrethroid-resistant Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes. The current study indicates that, in emergency shelters such as migrant and refugee camps where LLINs cannot be used, PBO-permethrin blankets may provide protection against resistant mosquitoes if widely used. No side effects related to the use of the treated blankets were reported from the participants. These results need validation in a large-scale field trial to assess the epidemiological impact of the intervention, durability and acceptability of this new vector control strategy for malaria vector control

Strong fisheries management and governance positively impact ecosystem status

Bundy, Alida ... et al.-- 28 pages, 6 figures, 8 tables, supporting information https://dx.doi.org/10.1111/faf.12184Fisheries have had major negative impacts on marine ecosystems, and effective fisheries management and governance are needed to achieve sustainable fisheries, biodiversity conservation goals and thus good ecosystem status. To date, the IndiSeas programme (Indicators for the Seas) has focussed on assessing the ecological impacts of fishing at the ecosystem scale using ecological indicators. Here, we explore fisheries ‘Management Effectiveness’ and ‘Governance Quality’ and relate this to ecosystem health and status. We developed a dedicated expert survey, focused at the ecosystem level, with a series of questions addressing aspects of management and governance, from an ecosystem-based perspective, using objective and evidence-based criteria. The survey was completed by ecosystem experts (managers and scientists) and results analysed using ranking and multivariate methods. Results were further examined for selected ecosystems, using expert knowledge, to explore the overall findings in greater depth. Higher scores for ‘Management Effectiveness’ and ‘Governance Quality’ were significantly and positively related to ecosystems with better ecological status. Key factors that point to success in delivering fisheries and conservation objectives were as follows: the use of reference points for management, frequent review of stock assessments, whether Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) catches were being accounted for and addressed, and the inclusion of stakeholders. Additionally, we found that the implementation of a long-term management plan, including economic and social dimensions of fisheries in exploited ecosystems, was a key factor in successful, sustainable fisheries management. Our results support the thesis that good ecosystem-based management and governance, sustainable fisheries and healthy ecosystems go togetherThis is a contribution to the IndiSeas Working Group, which, by the time of the study, was cofunded by IOC-UNESCO (www.ioc-unesco.org), EuroMarine (http://www.euromarinenetwork.eu), the European FP7 MEECE research project, the European Network of Excellence Eur-Oceans and the FRB EMIBIOS project (contract n°212085)Peer Reviewe

Evidence Informed Planning for Tourism

The purpose of this paper is to further advance the discussion regarding Local Authorities and approaches to facilitate sustainable planning for tourism. Building on previous research into tourism planning at local level in Ireland, this study employed qualitative semi-structured interviews with every senior planner in Ireland’s 28Local Authorities to identify the degree to which evidence-informed planning for tourism is encouraged. Findings point to a tendency from senior planners to rely on existing legislative procedures to measure tourism activity. Despite the legal responsibilities Local Authorities have to sustainably plan for tourism, together with substantial advancements in the development of procedures for facilitating evidence-informed planning for tourism. The absence of sufficient monitoring of several key tourism impacts at destination level by this study, questions the ability of senior planners in Ireland to plan sustainably for tourism and protect the tourism product going forward