Approach and methods used for preliminary field work in Uganda

This report concerns a research project focused on an improved understanding and appropriate policy development for the rural non-farm economy. The research is being undertaken by the Natural Resources Institute (NRI) in collaboration with local and UK partners, with funding from the UK's Department for International Development (DFID) under a collaborative agreement with the World Bank. Interest in the non-farm economy stems from growing recognition of its important role in rural incomes, and its potential contribution to poverty reduction. This report covers: the aims and rationale of the approach, the establishment of fieldwork and methods used for data collection and the survey process and limitations. Part of the rationale of this initial phase of the research programme was to conduct appraise potential research methods and a undertake a participatory assessment of the approach, for the purposes of training of future teams and for the standardisation of prospective deployment of these methods. The methods and process are therefore described in detail

Addressing gender in renewable natural resources knowledge strategies

This guide aims to encourage RNRKS programme managers and project leaders to address gender more explicitly and effectively in their work. They might ask ‘how can a natural resources research programme, being largely technical in content and emphasizing research with generic applications, effectively address gender, particularly issues of gender equality and women’s empowerment?’ There is no simple answer to this question. The guide focuses upon opportunities to address gender during programme design, monitoring and implementation. It begins with a discussion of what gender means, why gender is an issue of central importance to development strategies targeting poverty in the natural resource sector, and the risks of ignoring gender. This is followed by sections on gender bias in projects, gender blindness, and whether or not gender is better addressed separately, or as an integral part of socio-economic analysis. Conceptual frameworks for conducting gender analysis are discussed briefly. The second major part of the guide is concerned with programme and project-level issues and the extent to which constraints on mainstreaming gender can be overcome. A reading list is offered to those looking for more specific examples in relation to the various natural resource sectors, more detailed general gender guidelines, and greater enlightenment on conceptual and analytical issues relating to gender

Urban agriculture and the livelihoods of the poor in Southern Africa: Case studies from Cape Town and Pretoria, South Africa and Harare, Zimbabwe

This paper focuses on three dimensions of the social, institutional and planning context of urban agriculture. Firstly, an analysis of the contribution of urban agriculture to the livelihoods of urban and peri-urban residents; secondly, factors affecting the outcomes of urban agriculture projects, and thirdly, the linkages between households, communities and the planning authorities. The paper is based on research carried out since November 1998 in informal settlements in South Africa (Cape Town and Pretoria) and Zimbabwe (three sites in Harare, one peri-urban setting with strong market linkage to the central food market, a resettlement area and a high density township). The purpose of the research project was to develop methodologies and criteria for improved resource management in order to promote income generating vegetable growing in urban and peri urban areas and to provide guidance for policy formulation

The social and institutional aspects of urban agriculture in the Cape Flats, Western Cape, South Africa

This report is concerned with the status of urban agriculture in the Cape Metropolitan Area (CMA) of the Western Cape, South Africa. It focuses specifically on the nature of urban agriculture in the Cape Flats area and explores the conditions that influence the extent of urban agriculture in low-income township areas situated on the Cape Flats. A primary focus of this research is the socio- political and institutional context that affects the practice of urban and peri-urban farming, specifically vegetable production, in the CMA. This report is the result of a four month study of Cape Town urban agriculture and is mainly based on information gathered during fieldwork conducted in and around the Cape Metropolitan Area, South Africa, during August 1999-January 2000. Topics covered in this report include the broader socio-political and environmental context of urban farming in the CMA, as well as the policy and planning frameworks (both national and regional) that shape urban agriculture practices in the Cape Flats townships. It is also a comparative study intended to complement research already conducted in Mamelodi, Pretoria and Harare, Zimbabwe. These studies are part of a four year European Union funded research project that commenced in November 1997. The entire project is a joint research program aimed at developing the economic, scientific and technological means to expand income- generating vegetable farming activities in urban and peri-urban areas in southern African countries

The role of natural resources in the livelihoods of the urban poor

This publication is based on briefing material commissioned for the European Union (EU). The EU briefing papers have sub-Saharan Africa as their primary focus, though case study material may also be drawn from Caribbean and Pacific country experience. The information they contain is based principally on a review of secondary data and documentation, although some specific aspects have been explored through short, focused field studies. The publication is divided into three sections: this introductory section provides an overview of urbanization in developing regions, and introduces key issues of migration, employment, the areas of interface with the agriculture and the rural economy, and the nature of urban poverty; the second section focuses on the details of how poor people in urban areas use natural resources, and how natural resources affect their livelihoods and well-being; and the last section builds on the analysis of the nature of urban poverty, and its interaction with natural resources, to propose appropriate pro-poor policies and direct intervention, taking into account the importance of natural resources to the urban poor

Shaping the future of learning using the student voice: we’re listening but are we hearing clearly?

Student voice data is a key factor as Manchester Metropolitan University strives to continually improve institutional technology enhanced learning (TEL) infrastructure. A bi-annual Institutional Student Survey enables students to communicate their experience of learning, teaching and assessment on programmes and specific units studied. Each cycle of the survey contains approximately 40–50,000 free text comments from students pertaining to what they appreciate and what they would like to see improved. A detailed thematic analysis of this data has identified 18 themes, arranged into six categories relating to the ‘Best’ aspects of courses, and 25 themes, arranged in seven categories in relation to aspects of courses considered to be ‘in need of improvement’. This student data was then used as a basis for semi-structured interviews with staff. Anecdotally, evidence suggested that student expectations and staff expectations around TEL and the virtual learning environment (VLE) differed. On-going evaluation of this work has highlighted a disconnect. In significant instances, academic colleagues seemingly misinterpret the student voice analysis and consequently struggle to respond effectively. In response to the analysis, the learning technologist's role has been to re-interpret the analysis and redevelop TEL staff development and training activities. The changes implemented have focused on: contextualising resources in VLE; making lectures more interactive; enriching the curriculum with audio–visual resources; and setting expectations around communications

Human papillomavirus infection : protocol for a randomised controlled trial of imiquimod cream (5%) versus podophyllotoxin cream (0.15%), in combination with quadrivalent human papillomavirus or control vaccination in treatment and prevention of recurrence of anogenital warts (HIPvac trial)

BACKGROUND: Anogenital warts are the second most common sexually transmitted infection diagnosed in sexual health services in England. About 90% of genital warts are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) types 6 or 11, and half of episodes diagnosed are recurrences. The best and most cost-effective treatment for patients with anogenital warts is unknown. The commonly used treatments are self-administered topical agents, podophyllotoxin (0.15% cream) or imiquimod (5% cream), or cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen. Quadrivalent HPV (qHPV) vaccination is effective in preventing infection, and disease, but whether it has any therapeutic effect is not known. METHODS AND DESIGN: To investigate the efficacy of clearance and prevention of recurrence of external anogenital warts by topical treatments, podophyllotoxin 0.15% cream or imiquimod 5% cream, in combination with a three-dose regimen of qHPV or control vaccination. 500 adult patients presenting with external anogenital warts with either a first or subsequent episode of anogenital warts will be entered into this randomised, controlled partially blinded 2 × 2 factorial trial. DISCUSSION: The trial is expected to provide the first high-quality evidence of the comparative efficacy and cost-effectiveness of the two topical treatments in current use, as well as investigate the potential benefit of HPV vaccination, in the management of anogenital warts. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial was registered prior to starting recruitment under the following reference numbers: International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial Number (ISRCTN) Registry - ISRCTN32729817 (registered 25 July 2014); European Union Clinical Trials Register (EudraCT) - 2013-002951-14 (registered 26 June 2013)

Crypto Bestiary: \u3ci\u3eA monstrous manual to the many fraudulent accounts involved in cryptocurrency scams and fraud.\u3c/i\u3e

Cryptocurrencies have fueled the growth of online fraud in various forms. They are poorly understood by many users, have value that shifts quickly and unexpectedly, and are easy to move in a digital world without borders. Cryptocurrency is seemingly purpose built as a tool for hucksters and scammers. The Federal Trade Commission claims that 46,000 people reported losing over a billion dollars in cryptocurrency to scammers in the first six months of 2021,1 a figure only including those potentially few people have been brave enough to share that they have been victims. The world of cryptocurrency can be scary for the uninitiated. One common way in which crypto-fraud is accomplished is through social media and the use of fake accounts. Some accounts purport to be crypto-fans, others make you belive they are experts in crypto-investment and are happy to help you uncover hidden riches. All of them, however, are seeking to take your money and leave you with nothing but fear and regret. This crypto-bestiary will present you, the neophyte, six of the most terrifying of crypto-creatures seeking to steal your treasure. Heed what we tell you as a lesson, be wary of where you venture and watch for the signs