Coping Strategies
Climate Variability and Gender Differentials in Decision Making Processes among Farming Households: A Comparative Assessment
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Lilian Ifeoma Ezenwa
This paper describes the impact of household activities by gender in areas vulnerable to climatic variability. A multi-stage sampling technique was applied, using both quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection. Primary data was collected using a structured questionnaire while secondary data was obtained from the Meteorological Department Nairobi, Kenya and Lagos, Nigeria. Data obtained were analysed using frequency distribution, trend analysis, percentage and means. A total of 338 respondents were sampled in Baringo County and 158 respondents in Jigawa State. Trend in rainfall pattern has been unstable and fluctuates by 0.44mm and 19.96mm in Baringo County, Kenya and Jigawa State, Nigeria respectively. Majority of the respondents 94.1 % (Baringo county) and 60.68% (Jigawa State) affirmed that the climate is no longer stable following observed variations in the elements of climate over time. Perception of respondents were in line with the climatic data records. A differential assessment on socially constructed roles of male and female respondents in farming households of Baringo County, Kenya revealed that the male are key decision makers in choice of crop/seed to plant (50.6%), livestock keeping/feeding (57.4%), land preparation (52.4%) and coping strategies to adopt for climate variability (57.1%). Similarly, the males in Jigawa State, Nigeria took charge, leading decisions on crop/seed to plant (60.7%), livestock keeping/feeding (51.6%), and coping strategies to adopt for climate variability (58.8%) while their females are key decision makers in land preparation activities (57.5%). This implies that female decisions (on agricultural activities and climate variability) in the study areas are undermined.
Climate Change and Service Learning: Reviewing Teacher’s Perceptions
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Fides del Castillo
Integral ecology is a concept introduced by Pope Francis in writing Laudatu Si (On Care for our Common Home). It is “integral” because the question of global warming that results to climate change is a shared issue of humanity. By integrating service learning in the curriculum, this can bring significant change in the preservation of the environment and reverse the effects of climate change. Service learning is introduced as an essential component in the formation of students to prepare them for lifelong learning. The aim of this study is to shed light to the understanding of Laudato Si and its relevance to climate change and service learning. The study also shows the perceptions of educators in their understanding about climate change and their response to make a better world.
A Flexible Framework for Process-based Hydraulic and Water Quality Modeling of Best Management Practices
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Arash Massoudieh
Models that allow for evaluation of the effects of design considerations on the performance of best management practices (BMPs) and green infrastructure (GI) to control urban and agricultural runoff and associated contaminants have received considerable attention in recent years. While popular, the GI models are relatively simplistic. However, GI model predictions are being relied upon by many municipalities and State/Local agencies to make decisions about gray vs. green infrastructure improvement planning. The goal here was to develop a sophisticated, yet flexible tool that could be used by design engineers and researchers to capture and explore the effect of design factors and properties of the media employed in the performance of GI systems at a relatively small scale. We deemed it essential to have a flexible GI modeling tool that is capable of simulating GI system components and specific biophysical processes affecting contaminants such as reactions, and particle-associated transport accurately while maintaining a high degree of flexibility to account for the myriad of GI alternatives. The mathematical framework for a stand-alone GI performance assessment tool has been developed and will be demonstrated. The process-based model framework developed here can be used to model a diverse range of GI practices such as green roof, retention pond, bioretention, infiltration trench, permeable pavement and other custom-designed combinatory systems. We will demonstrate the utility of this GI modeling framework to simulate flow and transport in a stream, bioretention, infiltration basin and permeable pavement GI systems.
