R4D Environment

WebStruct and VisualStruct: web interfaces and visualization for Structure software implemented in a cluster environment

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 11:41:00 GMT

Miscellaneous B. Jayashree, S. Rajgopal, D. Hoisington, V.P. Prasanth and S. Chandra 2008 Journal of Integrative Bioinformatics (2008) 5 (1): 89 [DOI 10.2390/biecoll-jib-2008-89] Structure, is a widely used software tool to investigate population genetic structure with multi-locus genotyping data. The software uses an iterative algorithm to group individuals into "K" clusters, representing possibly K genetically distinct subpopulations. The serial implementation of this programme is processor-intensive even with small datasets. We describe an implementation of the program within a parallel framework. Speedup was achieved by running different replicates and values of K on each node of the cluster. A web-based user-oriented GUI has been implemented in PHP, through which the user can specify input parameters for the programme. The number of processors to be used can be specified in the background command. A web-based visualization tool "Visualstruct", written in PHP (HTML and Java script embedded), allows for the graphical display of population clusters output from Structure, where each individual may be visualized as a line segment with K colors defining its possible genomic composition with respect to the K genetic sub-populations. The advantage over available programs is in the increased number of individuals that can be visualized. The analyses of real datasets indicate a speedup of up to four, when comparing the speed of execution on clusters of eight processors with the speed of execution on one desktop. The software package is freely available to interested users upon request.

Situational factors influencing drug injecting, risk reduction and syringe exchange in Togliatti City, Russian Federation: a qualitative study of micro risk environment.

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 17:06:00 GMT

Miscellaneous Rhodes, T.; Mikhailova, L.; Sarang, A.; Lowndes, C.M.; Rylkov, A.; Khutorskoy, M.; Renton, A. 2003 Social Science & Medicine (2003) Volume 57, Issue 1, pp. 39-54 [doi:10.1016/S0277-9536(02)00521-X] In order to obtain information relevant to HIV transmission, we undertook a qualitative study to explore the micro-environment of drug injecting, risk reduction and syringe exchange practices among injecting drug users (IDUs) in Togliatti (or Tolyatti) City, Russia, a group in which HIV prevalence had recently increased in an explosive manner. Semi-structured qualitative interviews (n=57) were undertaken with current IDUs in May 2001. Findings highlight a recent transition away from hanka (a home-produced liquid opiate derived from opium poppy) towards the injection of heroin powder, and a drug use culture in which injecting predominates. Findings emphasise that risk reduction practices may be influenced less by availability of injecting equipment than by an interplay of situational and micro-environmental factors. Principal among these is a reported fear of police detainment or arrest among IDUs which encourages a reluctance to carry needles and syringes, and which in turn, is associated with needle and syringe sharing at the point of drug sale. We note the role of policing practices in influencing risk reduction and the potential role of policing agencies in supporting HIV prevention initiatives among IDUs.

Forum encourages best use of public funding for environmental research

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 01:00:00 GMT

The Environment Research Funders Forum (ERFF) aims to ensure the best possible use of public funding by improving the way environmental research is prioritised, is funded, and informs policy. The Forum brings together the UKs major public-sector sponsors of environmental science to work in partnership to assess research needs and priorities

This is Open Access Week

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 01:00:00 GMT

This week, 19-23 October 2009, is the first International Open Access Week, which aims to broaden awareness and understanding of Open Access.

Living with Environmental Change Brochure

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 11:59:00 GMT

Miscellaneous LWEC Partnership 2008 6 pp. The brochure describes this major interdisciplinary research and policy partnership to tackle environmental change. Information is given on the challenge to be tackled, the objectives, expected outputs and funders.

Local and Regional Impacts of Environmental Change Explored

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 01:00:00 GMT

DFID has pledged its support for the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) project 'Living with Environmental Change'

NRSP Project Communication Plan Guidelines - Uptake Promotion Projects

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 09:57:00 GMT

Miscellaneous 2003 Natural Resources Systems Programme, HTS Development Ltd, Hemel Hempstead, UK, 30 pp

These guidelines were developed to assist project teams to identify, plan and manage their communication activities as an integral part of their NRSP research project and to help NRSP interact with its projects on communications activities and to monitor and evaluate project progress and achievement for these activities.

Part 1 provides information to help project teams answer 10 key communication questions as they plan, implement and present their communication activities from the start of the project to completion. This information is presented with respect to each question at three stages of an NRSP project (Proposal, Inception and Mid-term Review).

Part 2 gives Examples based on communication work from other NRSP projects and assignments selected to help project teams think about the detail of what needs to be considered and how to document it. These examples can be adapted by project teams to assist them to develop and document their Communication Plan (CP).

Part 3 lists resources that project teams will find useful in carrying out the various processes needed for developing their CP. These include: guidelines on how to develop a CP; examples of CPs from other NRSP projects; and guidelines on specific kinds of activities such as developing a website or carrying out a survey on the communication context of stakeholders.

NRSP Project Communication Plan Guidelines - Research Projects

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 09:47:00 GMT

Miscellaneous 2003 Natural Resources Systems Programme, HTS Development Ltd, Hemel Hempstead, UK, 30 pp.

PISCES Annual Report June 2008

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 13:19:00 GMT

Miscellaneous PISCES 2009 70 pp. Progress to date, by research and cross-cutting themes:

RT1 Technology Data, policy frameworks and capacity on Bioenergy Technologies
Technology research is still clearly at an early stage, however good progress has been made in recruiting PhD and MSc students and in conducting initial technology surveys and Bioresource assessments in Tanzania and India. Negotiations regarding access to resource studies are also advancing in Kenya and Sri Lanka.

RT2 Access and Delivery Data, policy frameworks and capacity on how bioenergy can improve energy access and livelihoods
Civil strife in Kenya in Q1 delayed progress on the bioenergy needs and opportunities survey there however this has started in India. Further, a background study on Delivery Models with strong expert inputs, a scoping study on Food Security and Bioenergy Linkages, and training in Kenya on new Bioenergy Market Mapping methods in development, have been successfully completed.

RT3 Climate and Environment Data, policy frameworks and capacity on Bioenergy Linkages with Climate and Environment
Work has started on information gathering on the various agro-ecological zones in India, field work has been initiated in 2 zones, and contacts with relevant stakeholders in the Climate and Environment sector developed. Longer term challenges in terms of Climate Modelling and LCA capacity are to be addressed with recruitment, capacity building and partnerships.

XCA Research-into-Use Research outputs taken up by policymakers in the 4 countries
PISCES Policy Working Groups have been established in Kenya and Sri Lanka with strong stakeholder involvement and Ministry-level support. Wider integration of Innovation Systems thinking and RIU case studies have not however been initiated so far.

XCB South-South-North Knowledge and Expertise is successfully exchanged between the 4 PISCES countries and international experience is capitalised on
Internal sharing of information via Sharepoint is in place but some partners do still have problems using the site. Some International Case Studies have already been initiated and further studies are currently in discussion with potential partners including FAO.

XCC Capacity Building Capacity Built within consortium and key stakeholders
Capacity building both within the consortium and with policy stakeholders has started strongly with workshops and trainings conducted in all four countries. A full list is available in Annex 6.7.

XCD Equity Equity mainstreamed in policy recommendations
An initial study of Equity and Bioenergy linkages has been completed with uptake and interest from ENERGIA. Equity issues have been incorporated in socio-economic baseline surveys.

Institutional Mapping for Climate Change Adaptation in Eastern Africa. Final Report

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 13:30:00 GMT

Miscellaneous Kituyi, E. 2008 Industrial Ecology Institute, Nairobi, Kenya, 68 pp. This study was commissioned by the CCAA Secretariat to map out institutions working on environmental management in general and climate change in particular, in Eastern Africa. The main activities included literature reviews and web searches, country visits to selected institutions, and focused consultations with experts. Building upon the organizational capacity assessment for African research institutions by Nyong, the following outcomes have resulted from the study:

a.) A scoping of the institutions engaged in environmental research within CCAA's mandate areas. A key result has been the identification of opportunities for potential collaborative ties with other relevant institutions, programmes and initiatives that have on board an environmental mandate within the context of CCAA mandate areas. These include local and international Non-Government Organizations (NGOs), private sector, governmental organizations etc.

b.) Elucidation of the workings and interactions among a wide range of institutions in the sub-region in the pursuit for adaptation solutions. There are five classes of research institutions active in the sub-region. There are also non-research development agencies that have been found to be a potentially important partner in linking end-users to researchers.

c.) International research institutes have been found to be superior in climate change related research and present numerous opportunities for collaboration with the much weaker local institutions for capacity building and knowledge exchange. An analysis of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) of these institutions was also done.

d.) Key gaps in the research processfrom research planning activities, implementation strategies, output communication, evaluation and feedbackhave been identified. These have also been prioritized as per the class of institution and urgency for resolution. Similarly, a range of opportunities has been identified which weaker institutions may harness for capacity strengthening in various aspects through innovative partnerships.

e.) Using planning, implementation, communication and partnership/network coordination as key indicators, a scoring system on weak and strong institutions and their research capacity for climate change adaptation has been developed and used.

f.) The report has also proposed a strategy for the identification of regional institutions for the gradual devolution of programme leadership in the sub-region. It has similarly proposed strategies - mainly promotion and strengthening of strategic partnerships among research institutions and other potential partners with a view to delivering on CCAA's four outcome areas.

Walk Urban: Demand, Constraints and Measurement of the Urban Pedestrian Environment

Mon, 07 Sep 2009 13:37:00 GMT

Miscellaneous B. Montgomery and P. Roberts 2008 World Bank, Washington D.C., USA. Transport Paper No. TP-18, 29 pp. Walking is natures mode of transport. For many people in the developing world, it is the only form of transport. The globes rapid urbanization, particularly in low-to-middle income countries, stimulates a high demand for low cost, sustainable urban transport. A well-designed and maintained walking network can satisfy this demand, while contributing to poverty reduction, health benefits, and saved lives. However, the complexities associated with the pedestrian environment often prevent interventions that benefit walkers.

DFID releases a new project database

Fri, 21 Aug 2009 01:00:00 GMT

Information about projects funded by DFID, ranging from emergency aid for countries affected by conflict or humanitarian crises, to ongoing support to improve health, education and sanitation in the poorest countries, is now available online.

NERC publishes Science into Policy booklet

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 01:00:00 GMT

The second edition of the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) booklet "Science into policy Taking part in the Process" has now been published.

Investigating and Addressing the Requirements for Building Integrity in the Public Sector Information Systems in the ICT Environment. India, Karnataka State Case Study: e-Government.

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 14:37:00 GMT

Miscellaneous International Records Management Trust 2007 International Records Management Trust, 42 pp. Michael Hoyle and Andrew Griffin visited Bangalore and Mysore, in Karnataka State, India in May 2007. The methodology for the study visit comprised two parts: collecting qualitative information, including conducting interviews and carrying out documentary research about public sector reform, electronic governance initiatives, pay, personnel, land and financial processes and records management; and gaining an understanding of the information flows between the human resources functions and payroll by an examination of systems and procedures.

In contrast with most of the studies developed by this project, this study focused not only on personnel and payroll functions, but it also considered paper and electronic recordkeeping issues in a number of different information systems, including financial management and land registration. It became apparent that while work had been undertaken on an electronic human resource information system, this was limited in scope and implementation, and developments in others areas were far more advanced.

Investigating and Addressing the Requirements for Building Integrity in the Public Sector Information Systems in the ICT Environment. Ghana Case Study: Personnel Records.

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 14:30:00 GMT

Miscellaneous International Records Management Trust 2008 International Records Management Trust, 66 pp. Andrew Griffin and Pino Akotia conducted case study visits in August 2006 and in February and March 2007. The methodology for the case study comprised two parts: collecting qualitative information by interviews and through documentary research, focusing on public sector reform, electronic governance initiatives, payroll and personnel processes and records and information management; and gaining an understanding of the information flows between the human resources functions and payroll by an examination of systems and procedures. The study reports on personnel records management and the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Database (IPPD) system used in Ghana.

DFID seeks applications for three posts in the Research Uptake Team

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 01:00:00 GMT

DFID is seeking to fill three posts in the Research Uptake team within the Policy and Research Directorate - Team Leader and two Research Evidence Brokers

New Director at ODI

Fri, 20 Feb 2009 01:00:00 GMT

Alison Evans is announced as the new Director at the Overseas Development Institute.

Update from the Research Into Use Programme

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 01:00:00 GMT

New publications are available which highlight the work of the DFID-funded Research Into Use Programme (RIU)

DFID at the Development Studies Association Conference

Thu, 23 Oct 2008 01:00:00 GMT

Huge changes during the past 30 years have redefined development agendas and we must expect changes of similar magnitude during the next 30 years. What forces are likely to influence future global change and re-shape development agendas?

Asia on the move: Energy efficient and inclusive transport

Wed, 24 Sep 2008 01:00:00 GMT

The first ever Transport Forum, held in the Philippines, 9-12 September 2008, strengthens the partnership between the global Transport Knowledge Partnership (gTKP) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB)

The role of environment in increasing growth and reducing poverty in Uganda.

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 12:19:00 GMT

Completed To produce sound economic evidence of the importance of sustainable natural resource use for increasing growth and reducing poverty in Uganda. To present this evidence to policy makers.

Understanding policy processes. A review of IDS research on the environment

Mon, 19 May 2008 12:10:00 GMT

Completed

Azerbaijan PRSP Environment and NEAP update

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Completed Having determined poverty reduction as a top priority of its strategy, the Government of Azerbaijan is now making efforts to prepare an Interim Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (I-PRSP) to be followed by a full Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP).

The State Committee of Ecology has already contributed to this document by submitting initial comments. In its endeavour to have a clear understanding of the mechanisms of interaction between the poverty level and environmental problems, the Government has requested the World Bank to assist in mobilising funds for carrying out an analysis specifically aimed at studying the relevant 'poverty - environment' linkages in the context of NEAP) update effort.

The results of the "PRSP-Environment Initiative and NEAP Update" shall provide invaluable contributions to a number of environmental priorities in the country, the most important of which are:

*Incorporation ("mainstreaming") of environmental concerns into the PRSP. PRSP is becoming the main development strategy for the country.

A thorough preparation of substantiated analyses of environment-poverty links in Azerbaijan is critical in bringing environmental issues to the policy discussion, which is dominated by the economic decision-making Ministries and offices of the deputy Prime Ministers and the President.

The work will also feed into the National Environmental Action Plan (NEAP) Update, and will identify priority environmental activities and policies with the largest contribution to poverty alleviation.

*Contribution to Public Sector Reforms.
UK DFID, in co-operation with the World Bank, has already assisted the Government of Azerbaijan in the development of a Template for Reorganisation of Environmental Management Systems in the Country. During the Bank's visit, the Deputy Prime Minister also confirmed that an announcement about public sector re-structuring, including the environment sector, can be expected within the next two months.

Once this general presidential decree on reforms is passed, the NEAP Update will strengthen the Reorganisation Template by providing for wide public discussions on environmental priorities that the new restructured management system will have to address. This participatory input into the Sector Reforms will allow the Government to proceed with speedy implementation of theTemplate.

*Updating priority actions specified by the Azerbaijan NEAP dated 1998.
The NEAP Update will review the progress achieved since 1998, and propose the new poverty-focussed action plan based on thorough financial and economic analyses. This Update will also reflect the evolving global environmental priorities of Azerbaijan.

Biodiversity conservation was identified as one of the top priority issues for the country by the original NEAP (1998), and a Biodiversity Country Strategy is now under preparation with assistance from GEF/UNDP. To ensure that environmental issues and the importance of environmental management in poverty elimination are highlighted in the PRSP process. The Deputy Prime Minister will establish a special working group which will undertake the poverty-environment study, the main objectives of which are:

*Assessment of the current environmental situation in Azerbaijan.
*Analysis of the effect of environmental problems upon the poverty level and the effect of poverty on environmental quality.
*Idenfification of environmental policies and measures which would contribute to poverty reduction.
*Surveys on local community understanding of environmental concerns and sustainable management of natural resources, their economic situation and living conditions, will be conducted in the course of the study.

The study will involve technical experts, government officials and policy makers, including ministries that do not normally address environment concerns (Ministries of Finance and Economy). The analytical work is not seen as something to be conducted for its own sake, but as an input into the dialogue with the major decision-makers in the Ministries of Economy, Finance and in the Offices of the Deputy Prime Minister and the President. If, however, such a dialogue is to be fruitful, a substantiated case needs to be made for the environmental-poverty linkages. At present there is a dearth of information on which to base a meaningful dialogue with the Ministries of Economy, Finance, etc.

To ensure that the study work is kept on the right track, representatives from these Ministries and offices will be involved in the working level discussions, and hence will have some ownership of the results of the studies. They will also participate actively in the two follow-on meetings - the working level workshop and the public consultations.

International symposium on hydrology in a changing environment

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Completed To assist the attendance at the symposium of key delegates from developing countries who are authors of accepted papers, preference to be given to persons from those countries where DFID has an interest.

World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) facilitating civil society involvement in Eastern Africa into the WSSD - Environment Liaison Centre International

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Completed WSSD - Supporting in-country preparatory processes.

Poverty and environment in developing countries: an overview study (ESCOR)

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Completed This literature review was jointly commissioned with the Economic and Social Research Council to provide an overview of existing research on the links between poverty and environmental change. The component dimensions of environmental entitlements, the economic analysis of the incentives for the poor to manage natural resources and the environmental implications of poverty reduction strategies were identified as priority areas for future research.

Applications of crop/soil simulation models in agriculture and the environment in developing countries

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Completed NRSP has previously funded work on the development of a suite of models to address problems relating to crop production in the semi-arid tropics, specifically the evaluation of rainwater harvesting and maintenance of soil fertility, resulting in the PARCH, PARCHED-THIRST, SWEAT and EMERGE models. To review the literature and to identify past and current applications of crop/soil simulation models, identify the limitations of such models, characterise groups of end-users of the models, and to attempt a synthesis of where such models might be useful in the future in contributing to system-based, poverty-oriented research projects for NRSP production systems. This study examines the uptake and impact of crop-soil simulation models and whether this approach has any contribution to make to addressing agricultural production and rural development problems in developing countries.Recommendations for the inclusion of modelling approaches in future NRSP research and activities of DFID.

The effects of policy and institutional environment on natural resource management and investment by farmers and rural households in East and Southern Africa

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Completed The development of more sustainable natural resource use, increase in agricultural sector productivity, and poverty alleviation are priorities of many national governments in East and Southern Africa, and continue to be the object of radical policy reform (eg: the ,Modernisation of Agriculture, Programme in Uganda; and land redistribution reform in South Africa). Yet the far-reaching changes in the economic and political environment in SSA over the past decade, coupled with recent research on local perceptions of environmental change and natural resource management, have undermined many of the assumptions on which NR policy has been based. The identification of appropriate NR policies and institutions is currently the subject of significant research (eg: at ODI), as is the development of sustainability indicators by the World Bank and IBSRAM. Empirical testing of SI in the SSA context has only just begun, and this research will make a timely contribution to the evaluation of the use of SI in the policy process. These factors are also recognised in the NRPAD framework for research, where the greater understanding of renewable natural resource management and policy is a specific output. The importance of the need for research in this area is also evidenced by other donor research programmes (eg: EU), and by the activities and statements of other multi-lateral agencies and NGOs (including the World Bank, UNDP, WRI, and IIED). The proposed research aims to answer the central problem: what policies and institutions (eg: market reforms, land tenure, agricultural research and extension), are likely to promote successful natural resource management in SSA. Policy and institutional requirements for effective, equitable and sustainable participatory management of renewable natural resources understood and promoted by planners and policy makers.

Donor and recipient investment decisions making in key RNR sub-sectors facilitated and improved by ready availability of information and recommendations. The impact of policies and institutions (market reforms, land access rights, agricultural research and extension) on the performance of natural resource systems at the farm level clarified and explained and key policy lessons drawn.

Criteria for the perceived success (or failure) of farming systems in target countries in terms of equity, gender, production and environmental sustainability identified and clarified.

A practical methodology for measuring sustainability of farming systems at the farm level is developed, tested and promoted.

Capacity of African collaborators to evaluate the impact of policies on NR management increased. Case studies in Uganda and South Africa were undertaken which examined ,the success or sustainability, of small and large scale systems from a range of perspectives including: farmers, communities, scientists, planners and policy makers. These were then used to develop and test sets of indicators for the success of farming-based livelihood systems.

The Asset Status matrix used by this project proved a good way of eliciting criteria of success/failure for each of the five capitals, and to help identify indicators recognisable by local stakeholders. This has the potential to monitor the impact of development interventions on people's livelihoods.

The indicator framework the project used for indicator identification and testing produced an indicator set relevant to covering both agricultural and poverty issues. The project's activities in 2000 coincided with the approval by the Ugandan government of the Plan for the Modernisation of Agriculture (PMA). The project's identification of an indicator set tested for farming success in Uganda has proved timely in the following ways:
*The project emphasised the criterion of 'measurability' in its selection of indicators.
*Participatory approaches were vital in identifying stakeholders' criteria for meaningful indicators.
*Secondary data sources were either not accessible or unavailable thus obtaining time series data on indicators will be difficult or impossible to obtain.

Despite the very large range of farming systems compared, including large-scale commercial farms of several thousand hectares and smallholdings of less than a hectare, there is considerable similarity between the indicators from the two country studies. In both Uganda and South Africa it was found that indicators of natural, human and financial capital assets gave more explanation of the farming success, defined in terms of net farm income. Indicators based on social and physical (infrastructural) assets gave far less explanation of this success. It is still useful to note that in this study of diverse farming systems social and physical capital appear to be less important indicators of farming success than indicators of natural, human and financial capital assets.

Policy lessons on agricultural investment.
Debt levels in the commercial sector and inadequate access to credit emerged as important indicators in South Africa, but not in Uganda, where use of formal credit in farming was found to be rare. A key policy implication in South Africa was that the successful first generation farmers had high non-farm sources of income that they were willing to invest in agriculture. Therefore, to meet the objective of encouraging more first generation (black) commercial farmers in this sector policies have to be in place to enable them to access credit. In the case of Uganda, credit use by farmers was rare. However, successful farmers consistently averaged higher levels of non-farm income, as well as larger farm revenues, than their less successful neighbours. The less successful farmers were, however, more dependent (in terms of percentage of overall household income) on non-farm income than successful farmers. This finding is consistent with the notion that the poor have different (and lower-return) sources of non-farm income than the better-off. It also suggests a strong relationship between non-farm income and success in farming.

Environment and health in developing countries: An analysis of intra-urban differentials

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Completed The process of urbanisation is one of the major global environmental changes directly affecting human health today. Populations particularly affected are in developing countries where rapid urban growth has been accompanied by massive urban poverty. Urban environmental health impacts, for adults, are still poorly understood. Presentation of aggregated information on urban conditions is often a major reason why urban areas are still perceived as better off in terms of health status and standard of living. It is also a reason why the urban poor are still ignored in national policies which purport to address poverty and health disparities. To obtain and map data on the intra-urban distribution of mortality (and where possible morbidity) of a range of communicable, chronic and psycho-social diseases, disaggregated by age and gender in Accra, Ghana and Sao Paulo, Brazil. Approaches to management of the urban environment radically changed in the nineteenth century to deal with sanitary outcomes of rapid urban development before the advent of medical cure or prophylaxis. It could be argued that tackling the sanitary health of the urban populations in developing countries today is, in the long term, the least of our challenges: the insults of urban poverty do not go away with such interventions. It is timely to develop new and much more integrated approaches to urban policy which recongnize and seek to address the complexity of urban poverty and environmental linkages and their consequences for the health of urban people. A field study in two cities at different stages of development to document intra-urban differentials (Accra, Ghana and Sao Paulo, Brazil) in environment and health within whole populations, and a desk study of differentials in urban environment and selected child health outcomes using secondary analysis of data collected by Phase I of the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) programme on urban populations of four countries (Brazil, Ghana, Thailand and Egypt). The project began in April 1992 in Accra Metropolitan Area (AMA). The Health Research Unit, Ministry of Health is co-operating with the LSHTM and providing technical and logistic support for the project as well as research assistance.

The period up to December 1992 was used to establish and test sources of data and link with other non-local agencies working in this field in Accra.

Primary sources of data (and in some cases related technical support) have been collected from GoG agencies working in Accra. The collection of data is now almost complete and the researchers are now in the stage of detailed data analysis. For example all of the mortality records for Accra in 1991 have been computerised and this has enabled this data to be recorded according to a relatively fine level of geographic disaggregation (within the study site) and one that corresponds with disagregated data on population and environment.

The researchers have found that the quality of data is not ideal. The AMA is estimated to have the highest level of completeness of data, but estimates vary for 65-90 percent completeness. The researchers believe that data on 5-15 year olds (and beyond) is reasonable (80 percent plus), but for younger age groups the completeness may be only around 30 percent. Work on estimations of completeness for the target age group (0-15 years) is being undertaken with the help of the Statistical Service.

A draft report on mortality data quality is now being considered by experts in Ghana. This may lead to one suburb of the AMA (on the furthest fringe of the city) to be eliminated because of absence of reliable data.

The research team has access to a large and comprehensive database of social and environmental data from the Accra Planning and Development Programme. This includes data on population

gross density

and land use. APDP also undertook household surveys from 1988 which provides data on access to toilet/water/waste facilities/education and employment. These data sets are now being correlated with the project data on mortality. The World Bank has supported APDP in this work and, on the basis of previous work involving LSHTM, there is close correspondence between these surveys. It is hoped that the results of the LSHTM work will add the much needed health/environment dimension to these surveys.

The research team has established three software programmes/databases for analysing of data. Mortality is entered and analysed on EPIINFO 5.1 and transferred to QUATTROPRO for further analysis. With the Statistical Service a map database using POPMAP is being used to analyse data using various projections of the population and tests for association with area-based environmental data. All of these programmes/databases are freely available in Accra and will be left with local collaborating agencies.

The research team is collaborating with the UNDP/UNHCHS (Habitat)/World Bank Urban Management Programme which is studying crowding and health in Accra. This allows access to further health data. The Stockholm Environment Institute has also completed a major piece of research on household environmental problems in three cities including Accra and the researchers are discussing forms of data sharing.

A local workshop on research progress is to be held in March 1993.

Overall, field study results imply that despite the national positions of prestiege and purported economic wealth of both Accra and Sao Paulo, a high proportion of the population of both cities are compromised in their socio-economic and environmental conditions. It is evident that this compromise is at the necessary expense of life for many adults and children.

Rural-urban interactions and livelihood strategies in a changing economic environment: a case study of two intermediate towns and their regions in Tanzania.

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Completed This study will examine the interrelations between different aspects of rural-urban linkages (including flows of people, goods, and information and 'sectoral' interactions such as urban agriculture and non-agriculture rural employment). The comparative analysis of two locations in Tanzania and the holistic approach to the ways in which different groups straddle the rural-urban divide, will increase the understanding of how recent transformations in the socio-economic and policy context (such as trade liberalisation and democratisation) affect them and provide a factual basis for policy recommendations.

Get ready to rumble...

Fri, 31 Aug 2007 01:00:00 GMT

Development of an early warning system by DFID-funded researchers could help poor people in Central America farming the rich soils on the slopes of volcanoes

DFID Research Challenges Wisdom that Forests Conserve Water

Thu, 09 Mar 2006 01:00:00 GMT

Projects designed to improve water conditions in developing countries may be wasting money because they are pursuing solutions not supported by scientific evidence...

Small-Scale Irrigation Can Sustain Rural Livelihoods

Wed, 04 Jan 2006 01:00:00 GMT

DFID-funded research has found that small-scale irrigated agriculture can contribute to food security and rural prosperity...

Landslide Risk Warning for Mountain Communities and Rural Infrastructure Planning

Wed, 04 Jan 2006 01:00:00 GMT

Planning for landslides is critical in safeguarding livelihoods and rural development in many mountain regions...

Reducing CO₂ Emissions with Family-Hydro

Wed, 04 Jan 2006 01:00:00 GMT

Project R8150 worked to stimulate the family-hydro market by reducing installation costs.

R4D Environment

WebStruct and VisualStruct: web interfaces and visualization for Structure software implemented in a cluster environment

Situational factors influencing drug injecting, risk reduction and syringe exchange in Togliatti City, Russian Federation: a qualitative study of micro risk environment.

Forum encourages best use of public funding for environmental research

This is Open Access Week

Living with Environmental Change Brochure

Local and Regional Impacts of Environmental Change Explored

NRSP Project Communication Plan Guidelines - Uptake Promotion Projects

NRSP Project Communication Plan Guidelines - Research Projects

PISCES Annual Report June 2008

Institutional Mapping for Climate Change Adaptation in Eastern Africa. Final Report

Walk Urban: Demand, Constraints and Measurement of the Urban Pedestrian Environment

DFID releases a new project database

NERC publishes Science into Policy booklet

Investigating and Addressing the Requirements for Building Integrity in the Public Sector Information Systems in the ICT Environment. India, Karnataka State Case Study: e-Government.

Investigating and Addressing the Requirements for Building Integrity in the Public Sector Information Systems in the ICT Environment. Ghana Case Study: Personnel Records.

DFID seeks applications for three posts in the Research Uptake Team

New Director at ODI

Update from the Research Into Use Programme

DFID at the Development Studies Association Conference

Asia on the move: Energy efficient and inclusive transport

The role of environment in increasing growth and reducing poverty in Uganda.

Understanding policy processes. A review of IDS research on the environment

Azerbaijan PRSP Environment and NEAP update

International symposium on hydrology in a changing environment

World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) facilitating civil society involvement in Eastern Africa into the WSSD - Environment Liaison Centre International

Poverty and environment in developing countries: an overview study (ESCOR)

Applications of crop/soil simulation models in agriculture and the environment in developing countries

The effects of policy and institutional environment on natural resource management and investment by farmers and rural households in East and Southern Africa

Environment and health in developing countries: An analysis of intra-urban differentials

Rural-urban interactions and livelihood strategies in a changing economic environment: a case study of two intermediate towns and their regions in Tanzania.

Get ready to rumble...

DFID Research Challenges Wisdom that Forests Conserve Water

Small-Scale Irrigation Can Sustain Rural Livelihoods

Landslide Risk Warning for Mountain Communities and Rural Infrastructure Planning

Reducing CO2 Emissions with Family-Hydro

Reducing CO₂ Emissions with Family-Hydro