text:
Log in With ORCiD
-------------- OR --------------
You can reset your password here
Start Submission Become a Reviewer
Reading: Whose Crisis? COVID-19 Explored through Arts and Cultural Practices of African Communities
XML (EN)
View Harvard Citation Style
View Vancouver Citation Style
View APA Citation Style
Alt. Display
Special Collection: Humanities Data in the time of COVID-19
Whose Crisis? COVID-19 Explored through Arts and Cultural Practices of African Communities
Mia Perry ,
College of Social Science, University of Glasgow, Scotland, GB
Profiles:
Dane Mathendele Armstrong,
Yebo! (Contemporary Art Gallery and Design Studio), SZ
Bosco Exson Chinkonda,
Department of Sociology, Chancellor College, Zomba, MW
Richard Kagolobya,
Department of Performing Arts and Film, Makerere University, Kampala, UG
Rebecca Nthogo Lekoko,
Faculty of Education, Ba Isago University, Gaborone, BW
George Olusola Ajibade
Department of Linguistics and African Languages, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, NG
The "Whose Crisis?" project is in response to a continually evolving global health pandemic, COVID-19. In this context, the dominant discourses have been generated in the Global North, overwhelmingly by a minority of wealthy and powerful authors, reflecting narrowly on a crisis that, while impacting the whole world, is experienced in vastly different ways. This article frames and contextualises data from this project through an introduction to the background, contexts, and methods of a project designed to reflect the lived experiences of, perspectives on, and responses to COVID-19 in vulnerable communities across sub-Saharan Africa. The project has been carried out by a large team of collaborators who prioritise the lived experiences, customs, and needs of the communities engaged through a culturally responsive and arts-based research approach. The article points to the methodological implications of arts-based research to explore plural perspectives in participatory ways, and the socio-political possibilities of amplifying the voices of under-represented and under-served communities in Africa, in terms of global health in a pandemic context.
Keywords: COVID-19, participatory research, arts-based research, Africa, communities
How to Cite: Perry, M., Armstrong, D.M., Chinkonda, B.E., Kagolobya, R., Lekoko, R.N. and Ajibade, G.O., 2021. Whose Crisis? COVID-19 Explored through Arts and Cultural Practices of African Communities. Journal of Open Humanities Data, 7, p.29. DOI: http://doi.org/10.5334/johd.52
Published on 30 Nov 2021
(1) Context and motivation
The "Whose Crisis?" project is an urgent response to a rapidly evolving global health pandemic whereby the Global North has led (by example and economic pressure) the response to an emergency affecting communities all over the world.1 Immediate cultural production, critical commentary, and public policy have been showcased and circulated globally with substantial affect – this may prove to be the most documented pandemic in history. However, the dominant discourses are generated in the North, overwhelmingly by a minority of wealthy and powerful authors, reflecting narrowly on a crisis that, while impacting the whole world, is experienced in vastly different ways.
This article provides the background and contexts of the "Whose Crisis?" project and provides information about accessing the open access data that has resulted from it. The project is a culturally responsive and arts-based initiative, designed to reflect the lived experiences of, perspectives on, and responses to COVID-19 from nine diverse but vulnerable communities, spanning five sub-Saharan African countries. The project has been carried out by a large team of collaborators who prioritise the lived experiences, customs, and needs of the selected communities through direct and dynamic engagement. Collectively, we aim to explore how arts-based and participatory research methods can be used in situated ways to reveal marginalised perspectives about the pandemic (specific methods are detailed below). Furthermore, we aim to understand what can be achieved when the voices of under-represented and under-served communities in African contexts are amplified, particularly in terms of global health in a pandemic context.
Historical and present-day public health issues and pandemics, such as Ebola, HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, have influenced the progress and cohesion of much of sub-Saharan Africa (Osseni, 2020). These issues are ongoing in many places. On the one hand, this means that the continent is already 'weakened' and susceptible to further health issues, but on the other, it means that the continent is logistically and mentally experienced and prepared for such events. COVID-19 may not be the most severe threat to public health or mental health for many in African communities, but it is one that has exposed new complexities and increased attention into what is understood as 'global health' (Kaseje, 2020). The pandemic has brought into focus the complexity and interrelatedness of physical and mental well-being with cultural and societal structures. It has highlighted the need for responses that can bridge this complexity, that reflect on the global diversity of human experience, and provide a more balanced understanding of the COVID-19 pandemic. Increasingly, artists, writers, singers, philosophers, and theorists are providing commentaries, support, and responses to this global pandemic. Yet, these voices are primarily from the Global North, articulated through Northern cultural practices and products from those with access to communication technologies, capacities, and resources (e.g., Fekadu, 2020; Lamb, 2021). This article, with the data it frames, is part of a wider project aimed to re-balance the narrative. With an overarching focus on the data generated, we begin with a theoretical positioning relating to the arts-based methodology adopted for the study. The article then provides details of the locations of where the study took place, the participants engaged, and the methods of data generation developed. Finally, a brief overview of themes emerging from data analysis are provided to guide further engagement with the open access dataset.
(1.1) Theoretical framework
The research is positioned within a framework of socially engaged arts (e.g., Abdulla, 2016; Helguera, 2011; Prentki & Preston, 2009), in conjunction with cultural practice and communications (Chen & Morley, 2006; Eze, 2014). Socially engaged arts describe the broad scope of arts and creative practices that are intended to have social impact and effect change. This includes but extends the long history of theatre for development practice that has been established in Africa over the past 60 years (Mda, 1983), incorporating performance, radio drama, and participatory theatre models. This movement has contentious origins and impacts that are entangled with the broader history of colonial development since the Second World War (Pompêo Nogueira, 2002). To build on and ethically extend the long and established history of socially engaged arts, this project takes up socially engaged arts with an explicit commitment not to 'develop' but to pay attention. In other words, not to disseminate information from elsewhere, change behaviour, or propose new practices, but to witness, listen, and learn from lived realities that are often absent from prevailing discourse. Informed by decolonial methodologies (Harding, 2018; Santos, 2016; Tuhiwai Smith, 2012), the research team are committed to participatory engagements that foreground the lived experiences of communities and households in rural and peri-urban African contexts, whilst ensuring a wide global witnessing of these voices.
(1.2) Research contexts, participants, and data
The research team and some of the participating communities worked together through partnerships forged and supported over the past five years through the Sustainable Futures (SF) Global Network.2 The SF Global Network is a large, interdisciplinary community of researchers, artists, educators, students, development workers, and farmers who share a commitment to decolonial and participatory approaches to the multi-dimensional aspects of sustainability (including social, spiritual, political, and ecological sustainability). At the outset of the pandemic, the day-to-day working practices of the SF Global Network suddenly shifted, as did their priorities and perspectives. As a large group of like-minded researchers and peers, we came together to consider the best ways to support our Network Hubs (country-based network groups) and our partner communities. To this end, the "Whose Crisis?" project was conceived and co-designed through virtual meetings and workshops, building from existing areas of expertise and knowledge of best practice.
The biggest and founding chapter of the SF Global Network is the Sustainable Futures in Africa group (SFA). Based on the locations of the five SFA hubs, the geographical context of this research spans nine locations across those five countries in sub-Saharan Africa, ranging from urban and peri-urban to rural. Peri-urban refers to areas in which the rural and urban meet through the expansion of urban contexts into rural areas. Specifically, the areas include: Alebtong and Banda in Uganda; Mbando and Shanganani in Malawi; Kwaluseni, Vuvulane, and Mbabane in Eswatini; Ìtagunmọdi and Ajibode in Nigeria; and Old Naledi and Damochujenaa in Botswana. The authors of this work include one team member from each SFA hub, in addition to a team member based in Scotland, UK.
Participatory design, capacity strengthening, community engagement, and data generation has culminated in a digital record of the stories, performances, images, opinions, and lived experiences of COVID-19 in (economically, environmentally, and culturally) vulnerable communities. Table 1 provides details of the number of participants directly involved in data generation methods, their vocations or positions in their communities, and the specific locations in which the data generation took place. The information in Table 1 has been extracted from fieldnotes. The locations were intended to include a variety of contexts (as mentioned above) and the specific communities were selected based on pre-existing partnerships between researchers and community leaders or members. After this overview of scope, each research context is described in more detail to illustrate the range of contexts and their pertinent characteristics.
Research participants by number, position, and research locations.
COUNTRY AND REGIONS OF PARTICIPATION
TYPES OF PARTICIPANTS
LOCATIONS OF PARTICIPATION
Uganda: Community members; religious leaders; health practitioners; students; teachers; police officers Health centres; police outpost; primary school; local NGO; parish community halls; unplanned settlements (slums)
Apala 123
Banda 52
Malawi: Artists; students; cultural practitionersa; healers and health practitioners; community members; teachers Marketplaces; health clinics; outside schools; public spaces
Mbando 32
Shanganani 38
Eswatini: Artists; community members; retailers; farmers Churches; community kitchens; personal homes and farmhouses; market places; street/public spaces; community clinic; inside cars; under the trees; garden tent/hall; shops
Kwaluseni 57
Vuvulane 69
Mbabane 15
Nigeria: Traditional council members; community members; retailers; health practitioners; religious leaders Community halls; participants' residences; motor garage/parks; health centres; shops; community centre; market square
Ìtagunmodi 34
Ajibode 65
Botswana: Artists; students; cultural practitioners; traditional healersb; community members; teachers Community hall; playground; school; arts centre; homestead; public outdoor spaces
Old Naledi 79
Damochujenaa 6
Note: a A cultural practitioner describes a member of the community who is engaged in using cultural practices, for example music, craft, story, to communicate, educate, or mediate between groups. b A traditional healer describes a holistic healthcare provider that works with indigenous knowledges and natural remedies to support health.
(1.2.1) Alebtong and Kampala in Uganda
The Alebtong District is located in Lango sub-region in Northern Uganda and is bordered by the districts of Otuke, Amuria, Dokolo, and Lira. The population of this district is approximately 227,370.3 The district is mainly occupied by the Langi people and a few Kumam and Iteso. Alebtong district has two counties and nine sub-counties. This study took place in Apala sub-county in Amonomita, Obim, Abagoimany, Atinkok, Abiting, and Okwangole parish.
The major economic activity in Alebtong district is agriculture and over 80% of the population engages in subsistence farming, despite the region's susceptibility to prolonged dry spells. Culturally, communities in Alebtong district are conservative and to a large extent they still honour their traditions (e.g., conventional gender and generational roles are adhered to, and birth, death, and coming of age ceremonies are practiced). Normally, there is a high sense of communality during marriage and burial ceremonies, celebrating the birth of twins, and local brew drinking in the evenings, among others.
In Kampala, research was carried out in Banda. Banda is an informal settlement area with a cosmopolitan population that is found in Nakawa Division of Kampala district. Most residents in Banda live from hand-to-mouth, whereby many get their daily livelihood from offering casual labour to the residents and businesses in the nearby capital city of Uganda. Given the above socio-economic and socio-political contexts, the communities in Alebtong District and Banda in Kampala are vulnerable and anything that disrupts their livelihood, as occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic, worsens the already unstable situation.
(1.2.2) Mbando and Shanganani in Malawi
Mbando is a community located in the South-Eastern region district of Machinga in Malawi. Machinga district has a population of 735,438.4 The Mbando community is situated in a remote rural area, with livelihoods provided primarily through farming and fishing.
Shanganani is a village in the border district of Mchinji, where the district borders Zambia to the West, Mozambique to the Southwest, and other districts of Kasungu to the North, and Lilongwe to the East. The district has a population of 602,305.5 The area is characterised by high levels of migration and cross-border trade with the neighbouring Zambian population.
(1.2.3) Kwaluseni, Vuvulane, and Mbabane in Eswatini
Kwaluseni (located in the Hhohho region) is a predominantly peri-urban area located in close proximity to the Matsapha Industrial Site and Manzini urban city in Eswatini. The district has a population of approximately 320,651.6 Due to the Industrial Site, there has been a steady contemporary influx of jobseekers in the greater Matsapha town, which has consequently led to the rapid growth of 'cheap' informal houses or rental units. The area of focus is also interconnected to Manzini city as the city serves as the country's economic hub due to its provision of employment opportunities, retail stores, government services, among others.7 Some labourers who work in Manzini reside in the Matsapha peri-urban areas. Kwaluseni is also home to one of the main campuses of the University of Eswatini (UNESWA).
In the town of Vuvulane (in the Lubombo region), the project partnered with the Vuvulane Orphaned & Vulnerable Children Outreach Foundation (VOVCOF)8which has been deeply involved in the COVID-19 community response in the town and surrounding areas. Lubombo, with a population of approximately 212,5319, is one of the poorest regions in the country. The region is severely impacted by drought and environmental stress.10
Additional street-level interactions in micro-communities within the capital city of Mbabane were also conducted to supplement the data, together with semi-structured interviews with project partners representing various development sectors in Eswatini.
(1.2.4) Itagunmodi and Ajibode in Nigeria
Itagunmodi is a rural community located in Atakumosa West Local Government Area of Osun state, close to Ile-Ife, Ilesa, and Ifewara in Osun State, Nigeria. The area has an approximate population of 94,100.11 It is an ancient community of Osun state, renowned for its gold mining activities in the location. It is headed by a traditional King and is populated with heterogeneous communities, mainly Yoruba, Hausa, and Igbo peoples. Rural communities in Nigeria, such as Itagunmodi, are characterised as having poor infrastructural facilities such as untarred roads, under-resourced health centres, high rates of illiteracy, undernourishment, and poverty (Adelabu, 2019). The key occupation of the residents in Itagunmodi is farming of both staple and cash crops.
Ajibode is a community located in the Akinyele local government area within the Ibadan metropolis, located in the southwest region of Nigeria. The area has a population of approximately 211,811.12 Ajibode is headed by a traditional Ruler (Baálé) who resides in the community. The community is made up of heterogeneous groups, but mainly Yorùbá, Hausa, and Igbo peoples. As an urban settlement, the location is characterised as having good infrastructural facilities such as tarred roads, resourced health centres, and high rates of literacy and levels of education (many professors and university staff are residents). The community is divided into four wards, with each ward headed by a ward chairperson. Few people in this area engage in farming and trading, with the majority based in the business and public sectors.
(1.2.5) Old Naledi and Damochujenaa in Botswana
The first study site in Botswana is in Gaborone, in a slum settlement commonly known as Old Naledi. Old Naledi is a low-income, densely populated urban neighbourhood, with approximately 20,000 inhabitants (Statistics Botswana, 2014). Residents mainly comprise rural and poor individuals from across the country who migrated with the hope of getting employment. The population is therefore multiracial, multinational, multicultural, and highly vulnerable due to poverty levels, precarity of employment, and poor living conditions.
The second site is in a remote area about 400km from the capital city, called Damochujenaa. Damochujenaa is a village settlement in the Central Eastern part of Botswana, in the area of Mmadinare. It has approximately 1,500 inhabitants including a majority of the population living in poverty and depending on agrarian and cattle-based income streams (Statistics Botswana, 2014). Residents are multilingual; they mainly speak Setswana, some speak English, and a few speak Sesarwa (most likely due to intermarriages) (Water Utilities Corporation, 2020).
(2) Methods
Research and engagement in communities was taken up in layered and context-specific ways, including entry protocols, information sharing, and ethical exchanges of gifts and symbolic gestures. These actions are highly situated but include seeking permission from the traditional leaders of the community, providing accessible information about the proposed activities, and sharing appropriate gifts. Engagement and data generation methods involved full consultation and collaboration with community leaders. Where researchers felt that they needed additional support in relation to communicating in local languages or building relationships with participants, community liaisons were employed to assist and guide the work. The specific realisation of research methods varied from place to place and were adapted in response to each community to ensure the appropriateness, effectiveness, and clarity of information generated. Adaptations included the process of facilitation, the method of documentation, the predominance of one method over another, and the use of play strategies or collective practices, such as eating, walking, and making art or food together, to mediate the method of research. While a detailed description of practice in each place is beyond the scope of this paper, the dataset provides explicit documentation of the situated methods in practice, and below we describe the most common methods taken up in general terms. The languages used in each context varied between local/regional languages (Luo and Luganda in Uganda; Chichewa in Malawi; siSwati in Eswatini; Yoruba, Hausa, and Pidgin English in Nigeria; Setswana in Botswana) and English, depending on the preferences of the participants. Where needed, community liaisons were employed to support researchers who were not fluent in the preferred local languages.
(2.1) Common methods of data generation
(2.1.1) Walkabouts or "roaming focus group discussions"
The researchers, community liaisons, and community members moved around the communities together. Through this activity, researchers observed and documented the community members' day-to-day lived experiences and responses to COVID-19 (e.g., observations and conversations related to mask wearing, the practice of social distancing). In addition to observation and orientation of the research context, this method enabled the generation of impromptu encounters with individuals or small groups on the street. Researchers used these opportunities to ask brief questions or provide short, creative prompts based on the project aims. Local artists and poets joined in some of these walkabouts and created artwork based on some of the discussions and topic areas being discussed.
(2.1.2) Storytelling
Across the diverse research locations, participant communities in this project greatly depend on oral communication. Since the study aimed to explore the community members' lived experiences, perceptions, and responses to COVID-19, listening to the respondents' narratives or stories was an essential tool for understanding their conditions. Both group and individual storytelling methods were taken up. In groups, youth, middle-aged, and elderly people shared their stories relating to their lived experiences, perceptions, and responses to COVID-19. Individual storytelling became important to engage with people who participated in their professional capacity (e.g., community development officers, primary school teachers, local defense and police officers, and health care professionals). In addition, researchers identified willing community participants to share or re-enact significant events that they had personally experienced during the pandemic, or to narrate stories of other individuals that they could represent (e.g., church or family members). In this way, story was used to highlight other issues being faced and the exacerbation of challenges during this time. In all cases, stories were primarily facilitated or supported with active and collective listening, in some cases prompted with additional questions and provocations.
(2.1.3) Songs
Songs reflecting the COVID-19 pandemic were often already created in the communities we worked with. During our engagement with the communities, local singers, choirs, and music groups, both formal and informal, male and female, were invited to share their music. Across the communities, the music was said to bring strength and hope, explanation, context, or background, or advice relating to the pandemic. The songs were sometimes, but not always, accompanied by musical instruments, but in their performance, always accompanied by movement and dance. In some contexts, the research team supported the creation of songs and dance, in the moment, with community members. The process of creation, as participants brainstormed and explored various elements of the songs, generated revealing data in addition to the final outcomes. The processes sometimes involved the performance or adaptation of traditional songs, gospel music, or contemporary pop songs, and on other occasions, were entirely new creations by the singers themselves.
(2.1.4) Drama
In a similar way to song creation, various groups from across the communities used roleplays and scene creation to share their experiences of the pandemic, responding to questions and prompts from the research team that asked participants about the effects of the pandemic on their lives, their understanding of it, and their responses to it. These dramatic inquiries were sometimes constructed by drama groups that existed prior to the research, and other times were co-created with the support of the research team. Overall, they revealed the behaviours and emotions experienced or witnessed through the pandemic, representing community members, police and law enforcement, visitors to the community, amongst others.
(2.1.5) Drawings, murals, and photography
Various visual art techniques were taken up across the communities, including drawing workshops, mural making, and participatory photography. In most cases, these methods were pre-empted by discussion, written and spoken commentary, and collaboration with local residents and visiting artists. The co-creation of visual media allowed for a distinct way to transform dialogue and conversation into tangible objects that could further be shared and discussed, adding extra layers of depth to both the process of inquiry and the results. This also allowed for a 'giving-back' opportunity, whereby participants were able to keep the artworks that they had created, receive printed copies of photographs, and retain the public murals in their communities for years to come.
(2.1.6) Documentation of day-to-day cultural practices
Across all contexts, careful attention was paid to the resilience, impacts, changes, and roles of everyday cultural practices in the time of the pandemic. Research teams visited churches, social gathering places, markets, and other celebratory and community fora. Through video, photography, and observation, the data documents how these practices and spaces looked and functioned during this time. In some cases, gatherings were shifted to 'hidden places' (e.g., a private dwelling), or cancelled altogether; in other cases, social distancing and reduced numbers changed the dynamics, experience, and meanings of events.
(2.2) Curation and presentation
This paper and the open access data it is accompanied by, is part of a broader phase of practice in co-curation and dissemination. The co-curation includes the selection, editing, framing, and representing of data in the form of digital artefacts and embedding them into digitally mediated narratives through web design, interwoven texts, and relations with resources and materials. This includes the co-creation of reports and presentations for the participating communities, the co-creation of social media postings, policy briefings, and academic analyses. Dissemination puts the work into relation and into action with wider stakeholders, publics, and influencers. Explicitly involving Southern and Northern collaboration, this article and accompanying dataset is part of a broader plan to ensure a dynamic and wide engagement with this work.
(2.3) Ethical considerations
Project-wide institutional approval was acquired for the overarching project from the University of Glasgow, UK. In addition, region-specific ethical approval was additionally acquired in all contexts via the applicable bodies (through partner universities, government ministries, and community heads).13 In accordance with these frameworks, consent was obtained from participants via recorded verbal statements or signed consent forms. This consent was predicated upon accessible information about the research in the form of Plain Language Statements or project presentations (depending on the form and language preferred by the invited participants). In addition, the voluntary nature of participation and the right to withdraw at any time was clarified. However, formal institutional ethical approval documentation, with accompanying consent forms and project documentation, albeit important, were not considered sufficient for the ethical approach taken in this study. Ethics are culturally and contextually specific, and institutional frameworks can jeopardise ethical partnerships if taken up in isolation of other culturally responsive practices. In addition to institutional processes, therefore, the research team collectively undertook ethical training, led by the Project Manager and Lead Investigator drawing on expertise from a project Advisory Group (consisting of senior network members from each country). The ethical considerations of this project relate to the nature of the arts-based and participatory methods as well as the topic under investigation. Arts and cultural practices require personal contribution of perspective but also emotion, intuition, and expression. The engagement with research on this level can often lead to research encounters and data that are more sensitive and vulnerable than conventional datasets. Furthermore, the topic explored is one of a highly contentious and variously understood health threat, positioning people in terms of their own well-being, mortality, loved ones, and livelihoods. The training provided the research team with an opportunity to establish a common approach to ethical research practice, which was based upon the principle that the first and most important stakeholder of the research is the participant. Accordingly, the method, the documentation, the outcome, and the impact should accommodate that person's position and needs. Only from integrity in that endeavour will other layers of practice and research impact take hold. Finally, the researchers adhered strictly to local guidelines relating to the prevention of COVID-19 transmission and provided re-usable facemasks to communities taking part.
(2.4) Dataset description
The data generation from this on-going research began in November 2020. It is stored in the Enlighten repository and can be accessed via the following link: http://dx.doi.org/10.5525/gla.researchdata.1196. The data is available via a "Request for Access" function within this repository due to the size of the data files included in relation to the downloading capacities of common web browsers. Further information, selected data, and updated outputs are available via the project website.14 The excluded data includes that which includes highly sensitive material, or that which a participant has requested to exclude. All data in the repository has been organised by (a) country, (b) medium (i.e., song, text, interview, etc.), and (c) related themes. All data is therefore searchable by these three categories. These categories are also added as labels (sub-titles) on each data file that includes the actual photographs and videos.
(3) Results and discussion
This research project has supported interconnectivity across diverse and under-represented contexts amid the COVID-19 pandemic as evidenced by the collective process of site-responsive methods within a shared methodological framework, and the co-curation of open access data. Through the methods engaged, a plurality of perspectives from communities across sub-Saharan Africa have been exposed, explored, and shared. From this, digital artefacts and documented data vary from audio narratives to written accounts and stories, from images to performances, songs, and photographs of cultural artefacts.
This is an on-going project that does not fall neatly into a time-bound linear project model, with results emerging from early on in the community partnership development. Partnerships in relation to this COVID-19 research have been active since June 2020 and continue to evolve. Furthermore, through the curation and shared access of data, project members and stakeholders will continue to analyse and apply findings and insights from the data for an undefined time period. Indeed, the design of this project was focused on a decentralised, situated, and responsive approach to international and multi-site research. Not only does this require a revision of fixed research designs that assume pre-designed methods and planned outputs, but it also requires a more flexible approach to time, as teams navigate partnerships, data, and processes of analysis and dissemination throughout an evolving pandemic and with a very diverse set of stakeholders that range from community members and civil society organisations to national and international bodies.
A full discussion of the findings is not the intention of this article. However, for the purposes of data curation, high level analysis was required to take place. As a result, a series of virtual participatory analysis workshops (that included colleagues from across the five research teams) were run to discuss the data and engage in collaborative thematic analytical processes. At the time of writing, there are five main areas of learning (which we describe as themes) that have emerged from the data. These relate to: Gender-related inequities and injustice; Work and livelihoods; Social, cultural, and emotional change; Youth and children; Faith, spirituality, and religion; Understandings, beliefs, and knowledge of the pandemic. Each theme represents an area of critical impact of the pandemic in the participating communities. In many cases there are commonalities across communities' experience (e.g., the increased vulnerability of women and girls as unwanted pregnancies and domestic violence has increased), while in other areas, the impacts have been experienced very differently (e.g., some communities have experienced significant disruption to their ability to enact cultural and social practices, whereas others have prioritised this above fears of COVID-19 transmission).
(4) Implications and applications
As data analysis and knowledge exchange is underway, two broad results characterise the emerging findings: (1) The plurality of perspectives and experiences of the global pandemic illustrating the disconnect between 'universal' approaches to global health in this time and 'local' realities; and (2) The knowledge, power, and capacity of locally driven, culturally responsive collaborations to influence behaviour, health protection, and sustainability.
The impact, sustainability, and legacy of this work is yet to be seen, but built into the project design, the work is positioned to:
1. Increase regional and international awareness of the experience of COVID-19 at a community and household level in sub-Saharan African communities
The outputs and findings generated will support communities to mitigate the threat of COVID-19 in their contexts. Global and regional publics and authorities are being made aware of the disconnect between universal approaches to global health and local realities of individuals and communities.
2. Increase community cohesion and empathy
The critical valuing of perspectives and new and repurposed community-based practices and solutions to the pandemic have supported a level of engagement and understanding both within and across communities.
3. Raise public awareness and influence policy in relation to local responses to the pandemic
The open access availability of the data and findings through the project website and Enlighten data depository creates a platform for understanding and exchange with and for societal, health, economic, government, and public stakeholders to encourage experimentation, action, and growth beyond the funding period.
4. Shift the balance of cultural perspectives on global health
The digital and communication capacities developed through this project have directly increased awareness and collaboration across a plurality of voices, realities, and perspectives in relation to health and well-being in our interconnected yet currently mis-represented world.
In the short term, outputs are informing global and regional publics of the disconnect between universal approaches to global health and local realities. COVID-19 has necessitated a shift away from 'normality', and the arts have a vital role in guiding what new ways of being we might try to achieve in the future (Carey, 2020). This project is challenging dominant global imaginaries, and in doing so, it is positioned to impact the design and delivery of aid, global health research, and the development of related strategy and policy. Stakeholders of this data include international development-related researchers in both the academia and the third sector. The data can be used to exemplify the plurality of responses to the pandemic, but also to highlight the knowledge and insights that are held in cultural and arts practices that cannot easily be translated into traditional qualitative or quantitative research. In the longer term, the findings and capacities developed from this research will support increased awareness and collaboration across a plurality of realities and perspectives, and influence future international research and teaching programmes in our interconnected yet currently highly mis-represented world.
1https://www.whosecrisis.org/ (last accessed: 4 November 2021).
2https://sustainablefuturesglobal.org/ (last accessed: 4 November 2021).
3https://www.alebtong.go.ug/district/statistics (last accessed: 4 November 2021).
4https://malawiplus.com/machinga/ (last accessed: 4 November 2021).
5https://malawiplus.com/mchinji/ (last accessed: 4 November 2021).
6http://citypopulation.de/Swaziland.html (last accessed: 4 November 2021).
7https://mzcitycouncil.sz/ (last accessed: 4 November 2021).
8https://www.vovcof.org/ (last accessed: 4 November 2021).
10https://www.globalsustainabilityhub.org/eswatini-swaziland-sustainability-issues/ (last accessed: 4 November 2021).
11https://www.citypopulation.de/php/nigeria-admin.php?adm2id=NGA030004 (last accessed: 4 November 2021).
12https://akinyele.oyostate.gov.ng/about-lgalcda/ (last accessed: 4 November 2021).
13The community leader in each community provided recorded verbal ethical approval for the research to be undertaken as proposed. In addition, ethical approval was reviewed and granted by: University of Botswana, Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Eswatini, Botswana Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, and Malawi Ministry of Health.
14https://www.whosecrisis.org/ (last accessed: 4 November 2021).
Our deepest gratitude goes to the communities that welcomed us, shared their time, their homes, and their stories. We aim to continue to honour the time, contributions, and trust of these communities in our ongoing work. In addition, the authors present this report in acknowledgement of the essential contributions of the co-investigators, project manager, team leads, regional project advisors, research assistants and administrators that have made this project possible. Finally, gratitude and recognition are owed to the Sustainable Futures Global Network, without which this work would not have happened. The collective trust, understanding, and insights gained from this collective of artists, academics, development workers, activists, educators, and farmers from across the globe, underpins the vision and realisation of this project.
This research has been funded by the AHRC UKRI; Grant number: AHRC AH/V007947/1.
Grant title: Whose Crisis? The Global COVID-19 Crisis from the Perspective of Communities in Africa.
The authors have no competing interests to declare.
Mia Perry: Conceptualisation and writing original draft
Dane Mathendele Armstrong: Methodology, data generation and input into original draft
Bosco Exson Chinkonda: Methodology, data generation and input into original draft
Richard Kagolobya: Methodology, data generation and input into original draft
Rebecca Nthogo Lekoko: Methodology, data generation and input into original draft
George Olusola Ajibade: Methodology, data generation and input into original draft
This paper underwent peer review using the Cross-Publisher COVID-19 Rapid Review Initiative.
Abdulla, S. (2016). The use of folk media: a contradictory discourse. Research in Drama Education: The Journal of Applied Theatre and Performance, 21(4), 459–464. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/13569783.2016.1220248
Adelabu, N. S. G. (2019). Rural development processes and emerging challenges in Nigeria. Global Journal of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, 7(7), 46–59.
Carey, D. (2020). Why we need more than just scientists to document the pandemic. RTE News. Retrieved from https://www.rte.ie/brainstorm/2020/0421/1132824-why-we-need-more-than-just-scientists-to-document-the-pandemic/ (last accessed: 4 November 2021).
Chen, K.-H., & Morley, D. (Eds). (2006). Stuart Hall: Critical dialogues in cultural studies. Routledge. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203993262
Eze, C. (2014). Rethinking African culture and identity: the Afropolitan model. Journal of African Cultural Studies, 26(2), 234–247. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/13696815.2014.894474
Fekadu, M. (2020). 40 Songs about the Coronavirus Pandemic. abc News. Retrieved from https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory/40-songs-coronavirus-pandemic-listen-70490506 (last accessed 4 November 2021).
Harding, S. (2018). One planet, many sciences. In B. Reiter (Ed.), Constructing the pluriverse: The geopolitics of knowledge (pp. 39–62). Durham, NC: Duke University Press.
Helguera, P. (2011). Socially Engaged Art. New York, NY: Jorge Pinto Books.
Kaseje, N. (2020). Why Sub-Saharan Africa needs a unique response to COVID-19. The World Economic Forum. Retrieved from https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/03/why-sub-saharan-africa-needs-a-unique-response-to-covid-19/ (last accessed 4 November 2021).
Lamb, E. (2021). The best books about the Covid-19 Pandemic. The New Statesman. Retrieved from https://www.newstatesman.com/culture/2021/07/best-books-about-covid-19-pandemic (last accessed 4 November 2021).
Mda, Z. (1983). When people play people: development communication through theatre. London: Zed Books.
Osseni, I. A. (2020). COVID-19 pandemic in sub-Saharan Africa: preparedness, response, and hidden potentials. Tropical Medicine and Health, 48(1), 1–3. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s41182-020-00240-9
Pompêo Nogueira, M. (2002). Theatre for development: An overview. Research in Drama Education: The Journal of Applied Theatre and Performance, 7(1), 103–108. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/13569780120113175
Prentki, T., & Preston, S. (2009). Applied theatre in a global village. In S. Wilkinson, C. Kitzinger, T. Prentki, & S. Preston (Eds.), The Applied Theatre Reader (pp. 363–367). London: Routledge.
Santos, B. de S. (2016). Epistemologies of the South and of the future. From the European South, 1, 17–29.
Statistics Botswana. (2014). Population and Housing Census 2011: Analytic Report. Gaborone: Statistics Botswana. Retrieved from https://www.statsbots.org.bw/sites/default/files/publications/Population%20%26%20Housing%20Census%20Dissemination%20analytical%20report%20.pdf (last accessed 4 November 2021).
Tuhiwai Smith, L. (2012). Decolonizing methodologies. New York: Zed Books.
Water Utilities Corporation. (April, 2020). Botswana Emergency Water Security and Efficiency Project: Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA), Volume 1 of 2. Retrieved from www.wuc.bw (last accessed 4 November 2021).
Perry, M., Armstrong, D.M., Chinkonda, B.E., Kagolobya, R., Lekoko, R.N. and Ajibade, G.O., 2021. Whose Crisis? COVID-19 Explored through Arts and Cultural Practices of African Communities. Journal of Open Humanities Data, 7, p.29. DOI: http://doi.org/10.5334/johd.52
Perry M, Armstrong DM, Chinkonda BE, Kagolobya R, Lekoko RN, Ajibade GO. Whose Crisis? COVID-19 Explored through Arts and Cultural Practices of African Communities. Journal of Open Humanities Data. 2021;7:29. DOI: http://doi.org/10.5334/johd.52
Perry, M., Armstrong, D. M., Chinkonda, B. E., Kagolobya, R., Lekoko, R. N., & Ajibade, G. O. (2021). Whose Crisis? COVID-19 Explored through Arts and Cultural Practices of African Communities. Journal of Open Humanities Data, 7, 29. DOI: http://doi.org/10.5334/johd.52
1. Perry M, Armstrong DM, Chinkonda BE, Kagolobya R, Lekoko RN, Ajibade GO. Whose Crisis? COVID-19 Explored through Arts and Cultural Practices of African Communities. Journal of Open Humanities Data. 2021;7:29. DOI: http://doi.org/10.5334/johd.52
Perry M and others, 'Whose Crisis? COVID-19 Explored Through Arts and Cultural Practices of African Communities' (2021) 7 Journal of Open Humanities Data 29 DOI: http://doi.org/10.5334/johd.52
Perry, Mia, Dane Mathendele Armstrong, Bosco Exson Chinkonda, Richard Kagolobya, Rebecca Nthogo Lekoko, and George Olusola Ajibade. 2021. "Whose Crisis? COVID-19 Explored Through Arts and Cultural Practices of African Communities". Journal of Open Humanities Data 7: 29. DOI: http://doi.org/10.5334/johd.52
Perry, Mia, Dane Mathendele Armstrong, Bosco Exson Chinkonda, Richard Kagolobya, Rebecca Nthogo Lekoko, and George Olusola Ajibade. "Whose Crisis? COVID-19 Explored Through Arts and Cultural Practices of African Communities". Journal of Open Humanities Data 7 (2021): 29. DOI: http://doi.org/10.5334/johd.52
Perry, M, et al.. "Whose Crisis? COVID-19 Explored through Arts and Cultural Practices of African Communities". Journal of Open Humanities Data, vol. 7, 2021, p. 29. DOI: http://doi.org/10.5334/johd.52
Jump to Discussions Related content
Published by Ubiquity Press


Most large luxury sedans are bold and beautiful, with cutting-edge standard features and high-powered engines. Vehicles shoppers who choose a used Cadillac XTS near Dallas TX will be able to get all this and more. The Cadillac XTS combines power and comfort, and also delivers engaging handling that can put a smile on any pre-owned luxury shopper's face. The elite models available at Certified Autoplex in Carrollton TX are from recent model year, and in premium condition.
The used Cadillac XTS models in our inventory can also come with a host of high-value features that can make the daily commute and longer adventures alike more engaging and safer. Some features that have appeared in our inventory in the past include a panoramic sunroof, leather heated and cooled seats, a built-in navigation system, elite sound-system options and a host of driver assistance features that can help keep the Cadillac XTS out of crashes. Some of these safety features include a rearview camera, parking assistance, forward collision alerts, blind-spot warnings, rear cross-traffic alerts, and automatic headlights. Explore our current XTS inventory to see what features are currently available.
With a used Cadillac XTS near Dallas TX, it's easy to secure a top-shelf large sedan for an affordable price. The models in our inventory are not only of recent model years, but also offer other advantages. Every model in our inventory receives an extensive reconditioning before appearing on our lot, and most have very low mileage and wear and tear. Most models in our inventory also come with a Lifetime Powertrain Warranty, which means that our customers have a guarantee of quality that is not available at most used dealerships. With standard V-6 engine power and top driving comfort and engagement, the Cadillac XTS is a great way to go.
If you see a model in our current inventory that you like, don't hesitate to schedule a test drive. Our inventory is always changing, so models that are available today may be gone tomorrow. When you see a vehicle you may want to test drive, schedule an appointment at our dealership in Carrollton by filling out the form on this page of contacting a member of our sales team.
Interested in a Used Cadillac XTS?


Downtown Allentown is buzzing with activity this month!
If you're torn between spending your Saturday night hitting the town or staying snuggled up at home in your pajamas, we have the perfect event for you! The Pajama Jam Bar Crawl is taking over Allentown on Saturday, April 7th! With special surprises, giveaways and a photo contest, this is guaranteed to be the most exciting (and comfortable!) night out that you've ever had! Beginning at 8:00 p.m., pick up your commemorative cup from the Gallery on the ArtsWalk across from Queen City Barbecue and enjoy a cozy night out! Tickets for the event are only $5 and will grant you access to $3 drink and beer specials at each of the featured locations, with the use of your special event cup. Locations include, Fegley's Allentown Brew Works, Bell Hall, Grain., The Hamilton Kitchen & Bar, The Dime, and Queen City BBQ. Crawlers will also be eligible for a discounted room at the Renaissance Allentown Hotel to ensure all participants get a safe night's rest. Looking for a fun way to kick off this pajama party? Join us for the pre-crawl dinner party at Fegley's Brew Works from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. and enjoy 10% off your meal (food only) for all pajama wearing guests! So grab your tickets here and get ready for this "ridiculously comfy crawl!" For more information. check out the event page!
Calling all foodies! Allentown Restaurant Week is happening from April 15th to the 22nd! This 7-day culinary event is focused on bringing you the best meals in the area at a special, one week only price! Check out the locations, times and menus here and plan your indulgence of Allentown's fine dining! Some of the participating restaurants include: Queen City BBQ, The Bay Leaf Restaurant, The Dime, and Centro. So if you're tired of cooking or just looking for some inspiration, make your reservations now and allow these talented chefs to cook you up a meal you won't regret!
The arts are thriving downtown! April's Third Thursday features a variety of events centered around arts in the Allentown area. Join us at various locations on April 19th from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. and partake in the festivities. A list of participating locations can be found on the Destination Arts Facebook Page or on the event page! Mark your calendars and stay tuned for more deatils on the specific shows at each location, and to find out about the ribbon cutting ceremony taking place that night!
Sip your way into Spring with this Cocktail Trail through downtown Allentown on Saturday April 28th from 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.! For only $20, you receive a passport which grants you access to 15 different cocktail samples featured at different local businesses throughout the city. Come with a group of 5 or more and get a discounted price of $15 each! You'll receive a commemorative tasting glass with which to sample the different cocktails offered at each location. Check in at the Renaissance Hotel and then travel from business to business, using your passport to access these fancy drinks! Find more information on the event page and get your tickets here for this exciting and unique event! Must be 21 years of age or older to participate!
For more information on any and all events, check out downtown Allentown's website!


text:
International call for Rovers duo
Corry Evans and Charlie Mulgrew have earned call ups for Northern Ireland and Scotland, respectively
Rovers first team pair Corry Evans and Charlie Mulgrew have been called up for Northern Ireland and Scotland, respectively.
Evans, who has been a regular in the Rovers side this term, has been selected in the 27-man Northern Irish squad for their opening Euro 2020 qualifiers against Estonia and Belarus.
The 28-year-old will be hoping to add more caps to his tally when Estonia visit Windsor Park on Thursday 21st March, before Belarus make the trip to Belfast three days later.
The full Northern Ireland squad can be found below:
Goalkeepers: Michael McGovern (Norwich City), Bailey Peacock-Farrell (Leeds United), Conor Hazard (Partick Thistle - loan from Celtic).
Defenders: Aaron Hughes (Hearts), Gareth McAuley (Rangers), Jonny Evans (Leicester City), Craig Cathcart (Watford), Conor McLaughlin (Millwall), Paddy McNair (Middlesbrough), Aaron Lewis (Norwich City), Tom Flanagan (Sunderland), Daniel Ballard (Arsenal).
Midfielders: Stephen Davis (Rangers - on loan from Southampton), Niall McGinn (Aberdeen), Corry Evans (Rovers), Shane Ferguson (Millwall), Stuart Dallas (Leeds United), George Saville (Middlesbrough), Jordan Jones (Kilmarnock), Gavin Whyte (Oxford United), Jordan Thompson (Blackpool).
Forwards: Kyle Lafferty (Rangers), Josh Magennis (Bolton Wanderers), Liam Boyce (Burton Albion), Paul Smyth (Accrington Stanley - on loan from QPR), Will Grigg (Sunderland), Connor Washington (Sheffield United).
Elsewhere, Charlie Mulgrew could earn caps 40 and 41 should he represent Scotland in the Tartan Army's two upcoming Euro 2020 Qualifiers.
Alex McLeish's side head to Kazakhstan on Thursday 21st March, just three days before they take on San Marino.
Charlie's current injury means the defender will be assessed before a final decision is made as to whether he will join up with Scotland or not.
The full Scotland squad can be found below:
Goalkeepers: Jordan Archer (Millwall), Scott Bain (Celtic), Jon McLaughlin (Sunderland).
Defenders: David Bates (Hamburg), Scott McKenna (Aberdeen), Charlie Mulgrew (Rovers), Stephen O'Donnell (Kilmarnock), Liam Palmer (Sheffield Wednesday), Andy Robertson (Liverpool), John Souttar (Hearts), Kieran Tierney (Celtic).
Midfielders: Stuart Armstrong (Southampton), Barry Bannan (Sheffield Wednesday), John Fleck (Sheffield United), John McGinn (Aston Villa), Callum McGregor (Celtic), Kenny McLean (Norwich City), Scott McTominay (Manchester United), Callum Paterson (Cardiff City), Graeme Shinnie (Aberdeen), Oliver Burke (Celtic), James Forrest (Celtic), Ryan Fraser (Bournemouth).
Forwards: Oli McBurnie (Swansea), Marc McNulty (Hibernian), Lewis Morgan (Sunderland), Johnny Russell (Kansas City).
Corry Evans
Rovers duo could feature tonight
Corry Evans and Derrick Williams could both be in action tonight as Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland feature in crucial international encounters.
Corry gets the call
Rovers midfielder Corry Evans could play his part in three big games for Northern Ireland later this month.
Tony Mowbray says there are no fresh injury concerns heading into this weekend's clash at Derby County.
Evans included
Rovers midfielder Corry Evans has been named in the Northern Ireland squad for three crucial competitive encounters.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Do you blog? Maybe you chronicle your travels, report on the issues in your industry, or share your latest fashion finds with the world. Blogging can be a hobby, a way to build your brand, or a line on your resume that can help you land a job.
But did you know that it can be a job, too? While the majority of blogs are personal platforms, Technorati estimates that up to 39% of bloggers do it for money. Plus, Hubspot reports that companies are increasingly shifting marketing dollars to blogging and social media, creating more opportunities for contractors, freelancers, or full-time employees to blog for a paycheck.
If you haven't already, take inventory of your own blog. What is your niche and demographic? What types of strategies have you used to get your blog noticed? How do you plan and organize your content? Keeping a record of your own successes as a blogger will help you identify what you can bring to a company's strategy and how to craft your resume. Similarly, noting the areas where you can grow will show you where to focus as you're improving your blogging skills.
As you know, blogging isn't just about writing, it's also about getting others to read your writing. Standing out in the blogosphere takes effort—but it's a key skill employers will be looking for. So focus on getting your personal blog out there: Network with other bloggers, participate in social networks, and attend industry or blogger events. Even if your blog is in the handmade goat cheese mini-niche, if you're getting noticed, you're doing something right, and that's a great story to tell in a job interview.
In addition to writing (regularly) for your own blog, establish outside credibility by contributing to other blogs and publications, too. This will not only enhance your writing skills, it'll get your name in the blogosphere and help you make new contacts. A lot of blogs take contributors or guest posts, so start with what you know and branch out. If you write a food blog, see if you can guest post for other food bloggers, then try pitching a kid-friendly recipe to a family blog.
The best blogs have more than just words. They include high-quality visuals, an appealing layout, creative content, and interactive features. So think about the other skills you can bring to the table aside from writing—such as photography, design, or technical capabilities. And if you don't have any yet? Pick one and use your own blog to develop it. Try taking your own photos instead of using Creative Commons-licensed images, or try your hand at customizing a header. Developing skills from coding to graphic design to video production can give you a big boost over other blogging candidates.
Next, consider part-time blogging positions. Not all companies have the dollars to dedicate a person to a full-time blogger, but that's OK, especially when you're starting out. Consider getting your feet wet and some experience through a part-time or freelance position.
Finally, make sure your blog is in order (the first thing an employer will do is click that link) and that your cover letter demonstrates your creativity, passion, and writing prowess. After all, that's exactly what your future employer is after.
Hear first-hand from a woman whose job involves running a blog for a startup! connect with us.


text:
National Food Security Mission
Post by: Karthiga in Agriculture
Home » Learn » Agriculture » National Food Security Mission
The Government of India through the National Development Council (NDC) has launched the National Food Security Mission (NFSM). The mission was mainly developed to increase the production of food grain in the state. Also, this scheme facilitates in developing new high-yielding/hybrid varieties of field crops, horticultural crops and breeder seeds for promoting the sustainable agricultural sector in the nation. In this article, we look at the National Food Security Mission in detail.
Objectives of the Scheme
The objectives of the National Food Security Mission are given below:
To improve the production and productivity of wheat, rice and pulses on a sustainable basis.
To raise the income of farmers through enhanced technologies and farm management practices.
To ensure food security in the country.
Components of NFSM
NFSM has five major components as mentioned below:
National Food Security Mission – Food Gain Crops (NFSM-Food Gain Crops)
National Food Security Mission – Coarse Cereals (NFSM-Coarse Cereals)
National Food Security Mission – Commercial Crops (NFSM-Commercial Crops)
National Food Security Mission – Oilseeds and Oil Palm (NFSM- National Food Security Mission)
National Food Security Mission – Seed Village Programme (NFSM-Seed Village Programme)
NFSM Subsidy
Assistance for Hybrid/Certified Seed
Under NFSM, the assistance for seed is limited to 2 hectares per farmer as per below table:
Particulars Crops types Subsidy Rate
Rs. 50 per kg or 50% of the cost whichever is less
Rs. 10 per kg for varieties less than 10 years
Wheat Varieties Rs. 10 per kg for varieties less than 10 years
Pulses Varieties Rs. 25 per kg or 50% of the cost, whichever is less for varieties less than 15 years
Coarse Cereals Varieties Rs. 15 per kg or 50% of the cost whichever is less for varieties less than 10 years
Assistance for micronutrients/lime/gypsum or sulphur containing fertilizers
Under NFSM, the assistance of fertilizers is for a maximum of two hectares for rice, wheat and pulses:
Fertilizer Subsidy Rate
Micro-nutrient Rs. 500 per hectare or 50% of the cost whichever is less
Liming or paper mud of acidic soil Rs. 1000 per hectare or 50% of the cost whichever is less
Gypsum/other sources of sulphur Rs. 750 per hectare or 50% of the cost whichever is less
Bio-fertilizers Rs. 100 per hectare or 50% of the cost whichever is less
Assistance for Commercial Crops
The commercial crops covered under NFSM are Cotton, Jute and Sugarcane and the below table explains the financial assistance:
Crop Type of Front Line Demonstration (FLD) Subsidy Rate
Integrated Crop Management
Field FLD on Desi and ELS Cotton/ ELS Cotton Seed Production
FLD on Intercropping
Trials on High-Density Planting Systems (HDPS)
FLD on Alternate Retting Technologies
Production Technology/ Intercropping
Intercropping in Sugarcane
Single bud chip technology
Selection of Beneficiaries
The Gram Panchayats is responsible for the selection of beneficiary farmers. Only the farmers who are willing to cooperate and contribute some of their resources should be selected. Selection of beneficiaries should be made by adopting a "Participatory" approach. The allocation to SC/ST farmers is performed with respect to their population in the district. At least 33% of the fund is allocated for small and marginal farmers and 30% of the fund to be allocated for women farmers.
Note: National Food Security Mission is currently implemented in 638 identified districts of different states.
Also, read about Food Security Card
Seed Certification in India Seed Certification in India Seed Certification is a process designed to maintain quality of seeds during seed production, post-harvest operation and ...
Mega Food Park Mega Food Park The Mega Food Park scheme offers a mechanism to link agricultural production to the market by bringing together farmers, processors an...
One Nation One Card One Nation One Card The Government of India has launched an innovative initiative 'One Nation One Card' (ONOC), also called as National Common Mobili...
National Food Security Act National Food Security Act "No person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty except according to the procedure established by law." Articl...
Food Security Card – Eligibility and Applica... Food Security Card - Eligibility and Application Procedure The Food Security Card or Food Security Ration Card is a legal document that entitles the ...
Post by Karthiga
Tags: Food Security Card National Food Security Mission


Melinda Rogers is Chief Information Security Officer at the Department of Justice. In this role, she leads a team of cybersecurity specialists providing services across DOJ to include: continuous monitoring and diagnostics, security operations and incident response, cybersecurity tool implementation, and identity and access management solutions. Additionally, she works across the Federal Government on security matters, coordinating efforts in influencing policy, addressing threats, and establishing capabilities. Prior to DOJ, Melinda served as an Assistant Vice President for Equifax's Fraud Prevention and Identity Verification Solutions, and held management positions at Procter & Gamble and NationsBank. She holds an MBA from Emory University and a Bachelor's in Economics from George Mason University.


The Ontario General Contractors Association (OGCA) has launched a multi-pronged attack on third party verification services.
These measures include starting a petition campaign, obtaining a legal opinion that the use of these services doesn't meet the standards for due diligence and, most significantly, obtaining a decision by York Region (see related story) to allow contractors to qualify for work with a COR (Certificate of Recognition) designation through the Infrastructure Health and Safety Association (IHSA), in place of the ISNetworld, one of the third-party services that has attracted the greatest level of controversy.
The third-party services charge fees both to owners and contractors and sub-contractors to gather and monitor compliance with various regulations, including health and safety and workers compensation rules. However, several contractors have complained that the services create unnecessary bureaucratic burdens, increase costs (both in time and cash) and don't truly confirm regulatory compliance.
"We, as members for the Ontario Construction Industry, request that the Hon. Minister of Labour and the Ontario Legislature address the problem of Third Party Safety Verification. We collectively request that immediate action be taken to accredited employers who meet the standards for health and safety excellence via programs such as COR.
"There are numerous private unregulated companies that verify safety compliance, many do not verify that the programs are delivered. As a result, owners and contractors will be left with the mistaken belief that they meet or exceed their legal health and safety obligations; further, programs such as COR exist which verify that that the contractor is in full compliance.
The petition webpage at www.ogca.ca/petition, initiated on Nov. 6, includes a link to a Dec. 5 letter from Norm Keith, a lawyer with Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LP, commissioned by the OGCA to research the differences between the COR designation and the third party verification services such as ISNetworld.
Keith observed: "While documentation is an important aspect of due diligence in the event of a prosecution, it is important to exercise appropriate due diligence.
"This cannot be fulfilled by downloading documents into a database, auditing procedures only or stipulating specific definitions in a contract," he wrote.
Keith says neither participation in third party services or COR are absolute guarantees of successful compliance or due diligence, and he cited two Alberta cases where construction businesses were fined, despite one using ISNetworld and the other participating in COR.
Nevertheless, Keith suggested that COR will likely provide a better vehicle to ensure senior management takes an active role in managing health and safety compliance.
management system, the greater the success in the protection of the health and safety of workers.
In a memo, Thurston emphasized the importance of field audits to verify whether there is genuine health and safety compliance.
The differences are important. COR requires actual physical audits of the firm's policies and programs at their office and sites – TPSVC (Third Party Safety Verification Companies) does not," he wrote.
"True accreditation programs require a great deal of work, investment and participation by senior management right down to the site collecting policies. Firms invest in the necessary training and education of their workers through a program like COR. We have learned that it is possible to meet the TPSVC requirements in 72 hours!
"Accrediting a firm that has achieved TPSVC compliance in just 72 hours does not constitute 'Due Diligence' nor is it of much value to an owner. We do not believe in having to register with numerous TPSVC, all with different practices.
The controversy about third party verification services spilled into the open late last year when contractors and sub-trades began complaining that they were asked to provide unnecessary information unrelated to genuine health and safety compliance issues and pay hefty fees to access bidding opportunities, while they lost personal access and communication with the owners. Contractors also complained about the verification services' fees and continuous marketing of add-on services, adding to costs without increasing genuine business opportunities, and causing them to delete truly urgent communications requiring compliance documentation.


text:
Small Investors To Fund Small Businesses On Internet Sites
By John Ydstie
The idea of crowdfunding, raising money from lots of people on the Internet, got a boost from Washington on Friday. The Securities and Exchange Commission approved a system that allows small businesses and startups to solicit funding from small investors.
This is not Kickstarter where people just give money to individuals or businesses to support a great idea or product and get nothing in return, except maybe a thank you. What the SEC approved is a system where small businesses and startups can seek investors, to buy their shares or give them a loan, on a regulated Internet portal.
Let's say you own a hardware store in a small town and you want to expand. You might use your customer mailing list to alert the community that you want to build another store in the next town over. You would put your business plan and financial information on the Internet portal, or a website run by an investment firm, and investors could go online and with a click of a button invest in your business.
Right now only qualified investors with high incomes or a high net worth are allowed to do this kind of crowdfund investing. But the system approved by the SEC would allow people of modest means to invest up to 10 percent of their income or net worth, which ever is lower, each year.
Some consumer watchdogs argue it's a bad idea to allow people of modest means, who may be financially unsophisticated, to invest in this way — especially since the majority of startups fail and investors could lose some or all of their money. We'll see. The system will be up and running around the middle of next year.
John Ydstie
John Ydstie has covered the economy, Wall Street, and the Federal Reserve at NPR for nearly three decades. Over the years, NPR has also employed Ydstie's reporting skills to cover major stories like the aftermath of Sept. 11, Hurricane Katrina, the Jack Abramoff lobbying scandal, and the implementation of the Affordable Care Act. He was a lead reporter in NPR's coverage of the global financial crisis and the Great Recession, as well as the network's coverage of President Trump's economic policies. Ydstie has also been a guest host on the NPR news programs Morning Edition, All Things Considered, and Weekend Edition. Ydstie stepped back from full-time reporting in late 2018, but plans to continue to contribute to NPR through part-time assignments and work on special projects.
See stories by John Ydstie


Jean shopping can be a nightmare for anyone with denim being a less than forgiving fabric, one size can be just a little be too tight while the next one up far too big.
But UK Retailer Topshop has just changed denim shopping forever by introducing in-between sizes.
Topshop and Topman are partnering for the first time ever for Spring Summer 2018 to change the sizing of jeans forever.
Alongside the new Spring campaign, Topshop has launched three new jean-fits: the New Boyfriend, the Wide and the Cropped Straight – as well as the introduction of half sizes across continuous lines in two washes.
According to Topshop's website, the half-sizes are available in sizes W25, W27, W29 and W31, and for the styles Jamie, Joni, Mom, Straight, Jamie Flare, and crop.
The in-between sizes are already for sale on Topshop's website and in stores -meaning the perfect pair of jeans is just a few clicks away.
And Topshop jeans won't break the bank, with some styles available for £36.