Vol. 10 No. 02 (2020)

Undergraduate University Students’ Knowledge, Attitude and Behavior towards Biodiversity

2022-03-09T05:53:22Z

Undergraduate University Students’ Knowledge, Attitude and Behavior towards Biodiversity Milkisso, K.P. The purpose of this study was to assess biodiversity literacy, which includes the dimensions of biodiversity knowledge, attitudes, and behavior among Hawassa University undergraduate university students. The descriptive research method was used for the study. Results show that a majority of the students were unable to recognize fundamental concepts of biodiversity, which in turn may challenge sustainable biodiversity conservation in Ethiopia. In basic biodiversity tests, biology majors scored slightly higher than geography (mean score of 61 to 53 and standard deviation 10.7 to 9.01 respectively). In addition, the findings of the study indicate that there was a weak relationship between students’ level of knowledge and attitudes (r=40) and knowledge and environmental practices (r=24). Similarly, a study between attitudes and behaviors at p<0.05, indicated a moderate correlation of r=49. Analyses of gender effect reveal that female students’ environmental participatory behavior was higher than their male counterparts were. Results further pointed out that students living in the rural area scored significantly higher than the urban counterparts on environmentally responsible action. The mismatch between environmental attitudes and environmentally responsible behaviors suggests, among others, a call for redressing of teaching methodologies that would help students to see their behavior more critically.

Management Regimes, Soil Properties and Carbon Stock in Community Managed Forests

2022-03-09T05:44:50Z

Management Regimes, Soil Properties and Carbon Stock in Community Managed Forests Deb, D.; Deb, S.; Debbarma, J. The study was carried out to understand the management strategies, soil nutrient properties and carbon sock of community managed forests practiced by Jamatia community of Tripura, Northeast India. It revealed that Jamatia people of Tripura are actively involved in conservation and management of the forests under their control. The concept of creating forest and follow an institutional setup for management of forest resources are being noted in this ethnic community. In community forests, maximum numbers of individuals of tree species were represented from the lower girth class while individuals from higher girth class contributed larger biomass and carbon. Anogeissus acuminata was the most preferred species in the community forest as it is the source of timber and fuel wood and also contributing high biomass among other species. The total biomass and carbon stock in the community managed forest was found as 40.66 Tha-1 and 20.33 Tha-1 respectively. The soil of community forests are very fertile and found acidic in nature. The mean SOC is 1.38%, whereas available nitrogen and phosphorus content are 210.79 Kg ha-1and 8.36 Kg ha-1 respectively. However, a positive and significant correlation of available phosphorus was observed with physical properties like soil temperature, pH and also with total nitrogen content. These forests have potential for future carbon sequestration and to mitigate climate change for longer run as it is managed sustainably by the community.

Nature-Based Recreational Experiences at Coastal Wetlands: An Application of Importance-Performance Analysis at Bundala National Park Sri Lanka

2022-03-09T05:36:07Z

Nature-Based Recreational Experiences at Coastal Wetlands: An Application of Importance-Performance Analysis at Bundala National Park Sri Lanka Marasinghe, S.S.; Perera, P.K.P. With the rising demand for nature-based tourism in coastal environments in biodiversity rich tropical countries such as Sri Lanka, an understanding on visitor perceptions on nature-based tourism performance is vital to ensure sustainable destination development. Bundala National Park (BNP) is one of the famous tourist destinations which attracts both local and foreign wildlife tourists. However, given the diverse biodiversity features, the wildlife tourism operations at BNP has the potential for sustainable growth. An understanding of the visitor perceptions on current performance of the destination, and visitor expectations is essential in making informed decisions to bridge the performance-expectation gap and develop strategies for sustainable wildlife tourism development based on coastal wetlands in BNP. This study used the Importance-Performance Analysis aided by a self-reporting structured questionnaire to understand visitor motivation, onsite activities and perceptions on the tourism experience. Respondents rated ‘to be in a natural setting’ as their main motivation for visiting this destination (79.6%), followed by ‘to observe ecological landscape’ (60.8%), and ‘to learn more about new things/ nature’ (45.3%). Viewing wildlife (92.8%), enjoying safari rides (88.4%), and bird watching (82.9%) were the most popular activities among visitors. Gap Analysis IPA identified significant negative gaps in attributes such as ‘cost of the safari tour’, ‘feeling safe on the safari ride’, ‘guide’s knowledge about the park and flora and fauna’ as well as ‘behaviour of other visitors at the park’, where the performance was below visitor expectations (i.e. Performance < Importance). Overall result of the study highlights the importance of management/regulation of recreational activities and maintaining the quality of natural environment, to enhance the visitor experience and satisfaction. Management implications and recommendations are further discussed.

Common Agricultural Practices and Post-Harvest Losses in Trincomalee, Sri Lanka

2022-03-09T05:27:04Z

Common Agricultural Practices and Post-Harvest Losses in Trincomalee, Sri Lanka Dissanayaka, D.M.S.K.; Wijayaratne, L.K.W. In Sri Lanka, the post-harvest losses of harvested crop yield has become a national issue in terms of food security and nutrition. Different types of losses occurred during the storage of various crops are frequently reported throughout the country. Despite the awareness on increased post-harvest losses in warm environmental conditions and geographical-area-based crop losses, recent information on such post-harvest losses of crops grown in different regions of Sri Lanka is not available. Therefore, this study assessed the crop cultivation practices, main crops grown and their post-harvest losses in two different areas adopt traditional farming (Mahadiwulwewa) and urbanised agriculture (Nilaweli) in Trincomalee district of Sri Lanka. Data were collected from farmer families using a questionnaire. The main crop cultivated in both Mahadiwulwewa than Nilaveli is paddy. However, farmers in Nilaveli extend their cultivation to field crops, vegetables and fruits tobacco. In both Mahadiulwewa and Nilaveli, the majority of farmers engaged in farming between 50-59 years of age. Paddy occupied 73% of the total cultivated area in Nilaveli and 100% in Mahadiwulwewa. The average yield and use of machineries differed with the crop. Storage duration of paddy was 3-6 months. For storage of paddy, mostly farmers use jute sack and gunny bags. Post-harvest losses occurred during storage and insect infestation is also discussed. The information on numerous agricultural practices in the selected areas would help to improve the existing practices and minimise the losses targeting better agricultural productivity in Trincomalee district in the future.