Abstract This paper refers to a number of sub-Saharan African examples and discusses the scope of what geo-information science (GIS) has yet to offer such developing regions. It suggests that GIS is no different than any other technological innovations available to Third World countries. The paper also describes the ways in which GIS is limited by matters of application, interpretation and general human error.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Development Complications
What Remains the Same
Post-1989 Restructuring and 'Growth'
Water and the Future
Beyond Economics - Important Development Factors
Concluding Remarks
From the Paper " Also, geo-information science methods may be more applicable at some times in matters having little to do with development as discussed. For example, spatial information visualization techniques may be more useful, for the time being, in assessing refugee flows across national borders, as the purposes to which countries hopes to devote them and to provide but one of many examples, how does one plan development with or without GIS input for border areas of Congo now settled by refugees from Rwanda, invited and uninvited? In the case of Zimbabwe, Robert Mugabe's self-styled government has created a condition of relative starvation, accepted much military aid from the People's Republic of China towards an unknown but nerve-wracking political undertaking, the world waiting to know how much food aid may be permitted into the country, in the next year or so. In 2006, it was announced that with Chinese technology, Internet usage in Zimbabwe would be 'bugged' and modem use most limited on account of Mugabe's fears concerning his opposition. (BBC: 2006) Clearly, this kind of regime or overall environment does not bode well for any sort of development or studies towards future planning; earlier, like various other African regimes, Zimbabwe has forced foreign journalists and other observers and occasional NGO aid workers to leave the country."
Abstract The paper relates that pesticides have been used for decades as a way of eliminating pests in order to protect crops. The paper discusses how many critics have called for stopping the use of pesticides because of perceived dangers. The paper maintains that some forms of pesticide may be needed to protect the crops and add to the yield, but reducing the use of pesticides as much as possible is better for the environment and for the consumer in the long run.
From the Paper "Americans largely accept the use of pesticides because they are told that pesticides are safe, though the sheer volume of pesticides used each year can be alarming as more than two million pounds of these poisons are added to the environment annually. These chemicals are found not only on food but in the water supply, with one of every ten drinking water wells in the U.S. affected along with thousands of lakes, rivers, and waterways across the country. The primary source of water pollution in the country is agriculture. At least 38 percent of the food supply contains pesticide residues, and many food items may have more than one pesticide, and as many as twelve (Meyerhoff, 1993, para. 8)."
A literature review explorin sustainable agriculture and food production and how applied geo-information science can be utilized to secure the future of agricultural production the world over.
Abstract This paper begins with a look at agricultural production systems, as well as methods in both developed and developing countries. The paper then explores some components of agriculture management and forecasting as well as food production, security, and early warning systems - and then looks at how geo-information science can improve upon the former by strengthening the latter two. Finally, the paper looks at some of the representative material available vis-a-vis applied geo-information science. A brief conclusion is then offered as to what the paper has ultimately uncovered.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Agricultural Production Systems/Method in both Developed and Developing Countries
Agriculture Management and Forecasting
Food Production and Early Warning Systems
Applied Geo-information Science and "Smart" Agriculture:
Food Security/Crop Yield
Improve Economy
Agricultural Planning using Soil Moisture Information
Precision Agriculture
Overall Conclusion
From the Paper "Needless to say, precision agriculture may ultimately be the one thing standing between economic and social devastation and renewed hope for the future in many developing nations. Maohua reports that the Government of the People's Republic began aiming for precision agriculture shortly after Chairman Mao's death, and the results have been favorable. According to Maohua, the government's overarching aims are to develop a Chinese agricultural capacity able to feed 1.6 billion Chinese by the middle of the twenty-first century."
Abstract This paper discusses the sociological, technological, environmental and safety issues related to food. It details one meal, lasagna, and then discusses several issues related to the production of the meal and the ingredients used. The paper analyzes the environmental factors involved in the ingredient preparation and growth, the risk and safety associated with some of the ingredients and the skills and knowledge involved in creating the meal.
Table of Contents:
Meal Chosen: Lasagna And Chips, Bread, Wine, Tea, Tap Water
Environmental Impacts Of Your Meal
The Social And Economic Relationships That Created Your Food
The Technology, Skills And Knowledge Involved In Creating Your Meal
Your Meal And Risk
From the Paper "This leads to another major issue - the safety requirements for exports and safe import standards. In order to support the economic requirements of global agriculture, Mitullah (2000) tells us that sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures, as required for compliance with the World Trade Association (WTO) are often difficult for third-world countries to comply with. The costs associate with such an effort make competing in the agricultural market, based on the technology requirements, prohibitive. These restrictions are seen in the same light as tariffs or quantitative restrictions on trade (Mitullah, 2000) even though they are entirely technology driven and based. Mitullah (2000) estimates the cost of a hazard analysis and critical control point program to be $82.7 million for a five-year period."
Abstract This paper explain that New Jersey is a unique forestry case study because the rapid urbanization of the state resulted in not as much comprehensive information about inventories and methodology being done as in larger states with more forests. The author points out that the state uses interpretation of aerial photos of the entire state to estimate the number, size and species of trees and compare re-photographed and re-measured plots periodically. The paper relates that a major component of New Jersey's forests is the urban forest, one of the most neglected fields in terms of resource management due to budget austerity, poor planning and non-efficient management.
From the Paper "A piece of knowledge that is useful about the Pine Barrens of New Jersey is the need to calculate fuel load in order to understand fire and how much it can affect the forest. This requires the extensive use of machinery. A Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) device was utilized in conjunction with FIA and other types of data to quantify the fuel lodes of the forest. The LIDAR was recorded at 400 Hz over three areas of 1 square kilometer with transects spaced at 200 meters and along 64 transects also spaced 1 square kilometer apart."
Abstract The paper examines the "Monsanto Canada Inc. v. Schmeiser" case and the decision of Canada's Supreme Court to give agricultural multinationals the power to penalize and to bring before the courts farmers who find themselves the inadvertent possessors of patented seed products. The paper argues that this case is an example of patent protections being expanded in ways that ultimately hurt farmers, endanger the environment, encourage greater genetic modification of foodstuffs and cause genetically modified foods to find their ways onto the plates of ordinary Canadians in ever-increasing numbers. The paper is of the opinion that the inability of the Court to appreciate the long-term consequences of its decision will cause hardship for many.
From the Paper "The following paper will look at the ongoing debate about the genetic manipulation of foodstuffs with an eye towards exploring whether or not the expansive patent rights recently granted to plant seed developers such as Monsanto is an example of forward-thinking jurisprudence by the Canadian Supreme Court - or an instance of short-sighted legal reasoning that will create more problems than it will solve. Such a paper is important because genetically modified foodstuffs - courtesy of powerful multinationals - are more prevalent now than ever before and the likelihood that the foods we eat will be foods engineered in a laboratory somewhere is an issue which should be of the utmost concern to anyone who has reservations about eating such items and/or reservations about the ecological and environmental ramifications of introducing into an agricultural ecosystem a living organism that nature has not on its own seen fit to introduce."
Abstract This paper discusses the European Union's recent reiteration of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). It discusses the reforms that are currently underway to help reframe the CAP model and promote equitable trade within European agricultural partnerships. The paper also looks at the criticism of these initiative by policymakers and economists and describes the rationale that makes the initiatives necessary.
From the Paper "Efficient and equitable functioning under the CAP was not possible under the conditions that existed prior to the reform processes that took place in 2004 and 2005. The outlay of expenses was simply not compensated for in positive economic developments; moreover, social justice, which was a mainstay of the CAP as a means of improving the quality of life for rural and agrarian communities, does not appear to have been met. Salvatici's (2001) "liberalization" model also indicates failure to improve quality of life for the majority of persons, suggesting that abandonment of the CAP is equally as unfeasible as allowing it to maintain its current course of action."
Abstract This paper explains that Norway boasts some of the most ecologically diverse forest areas in the world and that the diversity of the topography creates prime locations for some of the most sensitive ecosystems. The author reviews Norway's five forest areas, which have been identified as being in need of management and conservation protection: Western Pine forests, Coastal rain forests, the Canyon and Humid Spruce forests, Northern Pine forests, and the Hemi-deciduous forests. The paper relates that, even though Norway has one of poorest records for ecological conservation of all the major forestry producing countries, it is not without protective legislation, for these resources such as The Forestry and Forest Protection Act, The Nature Conservation Act, and the Building and Planning Act.
Table of Contents
Review of Norway's Forests
Percentage of Land Coverage
Economic Impact of Norway's Forestry Industry
Economic Value
Exports
Primary Forestry
Secondary Forestry
Bio-Energy
Transportation
Norwegian Forestry Policies and Protection
The Forestry and Forest Protection Act
The Building and Planning Act
Norwegian Forest Restoration and Sustainability Plans
From the Paper "The forestry industry in Norway is second only to the Norwegian fishing industry. Excluding petroleum exports, forestry products comprise 11 percent of the total exported value. In 1995, 6,180 people were employed by the lumber industry, 5,000 in forestry and another 9,000 in pulp and paper industries. These numbers would increase even more if transportation and other ancillary functions related to the timber industry were included in the employment statistics. The high degree, to which Norway relies on forestry and forestry related industries, opens the country up to vast amounts of international competition."
Abstract This paper examines the ongoing campaign targeting the Kraft Food Company and explains that the campaign is led by the Genetically Engineered Food Alert (GEFA). The paper discusses how the majority of Kraft products contain genetically altered ingredients and then looks at the steps taken by GEFA to convince Kraft to to discontinue the use of genetically engineered ingredients in all products unless adequate testing, labeling, and liability are established. The writer believes that the campaign has turned out to be somewhat and concludes that, although the scientific evidence against genetically engineered food was there, Kraft may have never felt the pressure to change their ways without this campaign.
From the Paper "The campaign against the Kraft Foods Company has been in action since 2000, when it was discovered that Kraft was using genetically engineered ingredients in their food products. The campaign is led by the Genetically Engineered Food Alert, a coalition of health, consumer and environmental groups. It is generally accepted that genetically altered foods are safe to consume, however, there is mounting scientific evidence that these foods may be harmful to consumers' health, as well as to the environment."
Abstract This paper highlights the major statistics regarding biotechnology and the agricultural industry. It then examines governmental and organizational involvement in biotechnology, both locally and internationally. The paper focuses on biotechnology issues as they relate to food safety, food labeling and guidelines for genetically modified foods.
Table of Contents:
Abstract
Biotechnology and Nutrition
Statistics
Definitions
Governmental Agencies
Food Labeling
From the Paper "The bottom line consideration is one between scientists and those who make public policy and the unknown variable of the long term health risks of consuming genetically modified foods (Underwood, 2003). As Greger (2000) points out, however, there is often a disparity between what consumers consider important information and what scientists have to offer. Underwood (2003) states the solution is to develop a sense of trust by having scientists and governmental agencies admit the unknowns and risk elements, thus allowing individuals, states or countries to weigh the benefits against the risks for themselves and make an informed decision."
Abstract The paper discusses the theme of the "risk society" in respect to food production and distribution. The paper defines the term "risk society" and looks at how decisions are made to ignore risks in order to benefit from the overall convenience gained through using a commercialized food distribution system. The paper discusses the specific risks associated with commercialized agriculture. The paper points out how some consumers avoid these risks through engaging in alternative food acquisition systems, such as purchasing organic products or buying food through community supported agriculture organizations.
Outline:
Introduction
The Theme of the Risk Society
Risk Society and the Rationale for Alternative Food Supplies
Examples of Alternative Food Supplies
Summary
From the Paper "Mainstreamed, commercialized food distribution tends to be a heavily industrialized process. When food is treated like a commodity, it is purposefully marketed towards potential consumers and made available through specific modes of sale, such as supermarkets and restaurants. This process does help facilitate the movement of food through transportation and improves access to food products among those consumers who are in proximity to local points of distribution. However, some social scientists suggest that it is easy to confuse the aspects of convenience with those of safety, especially when it is frequently argued that a centralized system of food distribution enables ease of access for monitoring food product safety through the use of independent government oversight (e.g.: the Food and Drug Administration). In this sense, it can be argued that these perceptions of commercialized food purposefully ignore the risks that are associated with convenient food distribution."
Tags: organic, commercialized, food, distribution, production
Abstract This paper examines how the free trade agreements in America affect the labor unions, and the small farmers; mostly middle class to lower class persons. It explains that the people who stand to gain the most are those with high positions in corporations, who, thanks to Free trade agreements, can wipe out small competition, and are able to make their own shipping agreements for less money with farmers and manufacturers in less industrialized countries. The paper discusses how the new agreements, which make tariffs on the imported goods low to keep them cost effective, will ultimately crush the small farmer between the giant agribusinesses and the new Central American imports. The paper also looks at instances where labor unions and farmers protested in the hopes of gaining political support, but their attempts to influence policy have been largely ineffective.
From the Paper "Free trade agreements have become more common in the U.S. during the last half century, leading to disputes on whether or not those agreements are actually beneficial to our country. Free trade allows countries to trade unique products that cannot be produced in or found in their own countries. Free trade also allows them to be sold at reasonable prices to the consumers. The disadvantages of free trade are that there are also many products that can be produced in multiple countries. Some countries can produce these products cheaper. This can cause huge economic issues/problems for the people who were originally making this product."
Abstract The paper looks at two aspects of the balanced scorecard as it pertains to the U.S. Department of Agriculture: the strategic management of human capital and the manner in which an organization is expected to carry out "competitive pricing". The paper argues that the balanced scorecard is an excellent tool for assessing and measuring organizational performance and that its few shortcomings are more than overcome by its many advantages. The paper concludes that the scorecard approach demands accountability and forces agencies to be more responsive, ultimately keeping public expenditures at a manageable level.
From the Paper "The process by which governments monitor the goings-on of various departments has become increasingly complex in recent decades as government has grown and as the general public becomes more cynical about the ability of the government to deliver services effectively and economically. As mentioned in the abstract to this paper, the strategic management of human capital is one of the keys to successful governance. The United States government has in place something it calls "the balanced scorecard" which assesses whether or not a department is doing all it can to optimize its organizational functioning. Among other things, the scorecard evaluates whether or not the human capital plan of a department is consistent with the department's goals and objectives. Further, the balanced scorecard examines the succession plans in place, the leadership development plans which exist, the means by which (and the extent to which) employees are held accountable (commensurate to their responsibilities, of course), whether or not an agency is capable of effectively differentiating between different levels of performance, whether or not an agency has the tools and procedures in place to close "competency gaps" in what are best described as "mission critical" occupations, whether (or not) the organization expeditiously makes hiring decisions and notifies applicants in an appropriate time, and - lastly - whether the organization conducts regular accountability reviews (The White House, 2006b)."
Abstract The paper aims to examine whether the Chinese international students of Vancouver face serious food security concerns within their community. The paper discusses an interview that was conducted with a sample of the population and relates the general finding that although the students felt that the safety of Vancouver food itself was not compromised, their lack of knowledge regarding their food items and their poor English meant that the safety of their own diets were compromised. The paper discusses how changes should be implemented in government action. The paper concludes that as all people have the right to live with food security, so must the international students in Vancouver have a right to safe food choices and practices. The paper includes a sample of the questionnaire as well as interviewee responses compiled in table form as appendices.
From the Paper "The issue of food security, even in a country as advanced and westernized as Canada, is a cause for growing concern amongst Canadian citizens. Though a series of federal government initiatives and international meetings have resulted in the development of federal guidelines requiring certain food security standards, local and provincial action concerning these guidelines has been called into question. Vancouver, though it is not the capital of British Columbia, is the most populous city in the province. The city is a thriving urban centre which provides food for almost 2.2 million Vancouverites, including a large minority of international travelers and students. For those migrating to Vancouver, food security concerns and practices are a potential problem."
Tags: diets, health, meals, snacks, stores, consumption, language
Abstract The paper relates that American ginseng is wanted mostly in the Orient, but it is a large business, with wild and cultivated ginseng producing $25 million annually. The paper discusses the history, purposes and cultivation of ginseng.
Outline:
Abstract
The Importance of Ginseng
The History of American Ginseng
The Planting and Cultivation of American Ginseng
The Purposes for Ginseng
From the Paper "Often people see announcements about the use of ginseng and how it will help with different illnesses such as high blood pressure, but how true are these reports? In a supplement snapshot by Prevention, it tells how people use ginseng for a number of reasons including hot flashes, reducing cold symptoms, reducing sugar levels (2007, p. 67). American ginseng is wanted mostly in the Orient, but it is a large business with wild and cultivated ginseng producing $25 million annually (American Ginseng, 2006, par. 2). As a valued product, it is important to study the history of ginseng, the uses of ginseng, and how it is produced."
