The fishermen of Nijhum Dwip in Noakhali, Bangladesh have lived in an extremely dynamic environme... more The fishermen of Nijhum Dwip in Noakhali, Bangladesh have lived in an extremely dynamic environment facing tropical cyclones, tidal surges, embankment erosion and salinity intrusion that affect life and livelihood options. This study was conducted to identify human, physical, financial, natural and social assets for analysing fishing community resilience. Landsat TM imagery and asset database of 25 thematic layers were analysed with ENVI and GIS capabilities to identify and prioritise the resilience of coastal fishing community. The resilience assessment focussed on 25 basic criteria, and the weights were determined by a pairwise comparison matrix of Analytical Hierarchy Process according to the effectiveness of the criteria. The study identified natural assets with 48% importance as the most significant in fishermen resilience. The vector of effectiveness indicated that human, financial and social assets showing importance of 18%, 15% and 13% respectively are moderately significant...
Food-related community economic development (CED) is making a difference in northern communities ... more Food-related community economic development (CED) is making a difference in northern communities where food insecurity rates are very high at 75% (n=534). People in northern Manitoba reported in interviews that hunting, fishing, berry-picking and gardening made them self-sufficient, in the recent past (25 to 50 years ago), but now many children and adults cannot afford to eat healthy. Presently many financial and regulatory barriers to country foods exist, which severely curtails food sovereignty and sustainable livelihood, while increasing food insecurity. The Nelson House Country Foods Program, which employs people to hunt and fish to feed the community, is related to better food security rates (p<0.001). The Northern Healthy Food Initiative's (NHFI) application of a CED approach is having an impact on community building according to observations which found 33 new gardens in 2009 alone, as well as 7 new greenhouses and hundreds of new freezers in the 14 communities studied...
In 2011, a massive flood occurred in the Canadian province of Manitoba, and provincial government... more In 2011, a massive flood occurred in the Canadian province of Manitoba, and provincial government officials decided to divert water to Lake St. Martin and First Nation land to protect urban, cottage, and agricultural properties. As a result of this artificial flood, all community members were evacuated, with infrastructures and housing at Lake St. Martin First Nation permanently destroyed. Three years later, 1,064 Lake St. Martin First Nation members reside in urban hotels and other temporary residences. Data from participatory videography and community workshops were analyzed using the sustainable livelihoods framework. Environmentally and developmentally induced displacement transformed an entire First Nation community into refuges in their homeland. Jurisdictional issues and racism prevented provisioning of services to meet their basic needs, help rebuild their lives, and relocate their community. Inclusive evacuation, relocation, and water-management policies and procedures are ...
ABSTRACT In order to meet the demand for food from a growing global population, aquaculture produ... more ABSTRACT In order to meet the demand for food from a growing global population, aquaculture production must be increased as capture fisheries have stagnated. Rapid population growth with competition for land and water could affect aquaculture production. Although aquaculture uses non-consumptive water, there are significant water footprints for aquaculture due to water lost and water required for fish-feed production. Moreover, climate change affects water availability and demand for aquaculture, and poses a further threat to global fish production. Nevertheless, the efficient use of blue water (surface and groundwater) and green water (rain) in inland, coastal, and marine aquaculture could make a significant contribution to global fish production and climate change adaptation. Sustainable intensification of freshwater aquaculture, mangrove restoration with brackish water fish production, and the expansion of mariculture could increase global fish production with adaptation to climate change. Institutional support with technical and financial assistance is needed to implement the proposed adaptation strategies.
The Forest Department of Bangladesh piloted collaborative management, also known as co-management... more The Forest Department of Bangladesh piloted collaborative management, also known as co-management, in five protected areas, through its Nishorgo Support Project from 2004 to 2009. This paper documents one of the pilot co-management sites, specifically for the Teknaf Wildlife Sanctuary comparing actual governance to the framework for good governance for protected areas. Through stakeholders and key informant interviews and observation of council and committee meetings, the research revealed that the co-management structure was� an� appendum� in� the� forest� department's� organizational structure. Unwillingness to share responsibilities and decision-making was the major obstacle to effective co-management in the protected area. The lack of legal recognition and limited functional arrangements to support co-management resulted in weak managerial performance and poor governance. Thus, extraction of resources from the reserve continued. Moreover, no quick solutions to deal with envi...
This paper tells a place-based story of food in the Wasagamack territory in Manitoba, Canada, thr... more This paper tells a place-based story of food in the Wasagamack territory in Manitoba, Canada, through traditional land-use map biographies with 49 active Indigenous harvesters, video interviews with eight key informants, and input from community workshops. Although harvesters in Wasagamack First Nation do not depend solely on wild foods, map biographies show that traditional land uses remain important and occur throughout their ancestral lands. This land remains pristine, with virgin boreal forests, natural flowing waters, and abundant wildlife, and occupied almost exclusively by Indigenous people who continue to harvest wild foods and speak their language fluently. All Wasagamack people interviewed (N=57) regarded the land to be perfect as the Creator made it, and sacred; they did not want development interfering with their traditional practices of hunting, gathering, and fishing and with their land-based spirituality, despite the community economic and infrastructure poverty. In o...
Food-related community economic development (CED) is making a difference in northern communities ... more Food-related community economic development (CED) is making a difference in northern communities where food insecurity rates are very high at 75% (n=534). People in northern Manitoba reported in interviews that hunting, fishing, berry-picking and gardening made them self-sufficient, in the recent past (25 to 50 years ago), but now many children and adults cannot afford to eat healthy. Presently many financial and regulatory barriers to country foods exist, which severely curtails food sovereignty and sustainable livelihood, while increasing food insecurity. The Nelson House Country Foods Program, which employs people to hunt and fish to feed the community, is related to better food security rates (p<0.001). The Northern Healthy Food Initiative’s (NHFI) application of a CED approach is having an impact on community building according to observations which found 33 new gardens in 2009 alone, as well as 7 new greenhouses and hundreds of new freezers in the 14 communities studied. No...
Canadian Food Studies / La Revue canadienne des études sur l'alimentation
Colonialism, and its partner, racism, greatly impact Indigenous food systems across Canada elevat... more Colonialism, and its partner, racism, greatly impact Indigenous food systems across Canada elevating the rates of diet-related diseases and food insecurity. Many Indigenous communities have responded to these challenges with their own community-based, culturally appropriate food solutions, including local food production. This participatory research explores the question of traditional food education for First Nations youth through photo elicitation with five young adults employed on a community farm and interviews with twelve Elders, community food educators and Knowledge Keepers. This research provides the building blocks for food education to support a community-based, Indigenous food system and sovereignty, informed by Garden Hill First Nation Elders and youth. Interviews and participatory research established that food education should be rooted in traditional and spiritual beliefs, land-based learning and self-determination, and food policies and programs need to assess the us...
Organic aquaculture originated from the organic agriculture movement. Organic fish farming is an ... more Organic aquaculture originated from the organic agriculture movement. Organic fish farming is an ecosystem-based management system, which was developed as a potential substitute to address environmental constraints faced by intensive aquaculture. However, the transformation from conventional aquaculture to organic aquaculture is a multidimensional, complex, and expensive process. The further development of organic aquaculture can be enhanced by establishing uniform organic aquaculture standards. Converting to organic aquaculture brings a wide range of environmental advantages. Nevertheless, organic yields are significantly lower than those of modern aquaculture, which will reduce its contribution to global food security. To meet global demand for fish and seafood from an increasing human population, food production from aquaculture must be enhanced since production from capture fisheries has remained stagnant. Because aquaculture is associated with various environmental constraints, a further increase in fish production will encounter diverse environmental challenges. Greater use of organic aquaculture practices will help to diminish environmental footprints of aquaculture. We propose that fish production could increase through the sustainable intensification of a combination of production systems, including polyculture, integrated aquaculture, and organic aquaculture.
Abstract Naturally grown wild rice (Zizania sp.) in freshwater lakes and streams with suitable bi... more Abstract Naturally grown wild rice (Zizania sp.) in freshwater lakes and streams with suitable biophysical conditions could provide opportunities for fish cultivation in different parts of the world, including North America. Many fish species prefer wild rice ecosystems for their habitat. Such natural aggregation could inspire wild rice-fish cultivation. Wild rice-fish integration could play a major role in maintaining ecosystems, including aeration of water, pest control, photosynthesis, nutrient cycling, respiration, soil fertility, and water quality. Wild rice-fish cultivation would be an ecosystem approach due to the positive culture attributes in terms of environmental benefits. Human consumption of wild rice and fish would provide a complementary, healthy, nutritious, and low-fat diet, with rich in carbohydrate, protein, minerals, and vitamins. Ideally, wild rice-fish integration could provide a wide range of social, economic, and ecological advantages, including food production, human nutrition, livelihoods, income, biodiversity conservation, and ecosystem services. Despite opportunities and potential benefits in North America, wild rice-fish culture has not yet been practiced. Empirical research with key stakeholders’ involvement need to address social, economic, and ecological challenges for wild rice-fish cultivation to increase food productivity and environmental sustainability.
Traditional land-use studies display specific locations used and occupied by Indigenous Peoples i... more Traditional land-use studies display specific locations used and occupied by Indigenous Peoples in their ancestral lands to sustain their land-based livelihoods. Indigenous communities use these maps to reclaim their territories by demonstrating their current land-use and occupancy that extends vast distances beyond their reserves. To support the protection of ancestral territory against the threats of resource extraction by outsiders, we applied the density and hotspot mapping approaches to display the concentrated land use areas of 49 harvesters of Wasagamack First Nation in Manitoba, Canada. In contrast to the conventional land use mapping, which presents the land use areas as points or spots on the map, density and hotspot mapping shows areas of intensive land use and cultural significance. This paper reinforces Wasagamack Anishininews’ view that their entire ancestral territory is sacred and vital to the Wasagamack First Nation and supports their case for their traditional territory’s self-governance. If integrated with Wasagamack Anishininews’ community development goals, the density and hotspot mapping approach can facilitate land use planning for sustainable conservation of important areas for the well-being of Wasagamack First Nation.
In 2011, a massive flood occurred in the Canadian province of Manitoba, and provincial government... more In 2011, a massive flood occurred in the Canadian province of Manitoba, and provincial government officials decided to divert water to Lake St. Martin and First Nation land to protect urban, cottage, and agricultural properties. As a result of this artificial flood, all community members were evacuated, with infrastructures and housing at Lake St. Martin First Nation permanently destroyed. Three years later, 1,064 Lake St. Martin First Nation members reside in urban hotels and other temporary residences. Data from participatory videography and community workshops were analyzed using the sustainable livelihoods framework. Environmentally and developmentally induced displacement transformed an entire First Nation community into refuges in their homeland. Jurisdictional issues and racism prevented provisioning of services to meet their basic needs, help rebuild their lives, and relocate their community. Inclusive evacuation, relocation, and water-management policies and procedures are ...
The fishermen of Nijhum Dwip in Noakhali, Bangladesh have lived in an extremely dynamic environme... more The fishermen of Nijhum Dwip in Noakhali, Bangladesh have lived in an extremely dynamic environment facing tropical cyclones, tidal surges, embankment erosion and salinity intrusion that affect life and livelihood options. This study was conducted to identify human, physical, financial, natural and social assets for analysing fishing community resilience. Landsat TM imagery and asset database of 25 thematic layers were analysed with ENVI and GIS capabilities to identify and prioritise the resilience of coastal fishing community. The resilience assessment focussed on 25 basic criteria, and the weights were determined by a pairwise comparison matrix of Analytical Hierarchy Process according to the effectiveness of the criteria. The study identified natural assets with 48% importance as the most significant in fishermen resilience. The vector of effectiveness indicated that human, financial and social assets showing importance of 18%, 15% and 13% respectively are moderately significant...
Food-related community economic development (CED) is making a difference in northern communities ... more Food-related community economic development (CED) is making a difference in northern communities where food insecurity rates are very high at 75% (n=534). People in northern Manitoba reported in interviews that hunting, fishing, berry-picking and gardening made them self-sufficient, in the recent past (25 to 50 years ago), but now many children and adults cannot afford to eat healthy. Presently many financial and regulatory barriers to country foods exist, which severely curtails food sovereignty and sustainable livelihood, while increasing food insecurity. The Nelson House Country Foods Program, which employs people to hunt and fish to feed the community, is related to better food security rates (p<0.001). The Northern Healthy Food Initiative's (NHFI) application of a CED approach is having an impact on community building according to observations which found 33 new gardens in 2009 alone, as well as 7 new greenhouses and hundreds of new freezers in the 14 communities studied...
In 2011, a massive flood occurred in the Canadian province of Manitoba, and provincial government... more In 2011, a massive flood occurred in the Canadian province of Manitoba, and provincial government officials decided to divert water to Lake St. Martin and First Nation land to protect urban, cottage, and agricultural properties. As a result of this artificial flood, all community members were evacuated, with infrastructures and housing at Lake St. Martin First Nation permanently destroyed. Three years later, 1,064 Lake St. Martin First Nation members reside in urban hotels and other temporary residences. Data from participatory videography and community workshops were analyzed using the sustainable livelihoods framework. Environmentally and developmentally induced displacement transformed an entire First Nation community into refuges in their homeland. Jurisdictional issues and racism prevented provisioning of services to meet their basic needs, help rebuild their lives, and relocate their community. Inclusive evacuation, relocation, and water-management policies and procedures are ...
ABSTRACT In order to meet the demand for food from a growing global population, aquaculture produ... more ABSTRACT In order to meet the demand for food from a growing global population, aquaculture production must be increased as capture fisheries have stagnated. Rapid population growth with competition for land and water could affect aquaculture production. Although aquaculture uses non-consumptive water, there are significant water footprints for aquaculture due to water lost and water required for fish-feed production. Moreover, climate change affects water availability and demand for aquaculture, and poses a further threat to global fish production. Nevertheless, the efficient use of blue water (surface and groundwater) and green water (rain) in inland, coastal, and marine aquaculture could make a significant contribution to global fish production and climate change adaptation. Sustainable intensification of freshwater aquaculture, mangrove restoration with brackish water fish production, and the expansion of mariculture could increase global fish production with adaptation to climate change. Institutional support with technical and financial assistance is needed to implement the proposed adaptation strategies.
The Forest Department of Bangladesh piloted collaborative management, also known as co-management... more The Forest Department of Bangladesh piloted collaborative management, also known as co-management, in five protected areas, through its Nishorgo Support Project from 2004 to 2009. This paper documents one of the pilot co-management sites, specifically for the Teknaf Wildlife Sanctuary comparing actual governance to the framework for good governance for protected areas. Through stakeholders and key informant interviews and observation of council and committee meetings, the research revealed that the co-management structure was� an� appendum� in� the� forest� department's� organizational structure. Unwillingness to share responsibilities and decision-making was the major obstacle to effective co-management in the protected area. The lack of legal recognition and limited functional arrangements to support co-management resulted in weak managerial performance and poor governance. Thus, extraction of resources from the reserve continued. Moreover, no quick solutions to deal with envi...
This paper tells a place-based story of food in the Wasagamack territory in Manitoba, Canada, thr... more This paper tells a place-based story of food in the Wasagamack territory in Manitoba, Canada, through traditional land-use map biographies with 49 active Indigenous harvesters, video interviews with eight key informants, and input from community workshops. Although harvesters in Wasagamack First Nation do not depend solely on wild foods, map biographies show that traditional land uses remain important and occur throughout their ancestral lands. This land remains pristine, with virgin boreal forests, natural flowing waters, and abundant wildlife, and occupied almost exclusively by Indigenous people who continue to harvest wild foods and speak their language fluently. All Wasagamack people interviewed (N=57) regarded the land to be perfect as the Creator made it, and sacred; they did not want development interfering with their traditional practices of hunting, gathering, and fishing and with their land-based spirituality, despite the community economic and infrastructure poverty. In o...
Food-related community economic development (CED) is making a difference in northern communities ... more Food-related community economic development (CED) is making a difference in northern communities where food insecurity rates are very high at 75% (n=534). People in northern Manitoba reported in interviews that hunting, fishing, berry-picking and gardening made them self-sufficient, in the recent past (25 to 50 years ago), but now many children and adults cannot afford to eat healthy. Presently many financial and regulatory barriers to country foods exist, which severely curtails food sovereignty and sustainable livelihood, while increasing food insecurity. The Nelson House Country Foods Program, which employs people to hunt and fish to feed the community, is related to better food security rates (p<0.001). The Northern Healthy Food Initiative’s (NHFI) application of a CED approach is having an impact on community building according to observations which found 33 new gardens in 2009 alone, as well as 7 new greenhouses and hundreds of new freezers in the 14 communities studied. No...
Canadian Food Studies / La Revue canadienne des études sur l'alimentation
Colonialism, and its partner, racism, greatly impact Indigenous food systems across Canada elevat... more Colonialism, and its partner, racism, greatly impact Indigenous food systems across Canada elevating the rates of diet-related diseases and food insecurity. Many Indigenous communities have responded to these challenges with their own community-based, culturally appropriate food solutions, including local food production. This participatory research explores the question of traditional food education for First Nations youth through photo elicitation with five young adults employed on a community farm and interviews with twelve Elders, community food educators and Knowledge Keepers. This research provides the building blocks for food education to support a community-based, Indigenous food system and sovereignty, informed by Garden Hill First Nation Elders and youth. Interviews and participatory research established that food education should be rooted in traditional and spiritual beliefs, land-based learning and self-determination, and food policies and programs need to assess the us...
Organic aquaculture originated from the organic agriculture movement. Organic fish farming is an ... more Organic aquaculture originated from the organic agriculture movement. Organic fish farming is an ecosystem-based management system, which was developed as a potential substitute to address environmental constraints faced by intensive aquaculture. However, the transformation from conventional aquaculture to organic aquaculture is a multidimensional, complex, and expensive process. The further development of organic aquaculture can be enhanced by establishing uniform organic aquaculture standards. Converting to organic aquaculture brings a wide range of environmental advantages. Nevertheless, organic yields are significantly lower than those of modern aquaculture, which will reduce its contribution to global food security. To meet global demand for fish and seafood from an increasing human population, food production from aquaculture must be enhanced since production from capture fisheries has remained stagnant. Because aquaculture is associated with various environmental constraints, a further increase in fish production will encounter diverse environmental challenges. Greater use of organic aquaculture practices will help to diminish environmental footprints of aquaculture. We propose that fish production could increase through the sustainable intensification of a combination of production systems, including polyculture, integrated aquaculture, and organic aquaculture.
Abstract Naturally grown wild rice (Zizania sp.) in freshwater lakes and streams with suitable bi... more Abstract Naturally grown wild rice (Zizania sp.) in freshwater lakes and streams with suitable biophysical conditions could provide opportunities for fish cultivation in different parts of the world, including North America. Many fish species prefer wild rice ecosystems for their habitat. Such natural aggregation could inspire wild rice-fish cultivation. Wild rice-fish integration could play a major role in maintaining ecosystems, including aeration of water, pest control, photosynthesis, nutrient cycling, respiration, soil fertility, and water quality. Wild rice-fish cultivation would be an ecosystem approach due to the positive culture attributes in terms of environmental benefits. Human consumption of wild rice and fish would provide a complementary, healthy, nutritious, and low-fat diet, with rich in carbohydrate, protein, minerals, and vitamins. Ideally, wild rice-fish integration could provide a wide range of social, economic, and ecological advantages, including food production, human nutrition, livelihoods, income, biodiversity conservation, and ecosystem services. Despite opportunities and potential benefits in North America, wild rice-fish culture has not yet been practiced. Empirical research with key stakeholders’ involvement need to address social, economic, and ecological challenges for wild rice-fish cultivation to increase food productivity and environmental sustainability.
Traditional land-use studies display specific locations used and occupied by Indigenous Peoples i... more Traditional land-use studies display specific locations used and occupied by Indigenous Peoples in their ancestral lands to sustain their land-based livelihoods. Indigenous communities use these maps to reclaim their territories by demonstrating their current land-use and occupancy that extends vast distances beyond their reserves. To support the protection of ancestral territory against the threats of resource extraction by outsiders, we applied the density and hotspot mapping approaches to display the concentrated land use areas of 49 harvesters of Wasagamack First Nation in Manitoba, Canada. In contrast to the conventional land use mapping, which presents the land use areas as points or spots on the map, density and hotspot mapping shows areas of intensive land use and cultural significance. This paper reinforces Wasagamack Anishininews’ view that their entire ancestral territory is sacred and vital to the Wasagamack First Nation and supports their case for their traditional territory’s self-governance. If integrated with Wasagamack Anishininews’ community development goals, the density and hotspot mapping approach can facilitate land use planning for sustainable conservation of important areas for the well-being of Wasagamack First Nation.
In 2011, a massive flood occurred in the Canadian province of Manitoba, and provincial government... more In 2011, a massive flood occurred in the Canadian province of Manitoba, and provincial government officials decided to divert water to Lake St. Martin and First Nation land to protect urban, cottage, and agricultural properties. As a result of this artificial flood, all community members were evacuated, with infrastructures and housing at Lake St. Martin First Nation permanently destroyed. Three years later, 1,064 Lake St. Martin First Nation members reside in urban hotels and other temporary residences. Data from participatory videography and community workshops were analyzed using the sustainable livelihoods framework. Environmentally and developmentally induced displacement transformed an entire First Nation community into refuges in their homeland. Jurisdictional issues and racism prevented provisioning of services to meet their basic needs, help rebuild their lives, and relocate their community. Inclusive evacuation, relocation, and water-management policies and procedures are ...
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