MASHAV Activity Report 1997 - Ongoing Research Projects

a) German-Israel Agricultural Research Agreement (GIARA)

Project Name	Starting year	Israeli partner	Developing country	Purpose of project
1. Non-chemical control of soil-borne plant pathogens	1993	ARO-Volcani Centre	Thailand	To evaluate the potential of non-chemical control methods such as biological agents and soil amendments creating an integrated pest management program
2. Prevention of post-harvest diseases by enhancing natural resistance in subtropical fruits	1993	ARO-Volcani Centre	Thailand	To investigate post-harvest decay, subtropical fruits, quiescent and natural infections, natural resistance, disease control
3. Integration of rangeland, livestock and cropping systems for semi-arid land development	1993	ARO-Volcani Centre	Kenya	To propose a number of technologies for integration of crop and animal husbandry in a diversified production system
4. Culture methods for alleviating orobanche damage	1993	ARO-Volcani Centre	Nepal	To survey and assess the orobanche problem, with emphasis on cultural methods of control and avoidance of chemical pesticides
5. Heat treatment to slow ripening and increase post-harvest fruit quality	1993	ARO-Volcani Centre	Thailand	To develop optimal heating regimes for tomatoes and mangoes in order to improve post-harvest quality of fruit and reduce losses due to over-ripeness and fungal attack
6. Using agrometeorological network data for improved arid and semi-arid agrosystem management	1993	ARO-Volcani Centre	Brazil	To develop and improve sustainable land management through ecologically- friendly irrigation scheduling methods that can readily be adopted by agricultural communities via meteorological input facilities: transfer between different physical and socio-economic environments
7. The role of oxygen radicals and lipid peroxidation in drought resistance of wheat genotypes	1994	Weizman Institute of Science, Rehovot	Turkey	Test and select genotype for high resistance to drought stress to obtain breeding lines
8. Optimizing biomass in a runoff agroforestry system	1994	Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Sede-Boqer	Kenya	To study the water and nutrient balances of a runoff agroforestry system; maximize the biomass production as a basis for optimizing biomass production under arid conditions
9. The effect of different plant residues on nitrogen mineralization, immobilization and denitrification	1994	ARO-Volcani Centre	Turkey	To evaluate and predict minimal status of soils amended with plant residues
10. System analysis for irrigation performance assessment	1994	Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Sede-Boqer	Thailand	To improve the information and management systems of existing irrigation schemes toward better irrigation performance
11. Increasing the efficiency of soil and fertilizer phosphate use by crops on acid soils	1995	Technion, Haifa	Nigeria	To increase and improve the efficiency of soils and fertilization in acid soils

b) Netherlands-Israel Research Program for Developing Countries (NIRP)

Project Name	Starting year	Israeli partner	Developing country	Purpose of project
1. Knowledge systems to facilitate sustainable agriculture - the case of West Africa	1993	Hebrew University, Jerusalem	Benin	A study of "sense making" by West African small farmers as it relates to the sustainable use of natural resources
2. Drought planning and rain water harvesting for arid- zone pastoralists	1993	Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Sede-Boqer	Kenya	Rural knowledge systems and livelihood strategies of the Turkana of Kenya and the Bedouin of the Negev
3. Technological change and rural third world women - an impact study in Machakos District	1993	Tel Aviv University	Kenya	To devise conceptual instruments for an impact study on change in agricultural technology sensitive to women and culture; to carry out the study on the impact of the sorghum and millet improvement program of the 1980s
4. Market gardening, urban growth and sustainable income- generation	1993	Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan	Nigeria	To familiarize policy makers with possibilities of improving production and marketing of vegetables without heavy investments in market gardening
5. Refugee resettlement in Uganda in the light of Israels experience in planned rural settlements	1993	Development Study Centre, Rehovot	Uganda	To study population groups displaced by disaster/internal political violence
6. Local knowledge and action in the Mandare Mountains	1994	Hebrew University, Jerusalem	Cameroon	Focus on the dynamics of local knowledge and its importance in locally based soil and water management of the Mafa people in Northern Cameroon
7. Economic and social aspects of change in commercial crafts of ethnic groups	1994	Hebrew University, Jerusalem	Thailand	To obtain better understanding of the processes of transmission and innovation of technical knowledge and aesthetic values in commercialized craft production
8. The influence of settlement on substance use and abuse among nomadic populations in Israel and Kenya	1994	Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva	Kenya	Examining the relation of the following sets of variables to substance use and abuse among the Maasai of Kenya and the Bedouin of the Negev desert: social behavior (KAB) change
9. Agricultural cooperatives in Nigeria, Zambia and Nepal: Relevance of the Israeli moshav experience	1994	Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Sede-Boqer	Nigeria Zambia Nepal	A current analysis of the experience in agricultural cooperatives in Zambia and Nigeria, initiated in the 1960s. In addition to the assessment of the relative success of still functioning cooperative communities, the search hopes to add theoretical insights concerning cooperation and community development and the impact of state support on cooperative functioning
10. Management of rural knowledge systems for natural resource management in Senegalese rural communities	1994	Hebrew University, Jerusalem	Senegal	Aims: (1) to what extent local knowledge and traditional land use patterns are incorporated into natural resource management (NRM), planning and projects at the local level; (2) if the local rural government units (CRS) are an effective instrument for land use and NRM in areas under their jurisdiction; (3) what measures can be taken to improve CRS effectiveness in NRM planning
11. Growing market dependence on food security arrangements for pastoralists in Southern and Eastern Kenya	1994	Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Sede-Boqer	Kenya	To study examples of pastoral economies, notably the Maasai and the Somali, to gain insight into the possibilities and conditions for increased livestock off-take from the pastoral herd and efficient flow of grains into the areas. The comparative analysis will further include the Bedouins of the Negev desert who have relevant experience with intensification and commercialization of livestock production
12. Small-scale enterprises in rural Kenya: constraints and perspectives	1994	Development Study Centre, Rehovot	Kenya	A socio-economic study addressing the question of barriers to entry and growth of small enterprises in rural Kenya
13. Rural development and fertility changes in Cote d'Ivoire	1994	Hebrew University, Jerusalem	Cote d'Ivoire	To design a strategy aimed at integrating family planning with rural development programs
14. Inter-household resource allocation, child mortality and malnutrition in a subsistence economy	1994	Hebrew University, Rehovot, Faculty of Agriculture	Ethiopia	Several competing theories of family decision-making and the hypothesis of intra-household bargaining over resource allocation will be tested. Outcomes of various policy measures will be evaluated in light of the estimated resource allocation patterns
15. Mapping indigenous and international NGOs in Ethiopia with focus on dealing with refugee problems	1995	Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva	Ethiopia	The study will create an inventory of existing NGOs dealing with refugee problems; study the modes of operation of local, indigenous and international NGOs dealing with the issue, as well as patterns of interaction, coordination and cooperation
16. Development of a culturally sensitive psychiatry screening instrument: the influence of acculturation on idioms of psychological distress	1995	JDC Falk Institute, Jerusalem	Ethiopia	To explore and compare the "idioms of distress", attitudes and beliefs regarding illness among Ethiopians at different levels of "acculturation" to scientific explanatory models of illness; to develop a screening instrument for mental health problems and to test its validity against an external criterion
17. Studies in Palestinian multi-lingualism and language policy	1995	Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel Bethlehem University, Palestinian Authority	-	To develop socio-linguistic knowledge that will be relevant to the development of appropriate language policies
18. The share-holding system in China	1995	Ruppin Institute of Agriculture, Emek Hefer	China	Research focuses on the privatization process and the ability of autonomous units to encourage motivation, productivity, responsibility and democracy. Objectives include: measuring the success of the new share-holding cooperative system (CSHS); examine the level of democracy and participation in decision-making processes; compare the achievements of the CSHS with other communities (mainly kibbutzim and moshavim)
19. Values and development in Uganda - an action research	1995	Hebrew University, Jerusalem	Uganda	The study focuses on the cultural atmosphere and values of individuals related to socio-economic development. It aims at identifying aspects of the Uganda cultural value profile; relating value priorities of local decision makers to socio-economic development programs; proposing cultural guidelines for designing effective development programs
20. Ethnicity and democratization in Africa	1995	Open University of Israel, Tel Aviv	Nigeria	The study focuses on ethnic relations, concentrating on the increasing incidence of ethnic violence. Aims: To shed light on the nature of ethnic identity; explore the conduciveness of ethnic identity to conflict; chart the reciprocal effects of ethnic consciousness and the process of democratization with particular reference to the stability and viability of the nation-state in Nigeria
21. Village doctors in different ownership clinics in the chinese countryside	1996	Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva	China	To evaluate the relationship between processes - transition to a socialist market economy in China; the privatization of the health care system; reduction in the accessibility and affordability of health care; and stagnation and deterioration of health indicators. Government-owned, collective, and private clinics will be studied
22. Cultural, economic, environmental and personal factors effecting adolescent sexual attitudes and behavior in Zambia	1996	Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva	Zambia	To investigate the measure of aids-related knowledge and attitudes, as well as adolescent patterns of social behavior in urban and rural Zambia. In addition, the influence of cultural values, economic conditions, environmental settings, familial and peer attitudes on the sexual activity of adolescents. Aim: identification of adolescents that are at high risk of contracting Aids; recommendation of preventive strategies
23. The prevention of sexually transmitted diseases and HIV/AIDS among fishermen in the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea	1996	Hebrew University, Jerusalem	Thailand	To investigate the rapidly spreading HIV among fishermen in the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea, in particular, the socio-demographic factors, sexual lifestyle and health related behavior of this group. The result of the survey will be used as a database to identify those at highest risk for HIV transmition and to implement a targeted intervention program
24. The transformation of farmer cooperatives in Tanzania: a study on the organizational and management problems of emerging cooperatives in selected regions	1996	Hebrew University, Rehovot, Faculty of Agriculture	Tanzania	To investigate the origin and nature of policy changes; operational and financial performance of selected cooperatives: and the role of management and socio-cultural factors in influencing cooperative development
25. Education for international cooperation: The Middle East water management case	1996	Tel Aviv University, Israel A-Najah University, Nablus, Palestinian Authority	-	The study attempts to influence public attitudes via compromise and cooperation, through an educational program based on improving the knowledge base of young Palestinians and Israelis on topics related to the water dispute. A curriculum that focuses on water management issues will be developed and implemented
26. Ethnic identity, stereotypes and psychological modernity in Ethiopian young adults: Identifying the potential for change	1996	Haifa University	Ethiopia	The study attemps to relate issues of ethnic identity and stereotypes to contribute towards the understanding of ethnic relations and social identity
27. Intra and inter-household variation in childcare among the Dagomba of Northern Ghana	1997	Haifa University	Ghana	The research examines child care in the context of the family. It analyzes and compares social and cultural processes within and between individual families. Patterns and variations will be shown relative to the sex age (birth order) of the child, position as a biological, twin, step or foster child, as well as to the size, economic and educational situation of the family
28. Migrant networks, livelihoods and the cultural construction of "community" in the Central Highlands of Peru	1997	Tel Aviv University	Peru	The project examines the relationship of migration to family livelihoods and community organization in the Central Highlands of Peru. It analyzes different types of migration processes: explores the economic, cultural and political impact of migration on local level development and on processes of social reconstruction
29. Multiple factors affecting adolescent sexual knowledge, attitude and behavior related HIV/AIDS in Kenya - an impact study on HIV/AIDS prevention education	1997	Tel Aviv University	Kenya	The project aims to determine the cultural, socio-economic, religious, environmental and personal factors affecting adolescent sexual attitudes related to HIV/AIDS in Kenya. Moreover Kenyan students, particularly women, will be trained to use relevant research methodology
30. Effects of decentralization and organizational reforms on the management of social and environmental problems in the Accra Metropolitan Plain	1997	Tel Aviv University	Ghana	The study evaluates the relationship between governance of the greater Accra Metropolitan area and local development strategies and policies
31. Socio-economic aspects of water mangement practices for agriculture - the North China Plain case	1997	Hebrew University, Jerusalem	China	The aim of the project is to analyze the socio-economic aspects of the present water management system in North China Plain and to design and evaluate alternative water management systems
32. Language policy and dynamics of communication in multi- lingual context	1997	ARO-Volcani Centre	Eritrea	A language planning study project which will clarify language policy options for Eritrean education. The central problem the research addresses the use of the mother tongue and other languages as language(s) of instruction in school subjects
33. Resource management and contract choice in agricultural cooperatives	1997	Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan	Nicaragua	The project will address the different socio-economic factors that underlay (changes in) contract choice at farmhouse level related to agricultural production cooperatives