Exploring Indigenous and Local Knowledge and Practices (ILKPs) in Traditional Jhum Cultivation for Localizing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): A Case Study from Zunheboto District of Nagaland, India.

Globally, shifting cultivation is known to be an important driver of tropical deforestation. However, in this paper, we argue that it can be sustainably managed if the environmental boundary conditions, laid by the traditional customs and practices, are fully respected. We narrate an empirical study from the Zunheboto district of Nagaland, India, where we deployed a mixed research method to explore the Indigenous and Local Knowledge and Practices (ILKPs) associated with shifting cultivation (aka Jhum), particularly concerning farm-level practices, forest and biodiversity conservation, and disaster risk reduction measures. The research method included analysis of primary data obtained through Focus Group discussions (FGDs), key informant interviews (n = 21), and a questionnaire survey (n = 153) with Jhum farmers from two different age groups, i.e., below 50 years (middle-aged farmers) and above 50 years (older farmers). From the qualitative inquiry, we identified 15 ILKPs, which were then validated from survey responses. We used the Mann-Whitney U test to examine differences in agreement between two groups of framers. Based on this analysis, we conclude that upholding of the ILKPs holds strong potential for the local implementation of several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly, SDG-1(No poverty), SDG-2 (Zero hunger), and SDG-15 (Life on land). However, eight of the identified ILKPs showed a statistically significant difference between older and middle-aged farmers, underlining a declining trend. Finally, we suggest suitable policy measures to mainstream ILKPs to balance the trade-offs in food production and biodiversity conservation, and to ensure the future sustainability of Jhum cultivation in the region and beyond.

Capital and symbolic power in water quality governance: stakeholder dynamics in managing nonpoint sources pollution.

Maintaining quantity and quality is a primary concern in the supply of drinking water. One critical indicator of water quality is nonpoint sources (NPS) pollution. However, persistent risks regarding water quality maintenance have often resulted from compounded social dynamics occurring within and between institutions, while solutions tend to concentrate on scientific/technological treatments. The present study aims to analyse the social dynamics operating within and between such institutions, with a particular focus on the management of NPS pollution that involves the participation of headwater residents. A qualitative case study was conducted on the management of the headwater in Taipei metropolis. The study applied Bourdieu's field theory to understand the mechanism of social interaction and diverse interests among stakeholders. Through in-depth interviews with stakeholders, this research investigated their perceptions regarding various water quality threats and treatments, also mechanisms and gaps in the implementation of NPS pollution-related policies. The study then interpreted emerging issues by considering the stakeholders' various forms of capital input, their strategies in capital exchange and accumulation, as well as the diverse symbolic powers in water quality governance. The research indicates that the ambiguous character of NPS pollution leads to diverse perceptions towards water quality risk, and the ambivalent strategies in negotiation also create barriers to stable stakeholder relationships. Consequently, the research suggests that technocratic-centred governance should also contain sociological perspectives on personal mentality and power dynamic in the society.

Multi-route risk assessment from trihalomethanes in drinking water supplies.

The main objectives of this study were to investigate the concentration and lifetime cancer risk and hazard index of trihalomethanes (THMs) through multiple routes like oral ingestion, dermal absorption, and inhalation exposure in the water samples collected at water treatment plant endpoints. Bromoform has been found in highest concentration followed by chloroform. A lesser concentration of dibromochloromethane has been found than dichlorobromomethane in most of the studied water, which is an unusual scenario, in spite of the high concentration of bromide in the water which can be attributed to the formation, speciation, and distribution of THMs in the breakpoint chlorination curve. Among the three pathways studied, inhalation contributed 80-90% of the total risk followed by oral exposure and dermal contact. Chloroform was found to be the major THM which is having cancer risk in its gaseous form whereas bromoform contributed highest cancer risk through oral ingestion. The average hazard index of total THMs through oral route was higher than unity, indicating high noncarcinogenic risk. The discrepancy between the three exposure pathways may be attributed to different concentration and speciation of THMs present in the waters. The sensitivity analysis by tornado diagram confirmed the highest positive impact of chloroform to the total cancer risk and, indirectly, confirmed inhalation as the major pathway of exposure. This study suggests the modification of the regulatory issues related to THMs based on the health risk associated with each THM and exposure pathway.