Rajagiri Journal of Social Development

Adapting to Climate Variability: Challenges and Interventions in Majuli, Assam

Josephine Nongmaithem — 2024-11-06

Floods in the Brahmaputra River, one of the world’s largest rivers, pose significant threats
to life, livelihoods and property annually in the riverine island, Majuli, Assam. The island
community, especially the Mishings, has historically relied on traditional innovations to cope
with these challenges. However, climate change has altered rainfall patterns, making floods
more severe and unpredictable, and has disrupted their traditional coping mechanisms. Using
qualitative research methodology, this study explores the challenges that the Majuli community
faces in adapting to climate variability. It also identifies strengths, weaknesses and gaps in
existing governmental and non-governmental interventions to enhance disaster management
strategies. Furthermore, it explores public perceptions to shed light on community needs and
encourage meaningful engagement. This descriptive study, encompassing Majuli’s disaster
resilience and sustainable development, contributes to evidence-based policies and
programmes aimed at mitigating climate risks

Gender Awareness among Adolescent Students in Kerala: An Exploratory Study

K.L. Ligin — 2024-11-06

According to Article 15 of the Indian Constitution, the Right to Equality has to be guaranteed
to every individual irrespective of class, caste and gender but the question is whether this
right is practised. Gender issues have become a common issue in society. Violence against
women, sexual harassment of women and children, and transgender issues are increasing
day by day. A possible solution to end these issues is to impart gender education to the
younger generation. Gender education should start with family and schools as the children
spend most of their time with family and in the school environment. Hence, the researcher
intends to understand the gender awareness of adolescent children, especially from 8th
standard students from a co-education school in the Thiruvananthapuram district through
qualitative research. In this study, the researcher explored perceptions and attitudes toward
gender equity among school-going adolescents. The researcher used FGD, participant
observation and case studies as tools for data collection. The study gave insight to the
researcher on the perception of gender how the students understand gender issues, and
their reflections on gender equality. The study provided valuable insights into the importance
of gender-neutral parenting and the significance of early gender education within both family
and school environments.

Empowering Education in Africa: The Future of Academic Libraries with Artificial Intelligence – A Comprehensive Review

Jafar Tijjani Umar — 2024-11-06

This article examines the potential transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in
academic libraries throughout Africa, providing insights into the opportunities and obstacles
it entails. The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) has initiated a transformation in the library
domain, resulting in improved user experiences and more efficient resource management.
The utilisation of artificial intelligence (AI)-driven search engines and recommendation
systems is employed to deliver tailored content, hence enhancing the speed and effectiveness
of information retrieval. Moreover, artificial intelligence (AI) enhances accessibility for
individuals with visual and auditory impairments by leveraging natural language processing
and speech recognition technology. The influence of artificial intelligence (AI) extends beyond
the provision of user services, encompassing several aspects such as the comprehension of
community requirements, trend analysis and resource preservation. Utilising this technology
facilitates the effective retrieval of material and promotes collaborative efforts among
individuals who share common research interests, hence establishing academic communities.
Academic libraries in Africa have several obstacles when it comes to the implementation of
artificial intelligence (AI), encompassing financial limitations, ethical considerations and
reluctance to embrace change. Adopting AI is impeded by challenges related to connectivity
constraints and power supply limits. The resolution of these challenges holds significant
importance for academic libraries in Africa, as it enables them to fully leverage the capabilities
of artificial intelligence and enhance the standard of library services in the era of information.

Awareness Regarding Dyslexia Among Primary School Teachers: A Study in the Context of Social Work

Shailza Bharti — 2024-11-06

Dyslexia is a condition that is covered under the specific learning disabilities (SLD) in the
Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016 (RPwD Act, 2016). Dyslexia is characterised by
inaccurate reading, poor spelling and slow reading. Objective: The objective of the study
was to ascertain the awareness regarding various aspects of dyslexia among primary school
teachers employed in Government schools in Himachal Pradesh and Punjab. Method: A
descriptive research design was used for the present study. Respondents were selected by
multistage sampling technique. A total of 128 primary school teachers from government
schools in HP and Punjab were included in the study by using simple random sampling. The
structured interview schedule was used as a tool for the study. The tool was also converted
into an online survey form using Google Forms. Collected data was then entered in MS
Excel and univariate analysis was done. Findings: The study found that 89.84% of
respondents have heard about the term ‘SLD’ and 91.40% of respondents have heard about
the term ‘dyslexia’. The study also found that only 11.97% of the respondents were aware
about the RPwD Act 2016, the legislation in which SLD is covered. The major source of the
information of the respondents regarding dyslexia was mass media (42.59%) which also
included movies like ‘Taare Zameen Par’. Respondents considered genetic factors,
environmental factors, brain injury as causes of dyslexia. Few teachers also believed that it
was a communicable disease. Awareness about all the ‘warning signs of dyslexia’ and ‘signs
and symptoms of dyslexia’ was reported by 72.65% and 71.79% of the respondents,
respectively. 86.32% of the respondents stated that they can identify a child with this condition
and according to 35.90% of the respondents, at least one child with this condition was present
in their school. 78.63% of the respondents could identify the various strategies associated
with the management of this condition. The study also found that 64.71% of respondents
were aware of the full form of ‘UDID’. Based on these findings the study makes an attempt
to highlight ways in which a social worker can create awareness regarding this condition and
play a pivotal role in the holistic development of these children. This will also ensure the
fulfilment of the objectives of National Education Policy 2020.

From Farm to Family: Family Farms’ Contribution to Food Security in Asia-Pacific

Abshana Jamal — 2024-11-06

Global uncertainties in the agrifood system pose significant challenges to food security. In
this context, family farming (FF) emerges as a critical player in ensuring food security,
particularly in the Asia and the Pacific regions. Characterised by family control of land and
labour, FF encompasses a way of life, agricultural diversity, historical significance, and cultural
traditions. This paper explores the role of FF in ensuring food security in Asia and the Pacific.
It also examines the key characteristics of FF, its contributions to food security and the
challenges it faces.

Jane Bottomley, Pat Cartney, Steven Pryjmachuk, Critical Thinking Skills for Your Social Work Degree

Jolly John Odathakkal — 2024-11-06

Jane Bottomley, Pat Cartney, Steven Pryjmachuk,
Critical Thinking Skills for Your Social Work Degree