Tag: Essays

Celebrating the Vibrant Festival of Colors: Holi

 By Shashikant Nishant Sharma

Holi, the festival of colors, is one of the most exuberant and joyful celebrations in India, marking the arrival of spring and the triumph of good over evil. This ancient Hindu festival, observed primarily in India and Nepal, is a time when people come together to drench each other in colored powders and water, dance to lively music, indulge in traditional sweets, and spread love and happiness. Let’s delve into the rich tapestry of traditions and significance that make Holi such a cherished and colorful event.

Historical and Cultural Significance:

The roots of Holi can be traced back to Hindu mythology, particularly to the legend of Prahlada and Hiranyakashipu. Prahlada, a devout follower of Lord Vishnu, was the son of the demon king Hiranyakashipu, who sought to eliminate his son due to his allegiance to Vishnu. Holika, the sister of Hiranyakashipu, had a boon that made her immune to fire. Together, they devised a plan to kill Prahlada by burning him. However, through divine intervention, Prahlada emerged unscathed while Holika perished in the fire. This event symbolizes the victory of good over evil, and the name “Holi” is derived from “Holika.”

Another popular myth associated with Holi is the divine love of Radha and Krishna. According to legend, Lord Krishna, known for his mischievous nature, complained to his mother about Radha’s fair complexion compared to his dark skin. Playfully, his mother suggested he apply color on Radha’s face to change her complexion. Thus, the tradition of applying colors during Holi is believed to have originated from this playful act of Lord Krishna with his beloved Radha.

Celebrations and Rituals:

Holi is celebrated with great zeal and fervor throughout India and among the Indian diaspora worldwide. The festivities usually begin on the evening of the full moon day in the Hindu month of Phalguna (February-March) and continue the next day.

1. Holika Dahan (Bonfire): The celebrations kick off with the ritual of Holika Dahan, where bonfires are lit to commemorate the burning of Holika, symbolizing the victory of good over evil. People gather around the bonfire, sing and dance, and perform rituals to ward off evil spirits.

2. Rangwali Holi (Playing with Colors): The main event of Holi involves smearing and splashing colored powders (gulal) and colored water (abir) on friends, family, and even strangers. People roam the streets armed with water guns (pichkaris) and bags of colored powder, drenching each other in hues of red, green, blue, yellow, and purple. It’s a time when social barriers are temporarily forgotten, and people of all ages and backgrounds come together to revel in the spirit of unity and joy.

3. Gujiya and Other Delicacies: No Indian festival is complete without its share of mouthwatering delicacies. Holi is synonymous with indulging in traditional sweets like gujiya (sweet dumplings), malpua (pancakes), mathri (crispy snacks), and thandai (a refreshing milk-based drink infused with spices and nuts, sometimes laced with bhang, a derivative of cannabis, especially in certain regions of India).

4. Music and Dance: Holi is also a time for vibrant music, dance, and cultural performances. Communities organize folk dances, drum circles, and musical gatherings where participants sway to the beats of traditional Holi songs and Bollywood tunes.

5. Forgiveness and Reconciliation: Holi is not just about revelry; it’s also a time for forgiveness and reconciliation. People use this occasion to mend broken relationships, bury the hatchet, and start afresh with renewed warmth and affection.

Modern Interpretations and Global Appeal:

In recent years, Holi has transcended its cultural boundaries and gained popularity beyond India. Its message of joy, love, and inclusivity resonates with people from diverse backgrounds, leading to the celebration of Holi in various parts of the world. From vibrant street parties in cities like New York and London to organized events in cultural hubs, Holi has become a global festival of colors, attracting people of all nationalities and faiths.

Conclusion:

Holi, with its kaleidoscope of colors, transcendent joy, and rich cultural heritage, remains a cherished festival that embodies the spirit of togetherness and celebration. Beyond its religious and mythological significance, Holi is a celebration of life, love, and the eternal quest for happiness. As we immerse ourselves in the colors of Holi, let us also embrace its underlying message of unity, compassion, and harmony, spreading joy and warmth to all those around us.

References

Crooke, W. (1914). The Holi: A vernal festival of the Hindus. Folklore, 25(1), 55-83.

Ebeling, K. (2009). Holi, an Indian festival, and its reflection in English media. Die Ordnung des Standard und die Differenzierung der Diskurse: Akten des 41. Linguistischen Kolloquiums in Mannheim 2006, 24, 107.

Gardner, J. J., & Deepanjali, L. (2012). Impact of ‘Holi’on the environment, a scientific study. Arch. Appl. Sci. Res, 4, 1403-1410.

Jackson, R. (1976). Holi in North India and in an English city: Some adaptations and anomalies. New Community, 5(3), 203-210.

Randhawa, A. Holi festival showcases Indian culture on campus.

Nature and Extent of Nutrition Education Being Imparted to the Rural School Children by the Selected Stakeholders

 Ankit Pal1, Lenin Venu2, Satyapriya3, Ananda K R*4, Alok Dube5

1, 2, 3 Research Scholar, Agricultural Extension, ICAR- Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi.

4, 5 Research Scholar, Agricultural Extension, ICAR- Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi.

 

ABSTRACT

With an emphasis on the responsibilities played by teachers, parents, and Anganwadi workers, this study intends to analyse the existing practises of nutrition teaching in rural schools in Bihar, India. An ex-post facto research design was used for the study, which was carried out in the Bihar district of Arwal. Teachers, parents, and Anganwadi staff made up the 240 participants who were drawn at random. Data collection was done using questionnaires, which were pretested for validity and reliability. As well as identifying any gaps or areas for improvement, the obtained data were analysed to ascertain the common tactics and methodology utilised by educators, parents, and Anganwadi staff in delivering nutrition education. According to the study, parents used a variety of tactics to promote healthy eating habits in their kids, including giving them choices, giving nutritious foods catchy names, and making food appealing to the eye. For nutrition teaching, teachers mostly used lectures, discussions, and visual aids like nutrition charts and posters.

However, there were still certain areas that required improvement, such as more active parental involvement, student involvement in cooking projects, and teaching children how to read food labels. The study gives suggestions and ideas to improve the calibre and scope of nutrition education programmes in rural Bihar and offers insightful analyses of the practises of nutrition education currently in use. This study adds to the creation of focused interventions and support systems for boosting nutrition instruction in rural schools by filling in information gaps and identifying areas for improvement.

Keywords: Nutrition education, Rural schools, Teaching materials, Teachers, Parents, Anganwadi workers. 

 

INTRODUCTION

It is impossible to exaggerate the value of nutrition education, particularly for the growth and development of children in rural regions. Understanding the type and scope of nutrition education being given to schoolchildren in Bihar, an Indian state noted for its primarily rural population, is of utmost importance. In this study, nutrition instruction in rural schools will be examined, with an emphasis on the responsibilities that teachers, parents, and Anganwadi workers play in this process. In order to encourage healthy eating habits, minimise malnutrition, and support general growth and development in children, nutrition education is essential. The need of education is even greater in rural communities when access to adequate healthcare and nutritional resources may be limited. To create effective methods for enhancing nutrition education among rural schoolchildren in Bihar, an evaluation of the current initiatives and the identification of potential gaps are important effective schools with pleasant school environments have made a big effort to connect with the families of their students in order to create outstanding cooperation. Maintain that for schools to be effective, there must be a strong and cooperative interaction between students, parents, teachers, and the community. (Sanders, 2009).

Teachers play a crucial role in determining how children learn in rural schools. They have the capacity to contribute significantly to the dissemination of nutrition information and the encouragement of wholesome eating practises. Designing targeted interventions and support systems requires a thorough understanding of how instructors integrate nutrition education into their curricula and the methods they use.

The eating habits and nutritional intake of a child are significantly influenced by parents as well. They are essential in preparing meals and setting up a setting that encourages healthy eating at home. We may learn more about the degree of awareness and engagement in families and pinpoint areas for development by examining the role of parents in nutrition education.  A child’s eating habits will continue to improve if the family models the improvements in behaviour and shares the same influences. (Epstein et al., 2001).

Additionally, community health workers known as Anganwadi workers who are in charge of offering fundamental nutrition and health services play a critical role in rural areas. They frequently collaborate closely with schools and families, offering assistance and direction on numerous facets of young children’s nutrition and health. It can be useful to discover chances for collaboration and increase the overall impact of such initiatives by evaluating the involvement and training of Anganwadi staff in providing nutrition education.

In terms of nutrition and education, school gardens can assist kids and their families in both rural and urban settings. As a platform for learning, school gardens should be viewed as a way to promote nutrition and education rather than as a way to produce vast amounts of food or money. Students can learn how to grow, care for, harvest, and prepare healthful seasonal vegetables in the classroom, the garden, the kitchen, the school cafeteria, and the home. The experience increases the school community’s environmental, social, and physical wellness while fostering a greater understanding of how the natural world sustains us. The concept is supported by links to backyard gardens, which also provide opportunity for the school and the community to exchange information and expertise. (FAO, 2010 and 2015).

This study aims to fill the knowledge gap about the type and scope of nutrition instruction provided to rural Bihar schoolchildren. Its goal is to shed light on current practises and point out potential areas for change by looking at the responsibilities of teachers, parents, and Anganwadi workers. The results of this study can help stakeholders, including policymakers, educators, and educators, establish comprehensive and successful programmes to support nutrition education and enhance the general wellbeing of rural schoolchildren in Bihar.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

In order to encourage healthy eating habits and prevent malnutrition among schoolchildren, nutrition education is essential. However, there is a dearth of thorough knowledge about the type and scope of nutrition education being provided to schoolchildren by teachers, parents, and Anganwadi workers in rural areas of Bihar where malnutrition rates are frighteningly high. The efficacy of the current programmes for nutrition education and the degree of cooperation amongst various stakeholders are still unknown.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

1. Assess the nature and extent of nutrition education being delivered to rural school children, including the curriculum, teaching materials, and instructional approaches employed by teachers, parents, and Anganwadi workers.

2. Provide recommendations and strategies to enhance the quality and reach of nutrition education programs in rural Bihar.

RESEARCH QUESTION

1.  To determine the nature and extent of nutrition education being imparted to the rural school children by the Parents?

2. To determine the nature and extent of nutrition education being imparted to the rural school children by the Teachers?

3. To determine the nature and extent of nutrition education being imparted to the rural school children by Anganwadi workers?

AREA OF THE STUDY

The research was conducted in the Arwal district of Bihar.

METHODOLOGY

The present study, with the main aim of determine the of nature and extent of nutrition education being imparted to the rural school children in Arwal district of Bihar was conducted adopting an ex-post facto research design. An ex-post factoresearch is a systematic empirical enquiry in which the researcher does not have direct control over the variables because their manifestations have already occurred or because they are inherently not manipulatable (Kerlinger, 1964).

Arwal district was purposively selected for the study.  There are five blocks in the district. Three blocks will be randomly selected. From each block a cluster of rural schools was randomly selected and from each school cluster 30 children were randomly selected. Besides this, 90 parents of these selected children will be randomly selected. In addition, 30 teachers will be selected from these 3 schools clusters. Further 30 Anganwadi workers will be randomly selected. Total sample size of the study was 240.

Reading articles and examining textbooks helped create a question (item) bank, which was then thoroughly examined with the assistance of subject-matter specialists. The purpose of the questions was to assess the type and quantity of nutrition instruction being provided to rural schoolchildren. There were 43 items made in total for the relevance test. A knowledgeable panel of judges reviewed the item statements to determine their applicability and chose those that would be tested in the final exam. The 43 items were presented to a panel of 30 judges who were experts in extension education with the request that they evaluate the application of each item. The judges were asked to react using a five-point scale with ratings of 5, 4, 3, and 1, highly relevant, relevant, undecided, less relevant, and not relevant. The relevancy score for each item was calculated by adding the ratings on the scale for each judge’s comments. Two types of tests—relevancy percentage and frequency—were computed from the data for each item. The choices were made from the items that satisfied the minimum parameters (Relevancy% > 70, Relevancy Weightage > 0, and Mean relevancy score > 3.0). There were 17 total items chosen for parents, 16 for Parents and Anganwadi workers. The target population’s knowledge, practises, and behaviours about nutrition were to be evaluated through the use of these questions. Each question had two options for answers: “yes” or “no,” allowing for a binary response.

A representative sample of teachers, parents, and Anganwadi workers in rural Bihar were given the questionnaire as part of the data collection procedure. The questionnaire was pretested on a small pilot sample before to the actual data collection in order to improve the reliability and validity of the results. This made it easier to spot any questions that had questions that were unclear or had problems, which were then fixed to make the questions accurate and clear.

 

DATA ANALYSIS AND PRESENTATION

Table 1 Nature and Extent of Nutrition Education Provided by the Parents (N=90)

Sl.no

Statement

f

%

Mean score

Rank

1

Do you allow your children to make choice between the healthy food?

54

60

0.60

VII

2

Do you use interesting names (word-play) for healthy food?

57

 63.33

0.63

VI

3

Do you use red cherry, nuts, butter and cream on the food to make it very attractive?

84

93.33

0.93

I

4

Do you ever give the opportunity to children to help you in the kitchen?

69

76.66

0.76

III

5

Do you keep more healthy nutritious food rather than junk food in the almirah or fridge?

60

66.66

0.66

V

6

Do you give any rewards/ bait for eating healthy food?

63

70

0.70

IV

7

Do you tell the story of your children to encourage them to consume Bitter gourd, Bottle gourd, Pumpkin and other vegetables which don’t look good but very nutritious?

 33

 36.66

0.36

 XII

8

Do you take the help of Tv programme (cartoon), Tv advertisement to aware your children about healthy food?

63

70

0.70

IV

9

Do you convince your children to keep fast on the eve of festivals?

24

26.66

0.26

XIV

10

When you go for trip with your children do you brings home made food with you?

36

40

0.40

XI

11

Does your children have breakfast, lunch and dinner with you?

27

30

0.30

XIII

12

Does your children watching Tv while eating food?

48

53.33

0.53

IX

13

Do you pray for God before eating food?

42

46.66

0.46

X

14

Do you give junk food in few quantities in order to force your children to eat more fruits, vegetables and dry products?

51

56.66

0.56

VIII

15

Do you stop your children when they eating more than enough?

51

56.66

0.56

VIII

16

While you making the healthy food do you pay attention on colour, appearance and taste of food?

60

66.66

0.66

V

17

Do you apply the tactic that if you finish your milk daily then we will go for fair?

75

83.33

0.83

II

 

According to the findings in table 1, a significant portion of parents (93.33%) admitted to using red cherries, nuts, butter, and cream on food to make it more aesthetically pleasing. This finding suggests that attempts have been made to increase the appeal of nutritious food. According to 83.33% of parents, the strategy of promising a trip to a fair if the child finishes their milk each day may encourage milk consumption. 

A sizable percentage of parents (76.66%) gave their kids the chance to assist in meal preparation, showing a favourable interest in this activity. In order to promote healthy eating among their children, a sizable portion of parents (70%) used TV shows and commercials.

 

Table 2 Nature and Extent of Nutrition Education Provided by the Teachers (N=30)                                                                                                                                    

Sl.no

Statements

f

%

Mean score

Rank

1

Do you use any Nutrition chart, poster or other visual tools to teach the students?

27

90

0.9

II

2

Do you take the help of books to teach the children about nutrition education?

26

86.66

0.86

III

3

Do you offer the various types of games to enhance the nutritional knowledge of the children?

24

80

0.80

V

4

Do you arrange any nutritional program or nutritional week to provide the nutrition education?

25

83.33

0.83

IV

5

Do you ever bring the students in the garden to aware them about nutritious food?

18

60

0.60

VII

6

Do you take the help of Anganwadi workers to provide the nutrition education of the students?

25

83.33

0.83

IV

7

Do you engage students with cooking projects?

16

53.33

0.53

IX

8

Do you ever arrange the meeting with parents of students to aware them about nutritious food?

17

56.66

0.56

VIII

9

Do you deliver lecture to teach the students?

28

93.33

0.93

I

10

Do you arrange any debates on the topic of healthy food among the children?

28

93.33

0.93

I

11

Do you provide any type of rewards/ Bait of children to consume the healthy food?

26

86.66

0.86

III

12

Do you give any type of punishment / threat, If student consume unhealthy food?

19

63.33

0.63

VI

13

Do you send the learning materials (related from nutrition) to parents to teach the children?

18

60

0.60

VII

14

Do you bring local chefs to your school to teach student about healthy eating practice and local foods?

25

83.33

0.83

IV

15

Do you teach the students that how to read food label so they have the skills to make healthy choices at the grocery store or home?

15

50

0.50

X

16

Do you apply taste-test method on the students to aware them about various nutritious food?

12

40

0.40

XI

 

Table 2 demonstrates the prevalence of lectures as a teaching strategy, with 93.33% of instructors using lectures to instruct students about nutrition. Similarly, 93.33% of teachers organised discussions among the students on issues related to healthy eating. 

90% of educators said they instruct children about nutrition using charts, posters, or other visual aids. 86.66% of teachers who addressed the topic indicated using books as a resource for nutrition instruction. 86.66% of teachers said they offered incentives or rewards to entice kids to eat healthy.

Only 40% of teachers used the taste-test technique to inform students about different nutrient-dense foods. Lessons on how to read food labels so that consumers can make healthy choices at the grocery store or at home were only cited by 50% of teachers.

 

Table 3 Nature and Extent of Nutrition Education Provided by the Anganwadi Workers (N=30)       

S.no

Statements

f

%

Mean score

Rank

1

Do you use any Nutrition chart, poster or other visual tools to teach the students?

30

100

1

I

2

Do you take the help of books to teach the children about nutrition education?

30

100

1

I

3

Do you offer the various types of games to enhance the nutritional knowledge of the children?

29

96.66

0.96

II

4

Do you arrange any nutritional program or nutritional week to provide the nutrition education?

17

56.66

0.56

VII

5

Do you ever bring the students in the garden to aware them about nutritious food?

12

40

0.40

X

6

Do you take the help of Anganwadi workers to provide the nutrition education of the students?

24

80

0.80

V

7

Do you engage students with cooking projects?

13

43.33

0.43

IX

8

Do you ever arrange the meeting with parents of students to aware them about nutritious food?

29

96.66

0.96

II

9

Do you deliver lecture to teach the students?

30

100

1

I

10

Do you arrange any debates on the topic of healthy food among the children?

25

83.33

0.83

IV

11

Do you provide any type of rewards/ Bait of children to consume the healthy food?

24

80

0.80

V

12

Do you give any type of punishment / threat, if student consume unhealthy food?

15

50

0.50

VIII

13

Do you send the learning materials (related from nutrition) to parents to teach the children?

19

63.33

0.63

VI

14

Do you bring local chefs to your school to teach student about healthy eating practice and local foods?

27

90

0.90

III

15

Do you teach the students that how to read food label so they have the skills to make healthy choices at the grocery store or home?

12

40

0.40

X

16

Do you apply taste-test method on the students to aware them about various nutritious food?

12

40

0.40

X

 

Table 3 reveals that (100%) of the Anganwadi staff members claimed to have taught the pupils about nutrition using charts, posters, or other visual aids. Similarly, 100% of the employees said they used books to teach kids about nutrition education. All of the employees (100%) stated that they gave lectures to pupils about nutrition. 

Ninety-six percent (96%) of the staff reported using different games to improve the kids’ dietary awareness. Organising meetings with parents to spread awareness of nutrient-dense foods was reported by a sizable majority of employees (96.66%). 90% of the staff members indicated that the school invited local chefs to teach kids about good eating habits and regional foods.

 

DISCUSSION OF THE RESULT

The eating habits and nutritional awareness of children are greatly influenced by parents. The findings show that parents use a variety of methods to teach their children about nutrition. Parents frequently use techniques like letting kids make choices, giving nutritious food intriguing names, and making food look appealing. These procedures show a sincere effort to involve kids and make eating well interesting to them. The less frequent use of storytelling and persuading kids to keep fasts on festival eves, however, raises the possibility that these strategies may not be generally acknowledged or prioritised by parents. Similar studies from the FAO (2010, 2015) imply that the home, kitchen, cafeteria at school, and garden are all educational settings where children can learn how to domesticate, care for, harvest, and prepare healthful seasonal vegetables.

The results also provide insight into the practises now used by teachers, who are also very important in nutrition instruction. The findings demonstrate how nutrition education is delivered through a variety of resources, including visual aids, books, games, and programmes. This result is consistent with Kim and Kim’s (2014) study that there were differences in the goals, topics, delivery methods, and effective strategies used in nutrition education for kids. In terms of nutrition education, the needs of teachers and parents were very different.

These strategies show off a thorough and engaging teaching strategy. But there is still opportunity for development in some areas. For instance, only a small portion of teachers assign cooking projects to their pupils, despite the fact that this might give them excellent hands-on experience. To improve the efficacy of nutrition education, additional emphasis can be placed on engaging parents and teaching kids how to read food labels.

The research on nutrition education given by Anganwadi personnel reveals a wide range of methods. The usage of nutrition charts, posters, books, and lectures shows that nutrition education is delivered in an organised manner. Additionally, efforts to give hands-on and interactive learning opportunities are indicated by the planning of nutritional programmes, participation in cooking projects, and involvement of local chefs. Although less frequently reported, setting up parent meetings and using taste-testing techniques both point to possible areas for improvement in the overall nutrition education programme. This result is in line with Murlidharan’s (1984) assertion that the majority of parents are unable to provide their children with much stimulation due to their own limitations. Therefore, if we want these kids to succeed in adulthood, compensating schooling for them seems to be crucial.

 

CONCLUSION

With a focus on the responsibilities played by teachers, parents, and Anganwadi workers, this research study sought to analyse the existing practises of nutrition teaching in rural Bihar schools. The findings showed that parents use a variety of tactics to encourage their kids to eat well. However, certain customs were less widespread, such as fasting on the eves of festivals or promoting the eating of healthy vegetables through storytelling. These results underline the necessity of focused initiatives to improve parental nutrition education procedures. It was discovered that teachers use a variety of teaching techniques to impart nutrition knowledge, including the use of visual aids, books, games, and debates. By offering fundamental nutrition and health services, Anganwadi workers have a big impact in rural communities.

It is important to highlight that while this study was carried out in the Bihar district of Arwal, it is possible that the conclusions cannot be applied to other areas. Gaining a more thorough grasp of nutrition education practises in rural India might benefit from additional research in various districts and states.

RECOMMENDATION

1. To persuade educators and Anganwadi workers to keep using these tools, and to equip them with additional resources to increase their efficiency.

2. Teachers and Anganwadi staff members must to be encouraged to include such activities in their curricula and make use of regional resources, such planning field trips to area gardens or inviting local chefs, to generate interesting learning opportunities.

3. By offering training courses and chances for professional growth, you can provide them the abilities and information they need to conduct nutrition education successfully.

4. It is advised to incorporate nutrition principles across many courses and situations to create a thorough approach to nutrition teaching.

 

REFRENCE

Epstein LH, Gordy CC, Raynor HA. (2001). Increasing fruit and vegetable intake and decreasing fat and sugar intake in families at risk for childhood obesity. Obesity research (serial on the Internet).;9(3):171–8.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) (2010). A new deal for school gardens. FAO: Rome. http://www. fao.org/docrep/013/i1689e/i1689e00.pdf.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Swensson LFJ. (2015). Institutional Procurement of Food from Smallholder Farmers: The Case of Brazil. FAO: Rome. http://www.fao.org/3/a-bc569e.pdf.

Kerlinger, F.M. Foundations of behavioral research. New York: Holt, Rinehart, & Winstron, 1964.

Kim, N.H. and Kim, M.H. (2014). The Comparison of Perceptions and Needs for Nutrition Education between Early Childhood Teachers and Parents. The Korean Journal of Food and Nutrition, 27(1):66–74. Retrieved on 04.12.2021 from https://doi.org/10.9799/KSFAN.2014.27.1.066

Murlidharan,R.(1984).Preschool Education: Profile of Child in India. Report of Early Childhood Education. National Institute of Public Cooperation and Child Development, NIPCCD New Delhi.

Sanders, M. G. & Sheldon, S. B. (2009). Principals matter: A guide to school, family, and community partnerships. Corwin: A SAGE Company.

 

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Composting to Improve Degradable Lands towards Sustainable Land Management and Climate Change Adaptation in Nabdam and Talensi Districts of the Upper East Region of Ghana.

Isaac Odoi Danquah

Water Resources Engineer, Goldrain Mountain Company Limited, Koforidua, Eastern Region – Ghana.

 

ABSTRACT 

Degradation of farmlands in the Upper East Region of Ghana has become a great menace to food security as the year proceeds. This results in fertile lands being depleted of all organic matter and nutrients that support plant growth. The practice of farming around households built in lands is seriously practiced hence continuous cropping on the same land each year. Various methods of land reclamation such as afforestation are still being practiced but not yielding the needed results due to continuous cropping over the same land year in year out. This paper sorts to discuss one specific composting method adopted within seven communities of the UER to obtain compost materials for plant growth. A number of composting methods is practiced by farmers within these communities to improve the fertility of their lands. Some of the methods employed includes the pit method, the pile method, composting barrels, sheet composting, compost piled in a structure etc. The last technique is piloted during the study to obtain the nutrients and assess its potential in improving the soil fertility. This specific method explains the composting process and how the finest compost material is obtained for application on farmlands. Precipitations needed for decomposition of carbonated and nitrogenous materials on farmlands are of lesser quantities. This keeps the soil almost dry always resulting in vast areas of degradable lands and low crop yields each season. Research findings indicates that, fine rich black compost of 97% nutrients potency was obtained to improve soil fertility. When used on farmlands, it increased yields by 90% as compared to previous years as indicated by the farmers of around 80%. Practicing this composting technique has increased interest in composting by farmers by 75% in the seven piloted communities within the Nabdam and Talensi district of the Upper East region of Ghana.

Key Words: Climate Change, Compost, Drought, land Degradation, infertility, farmlands, Upper East Region (UER).

 

 




1          INTRODUCTION 

Compost is partially decomposed organic material which upon adding to farmlands improves both the physical structure and fertility of the soil (Garber, 1994). Nutrients such as Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K) are required by the soil in large amounts and should be applied in a concentration form such as 10:10:10 fertilizer for maximum yields. Decomposition of organic materials needs microorganisms such as fungi and bacteria and smaller animals such as earthworms, nematodes and beetles. These microorganisms eat the organic matter and produce humus. A soil fertility test is usually used to evaluate the nutrients supplying power of soils. Soil tests combined with crop nutrients requirement forms the basis for nutrients recommendations. Recommendations guides for vegetables, tree fruits, field crops, nursery crops and turfs were published by Rutgers Cooperative Extension (Heckman, 1898). Plant growth is affected by numerous factors including climate change, pest pressures and nutrients availability. Well prepared organic compost builds and stabilizes soil structure reducing potentials for soil erosion. It improves porosity, allowing water to move through the soil promoting holding water capacity used by plants. Composting is a natural process which provides several benefits such as reducing one of the world’s largest contributor’s to Greenhouse gases (Hoornweg et. Al., 1999). Maintaining appropriate levels of soil fertility especially plant nutrients availability through composting is important if agricultural lands in the seven communities are to remain capable of sustaining crop production at acceptable levels (Johnston, 2011). Composting is been used to address the degradable lands problem since it’s a method of speeding natural decomposition under controlled condition. Raw organic materials are converted to compost by a succession of organisms such as bacteria, fungi, protozoans, centipedes, millipedes, sowbugs, earthworms and other organisms. This organism increases the rate of chemical reaction in order to obtain rich fine compost. Humification depends on feedstocks, composting method and management. Scientist working in most African countries such as East Africa on sustainable land management confirms of human induced land degradation as negatively affecting food security (Slegers and Stroosnijder, 2008). Land degradation in the UER has rendered large fertile crop lands unproductive contributing to depleting income and low farm yields. Ploughing of farmlands with cattle’s and tractors serves as the main means of turning the soil in early may for crop planting. The long drought from October to May results in high rate of evaporation from both the soil and harvested crops. Hence the rate of decomposition of plants on the surface of the soil as manures to increase soil fertility is around 20% and even zero in some areas. This document is out of a project to combat climate change and sustain lands to address food security within the region. This called for the implementation of the PRGDT program by CILSS in three districts in UER. Preparation of compost using carbonated and nitrogenous material in the ratio of 3:1 to assess quality and quantity for farmlands formed one of the interventions under the project. Biodynamic compost is a fundamental component of the biodynamic method which Serves as a way to recycle animal manures and organic wastes, stabilize nitrogen, and build soil humus and enhance soil health (Diver, 1995) for the production of crops. Production of crops yearly especially during the dry season in UER will result in increase of yield if practices such as composting is practiced to back ploughing by animals and other methods.

 

 

2          METHODOLOGY

Seven farmers within seven communities are sampled and trained by Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) stuffs on composting procedures from the two districts. Detailed methodological procedures is as follows;

·      Construct an 8m×4m rectangular structure and divide into two [4m2 each] compartments with local clay materials1. This gives you two compartments compost structures.

·      Plaster inside and outside of structure with sand and cement.

·      Arrange stones to a height of 4cm as ground floor bed.

·      Arrange maize stocks or any grass materials as the down floor layer.

·      Mix completely the carbonated materials (maize, grass, millet stocks and plant materials) and nitrogenous materials (cow dungs, guinea fowl remains, goats/sheep’s remains etc) in the ratio of 3:1. It should be done by adding little quantities of water and mixed scrupulously.

·      Perform the sponge test.

·      Put the mixed materials in the compost structure and press down firmly.

·      Add some quantities of ashes and water before adding the next layer of compost materials.

·      Step 5 – 8 is repeated with different materials till the compost structure is completely filled.

·      Depending on site of compost structure and exposure, cover with an apron to avoid direct contact with the sun to decrease the rate of evaporation.

·      Put a stick in the center of the filled structure to assess the temperature and decomposition state of materials.

·      Observe compost materials regularly and add water when necessary in appreciable amounts to accelerate the rate of decomposition.

·      Turn/Move the filled materials to the empty compartment after two weeks.

·      Perform 12 and 13 again after every two weeks. Turn decompose materials into the other compartments. This is repeated till the final compost material is obtained in its finest state for application (98% decomposition).

 

 

Table 1: Common Feedstock’s used and their characteristics

Feedstock

Moisture Content

C:N

High Carbonate Materials

Hay

8-10

15:30

Maize Stocks

12

60-70

Straw

5-20

40-150

Maize Silage

65-68

40

High Nitrogenous Materials

 

 

 

Fowl/Guinea Fowl Manure

20-40

5-15

Goat/Sheep/Cow dung

 

 

Sewage Sludge

 

9-25

A time series of temperatures and rate of decomposition are recorded for observation.  A maximum of 1 month 2 weeks is used for the composting activity to obtain good compost for application on farmlands.

Estimating the carbon content of feedstock’s

 

               % carbon = %volatile solids

                                               1.8

 

Where % Volatile Solids = 100 – % ash (material incinerated @ 723K

 

 

Plate 1: Compost structure

 

3          STUDY AREA

Seven selected communities from Talensi and Nabdam district are selected for this study. Total land area of Upper East Region is 8800Km2 covering 3.7% of the total land area of Ghana. The total population of the region is 1031478 (2010, Population census) with an annual growth rate of 1.1%. The upper east region is hot and dry with temperatures ranging between 46.5˚C maximum and 13.5˚C minimum usually during drought period and rainy season respectively. The land surface is flat with gentle slopes less than 1% having scarce trees, 35m apart. Activities within the seven communities of the two composting districts is mainly farming, rearing of animals and fishing. Animal rearing is by the extensive system but always controlled in cages during the farming season. Cattle, donkeys, guinea fowl are the most prominent animal and birds reared with few goats and sheep’s. Farmers are usually dormant especially in the dry season as farming activities are rain fed. Crops produced by the community’s ranges from beans, rice, millet, maize, sorghum to groundnuts. Water resources such as dams and reservoirs are undergoing varied forms of defects such as siltation and seepages. Canals and laterals are not in good condition hence reducing dry season irrigation farming. Farming activities in these districts of the Upper East Region (UER) is around households which differ from the southern part. Areas with 10% are embedded with stones making farming difficult. Stone and earth bunding is therefore practiced. The soils are light textured surfaces varying from coarse material either gravel and stones which affect their physical properties particularly their water holding capacity. The rainfall pattern affects fruits such as mangoes and oranges production.  Due to the one seasonal rainfall regime, cocoa production is not supported within the region to boost economic growth among the indigenes. 

 

 

4          RESULTS DISCUSSIONS

4.1       Composting Analysis

Upper East Region is part of the savanna zone where land degradation is an issue as a result of the one seasonal rainfall period within the period of January to December. Rainfall which moistens the soil increasing plant growth and foliage coverage hence the resultant decomposition of woodlots and leaves to increase fertility is less. This has created a big problem on the land hence the use of inorganic manure during the planting season. Organic composting which is less expensive and easy to prepare is recommended as an alternative to improve soil fertility and support crop production. Inorganic fertilizer is applied but its disadvantage of affecting the soil texture continues and increases the infertility of the soil. The possibility of proportionality in fertilizer application is also another problem as beans and groundnut are left yellowish and withered after the application of fertilizers during site visits. This leaves farmers at a lost especially after buying fertilizers at high prices and wasting of time to apply on farmlands. This work therefore established organic manure preparation as a model to show its importance and cost effective in the seven communities.  Committed farmers selected were trained on composting procedure and taking through one day compost preparation. Farmer’s enthusiasm towards the preparation resulted in the various percentage of organic manure preparation after training. Rate of decomposition (RD) of manure was 40% after two weeks of observation and 96% after one month two weeks. Its fine, smooth black textured nature gave a clear indication of rich compost (97%) with greater percentage of improving the soil fertility.  Such compost is the most attended and well concentrated ones which farmers sprinkle and monitored compost materials in sequential times.  The minimum temperature recorded is 30˚C and this is recorded among farmers whose arrangement of farm materials was not well done. This gave the opportunity for air to stay within the stocked compost materials (plate 1). This decreased the decomposition rate hence not obtaining a better decomposition after two weeks turning observation (15% decomposition rate).

 

Table: 1st composting observation

Composting

Community Site

№ of Tuning(T)

Temperature

⁰C

Rate of Decomposition [RD] (%)

Pitanga 1

III

44

50

Pitanga 2

III

42

65

Yakote 1

III

40

65

Yakote 2

I

43

60

Ndong 1

I

50

20

Ndong 2

II

42

64

Pelungu 1

II

50

75

Pelungu 2

I

52

50

Kaare 1

II

42

60

Kaare 2

I

52

40

Wikongo 1

II

48

50

Wikongo 2

IV

50

90

 

 Application of water was a major problem for most of the farmers as some finds it difficult applying water in the right proportion. A maximum of 90m3 is used during a turning and this is sprinkled and well mixed before being moved to the other compartment. Proper spreading and compartment is recommended in order to avoid air and holes as it decreases the rate of decomposition. Two weeks turning should be well monitored and applied in order to obtain uniform decomposition (Plate 2). A maximum temperature of 60˚C is recorded as the highest temperature over the period. This is the temperature at which fungi and bacteria activity on compost materials is very high. The RD differs from 74% to 96% as depicted in Fig. 1 due to different turning techniques by farmers over the period. 74% – 88% recording was observed for farmers who moved compost from one compartment to the other without thorough mixing, water sprinkling and compactment. 88% – 96% was recorded for highly attended compost structures where farmers monitored compost materials consistently. Turning procedures and techniques was well complied as water application, turning and compactment in layers was 95% achieved by 60% farmers. Turning of compost from one compartment into another takes 45-minutes maximum for the 4m × 4m double compost structure. Uniform rate of decomposition was not recorded during this work as farmer’s seriousness play part greatly. This is the reason for equalities at different turnings (T1, T2, and T3).

 

Fig. 1: Rate of decomposition (RD), turning (T) and temperatures during compost preparation

 

Plate 2: Mixed nitrogenous and carbonated materials in Compost structure

4.2       Rainfall Season impact on soil

Long drought period with less precipitation within the region continue to derail the soil fertility each year. To worsen this scenario, subsistence farming practices which is practiced each year around households has resulted in serious land degradation over the years. Plant foliage which is a great contributor of water into the hydrological cycle and the resultant precipitation is scarce as trees are few and widely apart. Climate changes resulting in long droughts between October and May always enters the farming season with soil infertile to support plant growth and production. Rainfall for 2014 (Fig 2) was analyzed to see its impact on the soil as it’s the year before this work. The maximum rainfall recorded was 57.9mm in May and is the highest for the whole season. The rainfall pattern for the rest of rainfall period ranged from 27.5mm maximum to 0.2mm minimum. This is sparsely recorded over the period hence less to enrich the soil. Woodlots, animal droppings, leaves and other wastes materials which needs water in right proportions continues to remain dry and thereby unable to decompose due to no water to enhance the process. Decomposition of such materials adds different kinds of nutrients to the soil and by that increasing the organic matter content of the soil. 

 

Fig. 2: Rainfall pattern for 2014

 

This has been the pattern over the region resulting in the continued degradation of farmlands. Activities such as deforestation for fire woods and charcoal burning are all forms of activities affecting the hydrological cycle resulting in the long droughts. The drought period between October to April was intense with 25.6mm received as the highest over the period. 

 

Fig. 3: Drought period for 2014

 

Drought period in the Upper East region and hence the seven communities is so intense as temperatures ranges from 42.1˚C maximum and 35.5˚C minimum as depicted in Fig 3. Humidity during such times records around 96% of which the weather becomes very hot. Such periods never support plant growth as evapotranspiration is very high leaving all decomposable materials very dry. Withering and shedding of leaves is also high leaving the soil bare decreasing sunlight exposure and increasing evaporation. Water table decreases at faster rate decreasing water holding capacity of tap roots of plants and root tapping depth for plant growth is increased considerably.

 

 

 

5          CONCLUSION

 Climate is a big parameter when it comes to plant growth and crop production in the Upper East Region. Variability in the rainfall pattern will always result in different amounts of rainfall and long droughts each year. Organic manure application is a good method of obtaining manure to improve soil fertility towards reclamation of degradable lands in the Upper East Region of Ghana. This model work reveals that, compost can be obtained by using local available compost materials enriched in Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium in their right proportions. From compost analysis, compost obtained was 97% rich in nutrients to enrich the soil for the production of maize, cowpea, groundnuts and millet within a harvesting rate of 90% to support life during the dry season within the region.

Therefore, fine black textured compost is obtained at a decomposition rate of 96% over a period of one month, two weeks. Soil fertility in these communities can be improved if the obtained compost prepared is applied in the right proportion. This will give the desired increase in yield within a season to address the problem of food insecurity in the Upper East Region of Ghana especially Nangodi and Talensi district and its environs. 

 

Acknowledgement

It’s unto him the Almighty God who made this modeled climate change study a success. Thanks again to all Staff of CILSS for their good will for humanity and their willingness to help the vulnerable. Thanks to Mr. Adams of MoFA, Nangodi for his time during this study. Grateful I am to CILSS for the selected farmers and people of Nangodi and Talensi district for the project. God bless you all.

 

 

Reference

L. A. Christopher.  1996.  Biodynamic Agriculture  A Paradigmatic Analysis.  The Pennsylvania State University, Department of Agricultural and Extension Education.  PhD, Dissertation.  114 p.

 

J. R. Heckman, Soil Fertility test interpretation, Fact Sheet.

 

D. Hoornweg, L. Thomas, L. Otten, Composting and its Applicability in Developing Countries, 2000, working paper Series.

 

J. Johnston, 2011, Assessing soil fertility; The importance of soil analysis and its interpretation, Lawest Trust Fellow, Rothamsted Research.

 

S. K., Adanu, F. K., Mensah, S. K, Adanu, Enhancing Environmental Integrity in the Northern Savanna Zone of Ghana ; A Remote Sensing and GIS Approach, paper.

 

Slegers M.F.W., and Stroosnijder, L., (2008). Beyond the desertification narrative: A framework for agricultural droughts in semi-arid East Africa: AMBIO: A Journal of the Human Environment, DOI:10.1579/07-A-385.1, 372 – 380.

 

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p class=”MsoNormal” style=”font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;font-size: 11pt;line-height: normal;margin: 0cm”>S. Diver, 1995, Biodynamic Farming and Compost Preparation, Alternative Farming System Guide.

Television Watching

Television-watching
is a wonderful source of delight. The youngsters and the aged alike find
recreation at their own homes. When a man is tired of daily work, he retires to
a room and starts listening to the television music, watching dances and adds
to his knowledge by listening to the news and other commentaries. Thus, television
watching gives both instruction and joy.

Television-programmes
were introduced in India more than a decade ago. Therefore, the expansion of
television net-work in India is yet to take place. Efforts are being
ceaselessly made and much success has been achieved. The people watch this
programme in the tele-clubs, which have become very popular these days. The
children watch their lessons on their school television-sets and they
understand these lessons very nicely.

Television-programmes
have become very popular in schools. The best instructors may speak to
thousands of students and thus teach the lesson in an interesting manner. The
laboratory experiments are performed and the science students also usually
benefit form such programmes. There are certain lessons. Sometimes, very
uncommon things are shown to the students on the T.V which are not possible in
the classrooms and they are managed on the T.T. and the students understand
their lesson very easily. The television lessons give both instruction and
enjoyment to the students. The students sometimes watch certain films based on
educational themes very clearly on the television screen. Such films give
instruction and entertainment both, at a stretch.

In
India we find a large number of tele-clubs in big cities, where children and
elders throng to watch the films.  

Essay on My Best Friend

 Friends should be fewer but they should be very sincere. But, it is very difficult to find sincere friends. Such people cannot be found everywhere. If you have got enough money to spend on your friends, you may have plenty of friends. If you are a poor man, very few people care for you.

There are many well-wishers of mine in the world. But I do not find them suitable to befriend. Most of them are selfish people. If I ask them of making a favour to me, they do not stand by me.

A sincere friend can be tested in times of adversity. In times of prosperity there are many friends, but in times of adversity, only a few people are left who stand by us. Such people are fit to be called as friends. Most of the people are very selfish and they know to grind their own axe. They have no sympathy with you. They simply want to exploit you. Therefore, we have to search for good friends.

I have got only four friends who have proved themselves as worthy of my friendship while tested well in times of adversity. But Shri Govind Lal is the sincerest person. Once I was travelling in the bus and unfortunately my pocket was picked. He was with me. He caught the pick-pocket and snatched the purse from him and handed it over to me. He took him to the Police Station and thus saved my life and money. Since that day we have been close friends. He is a rich man’s son. His father has got a big factory. But he is a bold, plain-speaking and truthful person.

I do not like lying or liars. Shri Govind Lal is truth-loving fellow. He does not like lying. He is my class-mate.

He is weak in studies and I help him every day in the evening. He goes out for a walk with me and tells me strange stories.

What are the top 10 Types of Digital Marketing?

Every marketing plan today includes a digital strategy. This is because marketing goals usually put a focus on how the business can reach more potential customers, retain existing customers, and increase sales. And today, your customers are online. Digital marketing has become one of the most effective ways to communicate because you can connect with your custom

ers in their preferred channels

So, what are some things that can improve a site’s SEO? It’s important to understand that one of the things that makes SEO challenging is that the answer to this question always depends on Google and its most current algorithm. Keeping that in mind, here are a few of the most important things for SEO strategists and marketers in general to understand about how SEO works today, from Moz’s Beginners Guide to SEO:Content indexing – It is important to allow search engines to clearly “read” what your site content is, by doing things like adding alt text for images and text transcripts for video and audio content.

Good SEO practices

Good link structure – It is important that search engines can “crawl” your site structure to easily find all the content on your site. There are many things that an SEO specialist can do to properly format links, URLs, and sitemaps to make them most accessible to site crawlers.
Keywords and keyword targeting – Properly deploying your keywords – i.e. the search terms you want your site to be found for—in your content and headers is one of the fundamental building blocks of SEO. It is no longer good practice to “stuff” your content with as many keywords and keyword variations as possible. Writing high-quality content that uses keywords in the headers and a few times in the crawl-able page content is now considered better practice, and will make pages rank better in search results.

But the broad range of digital marketing options can make it overwhelming to know where to focus. Organizations that want to set themselves apart in the market understand that effectively reaching and engaging with potential customers matters most. This means using creative ways to connect with the right people in the right place and delivering a compelling message that helps them decide if a product might meet their needs.

What is a digital marketing plan?

A digital marketing plan is a document that defines marketing goals to be accomplished within a given time frame so a company can meet a set of business objectives. When creating a digital marketing plan, it is important to remember that marketing is still about communicating the benefits of your product or service in a way that resonates with customers. So your plan should focus on the marketing tactics that will help your company engage your target audience with a cohesive experience.

One of the benefits of digital marketing is that you can test different approaches and quickly adjust your plan based on what is working and what is not. There are many different areas that often get umbrellaed under the term “digital marketing.” From marketing automation and research to tactical activities such as pay-per-click ads, there are many different components to a digital marketing plan.

Components of a digital marketing plan

Advertising

Online advertising involves bidding and buying relevant ad units on third-party sites, such as display ads on blogs, forums, and other relevant websites. Types of ads include images, text, pop-ups, banners, and video. Retargeting is an important aspect of online advertising. Retargeting requires code that adds an anonymous browser cookie to track new visitors to your site. Then, as that visitor goes to other sites, you can serve them ads for your product or service. This focuses your advertising efforts on people who have already shown interest in your company.

Content marketing

Content marketing is an important strategy for attracting potential customers. Publishing a regular cadence of high-quality, relevant content online will help establish thought leadership. It can educate target customers about the problems your product can help them resolve, as well as boost SEO rankings. Content can include blog posts, case studies, whitepapers, and other materials that provide value to your target audience. These digital content assets can then be used to acquire customers through organic and paid efforts.

Email marketing

Email is a direct marketing method that involves sending promotional messages to a segmented group of prospects or customers. Email marketing continues to be an effective approach for sending personalized messages that target customers’ needs and interests. It is most popular for e-commerce business as a way of staying top of mind for consumers.

Mobile marketing

Mobile marketing is the promotion of products or services specifically via mobile phones and devices. This includes mobile advertising through text messages or advertising in downloaded apps. However, a comprehensive mobile marketing approach also includes optimizing websites, landing pages, emails, and content for an optimal experience on mobile devices.

Paid search increases search engine visibility by allowing companies to bid for certain keywords and purchase advertising space in the search engine results. Ads are only shown to users who are actively searching for the keywords you have selected. There are two main types of paid search advertising — pay per click (PPC) and cost per mille (CPM). With PPC, you only pay when someone clicks on your ad. With CPM, you pay based on the number of impressions. Google Adwords is the most widely used paid search advertising platform; however, other search engines like Bing also have paid programs.

Programmatic advertising

Programmatic advertising is an automated way of bidding for digital advertising. Each time someone visits a web page, profile data is used to auction the ad impression to competing advertisers. Programmatic advertising provides greater control over what sites your advertisements are displayed on and who is seeing them so you can better target your campaigns.

Reputation marketing

Reputation marketing focuses on gathering and promoting positive online reviews. Reading online reviews can influence customer buying decisions and is an important component of your overall brand and product reputation. An online reputation marketing strategy encourages customers to leave positive reviews on sites where potential customers search for reviews. Many of these review sites also offer native advertising that allows companies to place ads on competitor profiles.

Search engine optimization

Search engine optimization (SEO) focuses on improving organic traffic to your website. SEO activities encompass technical and creative tactics to improve rankings and increase awareness in search engines. The most widely used search engines include Google, Bing, and Yahoo. Digital marketing managers focus on optimizing levers — such as keywords, crosslinks, backlinks, and original content — to maintain a strong ranking.

Social media marketing

Social media marketing is a key component of digital marketing. Platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Tumblr, LinkedIn, and even YouTube provide digital marketing managers with paid opportunities to reach and interact with potential customers. Digital marketing campaigns often combine organic efforts with sponsored content and paid advertising promotions on key social media channels to reach a larger audience and increase brand lift.

Video marketing

Video marketing enables companies to connect with customers in a more visually engaging and interactive way. You can showcase product launches, events, and special announcements, as well as provide educational content and testimonies. YouTube and Vimeo are the most commonly used platforms for sharing and advertising videos. Pre-roll ads (which are shown for the first 5–10 seconds before a video) are another way digital marketing managers can reach audiences on video platforms.

Web analytics

Analytics allow marketing managers to track online user activity. Capturing and analyzing this data is foundational to digital marketing because it gives companies insights into online customer behavior and their preferences. The most widely used tool for analyzing website traffic is Google Analytics, however other tools include Adobe Analytics, Coremetrics, Crazy Egg, and more.

Webinars

Webinars are virtual events that allow companies to interact with potential and existing customers no matter where they are located. Webinars are an effective way to present relevant content — such as a product demonstration or seminar — to a targeted audience in real time. Engaging directly with your audience in this way gives your company an opportunity to demonstrate deep subject matter expertise. Many companies leverage attendee lists in other marketing programs (email and retargeting advertisements) to generate new leads and strengthen existing relationships.

How to create a digital marketing plan

Digital marketing methods provide a wide variety of ways for marketing managers to engage potential customers. However, it is important to invest in the channels and media that help you acquire, grow, and retain customers.

The following questions can help marketing teams understand the right digital activities to pursue:

  • What are your business and marketing goals?

  • What is your digital marketing budget?

  • Who are your target customers?

  • Can you describe your audience with discrete buyer personas?

  • Which online channels does your audience use?

  • What customer outcomes do you want to achieve?

  • What benefits are you going to promote?

  • What alternative solutions are your potential customers selecting?

  • What change is needed to improve the customer experience?

  • How would digital marketing methods improve the experience?

  • What data does your company need to better understand customer behavior and preferences?

  • How will success be measured?

  • Who do you need to share your plan with?

What is Building Performance and Simulation

Building Performance and Simulation (BPS) refers to the process of using computer-based models and simulations to assess and predict the performance of buildings in terms of various aspects such as energy consumption, thermal comfort, indoor air quality, lighting, acoustics, and more. It’s a multidisciplinary field that combines principles from architecture, engineering, physics, and computer science to analyze how a building’s design, construction, and operation will impact its overall performance.

The primary goal of building performance and simulation is to optimize building designs and operations to achieve energy efficiency, occupant comfort, and other desired outcomes. By creating virtual models of buildings and their components, researchers and professionals can analyze different design options, evaluate the effectiveness of various technologies, and make informed decisions to enhance a building’s performance before it is actually constructed or retrofitted.
Key aspects of Building Performance and Simulation include:
Energy Performance: Simulating the energy consumption of buildings under different scenarios to identify opportunities for energy savings. This involves analyzing heating, cooling, lighting, and equipment systems.
Thermal Comfort: Evaluating the indoor thermal environment to ensure occupant comfort by considering factors like temperature, humidity, and air movement.
Indoor Air Quality: Assessing ventilation and air distribution systems to maintain healthy indoor air quality for occupants.
Daylighting and Lighting: Analyzing the amount of natural daylight a building receives and how artificial lighting systems can be optimized for energy efficiency and occupant satisfaction.
Acoustics: Simulating sound propagation within buildings to ensure optimal acoustic conditions for various spaces.
Solar Gain and Shading: Studying the effects of solar radiation on a building’s interior and exterior and determining how shading strategies can help manage heat gain.
Material Performance: Analyzing the thermal properties and behavior of building materials to optimize insulation and overall energy efficiency.
Life Cycle Assessment: Evaluating the environmental impact of a building’s design, construction, and operation over its entire lifecycle.
Occupant Behavior: Incorporating human behavior patterns into simulations to understand how occupants’ actions influence building performance and energy consumption.
Parametric Design: Using simulation tools to explore a wide range of design options and parameters quickly, allowing architects and engineers to make data-driven decisions.
Advanced computer software and simulation tools play a crucial role in this field, enabling professionals to create accurate virtual models that replicate real-world building behavior. These simulations help to predict how buildings will perform under various conditions and scenarios, aiding architects, engineers, and building owners in making informed decisions to optimize building design and operation for sustainability, comfort, and efficiency.

Tips to learn a new language faster

Learning a new language often considered as really tough task, but is it true? Maybe for some, but the real truth is if followed right resources and direction is definitely an task to do so. So for this here are some tips that might help you.

1) Know about the language that you are going to learn

By writing this I mean one should know what language is he or she going to learn. If you have clear idea of what actually you are going to learn will help you to set almost perfect goals which will ultimately help you to do what you want.

2) Set goals

Setting goals to learn a new language will help you to go far and keep yourself ahead. Goal setting should be done after being familiar by the subject.

3) Set small goals

Setting small goals will help you to complete your work on given time. Setting small goals will also help you to analyse yourself and keep your records on track.

4) Analyse yourself

Analysing is an art if done properly will take you way to far. Whenever do things do them on time and analyse what mistakes you make or what are the problem that you have encountered.

5) Challenge yourself

This part will help you to grow. grow beyond your limits. But one thing to keep in mind while doing so is do not challenge yourself more than what will harm you. Doing this in moderation will definitely help but if done excessive will also harm.

6) Use the language as frequently as you can

If you do so it will help you to retain things faster. It will also help you to clear your vocabulary and pronunciation and also will help you to keep everything you learn stored in your brain for a long time.

7) Test yourself

At the end complete your learning and test your self this will help you to know how much you have learn about the language.

Hope you will like my blog follow the steps and go ahead. Happy learning!

Top motivational quotes to awaken the beast hiding in you

Motivation is something that helps you grow. Not only from inside but also from all aspects, all ups and downs in your life, whenever you feel low why do you need motivation? Have you ever thought about it. Here, is the answer because motivation is something that helps you to grow, that helps you to be you, that makes you. It has the power to awaken the beast hiding inside you.

” Your perspective with either become prison or your passport.“

-Steven Furtick

” Realise deeply that the present moment is all that you ever have. “

– Eckhart Tolle

” How you love yourself is how you teach others to love you.“

– Rupil Kaur

” The Secret of your success is determined by your daily agenda.“

– John C. Maxwell

” Burn the past, Turn the page, Move on.”

– Safura Arsh

” Act as what you do makes a difference, IT DOES.”

– William James

” Excessive fear is always powerless.”

– Aeschylus

” A good Education is the foundation of better future.”

– Elizabeth Warren

” Between thinking and seeing there is a place called knowing.”

– Carolyn Myss

” You can’t build a reputation on what you are going to do.”

– Henry Ford

” Believe you can and you are halfway there.”

– Theodore Roosevelt

” Take care of your body, It is the only place you have to live.”

– Jim Rohn

” If you hear a voice within you say ‘ you cannot paint,’ then by all means paint and that voice will be silenced.”

– Vincent Van Gogh

” Ofcourse motivation is not permanent. But then, neither is bathing: but it is something you should do on a regular basis.”

– Zig Ziglar

” The only way to do a great work is to love what you do.”

– Steve Jobs

” It’s not the load that breaks you down, it’s the way you carry it.”

– Lou Haltz

” Nothing will work unless you do.”

– Mayo Angelo

” Do one thing everyday that scares you.”

– Anonymous

” If you are not willing to risk the usual, you will have to settle for the ordinary.”

– Jim Rohn

” When I hear somebody sigh, ‘ Life is hard,’ I am always tempted to ask, ‘Compared to what?’

– Sydney Harris

” Success is walking from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm.”

– Winston Churchill

” All progress takes place outside the comfort zone.”

– Michael John Bobak

” The only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary.”

– Vidal Sassoon

Here are some of the motivational quotes that if you implement in your lives will be successful for sure. Motivation will help you to achieve all your goals and so are these quotes.