Vol. 18 No. 1 (2024): HUMAN GEOGRAPHIES. Journal of Studies and Research in Human Geography
Contents include original articles, notes and comments. Regular contributions are drawn from the fields of human geography, economics and economic geography, planning, territorial development, infrastructure development, sociology, population studies and public administration, public policies.
Articles
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Technology-facilitated abuse within the context of intimate partner violence: Barriers to and recommendations for safety planning
Abstract
Technology-facilitated abuse (TFA), a consequence of structured gendered disadvantage, poses increasing harm to women survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) and their children. This paper presents a small explorative transdisciplinary (social work and geography) study which aims to assess the knowledge of women professionals from four European countries (Estonia, Finland, Greece, and Northern Ireland) working in the area of IPV about TFA in general and in particular safety planning. The focus on safety planning is what distinguishes this research. The research findings indicate that the risk assessment of TFA is not always included in safety planning. Barriers, such as lack of professional knowledge, are reported. The paper ends with feminist insights about the risks of engaging in a reductionist approach when the focus becomes just the lack of knowledge per se, without accounting for the wider structural inequalities that exist within the context of patriarchal surveillance capitalism and which are primarily responsible for TFA.
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Kindling change: shaping a New Fire Culture in Mediterranean socioenvironmental systems from the roots
Abstract
In line with global trends, the Valencian Region (Spain) is experiencing increasingly extreme wildfires, exacerbated by entangled socioenvironmental factors like climate change, the human-nature dichotomy, and wildfires managed basically through technocratic approaches. Rural grassroots movements are emerging amid worsening wildfires, advocating for local agency to build socioenvironmental resilience in wildfire-prone territories. Inspired by these movements, we propose a transformative paradigm – a New Fire Culture – to elicit critical reflections on current wildfire management and build socioenvironmental just futures. By drawing on our experiences around the 2022 Vall d'Ebo and 2023 Villanueva de Viver wildfire events and resulting from an interdisciplinary deliberation process, we present a comprehensive analysis of the present wildfire context and suggest guiding principles for a New Fire Culture. Acknowledging its context-specificity, we call for transdisciplinary processes among local actors, academics, and practitioners to collectively explore and build a New Fire Culture within their socioenvironmental systems.
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Measuring regional inequality using nightlight satellite data and population density for Nigeria
Abstract
Measuring the spatial differences in regional development was the main objective of this study. To meet this objective, spatial patterns & clusters of variables, viz. nightlight & population density, were identified at the LGA level. Secondly, regression analysis between the same variables was performed to find the spatial differences in the night light. VIIRS Day/Night Band (DNB) data was chosen as the dependent variable, and UN-Adjusted Population Density data was selected as an explanatory variable. Spatial patterns & clusters were identified using spatial statistics. Global Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) linear regression was chosen to model nightlight in terms of its relationships to population density. Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR) regression was used to model spatially varying relationships between the same variables. The results show nightlight (z >97, p <0000) & population density (z >108, p <0000) are highly clustered. The R2 obtained from OLS & GWR are 0.75 & 0.85, respectively. Moreover, model variables & diagnostics results confirm the validity of both models.
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Rural tourism in the framework of agricultural diversification in Aktobe Region, Republic of Kazakhstan
Abstract
In foreign countries, rural tourism is developing with a high rhythm. Kazakhstan also has excellent opportunities for the development of this type of tourism. Currently, rural tourism in Kazakhstan is not fully developed. The article deals with the issues of organising rural tourism based on agriculture in the Aktobe Region. The study aims to improve methodological approaches to rural tourism development as an innovative activity type in the context of agricultural diversification. Three methodological stages have been identified: assessing the potential for rural tourism development, identifying priority types and subtypes of rural tourism, and identifying priority and promising areas for rural tourism development. The work assessed the possibilities of rural tourism development in the districts of the Aktobe Region using the ranking method.
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Dynamics of territorial systems in the entrepreneurial process for a sustainable urban transition
Abstract
The issue of ecosystems is attracting renewed interest from researchers. Recent studies have defined ecosystems in terms of their field of intervention and common objectives. This research aims to highlight that, in the context of sustainable urban transition, the involvement of territorial systems in the entrepreneurial process is not limited solely to their areas of intervention. The methodology used is based on the theory of innovative environments and the territorial approach. Interviews with stakeholders and activity reports were used to compile a list of the entrepreneurship systems. This work showed that cities or territories could support sustainable urban transition through entrepreneurship by providing resources for creating businesses that could, in turn, produce sustainable solutions to territorial challenges. The authors would emphasise the territorial entrepreneurial ecosystem of innovation, knowledge, and enterprise systems, as well as other systems that, through their interactions, create added value for the territory. Because each activity or project has its footprint, each system needs to be coordinated to provide a more sustainable solutions.
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Exploring the interplay of socio-economic and demographic factors on dietary diversity among women of Thiruvananthapuram district in Kerala: a comprehensive analysis
Abstract
Nutrition is crucial for global health and development, with malnutrition presenting a substantial threat. India grapples with both undernutrition and overnutrition. Understanding the intricate relationship between socio-economic and demographic factors and dietary diversity is crucial for promoting public health and well-being. This comprehensive analysis delves into the impact of these factors on dietary habits. Socio-economic determinants such as income, education, and access to healthcare services, along with demographic characteristics such as age, gender, and household composition, are known to influence dietary choices significantly. Women of reproductive age are particularly at risk of inadequate nutrition, necessitating a focus on improving nutritional standards. Socio-economic and demographic factors significantly influence dietary diversity, highlighting the need for targeted interventions. Socio-economic and demographic characteristics notably influence a person's dietary diversity. There is a known concern regarding women's dietary patterns in their reproductive years. Still, a substantial push has not been made to tackle or enhance this matter through specific programmes or actions. This suggests a need for increased attention and measures to improve the dietary standards of women.
