The Ecological Burdens of Globalisation and Their Effects on the Quality of Life in African Economies
A globalisation-induced environmental consequence can either improve or degenerate the quality of life (QoL), depending on its interference in the balance between the demand and supply of ecological resources and food security. Hence, this study examined the ecological burdens of globalisation on the QoL for 38 African countries between 1990 and 2020. Empirical inferences for the study were robustly deduced through advanced estimation methodologies. They include Driscoll-Kraay (D-K), augmented mean group (AMG), and the panel dynamic ordinary least squares (PDOLS) techniques. The study further applied the method of moments quantile regression (MMQREG) approach, since the economic progressions in each selected African country are heterogeneous despite their classification as developing nations. Notable findings from these methodologies revealed that the ecological demand burden of globalisation is diminishing the QoL.
In contrast, liberalisation’s supply and food security effects are enhancing QoL. Specifically, the MMQREG procedure revealed that the adverse acceleration in the demand side of the consequence grows larger in magnitude when compared to the positive effects in the supply and food security sides as the quantile advances. The implication is that depending on the level of QoL, the ecological burden of liberalisation tends to worsen through the overexploitation and retardation of the regenerative process of natural resources, and the exacerbation of food insecurity in African countries. The study proposed applicable policy measures.
Keywords: Ecological demand; Ecological supply; Food security; Liberalisation; Life expectancy; Developing economies.
JEL Classification: D6, I31, N57.
Aladejare, S.A. (2025). The Ecological Burdens of Globalisation and Their Effects on the Quality of Life in African Economies, Man, Environment and Society, 6(1), pp. 1-35. DOI:10.47509/MES.2025.v06i1.01
Temperature Fluctuation and Human Geniuses – A Hidden Nexus in Human Evolution
The theory of evolution by natural selection formed the foundation of studies on the progression of life and its existence. However, it has ignored temperature fluctuation, which has played a key role in developing human intelligence and genius. A genius displays exceptional intellect and creative capabilities that significantly exceed average intelligence. No less accurate is the fact that intelligence and inventiveness have been built into human brains since the evolution of sensory organs and their link to the brain over a long path of human ancestry. Physiological changes, including bipedalism in our ancestor lineages, are the intended result of in-body genetic mutation guided by the brain. Fluctuating temperatures and changing environments are the key catalysts cum ingredients for brain awareness, intelligence, and genius. The exact Paleoclimate is not precisely known. So, temperature and precipitation data from 77 locations in recent years were gathered and analysed, and conclusions were drawn. Notwithstanding the data present series, the daily, monthly, and yearly temperature fluctuation and their ratios from one zone to another have satisfactorily supported the hypothesis that temperature fluctuation is linked with human genius and its development through all evolutionary lineages.
Keywords: Temperature, Fluctuation, Evolution, Automation, Bipedalism, Genius.
Bhusal, J.K. (2025). Temperature Fluctuation and Human Geniuses – A Hidden Nexus in Human Evolution, Man, Environment and Society, 6(1), pp. 37-57. DOI:10.47509/MES.2025.v06i1.02
Agricultural Activities as a Health Enhancer among Elderly People in Buhera, Zimbabwe
A few documented studies have been done to examine the health-related effects of physical agricultural and domestic activities on the elderly in a rural setting. This study examined the effects of elderly people’s engagement in field agricultural activities and domestic work on their health. A survey, using a questionnaire targeting 100 elderly people (54 males and 46 females, purposively selected), was conducted in the rural Buhera District in Zimbabwe. The results showed that agricultural and domestic activities done by the elderly had both positive and negative effects. The positive effects included the activities providing necessary physical exercise to keep their bodies fit and strong, affording an occupation to ward off idleness and avoiding social ridicule. The negative effects included worsening physical health, as some of the work required a lot of physical input, and some required intense concentration, which some elderly people could not handle. The study made recommendations that included the assistance of elderly people in doing physical activities that are within the scope of their physical and intellectual capabilities.
Keywords: Agricultural activities, elderly people, health benefits, physical activity.
Muchinako, G.A., & Christopher, G. (2025). Agricultural Activities as a Health Enhancer among Elderly People in Buhera, Zimbabwe, Man, Environment and Society, 6(1), pp. 59-69. DOI:10.47509/MES.2025.v06i1.03
Rural-to-Urban Migration of Youths and Its Implications for Safe Cities: Community and Faith-based Response
This study explores the phenomenon of youths’ rural-to-urban migration and its implications for developing safe cities. The aim is to examine how mass youth migration impacts urban safety, social stability, and infrastructure, and to understand the spiritual and moral lessons that biblical wisdom may offer in guiding youth decision-making and policy formation. The study addresses the problem of escalating youth exodus from rural communities due to economic hardships, unemployment, and the allure of urban opportunities, often leading to overcrowding, unemployment, urban crime, and weakened rural economies. A qualitative methodology was employed, involving interviews with migrants, city planners, and religious leaders and content analysis of urban crime data and biblical texts. Findings indicate that while migration may offer short-term economic hope, it often results in increased urban insecurity, underemployment, and declining community values. Genesis 26:2 metaphorically suggests the importance of divine guidance and contentment, highlighting the potential of local development and spiritual discernment in decision-making. The study concludes that promoting rural revitalisation, faith-based guidance, and inclusive urban planning can mitigate the negative consequences of youth migration and foster safer, more balanced cities.
Keywords: Safe cities, migration, rural areas, urban migration, Genesis 26.
Uroko, F.C. (2025). Rural-to-Urban Migration of Youths and its Implications for Safe Cities: Community and Faith-based Response, Man, Environment and Society, 6(1), pp. 71-87. DOI:10.47509/MES.2025.v06i1.04
Integrating Tradition and Law: A Conceptual Framework for Tribal Self-Governance in Scheduled Areas of Jharkhand
This research paper delves into the concept of tribal self-governance in Scheduled Areas, as mandated in the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution of India, with special provisions to ensure tribal rights and autonomy, particularly in the State of Jharkhand. The discourse of the paper draws on historical contexts of indigenous governance systems from their pre-colonial roots and disruptions under colonial administration to the post-independence safeguards provided under constitutional and legal frameworks, institutional arrangements, to protect tribal autonomy and contemporary challenges related to tribal self-governance. Key legislative instruments, most notably the Panchayats Extension to Scheduled Areas Act, 1996 (PESA) and the Forest Rights Act, 2006 (FRA), are analysed to empower Gram Sabhas, safeguard land rights, and preserve cultural heritage.
The paper highlights that despite these safeguards, implementation remains inconsistent, undermined by the persistent challenges, structural and operational barriers, such as political marginalisation, land alienation, bureaucratic inertia, socio-cultural erosion, and economic exploitation that hinder the practical realisation of tribal autonomy. The analysis underscores that legal authority alone is insufficient; genuine political will, administrative commitment, and community engagement are essential for transformative governance.
It proposes a multi-dimensional, comprehensive conceptual framework that integrates traditional governance structures with constitutional mandates, strengthens local institutions, enhances political participation, preserves indigenous cultural identity, promotes sustainable economic development, and fosters effective institutional coordination between tribal bodies, state agencies, and civil society organisations. By situating Jharkhand’s tribal governance within broader socio-political and economic contexts, the paper contributes to debates on decentralisation, indigenous rights, and sustainable development in resource-rich but marginalised regions. The proposed framework offers a pathway for policymakers, practitioners, and scholars to reimagine governance in Scheduled Areas, ensuring that tribal communities can exercise meaningful control over their lands, resources, and cultural values.
Keywords: Gram Sabha, Jharkhand, PESA, FRA, Fifth Schedule, Scheduled Areas, Scheduled Tribes, Tribal Advisory Council (TAC), Tribal self-governance.
Sharma, M., Jha, G.N. (2025). Integrating Tradition and Law: A Conceptual Framework for Tribal Self-Governance in Scheduled Areas of Jharkhand, Man, Environment and Society, 6(1), pp. 89-107. DOI:10.47509/MES.2025.v06i1.05