RESEARCH REVIEW International Journal of Multidisciplinary

Climatic Change and Performance of Agro-based Projects of Rwanda Co-operative Agricultural Growth

RUTUKU Emmanuel — 2025-10-15

Climate change posed major challenges to agriculture, significantly affecting the performance of agro-based projects in Rwanda. The Rwanda Cooperative Agricultural Growth (RCAG) initiative was particularly impacted by shifting precipitation patterns, rising temperatures, and seasonal climate variability, which threatened productivity, sustainability, and profitability. This study assessed how climate variability influenced the performance of agro-based projects under RCAG. Specifically, it examined the effects of precipitation shifts, rising temperatures, and seasonal variability on agricultural productivity and project outcomes. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative and qualitative data. The study adopted descriptive and correlational research designs. The target population consisted of 500 cooperative farmers, extension officers, and policymakers, from which a sample of 222 respondents was drawn using Taro Yamane’s formula. Stratified random sampling was applied to farmers, while purposive sampling identified key informants. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and key informant interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS for descriptive and inferential statistics, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically. Ethical considerations such as informed consent, confidentiality, and institutional approval were strictly observed. The findings revealed that precipitation shifts had a strong effect on yield, sustainability, and economic viability (M = 4.62, SD = 0.75), while rising temperatures significantly reduced productivity and increased adaptation costs (M = 4.68, SD = 0.66). Seasonal variability also disrupted farm planning and project outcomes (M = 4.64, SD = 0.70). Regression analysis showed that climatic factors collectively explained 84.3% of the variance in agro-based project performance (R² = 0.843, p < 0.001). Qualitative interviews supported these results, with cooperative leaders highlighting challenges such as irregular rainfall, high irrigation costs, and the limited affordability of climate-smart technologies. The study concluded that climate change significantly affected the performance of agro-based projects in Rwanda, with precipitation shifts being the most influential factor. It recommended that resilience strategies should integrate government policies, affordable technological innovations, and farmer awareness programs.

Immunization in Pediatric Neurodevelopmental disorders: Current Evidence-Based Recommendations

Jenefer Pamalene Richard — 2025-10-15

Pediatric Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) comprise of Autism and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), as well as NDDs due to specific genetic anomaly such as Down Syndrome (DS). This narrative review collates relevant evidence up to August 2025 pertaining to safety, immunogenicity and efficacy profile of various vaccines in NDDs. Level and grade of evidence pertaining to vaccination in these conditions with each vaccine is documented, and current recommendations for immunization in NDDs are summarised. Per current guidelines, all vaccines are recommended; and no vaccine is contraindicated in NDDs including ASD and ADHD. All vaccines are recommended in DS with special emphasis on vaccines against respiratory and middle ear pathogens. Pneumococcal conjugate and polysaccharide, Influenza, Varicella, Meningococcal conjugate, Mumps Measles and Rubella, Hepatitis B and COVID-19 vaccines are specifically recommended. Current recommendations for infant monoclonal antibodies Nirsevimab and Clesrovimab for immunization against Respiratory Syncytial Virus in DS are not different from normal children.

Exploring Day-to-Day Activities in a Preschool: A Participant Observation Study

Anamika Singh — 2025-10-15

This study presents findings from a participant observation conducted at Demonstration Preschool to explore how daily routines, social interactions, and learning experiences contribute to early childhood development. Over the course of one week, a total of 20 hours were spent observing a classroom of 5 to 6 year-old children engaged in a variety of structured and unstructured learning activities. The primary objective was to understand how the physical environment, teacher-led activities, and peer interactions collectively shape children’s engagement, learning behaviors, and social-emotional growth. Research findings revealed that, a thoughtfully designed physical setting—with clearly defined learning centers, open access to varied materials, and flexible spatial arrangements—encouraged children to make independent choices and collaborate with peers. Such an environment promoted higher levels of engagement, creativity, and cooperative play. Teacher-led sessions that emphasized inquiry, dialogue, and hands-on exploration were observed to stimulate curiosity and sustained attention, while overly structured and directive tasks tended to limit spontaneous learning opportunities. The study also highlighted the importance of unstructured play periods, where children practiced negotiation, empathy, and problem-solving in natural social contexts. Present research, underscores the need for intentional and responsive learning environments that integrate guided instruction with opportunities for child-initiated exploration. By balancing structure with flexibility, educators can create spaces that nurture cognitive, social, and emotional dimensions of early development, ultimately supporting a more holistic approach to preschool education.

M.K. Binodini Devi's Itamacha: Identity, Belonging and Cultural Hybridity

Elangbam Hemanta Singh — 2025-10-15

Itamacha, a short story by M.K. Binodini Devi, provides a complicated examination of identity, cultural hybridity, and relocation in the socio-political context of post-merger Manipur. The story illustrates the conflicts between resistance and assimilation, rootedness and detachment, via the characters of Itamacha and her family. Whereas Kasturi represents isolation and defies assimilation into Meitei society, Mishralal represents emotional affiliation through ancestral memory and affinity to the Imphal river. Based on Howard S. Becker’s concept of the “outsider,” Stuart Hall’s conception of “living with difference,” and Homi K. Bhabha’s theory of hybridity, the narrative explores how migrant families maintain their social identity in spite of generational assimilation. From feminist perspectives, Kasturi's stance is complex which sees her disengagement as both exclusion and action. Her usage of Hindi echoes Gayatri Spivak's query about the subaltern's ability to communicate, a rejection that further solidifies her marginalisation. Heidegger's existentialist viewpoint, in which Mishralal's move represents an ontological break from his true reality, is further supported by the story. Ultimately, Itamacha reveals the precarious coexistence of diversity and identity in postcolonial countries while highlighting the ways in which memory, cultural practices, and daily disputes form belonging.

Narrating the Unruly Body: Disability, Femininity, and Counter-Discourse in Women's Autobiographies

Neethu Varghese — 2025-10-15

Women’s disability autobiographies occupy unique position within resistance literature, challenging the restrictive paradigms of gender and ability, addressing the double marginalization faced by women who are disabled. This article examines women's disability autobiographies as potent sites of counter-discourse that challenge intersecting oppressions of ableism and patriarchy. The study aims to analyse texts by Malini Chib, Rebekah Taussig, and Shivani Gupta through an intersectional feminist disability studies framework. The analysis reveals how these authors try to deconstruct normative ideals of femininity and how they reclaim agency through their narratives. The study argues that these life writings are not merely personal testimonials but are acts of political resistance that redefine concepts of normalcy, forge collective identity, and contribute significantly to feminist and disability scholarship.

Vibes of Sirmaur: An Exploration of Folk Dances of Sirmour District of Himachal Pradesh

Joginder Singh Habbi — 2025-10-15

The present research paper has explored the folk dances of the Sirmour District of Himachal Pradesh. The study aimed to find out the folk dance forms of the Sirmour district. Different folk and tribal dances of the Sirmour district, like Sirmouri Natti, Budha Dance, Thoda Dance, Dhilli Natti, Sinhtoo Dance, Bharaltoo Dance and Dagyali Nach are described. Besides this, the paper has discussed the cultural groups of the district, which played a crucial role in the promotion of folk art forms of Sirmour. This paper has also highlighted the folk artists awarded by the state and the central government for their contribution to the field of folk culture.