Suchergebnisse

AbstractIn this article, we investigate the construction, composition and rationale behind the personal networks of recent immigrants to Canada. Drawing on egocentric‐network analysis and interviews with 172 Ghanaian immigrants in Toronto, we reveal their networking strategies during their integration. First, we identify social locations that help create ties with different groups: workplaces and schools offer access to ties with non‐immigrants and other immigrants alike, while religious and ethnic organizations facilitate ties to co‐nationals (i.e., Ghanaians). Second, most individuals within immigrants' network are co‐nationals whose relationship began in Canada, followed by sustained transnational ties in the origin and diaspora and few ties with the non‐immigrant. The nature of this network is explained by examining the migration project of immigrants together with the context of reception in Canada, which suggests a desire by immigrants to stay in Canada and make Canada their second home. The implications of these findings are discussed.

Climate variability and population growth has increased irrigation water usage in Ghana. The study compared microbial levels of irrigation water, differences in exposure, and perceptions of microbial contamination in a peri-urban and rural community. A mixed method approach was used to collect and analyse primary data. Water samples were collected and tested for faecal coliform and E. coli counts. Further, a survey, focus group discussion, and observation were used to understand the demographics of irrigation water use. Results show widespread irrigation water contamination with levels higher than the World Health Organization (WHO) acceptable threshold. The survey, focus group discussion, and observation also reveal that majority of the users of irrigation water uses their water untreated and may be vulnerable to water-borne diseases. Also, the exposure to these contaminants were location specific and correlated with level of education, years of farming experience, and agronomic practices. The study recommends education to improve the irrigation water quality and agronomic practices.

AbstractThe purpose of this paper is to examine how social media is used as a promotional tool for economic development at the municipal level through place marketing and branding, to identify and explore what specific tools are being used, and to discuss the strengths and limitations of use. Primary data was collected through in‐depth interviews with 16 municipal economic development practitioners in the Province of Ontario, Canada. Additional data collected from municipal social media accounts was used to further reinforce the qualitative data and allow for triangulation and greater breadth of analysis. The findings suggest that social media is being used as a tool to promote local services and political information rather than communicate a brand position. Additionally, limited interaction with the audience reduces not only the effectiveness of place marketing efforts but also enhancement of place brands. While some findings are place specific (as study design limited research participants to municipalities in Ontario), these findings can be shared with other locales in advanced economies to provide them with information to make improvements in the way communication technology is utilised. This research paper provides a better understanding of how social media is being used by municipalities and how it fits into place marketing and place branding.