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A Thesis Submitted to the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts in Sociology, University of Regina. *xi, 178 p. The purpose of this research project was to provide a comprehensive examination on the sources of water conflict in the Quill Lakes watershed during a multi-year extreme flooding event. Located within South-Central Saskatchewan, the Quill Lakes has endured persistent flooding for over ten years. Regardless of previous attempts to mitigate the initial concerns, flooding impacts have intensified to exacerbate and create new exposures in the watershed. As a result, native grass and wetlands, farmable crops and pastures, wildlife and livestock, as well as local businesses and infrastructure, have experienced negative consequences. Grounded in the interpretive grounded theory (IGT) methodological framework, this research project purports the notion of research findings being 'rooted' in the data it collects rather than solely relying on prior assumptions or theories. However, the use of these prior theories, as well as a vast array of scientific literature, can be applied as guiding aids and secondary analyses. Therefore, supplementing this framework was the inclusion of how exposures and vulnerability impact a community’s ability, referred to as their adaptive capacity, to anticipate or respond to water crises. Through semi-structured interviews, participants provided in-depth information on what exposures were occurring within the Quill Lakes, which of their socio-ecological systems were left vulnerable, as well as what may have contributed to their failing adaptive capacity. The narrative of findings supports the attributed primary and initial causes of the flooding event as higher than average annual precipitation, the Quill Lakes location in a semi-closed drainage and saline-enriched watershed, an incomplete understanding of the hydrological cycle, as well as human-induced drainage changes. Further, the findings iii suggest a complex interjurisdictional dynamic and an absence of improving the riparian communities’ adaptive capacity on a singular ‘social cohesion’ level – both of which contributed to the prolonged and intensified experiences of the flooding. Concluding this research project is a theoretical postulation on the central issues of water crises within riparian communities, wherein including a combined social cohesion is necessary, the consideration of larger implications towards interjurisdictional water crises, as well as recommendations for strengthening their socio-ecological systems and adaptive capacity. Student yes

A Thesis Submitted to the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Biology, University of Regina. xvi, 160 p. Successfully managing the impacts of changing environmental conditions on complex socio-ecological systems (SES) requires identifying, quantifying, and understanding the multitude of threats facing such systems. Research that transcends disciplinary boundaries is the best means of accomplishing this task. Therefore, in this study, I combined multiple methods from the social sciences and natural sciences to quantify the human and ecological dimensions of prairie lakes in Saskatchewan, Canada. Firstly, to advance understanding of lake-use patterns and users’ perceptions of these systems, I designed and distributed a stakeholder survey. Results indicate primary lakeuses in this region are recreational, particularly fishing. Walleye (Sander vitreus) are targeted more than native fishes such as northern pike (Esox lucius) or yellow perch (Perca flavscens). Overall, respondents expressed concerns about pollution and urbanization, but invasive species and climate change were of minimal concern. Next, I quantified the current status and potential resilience of the aforementioned game fish species to changing environmental conditions using three parameters. I used Bayesian mixing models (MixSIAR) to evaluate resource-use, while body condition was expressed as relative weight indices (Wr), and parasite loads were enumerated via gut analyses. Based on the results, stocked walleye appear to be less resilient to environmental variability compared to naturally occurring species. This suggests that walleye will need to be continuously stocked in the future, particularly under climate change scenarios. Finally, because invasive species are expected to significantly impact game fish populations in temperate regions, and humans being key vectors in the spread and ii establishment of invasive species, I examined stakeholder knowledge about aquatic invasive species (AIS). Results from a survey questionnaire indicated low education and communication success, as respondents exhibited substantial knowledge gaps regarding non-native mussels and key preventative behaviours. Furthermore, I identified correlates of AIS knowledge and recommend exploitation of these predictors to improve effectiveness of education, outreach, and communication efforts. Based on the collated results from this interdisciplinary study, I recommend development of management strategies that focus on ensuring the long-term sustainability of recreational angling, improving AIS knowledge through re-structured education campaigns, and enhancing efforts for detecting AIS transfer. Overall, utilizing an interdisciplinary approach to examine the human and ecosystem dimensions of prairie lakes advanced comprehensive understanding of these complex SES. Student yes

A Thesis Submitted to the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Special Case Interdisciplinary Studies, University of Regina. xii, 192 p. Technology has played a significant role in the development of the Oldman River Basin since early settlements. The development of new and expanding industries, changes in agricultural activity and practices, and transformation in demographics and population density across the region have led to the installation and use of new technologies to manage water effectively and efficiently for multiple consumers. Existing technologies are challenged by extreme climate conditions that abruptly change water flow to increase droughts and floods that also affect vulnerable social systems. It is in this context that technology for water storage and distribution has taken a greater role as a determinant for adaptation in the agricultural industry. This research explores the impacts of severe climate exposures on technology for water storage and distribution, and how these impacts affect the vulnerability of these technologies, and consequently the vulnerability of agricultural producers within three jurisdictions in the Oldman River Basin. This research also explores technological actions taken by agricultural producers and local institutional representatives that lead into either adaptation to reduce vulnerability or to maladaptation to increase risks and vulnerabilities of social systems in the context of severe climate exposures. To understand and explain how adaptive actions contribute or not to technological adaptation, as well as how they may reduce risks and vulnerabilities of agricultural producers, this thesis focused on two major components: the social science represented by social and human capital, and the engineering component represented by the technological approach. This connection on how the vulnerability of technological systems relate to social systems and the vulnerability of agricultural producers was explored through semi-structured interviews and analysis of historical data on technological improvements and their impacts on the vulnerability of agricultural producers. The key findings identify opportunities for increasing adaptive capacity through technological actions divided in three main categories, including technological improvements, addressing water needs, and monitoring water levels. Two main type of actions were identified: (1) the installation of technologies in a new location and (2) changes to the physical structure of existing technologies. The latter is predominant in the study area as an action to rapidly respond to the impacts of extreme climate exposures, particularly flooding. In addition, both primary and secondary sources indicate that decision making processes related to community and individual changes can increase resiliency and build adaptive capacity through knowledge-sharing among agricultural producers and also through local and industry institutions. The research also highlights the connection between formal education attainment and increased decision making ability of agricultural producers in their selection and implementation of technological adaptations to extreme climate events and, as consequence, reduced social vulnerability. A Thesis Submitted to the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy *, University of Regina. *, * p. Student yes

A Thesis Submitted to the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts in Sociology, University of Regina.viii , 107 p. The pesticide utilization practices, exposure and vulnerability of farmers to pesticide hazards were investigated in the Ikwuano community of Abia state in Nigeria. The social vulnerability theory, as developed by Wisner et al., (2003), was adopted as the theoretical framework, with an emphasis on the Pressure and Release (PAR) and Access Models (AM). A qualitative research approach was used which included interviews and focus group discussions. The study indicated that the awareness of pesticide hazards needs to be raised for farmers and the government. Farmers still use banned pesticides and they are seriously affected by these chemicals. It was also observed that the farming community lacks access to important resources such as education, training facilities, information and hospitals. These resources would have helped them to cope, adapt and recover from the impacts of pesticide hazards. The research also revealed that institutional limitations, such as government neglect, ineffective pesticide regulations and a lack of efficient agro-extension services are the contextual causes of the farmers’ vulnerabilities to pesticide hazards. These limitations consistently put ‘pressure’ on the farmers, while the Nigerian government has done little or nothing to ‘release’ this pressure. There should be more effective pesticide regulations and control in order to prevent the use and misuse of banned pesticides by farmers. In addition, the existing agro-extension services should be strengthened and made more effective in reaching out to farmers in rural areas, providing them with training and information on the safe handling and usage of pesticides. Student yes

A Thesis Submitted to the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts in Justice Studies, University of Regina. ix, 125 p. This research study explored the vulnerability and adaptive capacity of the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation (ACFN) to the impacts of oil extraction in northern Alberta. The ACFN is one of many Aboriginal communities that have lived in northern Alberta for centuries. Historically, the community has relied on their natural environment for sustenance. The sources of livelihood for the ACFN have been affected at various levels by the negative impacts of oil extraction activities in the region. Such negative impacts on the environment and the people have exposed them to vulnerability issues, namely health and socioeconomic issues, and have equally challenged their ability to respond. Using a semi-structured interview method, the investigator collected and analyzed the perceptions of ten members of the ACFN community about the impacts of oil extraction on their community and how the members of the community have responded. The findings corroborate existing views that oil extraction activities in northern Alberta have caused not only environmental disruptions but also have disrupted the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation's traditional socioeconomic practices due to pollution and contamination of rivers, lakes and the forest. Oil extraction has also resulted in some negative health issues in the community. In terms of coping and adaptive capacity, there is an unequal distribution of revenue; an inadequate institutional framework; loss of economic opportunity; low technological capacity and inadequate socioeconomic capital which resulted in low coping mechanisms. There is a growing trend of education and skills acquisition which contributes to an increasing level of coping mechanisms and adaptation for some members of the community. Based on the reflections of respondents, age is a determining factor in who acquires education to increase their coping possibilities. Also, family unity, social control and cohesion in the ACFN are hinged on the economic security of family members, particularly the breadwinners. Student yes

A Thesis Submitted to the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts in Justice Studies, University of Regina. xii, 136 p. This study is based on qualitative research conducted by the writer using semi-structured interviews with key informants, including elderly male and female farmers. An analysis based on a theoretical framework of vulnerability and coping mechanisms was also conducted on the lived experience of farmers in Berik, in the Central Highlands, and Barentu/Sosona, in the lowlands of Gash Barka, related to climate change, including some practical recommendations they made to help them in their daily struggles for food security. Eritrea is a sub-Saharan African country suffering from food insecurity due to climate change. Subsistence-level rain-fed mixed crops and livestock comprised 95% of its agricultural products. Low rainfall and droughts adversely affect these products. Adaptation strategies are related to accessing natural resources, as well as political, economic, social, and cultural factors. Furthermore, climate change does not affect everyone in the same way. Female-headed farms, which comprise 30% in Eritrea, are affected differently than those headed by males and their adaptation strategies differ, especially in food production. Even though female-headed farms are important producers they do not have equal access to resources provided by the Ministry of Agriculture because they are not considered to be primary farmers. This situation is exacerbated by the limited availability and affordability of agricultural inputs such as land, fertilizer, seeds and labour. Four prevailing root factors emerged during this study. First was rain variability which impacted heavily on food security. Second were social/cultural views of women which prevented them from being regarded as equal primary farmers. Third was the indefinite national service, which removed farmers from their family farms, especially males. Fourth were state farms that sold products for foreign currency and used national service workers for labour, which conflicted with the needs of family farms. Student yes

A Thesis Submitted to the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts in Sociology, University of Regina. vi, 78 l. In the past four decades rapid change has characterized the modern world. The global market has permeated even the smallest of communities, and new economic, social and political realities exist. The political, economic and social factors that once contributed to the “success” of the welfare state are now radically different. The framework for addressing poverty in our society must also change. Currently, Canada addresses poverty through various welfare state initiatives, which translate into programs such as social assistance, tax credits, employment insurance and pensions. It is proposed that the current welfare state structure is addressing poverty inadequately and inefficiently, to the detriment of individuals, the economy and society at large. The framework for the social welfare state of the 1970s has become cumbersome and outdated, and yet all Canadian provinces continue to employ this ineffective model. The model is assessed as ineffective because a significant proportion of the population still accesses social assistance, yet child poverty remains an issue and there is evidence of long-term usage and re-entry to income assistance programs. Due to its design, the current social assistance model functions not so much as a short-term safety net, but as a vortex, leading to continued and repeated need for income assistance. Data presented in this paper demonstrate that a significant number of social assistance recipients re-enter the system. The current model of social assistance is serving new applicants and also a number of long-term or recurrent clients. The current welfare model is incompatible with modern employment trends and, in fact, may be increasing the need for income assistance. The state has the responsibility to meet at least the basic needs of its citizens, and there are social and economic reasons for doing so. The consequences of poverty and income disparity are harmful for all members of society. To address this, significant changes are considered for the social assistance framework. A critique of the framework provides the basis for a discussion of an alternative social policy. The following key questions are answered: 1) what factors led to the success of the welfare state during the 1970s? 2) is the current model working? 3) could it be improved? A comparison of the Canadian social, political and economic climate of various eras, and the corresponding welfare frameworks of those times, is presented. After demonstrating the evolution that has taken place, data are presented related to current poverty statistics and income assistance levels as compared to the defined threshold for poverty in Canada, the low-income cut-off. A basic income policy is proposed as an option which is then analyzed, evaluated, and shown potentially to address the socio-economic realities of the global era. Student yes