The learning journal entry Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The learning journal entry - Essay Example The definition provided for leadership was the act of influencing others toward a goal. During the session most of the students found leaders in their parents, professors or other tutors and coaches. Through this discussion I learnt that it was important for students to have real life leaders as we can gain immense knowledge from them and their experiences will help us learn several life lessons. In addition to this I also learnt the formula for performance which was equal to ability plus motivation. Both these elements were required in order to bring out our best performance both in academics and in life. In case ability is absent, any amount of motivation will not matter; however when someone has outstanding ability but is not sufficiently motivated then their performance is bound to be affected. In order to build our ability every individual requires an aptitude or interest towards a task, and a right amount of training and resources that will improve their ability in a given task. Along with the above constant motivation will increase their desire and commitment towards the task. Motivation will help to build desire and interest towards the work and lead to goal-directed behavior. In short, when people desire something and are sufficiently motivated towards achieving it, they would automatically take all the actions that would lead them to their goal and remain committed towards it. Furthermore there are four main factors that are required for motivation namely ability, resource, information and support. For the rest of my management class I intend to be more committed and perform to the best of my ability. For instance, I should work towards understanding the content in the textbooks rather than merely memorizing them. I have come to realize that the sole purpose of education is not about getting high grades; rather it is about gaining as much knowledge as we

The Relationship between Substance abuse and Criminal Behaviour

The Relationship between Substance abuse and Criminal Behaviour Substance abuse in adolescents is a serious problem that can lead to deviant acts that create problems in adulthood. Mental problems that develop from substance abuse and drug issues may be one of the factors that affect human behaviour in society. Substance abuse and criminal behaviour in adolescents, and later in adulthood, is affected by the environment setting in which they were raised. Parental influence is the main factor that causes teenagers to use drugs and alcohol, ultimately, causing many other problems associated with it. Factors such as negative issues with family and friends is a disadvantage for teenagers because they do not have the support that they need and so, they often turn to friends who negatively influence them, causing them to start using drugs and drinking excessively in order to help them cope with their personal issues. Problems increase if they are not able to deal with their drug and alcohol problems. There is direct research that links substance abuse a nd associative problems with negative family issues, the effects of substance abuse and childhood and adolescent problems that may be due to environmental factors. Psychological problems that are associated with substance abuse that could lead to criminal behaviour are part of a series of effects that can arise from drugs and alcohol use. (Bartol 1999) discussed how teens can become so addicted to these substances, that they need them to make themselves feel satisfied with themselves, the persons life is permeated with thoughts of procuring and using the drug, and he or she may resort to crime to obtain it (362). The dangerous drugs, such as heroin can lead to both the youth and adult populations to behave differently. Research has shown that drugs that a youth takes has a direct effect on what kinds of deviant acts they will be more likely to be involved with, the level of juvenile crime closely parallel to the drug use (Blumstein et al.,1986, 55). The severity of the effect of drug and alcohol taken has an impact on the seriousness of the criminal act performed. A connection of certain drugs can effect the type of behaviour because of the aft er effect of the drug, Highest crime rates were found for youths who reported the use of cocaineà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦separating the youths into offender groups based on the seriousness and number of crimes committed showed that even within these relatively homogenous groups, youths who used pills or cocaine had the highest crime rates (55).   This evidence shows that the drugs that adolescents are using has a serious impact on their behaviour . This is due to the negative impression that drugs can make on a person who is not conscious of what they are doing. Also adolescents who are addicted to drugs are more likely to start committing crimes but, this addiction could also affect them later on in a mental capacity, causing them to commit other crimes because they have been able to convince themselves that it is acceptable, through faulty mental processes. Pills, Marijuana, and Cocaine were, in fact, shown as the most dangerous drugs because they showed the highest number of associations related to number of crimes, Youth who used marijuana had overall rates of crime that were three times higheryouths who used pills but not cocaine, in turn had higher crime rates than the users of marijuana or alcohol, particularly for index offenses or drug sales (55). The effects of these crimes may be the consequence of not having anyon e positive to guide these troubled teens through tough times, leaving them unable to cope with their emotions because they are not able to talk to anyone about them. In the absence of positive role models, they are influenced by negative people who tell them that the path of drug and alcohol use is the one that will help them the most. The effects of cocaine allow for a changed state of mind, It has acquired notoriety as the cash drug for crime syndicates, the drug for temporary personal pleasure and unimaginable individual psychological craving (Gullotta Blau, 1994, p.7). This shows that pleasure can be a factor that makes a persons behaviour unpredictable. The effects of how substance abuse can mentally affect adolescents to behave in a certain way might be related to their childhood experiences. The personality that has been shaped in the child has an impact on what they may be like when they grow older. Less adaptable personalities may be the consequence of not having crucial support from friends and parents. Gullota Blau (1994) research showed that childrens negative emotions are associated with the likelihood of using drugs and alcohol, Continuing behavior problem most usually hyperactive, aggressive, and seemingly rebellious activity that reflects poor impulse control; an inability to delay gratification; sensation seeking (16). The problem with behaviour in children is that learning lack of self control is a problem because they do not properly learn what is wrong and right. All the anger that they are not able to channel appropriately leads to negative behaviour in the teen years which is a critical period in their development. During this time, they make important decisions that affect the rest of their lives namely, who they choose to be friends with. The negative result of this decision predicts the negative outcome of being on the street, involved with the wrong people, leading to getting into drug and alcohol trouble, Choosing to associate with drug-using peers and having attitude favorable to use are additional risk factors for any adolescent (16). Allowing these people into their lives can affect their problems. Another factor could be the problem of self-esteem, being friends who are using drugs, they are not being able to find any friends, so they think that it is that they are part of a group, they feel that they are part of something to make them feel better, adolescent may have been prone to frequent antisocial behaviour prior to association with delinquent friends. (Bartol, 1999, p.32). The feeling of being alone can cause an individual to make wrong decisions, Finally, alienation from, nonacceptance of, or outright rejection of the dominant values of the society have been shown to be associated with greater risk of alcohol and other drug-use problems (16). All deviant behaviours that are not easily fixed will be likely to effect future consequences such as problems within their home environments and any crimes that they may commit may intensify in terms of severity. Other factors come into play with the consequence of substance abuse; teens are ultimately harming their own lives, in t he student study, the rates of reported health problems, parasuicides(suicide attempts) and law violations increase with progressive involvement with licit and more especially illicit drug use (KokkeviStefanis,1990,p.116). This shows that there are other factors that are involved and that the victims go beyond the individual and effect the society. Environmental factors and family influence are also big issues that lead to deviant acts because of the family problems that are constantly occurring, incorporating negative stimulus into the childs mind, early on. The most important factor is parental guidance and support. When this is lacking, children do not feel that they are wanted, Membership in a family where there is little warmth, support or positive bonding, and there is parental, nondirectiveness and permissiveness and not adequate supervision (Turner, 1994, p.51). It also has to do with the level of self confidence that they have, but if they have the support they need, they are provided with healthy attitudes. children who are attached to their parents and involved in family activities, whatever they may be are less likely to initiate substance abuse and less likely to associate with drug users. If parents are involved in their adolescents lives in ways such as influencing peer choice and prosocial activities (46). Durin g the teenage years, it is important that reassurance and encouragement is being shown by parents and friends so that they are able to discover themselves, which builds character. Those who are excessive drinkers and drug users show that they do not have a goal and they simply turn to what makes them feel good on a short term basis. When parents show their child hatred, it leads to emotion problems within the relationship. It has been shown that when children are exposed to family problems, drugs and alcohol use by the parents it causes a negative environment. They may also be exposed to drugs and alcohol biologically which effects their growth once they are born, Prenatal drug exposure is a complex phenomenon that must be understood within an ecological context, including the uterine, familial, social, and economic environments in which the fetus, infant, and child develop (Harden, 1998, p.20). With all the factors that the child has to live with while growing up, there is a big probability that they will lack in decision making skills, because the parents are setting bad examples when they use drugs and alcohol as part of their lifestyle, this also effects the parents behaviour toward the children, Having a parent or sibling who abuses alcohol or other drugs. As social learning theory, predicts, adolescents gr owing up in families where drug use is the behaviour that is modeled will have a tendency to adopt that behavior (Turner,1994,p.41). Also, when the parent is not taking responsibility to teach the child, the consequence is seen in negative behaviour, any kind of parental nondirectiveness and permissiveness are risk factors for adolescent drug misuse (41). Parents who are not able to give their children boundaries have a disadvantage because they are unable to teach their children what is right and wrong. Being mistreated at a younger age is also a precursor to the problems that can develop over time. Violence in the household is a definite factor because children can easily absorb information by watching what others are doing and also by being a victim a parental abuse. All these things can directly lead to problems with substance abuse, physical abuse in child hood was significantly related to current illicit drug use in adulthood(Huang et al.,2010, p.95-96). This is the consequence of an unhappy childhood life. It has been shown that parents who use drugs turn their anger on to their children and the outcome is seen in negative child behaviour, cases involving cocaine using parent was reported due to child neglect. In this same study, sexual maltreatment of children by one of the parents. (Harden, 1998, p. 35). This would probably be the same when they reach adulthood and the likelihood of abusing innocent victims and even their own family remains high. Childhood and adolescent psychological problems have been shown with the development of their personality and with the people they were involved with. As they get older, situations get more complicated because they play a more dominant role in society. It is easier for them to get into other kinds of trouble. Serious crimes will be likely to happen, violent predators, i.e. persons reported committing robbery, assault and drug dealing and who had very high crime rates, had extensive histories of drug use (Blumstein et al., 1986, p.56). This links back to the drug use in the teen years when they start to become criminals. The crime history increases as substance abuse increases. There has also been research done with alcohol, demonstrating that the crimes are just as serious with alcohol as they are with drugs, alcohol and homicide are intimately and intricately related phenomena The fact is that most homicide offenders have been drinking or are intoxicated when they kill (ForrestGordo n,1990, p.15). There is also research that shows that drugs, such as heroin, have been associated with crime in adults, study indicate that for each offender group high-cost heroin users had the highest crime rate (Blumstein et al., 1986, p.57). This is another type of drug that they are exposed to. (ForrestGordon,1990) have found that crimes associated with drugs have also been found in those who drink excessive amounts of alcohol, alcohol involvement on the part of the victim is associated with increasing seriousness of injury in assaults, robberies, and rapes (12). This shows that when people who do not get the help that they need, their problems escalate to the point when their deviant acts get worse while they are still incorporating drugs and alcohol into their lifestyle. The effect of drug and alcohol usage has a different effect that leads to explain why adolescents and adults act with uncontrollable behaviour. Criminals who are under the effect of alcohol experience a disruption in the persons thinking, Very often, self confidence increases and the person becomes more daring, sometimes foolishly so (Bartol,1999, p.375). This goes back to (ForrestGordon,1990) research and how alcohol is related to crimes. Since alcohol gives teens self esteem and makes them unafraid of being subjected to situations that provide harsh consequence. This leads to acts of criminal behaviour that was associated with alcohol, assaults, robberies, and rapes. The level of drinking also effect the individual act of how severe it consequences will be. Violence frequently occurs in social situations where drinking is heavy, physiological arousal is high (such as anger), interpersonal conflict is evident, and cognitive processes-especially judgement and abstract reasoning- are impaired (Bartol,1999, p.377). This shows that the emotions and their state of mind is effected by the drinking. The emotion that is incorporated with the drinking is shown that it is correlated with each other, Research in the psychology laboratory also finds strong evidence that drinking alcohol facilitates physical aggression (377). Alcohol not only associates with crime but it also interferes with personal life such as family problems. Drugs that create mental problems can lead to criminal behaviour. There is research findings in drugs such as cocaine and heroin which is related to crime that affects the individuals criminal acts. Cocaine can lead to serious mental problems and other affects that also come along with, a syndrome with many of the psychotic features of the paranoid schizophrenia. This mental problem can alter persons state of mind, which can lead to issues but the correlation between the drug and the crime is not strong, because there is not enough research to support it, no study has shown that stimulants or cocaine facilitate either property crime of violent crime (Bartol,1999, p.370). This does not mean that the research that been discussed with the association of cocaine and criminal behaviour does not exist; there may be other reasons that they were involved in the crime, excluding rape or murder. Even though there was not enough research found that cocaine is not as strongly related to crime, the effects of it should be a red flag indicating that it could be a factor that it is related to crime behaviour, There is generally an elevation of mood, mild euphoria, increased sociability and a belief that one can do just about anything (370). This relates to how alcohol can raise a persons self esteem and they are able to do anything when they are not fully aware of what they are doing. Heroin was used to demonstrate the fact that people who take more intense drugs will commit the most crimes. It is known as a narcotic drug and it has been shown that it highly effects crime, The word narcotics usually provokes intense negative reactions and very often is quickly associated with crime (Bartol,1999, p.371). This links back to the research that (Blumstein et. al, 1986) found how people who used heroin had high crime rates. The effects of heroin has some effects that signal severeness of the criminal act, it is assumed that the heroin user is bizarre, unpredictable, and therefore dangerous (Bartol,1999, p.373). The actions that they are not aware of is a big concerns for how adolescents do things to harm themselves from taking heroin, Research have been shown that the effect of heroin is also that even though the persons can become deviant, the level of drug taken can make the person not as dangerous, However, high doses of narcotics produce sleep rather than the psyc hotic or paranoid panic states sometimes produced by high doses of amphetamines. Therefore, narcotics users rarely become violent or dangerous (373). We should not exclude that the fact that even though some drugs say that they will makes a person drowsy. There are many factors of symptoms that lead to crime, even though there is research that stated people take drugs are not usually dangerous, Research strongly indicates that addicts do not, as a general rule, participate in violent crimes such as assault, rape or homicide (373). Just like alcohol, the negative emotions that (Bartol, 1990) discussed and excessive drinking which leads to criminal acts, which can also be the same with drugs, whether they are going through depression or peer pressure, can be a factor that causes crime to happen. It may not ne just the drug alone. Substance abuse and criminal behaviour is a serious issue because it can harm victims, loved ones and ourselves. If treatment is not available to treat the youth population, it can lead to the next generation of criminals which can increase crime rates. As we can see, the effects of drugs and alcohol does lead to criminal behaviour and the personal aspect of it also tell us that people who are not stable with emotional problems who are not being able to do deal with issues, may place that anger and use violence to deal with their temperament issues. Children who have been witnesses to violence or who have been directly a part of it give way to a predictive factor that they will become deviant individuals because they are negatively influenced by people such as parents and friends because they look up to them as a guides. Even though it is not possible to keep drugs and alcohol out of peoples reach, it is important that adolescents learn the consequences of their addictions.

Troubles Macbeth Faced :: essays research papers fc

The Troubles Macbeth Faced Immediately After the Murder In this world a person is suffering from stress put on his shoulder. Due to the amount of stress, naturally a person cannot sleep with a mind empty of worries. Sometimes a person gets disconnected from God. The disconnection from God along with the increasing amount of stress and of lack of sleep could lead a person to depression and losing hope in life. In Macbeth, the leading character, Macbeth suffers the same symptoms with an over stressed person in real life. Moreover, these symptoms begin when Macbeth kills King Duncan. Therefore, after killing King Duncan Macbeth, the noble character, suffers from serious problems that lead him into losing the hope of living. People might say that the importance of religion to Macbeth gradually decreases to a point where he no longer refers to God in his thoughts or actions. For he had killed Macduff's wife and children for no logical reason. Moreover, Macbeth proves that he no longer has second thoughts about killing people when he says, "From this moment The very firstlings of my heart shall be The very firstlings of my hand." (IV, i, 145-147). This saying contradicts him, when he first killed King Duncan, when he said, "But wherefore could I pronounce 'Amen'? I had most need of blessing, and 'Amen' Stuck in my throat." (II, ii, 35-37). However, due to the fact that Macbeth knows that he is disconnected from God, it will be impossible to be reconnected to Him. So his guilt fades away, knowing that he will end up in hell. Thus, this makes Macbeth lose hope of living at the end of the play. Although Macbeth, hesitates at the beginning to kill King Duncan. His wife, Lady Macbeth, convinces him by saying, "What beast was't then That made you break this enterprise to me? When you durst do it, then you were a man; And, to be more than what you were, you would Be so much more the man. Nor the time nor place Did then adhere, and yet you would make both. They have made themselves, and that their fitness now Does unmake you." (I, vii, 47-54). Lady Macbeth tries to encourage her husband to kill King Duncan by questioning his manhood. However, after committing the murder, Macbeth suffers from stress, worry and lack of sleep. He is stressed about the fact that his wife is going insane. He is worried at some point that someone might get suspicious about how Macbeth got to seize the throne.

Explain The Benefits Of Actively Promoting Positive Aspects Of Behaviour

Explain the benefits of actively promoting positive aspects of behaviour. Positive behaviour is strongly linked to respect for others and what is generally accepted as ‘good' behaviour tends to be centred on this. Positive behaviour is about learning self-control and consideration for the needs of others. The Social Learning Theory is based on the fact that children will adopt the behaviour of the adults around them. In other words setting a good example is the first thing all adults should try to do in working with young children. If we deal aggressively with them they will respond in an aggressive way also.If we always remember to say please and thank you they are more likely to do so and if we encourage and reward sharing and caring they will accept this as positive behaviour. The Behaviourist Theory suggests that children will respond best to positive reinforcement, in other words rewards. The attention of adults is important to children and some learn that the only way to get attention is by exhibiting negative behaviour. The only time they feel noticed is when they are being chastised for unwanted behaviour. Their logic tells them that in repeating the unwanted behaviour they will get more attention.If we try to ignore negative behaviour (as far as is safe to do so) but reward positive behaviour then the child learns that more attention is gained through being ‘good'. This can be done by using sticker charts†¦. only appropriate behaviour gets a sticker but never remove a sticker that has been earned for good behaviour as this is discouraging to the child. Praising a child for the positive behaviour is sometimes all that is needed to show that we have noticed and will reinforce their behaviour so it is important to do this frequently. Even a smile is enough in some cases.Self-Fulfilling Prophesy Theory is based upon the view the adult takes of a child. If a child is constantly told they are ‘bad' or ‘naughty' they often come to consider themselves as just that and resign them to becoming nothing better. If we have to discipline a child in any way the language we use must be chosen carefully so as not to label the child but to label the behaviour as unacceptable. Having a good, well organised routine will help children to feel more secure and the less stressed they are in a situation the more likely they are to exhibit positive behaviour.Setting clear boundaries and explaining them to the children also gives them a better understanding of what you expect. The children could contribute to this process by adding to lists of rules, thereby giving them ownership of what is appropriate and what is not. They are more likely to conform to boundaries if they understand what their peers find unacceptable and the reasons why there is a need for boundaries. Being well organised will also mean that the children are constantly on task and not left without a meaningful activity to occupy them.Make them responsible for c ertain activities as this will give them a sense of involvement and ownership. Ensure that there is plenty of supervision of activities so that any negative behaviour is nipped in the bud before it becomes an issue. In short be a positive role model, make use of positive reinforcement, be consistent, be well organised/planned, have clear boundaries and above all else be patient, understanding, attentive and aware of the developmental stage of each child in your care.

A Perspective on Water Crisis Essay

Global water crisis is one of the biggest problems that the world is facing. Freshwater resources are increasingly becoming scarce today and probably for the next decades. Less than one-half of 1% of all the water on the planet comprises the available fresh and clean water (Maude). Humans already used more than half of the world’s clean fresh water and by the year 2025 the consumption of freshwater will increase to three-quarters. Global water consumption becomes double every 20 years and if this trend continues, the supply of freshwater will not be enough for the demand of the world’s population by 2025. World Bank and World Heath Organization noted that there are about 2 billion people have no access to clean and safe water and about 1 billion people have no enough clean water to meet their daily water requirements. Depleted water resources are attributed to the intensive urbanization, deforestation, water diversion, industrial farming and population growth. As the world population increases, the consumption of accessible freshwater may grow six-fold (Maude). As a result of water crisis, lots of people suffer and die from water and sanitation related diseases such as diarrhea, cholera, dysentery, and hepatitis. Unfortunately, most of the poorest countries in the globe are the ones who are experiencing water shortage. Uganda is located at the Sub-Saharan Africa and is among the poorest countries around the globe. The country relies solely on agricultural industry however, less than half of the arable land is subject for cultivation. Large part of the land area (more or less 82%) of the country is arable, however more than 67% of the country has poor ferralitic soil which has nearly lost its mineral content due to prolonged weathering. Thus, proper soil management is needed for the soil to regain its lost nutrients. The economy of the country has a great potential, considering the potentials of its agriculture and natural resources. There is a great possibility that Uganda will recover from difficulties, most especially from poverty. However, due to some existing problems that the country is facing, it seems to be difficult for Uganda to escape from poverty. One of the biggest problems that the country is facing today is water crisis. Water crisis definitely affect the country as a whole contributes to Uganda’s poverty and worsen her current situation (Dauda, 2003). The country of Uganda is definitely endowed with water resources. About 18% of the total surface area of the country is covered with renewable water resources including lakes, rivers and wetlands. Approximately, it can supply an individual of Uganda with 2,800 m of water in a year (Dauda, 2003). These fresh water resources are considered as the essential resource for sustaining life, preserving the environment, uphold development and alleviating poverty in the country. It has direct impact the quality of life of Ugandans and their productivity as a whole. Water is very essential to Uganda since it plays an essential role in the production of sufficient supply of food for the country as well as supplying electric power all over the country. It is the key resource of the country’s agriculture, food processing and other agro-industries which provides employment to the people of Uganda. Aside from supporting Uganda’s agriculture and industry, water also provides electric power to the country. Indeed, it is the source of hydropower which is the country’s main resource of abundant and cheap electric power. The socio-economic development of the country depends solely on the energy produced from hydropower. Inadequate power supply cannot support Uganda’s large-scale manufacturing industries and agro-industries which may lead to low economic level of the country (National Water Development Report, 2005). The major freshwater resources of Uganda include rainfall, surface or open water and groundwater. Rainfall is the most vital source of freshwater of the country. The rainfall pattern in the country greatly influences the land use potential and consequently the population distribution. The rainfall pattern of Uganda is influenced by the local topography and the presence of Lake Victoria. Rainfall in Uganda tends to increase with altitude; meanwhile, rainfall is apt to decrease with the distance from the lake. High rainfall is noted on the central and western parts of Lake Victoria and over the mountain. Another factor that determines the occurrence of rainfall is the country’s season. The most stable rain season in Uganda is from the months of March to May; meanwhile, the reported variable rainy months in Uganda is from October to December (National Water Development Report, 2005). The major freshwater resources of Uganda are in the form of lakes and rivers. These open sources are often used for the supply of hydropower in the country. The major resources of hydropower in Uganda are the Nile River and Lake Victoria. Lake Victoria supports the fisheries industry of Uganda and provide water supply to the majority of people of Uganda. Indeed, the Lake is also supporting the agriculture industry along its shoreline (National Water Development Report, 2005). However, the Lake’s potential use for the future is now in question since it is experiencing dying up which leads to lower water levels. The available water left in Lake Victoria may not be enough to sustain the required hydroelectric power generation (Xinhua News Agency). Other water bodies include Kyoga, Albert, George, Edward, Ruizi, Katonga, Kafu, Mpologoma and Aswa (National Water Development Report, 2005). Some of these lakes, most especially those on the western and central part are also drying up due to drought which threatens the cattle industry in the area. Cattles have little access to water which may lead to lower production rate and low quality of Cattles (Xinhua News Agency). In addition to drought, the quality of surface water has been deteriorating with time. In most parts of the country, surface and ground water are already polluted due to increased urbanization and population as well as human activities such as poor agricultural practices, poor sanitation practices, industrial waste discharge, and mining activities (National Water Development Report, 2005). Aquifers, which can only be generated and recharged by endogenous precipitation, are also essential resource of freshwater in Uganda. It is the major source of water in rural, semi-arid and arid areas in the country. The occurrence of groundwater is highly dependent on the geologic formation in the country. Uganda is endowed with productive aquifers water; this can be attributed to the geology of Uganda which is dominated by crystalline Basement Complex of pre-Cambrian age. More than 90% of the country is underlie by different kinds of rocks which predominantly include granites, granitoid gneisses and gneisses. Ground water resources are generally found on the underground layer of unconsolidated materials such as weathered bedrock, silt and clay. This groundwater can only be extracted through wells. The highest yielding and productive groundwater can be found in weathered-fractured bedrock which has high permeability (National Water Development Report, 2005). In general, the groundwater of Uganda is in good and sound condition. There are no traces of toxic substances that may threaten the health of the people in Uganda. Moreover, these aquifers have significant amount of minerals such as aluminum, calcium, magnesium metal cations, chloride, iron, manganese and chromium that may not cause harm to the people of Uganda. Consequently, there are few parts of the country that are found to have high amounts of these minerals and have traces of high nitrate and chromium levels in some areas. Aside from high amount of minerals, it was also reported that some parts of the country have found to be positive in Coliform bacteria. Contamination of the aquifers is attributed to deterioration of the borehole casings, leaching of sewage wastes, weathering of aquifer environment as well as poor sanitation condition in the areas around the aquifers (National Water Development Report 2005). In general, the availability and preservation of water resources in Uganda solely relies on various environmental, sociological and cultural factors. The availability of freshwater resources depends on the distribution of water bodies on the country. It is known that freshwater resources in Uganda constitute a great part of the country. However, due to its uneven distribution and seasonality, availability of water is still a big problem on most parts of the country. Ugandans find it difficult to have an easy access to fresh and clean water. Women together with their young are spending so much time and energy on walking a mile-long way just to fetch water from areas with sufficient supply of clean water. The uneven distribution of water resources in the country also influences the agro-industry in the country. Cattle raisers tend to transfer from place to place just to find safe and sufficient water for the cattles. As a result, disease spread and transfer brought by the cattles becomes prevalent on various regions of the country (Xinhua News Agency). Meanwhile, uneven distribution of groundwater greatly influenced the accessibility of Ugandans to clean water. Regions endowed with productive groundwater are indeed rich in geological characteristics (National Water Development Report 2005). The occurrence of extreme weather conditions has a great effect on the availability and safety of water on the country. Heavy rains may cause to flooding and consequently may contaminate the water resources of the some regions in the country. Contaminated water may result to more serious problems such as disease outbreaks, epidemics and even death. Contaminated water is the key reason to the high and increasing mortality rate of Ugandans especially of infants (National Water Development Report 2005). It is reported that most number of mortality occurs on infants and this can be attributed to less accessibility to clean and safe water. Meanwhile, erratic rainfall and seasonality of the occurrence of rainfall in the country resulted to desertification of arable lands. These definitely affect several industries in the country especially those that greatly depend on water (i. e. agricultural industries) (Dauda, 2003). Some of the suspected major reasons of water resources deterioration in Uganda are rapid growth population, urbanization, industrialization, relentless environmental degradation and deforestation as well as pollution. High population density greatly influenced the availability of water resources in Uganda. The population of Uganda in 2007 is approximately 30. 9 million and more than half of it is comprised of infants. The country has an average annual growth rate of 3. 4% which is one of the highest growth rates in the globe. The demand for water relatively increased while the supply decreased with high population density. And as what the country is experiencing, there is no enough clean water for all. Increased population accompanied by urbanization and industrialization resulted to increased pollution and deforestation. Most of the land bodies are converted to industries which produces toxic wastes that pollute the environment especially water bodies. This contributes to the decreased supply of water in Uganda. Depleted water supply is also attributed to poor agricultural practices in the country such as cultivation, pastoral activities, and livestock practices. Poor sanitation is also identified as a possible cause of freshwater shortage in Uganda. Some of the land owners that cultivate their own lands seem to be unaware of environmentally sustainable practices. They have poor knowledge on these methods that they do any practices which may pollute their environment. These practices accompanied by poor sanitation will indeed bring negative effect on Uganda’s environment. Poor sanitation practices are among the factors that contribute to depleted water supply and water related diseases in Uganda. Fetching and purifying water are very labor intensive, considering the distance that Ugandans walk just to obtain clean and safe water. They often share and obtain polluted water from water resources where farm animals usually dwell. However, as an everyday routine, it became arduous to the people of Uganda to fetch water from distance places and to consume so much time purifying the water that they fetched. People tend to ignore the hazard that the contaminated water may bring them; they just drink the water as ease without purifying it. As a result, development of water related diseases became prevalent in Uganda (Dauda, 2003). Another major factor that leads to water shortage in Uganda is global warming. Majority of Uganda’s water table, especially the northern and northeastern part is dry due to global warming and environmental degradation (Dauda, 2003). Global warming may also contribute to the occurrence on the extreme weather condition in the country such as El Nino and La Nina. Moreover, these parts of the country are experiencing wide fluctuations in the availability of water between wet and dry seasons as well as variations in the onset of rainfall as a result of the extreme weather conditions (National Water Development Report 2005). Prolonged drought, which leads to drying up of significant water tables of Uganda, has also threatened the food security in the country. Due to prolonged drought, production of staple foods of Ugandans such as sorghum and millet relatively decreased (EuropaWorld). Just like any other country, Uganda is rich in traditions and belief. They value their culture so much it comes to a point that their beliefs and traditions hinder the possibility of development in their country. There are existing cultural norms that are related to the water bodies in Uganda. Some of the water bodies in Uganda are believed to have special healing powers for many diseases and supernatural dwellers as well. Moreover, these water bodies have potentials for many significant uses such as hydropower resource and irrigation for agricultural industries. However, due to close cultural attachment of people of Uganda to these water resources, the government found it difficult to create potential programs that will optimize the use of the water resources in the country (National Water Development Report 2005). Aside from various problems stated previously that have great impact on freshwater availability, Uganda’s neighboring regions seem to contribute on the water crisis that it is experiencing. Majority of Uganda’s freshwater resources have existing crossing frontiers which bound the country from maximizing its use on its own water resources within its territory. Though they have legal riparian rights to have a share on the water resources, these transboundaries definitely affect the socio-economic growth of the country since water is considered to be as the key player in the development of Uganda (Encounter Uganda Well Health). For one thing, these transboundaries serve as the main competitors of Uganda from the available water resources. People of Uganda have little access to large water resources since they are restricted to come across the boundary of another country. Moreover, these crossing frontiers not only prevent Uganda from optimizing its available freshwater resources but source of food and employment as well (National Water Development Report 2005). In order to unravel the existing problems in Uganda, its government decided to make some modifications on its various sectors, most especially the water sector. Several studies and situational analyses are conducted by the water sector that leads to preparation of comprehensive strategy of water sector and investment strategies. The government has anticipated many factors and they made it possible that the strategies may still be implemented on the sector up to 2015. The government has already started implementing some of the strategies and one of these is Sector Wide Approach to Planning (SWAP). SWAP requires all stakeholders to participate in the planning and implementation of the sector’s activities while optimizing benefits for all. The strategy has provided a regular budget on the programs that are made which is relatively different to the previous programs that the sector has made (National Water Development Report 2005). Another significant program that also aimed to promote sustainable management and development of water resources of the riparian regions is the Collaborative Partnership Program. The program is focused in improving the coordination of efforts of the different stakeholders. The program is also focused on harmonizing strategies and plans that involves sustainable management and development of the shared water resources. This makes Uganda very eager to have a close relationship with its neighboring regions. Uganda became enthusiastic with regard to making joint plan, management and development of the water resources that they shared. Uganda’s aim on making collaboration with her transboundaries is for all of them to obtain fair benefits from the water resources as well as to ensure that they will get sufficient supply of clean water. Fair utilization and consumption of shared water provide a high opportunity for sustainable use of resources as well as sustainable growth and development. Moreover, Uganda will be able to support its economic and social objectives through collaborating with its cross frontiers (National Water Development Report 2005). The riparian countries including Uganda will have comparable advantages from the equitable use of shared water. While building a close relationship with the riparian countries, the potentials of the existing industries in Uganda may be developed through collaboration with her neighboring regions. Advancement in its industries may lead to economic development of the country and in turn advancement on the quality of life and well being of its whole nation. Meanwhile, there are potential conflicts identified in the implementation of collaboration program between the riparian countries. Aside from the common objective that the riparian countries agreed on making the joint collaboration, these countries also have different interests which make a potential conflict between them. They made plans and implemented projects which do not take into consideration the wide coverage of the shared water resources. They do not anticipate the possible conflicts that may arise by implanting their plans. As a result, some of their individual plans for the development of their own countries are contradicting with the plans of other countries. Plans of other countries will not be possible if other countries’ plan will be allowed. Another issue that makes the joint program complicated is the mistrust among the cross frontiers. This issue seems to be unavoidable since the riparian countries have different objectives and interest in joining the joint program. They refuse to show their own data regarding the shared water resources as well as information of their plans and strategies. Since the riparian countries have no idea of the plans and programs of other riparian countries there are instances that the individual projects implemented are the same with other countries (National Water Development Report 2005). The last issue identified is the restoration of the environment. One of the minor objectives of the joint program is to conserve the environment; however, it is found to be difficult to implement their plans and projects while not taking into consideration the possible negative effect that it may bring to their environment. The main concern here is the methods of the activities and projects as well as the way these are conducted. Countries located on the downstream of the shared water resources are threatened by the possible effect of the activities that the upstream countries are conducting. Also due to mistrust, they are not guaranteed that the upstream countries are performing the activities in a proper way. It is essential that both the upstream and downstream countries will conduct their programs and projects in such a way that these programs will not affect that conservation of environment that they are promoting in the country. Through this little start, there will be a great possibility that their countries will surpass big problems such as water crisis and most of all poverty. References Barlow, Maude. The global water crisis and the Commodification of the world’s water supply A Special Report issued by the International Forum on Globalization (IFG). Retrieved May 30, 2008, from http://www. thirdworldtraveler. com/Water/Global_Trade_BG. html Toure, Dauda. 2003. The Millennium Development Goals Progress Report for Uganda. Retrieved May30, 2008, from http://www. undg. org/archive_docs/6197-Denmark_MDG_Report. pdf 2005. National Water Development Report: Uganda. Retrieved May 30, 2008, from http://www. unesdoc. unesco. org/images/0014/001467/146760E. pdf Xinhua News Agency. 2006. Lakes in Uganda dry up due to prolonged drought. Retrieved May 29, 2008, from highbeam. com/doc database. Encounter Uganda Well Health. Retrieved May 29, 2008 from water_website database. EuropaWorld. 2003, February 21. Northern Uganda: The Forgotten Crisis. Retrieved May 29, 2008, from http://www. europaworld. org/week117/northernuganda21203. htm