Gendered Analysis of the Effect of Displacement on Labor Market Outcomes: A Focus on Nairobi County, Kenya

A Study of Local Government in Africa through Participatory Action Research (PAR)

Obesity and labor market outcomes among legal immigrants to the United States from developing countries

In a series of papers Andrew Oswald has suggested that since home owners are relatively less mobile across geographic locations than renters, regional home ownership rates are positively correlated with regional unemployment rates. This paper examines this hypothesis at the individual level. Search theory suggests that when a subset of the population is less mobile than others, this less mobile group (that is, owners) will have lower probability of employment, longer spells of unemployment and lower wages than more mobile renters. These hypotheses on inferior labour market outcomes for owners were tested using US Current Population Survey data as well as data from the Panel Survey of Income Dynamics. The empirical model suggests that these hypotheses are not supported by any of the tests. Home owners, conditionally or unconditionally, have better labour market outcomes than renters.

Despite a steady inflow of humanitarian migrants to Australia, their socio-economic outcomes remain visibly poorer than those of other migrants and the general population. Therefore, understanding the factors contributing to refugee integration is an important endeavor. In this paper, we focus on refugees’ labor-market outcomes and the role of a potentially important macro-level factor: gender inequality in the origin country. To accomplish this, we leverage high-quality longitudinal data from a probability survey (Building a New Life in Australia, n = 9,268) augmented with country-level data from the UNDP. Our results bear implications for gender and migration scholarship, and equity policy and practice.

Gender and migration on the labour market: Additive or interacting disadvantages in Germany?

Afghanistan, as one of the world’s largest producers of narcotics, faces significant social, economic, and health challenges. Despite numerous efforts to combat the cultivation and consumption of narcotics, the issue remains a major problem in many local communities. However, some of these communities have succeeded in achieving remarkable progress in reducing narcotics cultivation and consumption through participatory programs and alternative economic development. This research aims to identify and analyze the successful experiences in narcotics eradication in local Afghan communities and to evaluate the factors contributing to these successes. A qualitative methodology was employed, utilizing semi-structured interviews with local community members, experts, and government officials. The data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. The findings of the research indicate that educational programs, awareness-raising initiatives, the development of alternative economic opportunities, and active community participation have played a crucial role in reducing narcotics cultivation and consumption. Nevertheless, challenges such as financial constraints, administrative corruption, and cultural resistance remain significant barriers to the successful implementation of these programs. The study concludes that with increased international support, administrative transparency, and strengthened educational and economic programs, the dependency of local communities on narcotics cultivation can be significantly reduced. This research provides a foundation for the development of effective national policies in the fight against narcotics in Afghanistan.

National security plays a vital role in realizing a nation’s social, economic, and political goals. Given its importance, no country can fully address its security challenges alone; collaboration with key stakeholders such as local communities and private security firms (PSFs) is essential. PSFs, equipped with specialized expertise and training, serve as valuable allies to the police in crime detection and prevention, thereby enhancing public safety. This study explored strategic options of improving strategies of service delivery by PSFs in delivering security services aimed at preventing crime in Nairobi County, Kenya. Guided by the Resource-Based View theory, the research analyzed strategic measures available to PSFs for overcoming service delivery challenges. A descriptive survey design was utilized, incorporating a mixed-methods approach for data collection. The sample consisted of managers, supervisors, guards, and clients from selected PSFs in Nairobi County. A multistage sampling technique comprising clustering, proportionate random sampling, and purposive sampling was used to select 90 participants. Data collection involved questionnaires and interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics presented in tables and charts, while qualitative data were examined thematically and supported with direct quotations. The findings revealed that guarding services and collaborative initiatives were the main strategies employed by PSFs. Based on these results, the study recommended enhancing government policies to foster cooperation between public and private security sectors, establishing a regulatory body to ensure professional standards, and promoting the use of advanced technologies among PSFs to improve their role in crime prevention.

This study explored factors that influence CHV performance in urban informal settlements (UIS) within Nairobi Kenya and ways in which CHVs can be supported to enhance their wellbeing and strengthen community strategies. The study was undertaken in two UIS within Nairobi County. Thirteen focus group discussions and three key informant interviews were conducted with a range of respondents. Various topics covering the design of the Community Health Strategy (CHS) and broader contextual factors that affect CHVs’ performance, were discussed and data analysed using a framework analysis approach. The key programme design factors identified as influencing the performance of CHVs working in UIS included: CHV recruitment; training; availability of supplies and resources; and remuneration of CHVs. Health system factors that influenced CHVs performance included: nature of relationship between healthcare workers at local referral facilities and community members; availability of services and perceived corruption at referral facilities; and CHV referral outside of the local health facility. Whereas the broader contextual factors that affected CHV performance included: demand for material or financial support; perceived corruption in community programmes; and neighbourhood insecurity. These findings suggest that CHVs working in UIS in Kenya face a myriad of challenges that impact their wellbeing and performance. Therefore, to enhance CHVs’ well-being and improve their performance, the following should be considered: adequate and timely remuneration for CHVs, appropriate holistic training, adequate supportive supervision, and ensuring a satisfactory supply of resources and supplies. Additionally, at the facility level, healthcare workers should be trained on appropriate and respectful relations with both the community and the CHVs, clarity of roles and scope of work, ensure availability of services, and safeguard against corrupt practices in public health facilities. Lastly, there’s a need for improved and adequate security measures at the community level, to ensure safety of CHVs as they undertake their roles.

The 'healthy migrant effect' (HME) hypothesis postulates that health selection has a positive effect on migrants' health outcomes, especially in the first years after migration. We examined the potential role of the HME by assessing the association between residence duration and disease occurrence. We performed a historical prospective cohort study. We included migrants who obtained residence permits in Denmark between 1 January 1993 and 31 December 2010 (n = 114,331). Occurrence of severe conditions was identified through linkage to the Danish National Patient Register. Hazard Ratios (HRs) were modelled for disease incidence by residence duration since arrival (0-5 years; 0-10 years; 0-18 years) adjusting for age and sex. Compared with Danish-born individuals, refugees and family reunited immigrants had lower HRs of stroke and breast cancer within 5 years after arrival; however, HRs increased at longer follow-up. For example, HRs of stroke among refugees increased from 0.77 (95% CI: 0.66; 0.91) to 0.96 (95% CI: 0.88; 1.05). For ischaemic heart disease (IHD) and diabetes, refugees and family reunited migrants had higher HRs within 5 years after arrival, and most HRs had increased by end of follow-up. For example, HRs of IHD among family reunited migrants increased from 1.29 (95% CI: 1.17; 1.42) to 1.43 (95% CI: 1.39; 1.52). In contrast, HRs for TB and HIV/AIDS showed a consistent decrease over time. Our analyses of the effect of duration of residence on disease occurrence among migrants imply that, when explaining migrants' advantageous health outcomes, the ruling theory of the HME should be used with caution, and other explanatory models should be included.

ncmedicaljournal.com 289 work on increasing joint-use agreements between communities and facilities offering green space and playground access as part of public health interventions. The HEC state agencies are collaboratively looking at how to increase the inclusion of health considerations in comprehensive planning with an understanding of the connections between health and land use planning, transportation planning, environmental equality, and economic development. The participation of state-level partners, communitylevel partners, and community members in the CPPW II project has been essential to its success. The HEC partnership has played a critical role in helping each individual agency understand how state departments could align and integrate efforts to support active living. Municipalities have been able to inform state partners of barriers they experience in their communities as a result of state practices and policies. Local community partners and community members have been able to better understand how the built environment can help or hinder their ability to make healthy choices. In the end, we all win when North Carolina communities become healthier through increased access to physical activity. This requires collaboration between local community members, health officials, the public health community, parks and recreation organizations, regional planners, decision makers, and local and state agencies. The DPH is incorporating this vision in planning its work. Adding input from the medical and public health communities will facilitate success in these efforts and set us on a path to lower the demand for medical treatment, decrease health care costs, and improve the quality of life and the level of wellness for the entire population.

The increasing challenges of illegal mining activities have prompted mining companies around the world to develop innovative strategies to address the problem. This research evaluates a pilot project at the Pongkor Gold Mine in Indonesia, where a cooperative model was implemented to formalise illegal gold mining activities. The research aims to assess the economic, environmental, and social impacts of integrating illegal miners into a formal cooperative framework. Quantitative data was collected through a structured questionnaire distributed to key stakeholders, including Pongkor employees, local community members, and cooperative members. In addition, qualitative insights were gained through semi-structured interviews with different levels of Pongkor management. The results show mixed perceptions regarding economic growth, with local community and cooperative members reporting significant benefits, while Pongkor employees remain sceptical. Environmental protection efforts are positively recognised by cooperative members, but less so by the wider community and employees. Increased social responsibility was widely recognised by all groups, highlighting improved social relations and stability. The findings underscore the need for better internal communication, structured engagement, and sustainable practices to ensure the long-term success of the co-operative model. This research provides a viable framework for transforming illegal mining activities into regulated and sustainable operations, which contribute to economic stability, environmental sustainability and social responsibility.

Severe problems of climate change, inequality, poverty, and unemployment have compelled the South African government to pass legislation that introduced programmes aimed at achieving energy security, promoting economic development, and realising environmental protection. The Renewable Energy Independent Power Producers Procurement Programme objective is to increase the share of renewable sources in the national energy mix, deliver jobs and economic empowerment for black communities (Africans, Coloureds, and Indians) and cut harmful greenhouse gas emissions. Independent power producers (IPPs) must demonstrate that their projects contribute to job creation and broad-based black economic empowerment during the bidding process. To date, studies suggest that IPPs are missing this government target. This study investigated this phenomenon through face-to-face interviews with key informants involved in the IPP process at two solar parks in Limpopo province. Qualitative content analysis was used to analyse and interpret the field notes. Findings reveal that the process of involving local communities in the governance of the IPP process is highly fragmented, leaving room for powerful stakeholders to thrive over vulnerable community members. The lack of monitoring by the government IPP office enables a prominent not-for-profit organisation to abscond from its responsibility of setting up a community trust for the benefit of local residents. Also, limited skills in the local communities mean that young people are employed in low-paying construction jobs that end after project commissioning. Lack of awareness and knowledge about IPP commitments made during the bidding process are responsible for the ‘wait and see’ approach of local leaders and community members. In the short-term, awareness and capacity-building interventions for local leaders and community members are urgently required to conscientise beneficiaries. It is imperative to create a participatory governance framework that prioritises vulnerable stakeholders as a long-term solution.

The study examined the influence of socio-economic characteristics of urban extension workers on farmers’ empowerment. Purposive and simple random sampling methods were used to select 64 extension workers by utilizing the Yamane formula. Data were collected by the use of questionnaires. Frequencies, percentiles and multiple linear regressions were utilised to analyse the data. The extension workers’ socio - economic characteristics were found to positively influence the choice of extension methods. The findings revealed that 37.2% of farmer empowerment could be explained by the choice of extension methods influenced by the characteristics of extension workers. However, 49.9% of the extension workers were not aware of the adult learning principles (ALPs) that are employed in the appropriate choice of extension methods. The study recommends that extension workers in Nairobi County be trained in competencies to consider ALPs and information communication and technology (ICT) techniques in choices of extension methods. These competencies can ultimately lead to an extension system design transformation that will assist the few extension workers to serve more farmers efficiently and effectively leading to farmer empowerment.
 Key words: Extension worker characteristics, farmer empowerment, Nairobi, urban and peri-urban agriculture.

Purpose:Afghanistan, as one of the world’s largest producers of narcotics, faces significant social, economic, and health challenges. This research aims to identify and analyze the successful experiences in narcotics eradication in local Afghan communities and to evaluate the factors contributing to these successes.Methodology:A qualitative methodology was employed, utilizing semi-structured interviews with local community members, experts, and government officials. The data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis.Findings:The research findings indicate that educational programs, awareness-raising initiatives, the development of alternative economic opportunities, and active community participation have played crucial roles in reducing narcotics cultivation and consumption. Nevertheless, financial constraints, administrative corruption, and cultural resistance remain significant barriers to successfully implementing these programs.Implication:The study concludes that with increased international support, administrative transparency, and strengthened educational and economic programs, the dependency of local communities on narcotics cultivation can be significantly reduced. This research provides a foundation for the development of effective national policies in the fight against narcotics in Afghanistan.

PurposeDespite Bangladesh's great strides in formulating disaster management policies following the principles of good governance, the degree to which these policies have successfully been implemented at the local level remains largely unknown. The objectives of this study were two-fold: (1) to examine the roles and effectiveness of local-level governance and disaster management institutions, and (2) to identify barriers to the implementation of national policies and Disaster-Risk-Reduction (DRR) guidelines at the local community level.Design/methodology/approachBetween January 2014 and June 2015 we carried out an empirical investigation in two coastal communities in Bangladesh. We employed a qualitative research and Case Study approach, using techniques from the Participatory Rural Appraisal toolbox to collect data from local community members as well as government and NGO officials.FindingsOur study revealed that interactive disaster governance, decentralization of disaster management, and compliance by local-level institutions with good governance principles and national policy guidelines can be extremely effective in reducing disaster-loss and damages. According to coastal community members, the local governments have generally failed to uphold good governance principles, and triangulated data confirm that the region at large suffers from rampant corruption, political favoritism, lack of transparency and accountability and minimal inclusion of local inhabitants in decision-making – all of which have severely impeded the successful implementation of national disaster-management policies.Research limitations/implicationsWhile considerable research on good governance has been pursued, our understanding of good disaster governance and their criteria is still poor. In addition, although numerous national disaster management policy and good governance initiatives have been taken in Bangladesh, like many other developing countries, the nature and extent of their local level implementation are not well known. This study contributes to these research gaps, with identification of further research agenda in these areas.Practical implicationsThe study focuses on good disaster governance and management issues and practices, their strengths and limitations in the context of cyclone and storm surges along coastal Bangladesh. It offers specific good disaster governance criteria for improving multi-level successful implementation. The paper deals with International Sendai Framework that called for enhancement of local level community resilience to disasters. Thus, it contributes to numerous policy and practice areas relating to good disaster governance.Social implicationsGood disaster governance would benefit not only from future disaster losses but also from improved prevention and mitigation of natural hazards impact, benefiting society at large. Improvement in knowledge and practice in disaster-risk-reduction through good governance and effective management would ensure local community development and human wellbeing at the national level.Originality/valueThe failure of local-level government institutions to effectively implement national disaster management and resilience-building policies is largely attributable to a lack of financial and human resources, rampant corruption, a lack of accountability and transparency and the exclusion of local inhabitants from decision-making processes. Our study identified the specific manifestations of these failures in coastal communities in Bangladesh. These results underscore the vital need to address the wide gap between national DRR goals and the on-the-ground realities of policy implementation to successfully enhance the country's resilience to climate change-induced disasters.