Infrastructure Challenges Research Articles

A comprehensive review on economic, environmental impacts and future challenges for photovoltaic-based electric vehicle charging infrastructures

Graphical AbstractAbstractable representation of the paper.

Empowering Societal Digital Transformation at the Local Level

Digital transformation has revolutionised the way businesses operate through the utilisation of technology. Digital tools enable citizens to access government services quickly and at their own convenience, whilst also facilitating more efficient and effective administrative processes. While many national governments have embraced digital tools, the same cannot be said for local governments, particularly in developing nations as they have not yet taken advantage of the benefits of digitalisation. Whereas some experiences of digital transformation have a top-down approach, this paper shares the experience of a collaborative and participatory process of design and development of a Digital Strategy for Pemba Town Council, in rural Zambia. The aim was to enhance service delivery to its citizens by harnessing the potential of digital tools for a five-year period (2022-2026). Pemba Council faced challenges due to a lack of basic Information and Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure and ICT-enabled systems. Guided by Andrew’s (1971) model of strategy formulation and implementation, and employing an action research methodology, the study engaged the local community and the council through focused group discussions and key informant interviews to understand their challenges, explore solutions to improve service delivery, and finally to develop a digital strategy for the council, the first of its kind. The study noted that while digitalisation for the council could be hampered by challenges such as the digital divide, digital literacy, infrastructure challenges, lack of human resources, among others, both the council and community stakeholders displayed enthusiasm for the process. The study underscores the crucial role citizens play in shaping local decisions, and therefore the need for their engagement in such processes that affect how they engage with local authorities. The paper also presents a guide on how to engage citizens and government officials to develop a participatory digital strategy that is adapted to local needs, infrastructure and context. The study not only contributes to scholarship on digitalisation and its potential to improve service delivery, but is also useful for local governments operating in similar contexts as Pemba Town Council and seeking digitalisation.

Export Diversification in Bangladesh: Overcoming Policy Impediments

Despite substantial socio‐economic progress driven by the readymade garment (RMG) industry, Bangladesh faces a severe export concentration due to its heavy reliance on a single export sector. This present paper examines the policy barriers hindering export diversification in Bangladesh and suggests measures to tackle the problem. It highlights that excessive tariff protection has favored import‐competing sectors creating an anti‐export bias. To promote export diversification, Bangladesh must implement effective tariff rationalization measures to address the policy‐induced disincentives for exports. Additionally, attracting foreign direct investment, improving the investment climate, and addressing infrastructural and logistical challenges are crucial for enhancing the non‐RMG export response.

Sustainable financial inclusion in Nigeria: a need to go beyond access to impact

Purpose This paper aims to evaluate the processes and strategies of Nigerian banks towards achieving financial inclusion and offer recommendations for policies that can lead to effective and sustainable financial inclusion. Design/methodology/approach This paper conducts semi-structured interviews with senior executives of Nigerian banks to investigate their financial inclusion policies and practices. Findings This paper highlighted Nigerian banks’ views on dimensions that measure financial inclusion and found that they recognise that they play a pivotal role in providing access to formal financial services; however, their efforts to promote financial inclusion are provider-focused rather than customer-focused; they are keen to promote financial services usage; however, very little attention is paid to customer outcomes; financial inclusion is viewed as synonymous with access and innovations are not aiming for impact; and the sector is plagued with infrastructural challenges that breach service quality. Originality/value This paper reports on the practices of Nigerian banks towards financial inclusion and provides recommendations for rethinking sustainable financial inclusion. To date, this issue has not been investigated in the substantive literature. Nigeria is an ideal research site for examining financial inclusion. In recent years, the banking sector has made rapid strides in implementing policies to promote the adoption and usage of formal financial services. However, over half of the country’s adult population remains outside the formal financial system.

FedCLCC: A personalized federated learning algorithm for edge cloud collaboration based on contrastive learning and conditional computing

Federated learning (FL) is a distributed machine learning paradigm for edge cloud computing. FL can facilitate data-driven decision-making in tactical scenarios, effectively addressing both data volume and infrastructure challenges in edge environments. However, the diversity of clients in edge cloud computing presents significant challenges for FL. Personalized federated learning (pFL) received considerable attention in recent years. One example of pFL involves exploiting the global and local information in the local model. Current pFL algorithms experience limitations such as slow convergence speed, catastrophic forgetting, and poor performance in complex tasks, which still have significant shortcomings compared to the centralized learning. To achieve high pFL performance, we propose FedCLCC: Federated Contrastive Learning and Conditional Computing. The core of FedCLCC is the use of contrastive learning and conditional computing. Contrastive learning determines the feature representation similarity to adjust the local model. Conditional computing separates the global and local information and feeds it to their corresponding heads for global and local handling. Our comprehensive experiments demonstrate that FedCLCC outperforms other state-of-the-art FL algorithms.

Factors influencing healthcare workers' and health system preparedness for the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study in Ghana.

Adequate preparedness of health systems, particularly healthcare workers (HCWs), to respond to COVID-19 is critical for the effective control of the virus, especially in low- and middle-income countries where health systems are overburdened. We examined Ghanaian HCWs' perceived preparedness to respond to the pandemic and the factors that shaped their preparedness and that of the health system. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with n = 26 HCWs responsible for the clinical management of COVID-19 patients and three administrators responsible for developing and implementing COVID-19 policies at the facility level. Interviews were conducted over the phone in English, transcribed, and analyzed using a thematic analysis approach. Generally, HCWs felt inadequately prepared to contain the spread of COVID-19 due to resource shortages and inadequate training. HCWs, similarly, perceived the health system to be unprepared due to insufficient clinical infrastructure and logistical challenges. The few who felt prepared identified readiness in managing high consequence infectious disease cases and pre-existing protocols as enablers of HCW preparedness. The health system and HCWs were unprepared to manage the COVID-19 pandemic due to inadequate training, logistical challenges, and weak clinical infrastructure. Interventions are urgently needed to improve the health system's preparedness for future pandemics.

Overcoming Infrastructure Challenges to Unlock Food Security in Rural Indonesia

General Background: Food security is a critical issue in rural areas, especially in developing countries, where sustainable agricultural practices and government support play a vital role in ensuring a stable food supply. Specific Background: In Sumorame Village, Candi District, Sidoarjo Regency, the local government has implemented a food security program aimed at improving agricultural productivity and community welfare. Knowledge Gap: Despite the program's significance, little is known about the specific factors influencing its success, particularly in the context of rural governance and local agricultural conditions. Aims: This study aims to describe and analyze the implementation of the food security program in Sumorame Village, focusing on four key factors: communication, resources, disposition, and bureaucratic structure. Results: The findings reveal that communication between the village government, farmers, and community groups has been effective through targeted socialization efforts. Human resources are competent, with strong collaboration among farmer groups. Financial resources have been allocated in accordance with regulations, but physical infrastructure remains inadequate due to limited agricultural land, unfavorable geographical conditions, and suboptimal hydroponic yields. Disposition among stakeholders is positive, with high commitment observed. The bureaucratic structure has been functioning in accordance with established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Novelty: This study highlights the importance of resource optimization, particularly in agricultural infrastructure, and stresses the need for improved technological integration to enhance program outcomes. Implications: The results suggest that strengthening communication and addressing physical resource limitations are crucial for improving food security program effectiveness in rural areas. This study provides valuable insights for policymakers seeking to enhance rural food security initiatives. Highlights: Communication is crucial for successful food security program implementation. Infrastructure limitations present significant challenges to agricultural productivity. Collaboration and commitment among stakeholders enhance program effectiveness. Keywords: Food security, rural governance, agricultural infrastructure, communication, resource optimization

Readiness of and barriers for community pharmacy professionals in providing and implementing vaccination services

BackgroundCommunity pharmacy professionals are essential for healthcare delivery, particularly for administering vaccination services. However, there is a lack of substantial evidence documenting their role in vaccination within Ethiopia.ObjectivesThis study aimed to assess community pharmacy professionals’ readiness to provide vaccination services, identify barriers hindering the implementation of these services, and determine factors influencing the provision of vaccination services by community pharmacy professionals.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among community pharmacy professionals in Debre Markos and Injibara Town from April 15 to May 13, 2024. The data were collected using a structured questionnaire, and descriptive statistics were used to analyze the findings.ResultsThe study revealed that a significant majority of community pharmacy professionals perceived that they had adequate vaccine knowledge and were easily accessible to the community. However, barriers such as lack of regulation, time constraints, workload concerns, patient trust issues, and infrastructure challenges hinder the implementation of vaccination services. Factors influencing the provision of vaccination services included the need for enhanced education and training, financial reimbursement, patient demand, infrastructure improvements, collaboration with other healthcare providers, and pharmacists’ special interest in vaccination.ConclusionsCommunity pharmacy professionals exhibit readiness to provide vaccination services. However, significant barriers such as regulatory constraints, time pressures, workload concerns, patient trust issues, and infrastructure challenges hinder their full participation. Addressing these barriers and leveraging pharmacists’ expertise is essential for optimizing service delivery and improving public health outcomes. Advocating for policy changes, developing comprehensive training programs, establishing clear guidelines, investing in infrastructure improvements, conducting public awareness campaigns, and fostering collaboration with other healthcare providers are recommended to facilitate the provision and implementation of vaccination services by community pharmacy professionals in Ethiopia.

Institutional contamination produced by student waste at the Universidad de las Fuerzas Armadas ESPE Latacunga campus during the may-september 2023 semester

Institutional contamination by student waste at the Universidad de las Fuerzas Armadas ESPE, Sede Latacunga, is of concern due to lack of environmental awareness, inadequate infrastructure and clear recycling policies. The research reveals a strong awareness among students about the importance of separating waste and recycling, although there are challenges in infrastructure and policies. Students perceive recycling as beneficial for the environment and health. Most support the implementation of recycling and waste separation systems. The need for adequate containers and awareness campaigns is highlighted. Health risks associated with hazardous waste are identified. The university should lead changes towards more sustainable practices, promoting recycling infrastructure, waste reduction and local partnerships. Continuous monitoring and evaluation, increased student participation, and clear policies and environmental education programs are recommended

Digital Adherence Technologies and Differentiated Care for Tuberculosis Treatment and Their Acceptability Among Persons With Tuberculosis, Health Care Workers, and Key Informants in the Philippines: Qualitative Interview Study.

Digital adherence technologies (DATs) are being studied to determine their potential to support tuberculosis (TB) treatment and address the shortcomings of directly observed therapy. Previous research has shown inconclusive results on whether DATs can enhance medication adherence among persons with TB. This study aims to understand the acceptability of DATs, namely, medication labels and smart pillboxes, among persons with TB, health care workers (HCWs), and key informants (KIs) in the Philippines. The objective is to gain valuable insights that can inform the design and implementation of DATs in the Southeast Asian region, which meet the needs and preferences of end users. Persons with TB, HCWs, and KIs were recruited from intervention facilities to participate in in-depth interviews conducted between March 2022 and January 2023. These interviews were transcribed and translated into English. A thematic analysis was carried out using NVivo software (Lumivero) to identify and analyze themes. Themes were then structured within a modified social-ecological model. A total of 25 persons with drug-sensitive TB and 20 HCWs or KIs were interviewed. Both groups emphasized that users' technology literacy level, financial conditions, and motivation to be cured determined how they interacted with the DAT. They also acknowledged that DATs helped foster their relationship with HCWs and enabled efficient treatment support. Concerning technology, persons with TB found DATs easy to use and able to reduce clinic visits. HCWs mentioned that DATs added to their workload but also allowed them to support users who missed doses. However, both groups experienced technical challenges with DATs. Regarding program implementation, users appreciated the clear explanations and demonstrations provided by HCWs. Yet, some users reported inconsistencies between DAT settings and the information provided. HCWs stressed the importance of comprehensive training and sufficient resources for effective program implementation in the future. At the community level, both groups noted that DATs and program design protected users' privacy and reduced the risk of stigma. Finally, users and HCWs shared various contextual factors that influenced their experience with DAT, including infrastructure challenges and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. In the Philippines, persons with TB and HCWs showed a high level of acceptance and satisfaction with the impact of DAT and program design. They expressed a desire for the continuation of DATs. The challenges encountered underscore the need for ongoing technological development to minimize malfunctions, enhance the capacity of health facilities, and improve infrastructure. DATs have demonstrated their ability to strengthen user-HCW relationships and protect users from stigmatization. Additional efforts are required to scale up the DAT program in the Philippines.

FLOOD SUSCEPTIBILITY MAPPING USING MACHINE LEARNING IN KENING RIVER, SUB WATERSHED OF BENGAWAN SOLO, TUBAN

Floods are natural occurrences with the potential to cause damage to ecosystems and pose significant threats to human life, resulting in the destruction of property, infrastructure, and socioeconomic challenges. In recent times, flooding in the Sub-Watershed of Bengawan Solo has been linked to the overflowing Kening River in Tuban County. Aim: This study aims to produce a flood susceptibility map to mitigate the frequency of flood occurrences as well as facilitate effective planning for flood disaster risk management. Methodology and results: Flood data is collected from 2016 to 2023 through field surveys, Sentinel-1 satellite imagery, and data from the Development Planning Agency, Tuban County. Integrating remote sensing data from satellite imagery (PlanetScope, Sentinel-2), geographic information systems (GIS), and spatial modeling techniques, a flood susceptibility map is developed for the Kening River catchment. The occurrence of floods in the Kening River area is associated with various factors (11 variables) assessed through the frequency ratio approach, including profil curvature, LS factor, aspect, rainfall, river distance, road distance, building density 100 m, road density 100 m, vegetation type, normalized difference water index (NDWI), and soil adjusted vegetation index (SAVI). The results show flood susceptibility maps utilizing frequency ratio (FR) and convolutional neural network (CNN) techniques. The flood susceptibility map obtained through the CNN method demonstrates a notably high AUC value. The model development generated a validation AUC value of 0.857 for training and 0.856 for testing. Conclusion, significance and impact study: This research provides an understanding into the factors that influence the occurrence of floods in the Kening River catchment area. It also emphasizes the benefit of advanced machine learning approaches in mapping the susceptibility of floods. Furthermore, this study has the potential to be helpful in guiding regional policy decisions and result in enhanced flood risk management measures in Tuban County.

Mathematical Assessment of Pollution Factors from Eddy Currents in the Durrës Seaport

Eddy currents, a significant phenomenon in electromagnetic fields, were first distinguished from general electric currents by Foucault. These currents, influenced by the magnetic field vector (H), magnetic flux density (B), and electric field (E), are present in various environments, including homogeneous and non-homogeneous areas, linear and non-linear environments, and open boundary problems. In marine environments, these currents, referred to as planetary currents, contribute to electrical pollution, impacting maritime infrastructure, machinery, and ecosystems. This study aims to assess the impact of eddy currents in the Durrës Seaport, Albania, focusing on how meteorological factors such as temperature, atmospheric pressure, and humidity influence pollution levels. Using the TES-92 Electro-smog meter and the PCE-THB 40 Thermo-hygrometer and barometer, we measured electromagnetic field characteristics and meteorological parameters. Our results highlight the significant impact of stray currents on marine environments, emphasizing the need for effective measures to minimize their effects and improve the quality and selection of materials and equipment in port facilities. This study provides valuable insights into the environmental and infrastructural challenges posed by electromagnetic pollution and proposes recommendations for mitigating these impacts.

Implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum and Readiness of Educational Infrastructure in Elementary Schools

Education is a cornerstone in shaping competent and adaptable generations. Merdeka Curriculum was introduced as an educational reform effort in Indonesia to grant students the freedom to develop their potentials according to their interests and talents. However, the implementation of Merdeka Curriculum faces challenges, particularly in educational infrastructure readiness, especially at the primary school level. Adequate educational infrastructure, including physical facilities, access to information and communication technology (ICT), and availability of competent human resources, is crucial for the successful execution of this curriculum. This research aims to analyze the readiness level of educational infrastructure in primary schools to support the implementation of Merdeka Curriculum, identify challenges, evaluate the influence of infrastructure readiness on curriculum effectiveness, formulate strategic steps to address infrastructure constraints, and explore the roles of the government and relevant stakeholders in enhancing educational infrastructure readiness. The research methodology employed includes qualitative and quantitative descriptive methods, involving data analysis from questionnaires, interviews, and observations. Findings indicate that the majority of primary schools still face infrastructure challenges, with only a small portion possessing adequate facilities. Schools with better infrastructure tend to implement Merdeka Curriculum more effectively, evidenced by improved student participation and higher academic outcomes. Recommended strategic steps include increasing budget allocations, providing sufficient ICT devices, and conducting intensive teacher training. The government plays a crucial role in supporting educational infrastructure development through supportive policies and adequate budget allocations. Collaborative efforts among the government, private sector, and local communities are expected to expedite improvements in educational infrastructure readiness, thereby enabling all schools to effectively support Merdeka Curriculum.

Brain drain incidence and health-care infrastructural deficit challenges: the role of capacity development among “JAPA” physicians in Nigeria

PurposeThe brain drain challenge has become a cankerworm confronting not only the public health-care sector in Nigeria but almost all sectors of the national economy. This study aims to explore the push factors responsible for brain drain incidence among the migrated, JAPA, physicians to other global work environments. The study investigates the mediating role of capacity development among migrated, JAPA, physicians between the health-care infrastructural deficit and brain drain syndrome.Design/methodology/approachThis study used a survey cross-sectional research design to examine the 214 migrated physicians in four notable perceived countries (UK, USA, Canada and Australia). The study used a probability sampling strategy to survey a self-administered online research instrument. The study adapted a battery of scales from several authors to measure the relevant constructs of this study. Hierarchical multiple regression was used to examine factors that provoke the incidence of brain drain burden among the JAPA Physicians. While Macro Hayes Process was used to investigate the mediating role of capacity development among migrated physicians.FindingsThe study revealed from the “JAPA” physicians that working conditions are turbulent and utterly poor which led to the incidence of brain drain. The study indicated that poor remuneration and benefits are the predominant reason for JAPA physicians to European countries and USA/UK. The findings of the study demonstrated that restricted opportunities and poor standard of living in the country were additional factors responsible for the brain drain of Nigerian physicians to other international countries. The outcome of the study also illustrated that inadequate infrastructure and facilities are the dominant variables that pushed physicians to foreign nations. It was revealed that there is a toxic mix of several issues that led to a brain drain albatross among the migrated physicians from Nigeria. The last part of the study indicated that physicians’ capacity development was a game changer that would discourage brain drain incidence and establish motivation for working in Nigeria's public health-care sector.Originality/valueThe study has given a direction for providing succinct solutions to the cankerworm of brain drain that has depleted the Nigerian public health-care industry. It has proffered a possible trajectory that will reverse the JAPA syndrome among the professional health-care workforce. This will not only benefit the public health-care personnel but also be significant for all the human capital across all the sectors of the national economy of Nigeria.

Impediments to urban land development and transformation in Tanzania: evaluating conventional approaches and proposing innovative solutions

Urban land development involves converting rural land into urban land suitable for various purposes such as residential, commercial, industrial, mixed-use development, and infrastructure services. The urban land development in Tanzanian cities faces numerous challenges rooted in colonial-era practices and the coexistence of customary and formal land ownership systems. This study thoroughly examines the limitations of conventional land development approaches and their impacts on spatial planning. This study compares traditional land acquisition and development with innovative, self-financing, cost-effective strategies. The study deployed a mixed methodology comprising questionnaire surveys and interviews to address specific objectives for improving urban land development practices. The findings highlight the potential of innovative strategies in catalysing urban development and spatial planning, offering a promising path forward. It emphasises the need to integrate diverse approaches to address infrastructure challenges, enhance spatial planning, and protect the interests of affected communities, thereby fostering a more sustainable and equitable urban landscape.

Analisis Potensi Pengembangan Kawasan Desa Wisata Di Pulau Galang

This research aims to identify the tourism potential of Galang Island. The assumption underlying this research is that the development of a Tourism Village area can increase the overall tourism attractiveness of Galang Island and provide economic and social benefits for the local community. This research uses a case study approach because it is in accordance with the nature of research that centers on observing specific phenomena and contexts so that researchers can collect data thoroughly through observation, interviews, and document analysis related to the development of the Tourism Village area on the island. This research found that Galang Island has significant tourism potential with community support, but the challenges of infrastructure and economic empowerment still need to be overcome and require further research for tourism diversification and collaboration with the private sector.

Building genomic capacity for precision health in Africa.

The African continent is poised to have a pivotal role in the global population landscape, with the United Nations projecting a population of 2.5 billion (more than 25% of the global population) by 2050. Amid this demographic shift, Africa faces a unique healthcare challenge-navigating a complex landscape of infectious and non-communicable diseases. This necessitates a departure from the conventional 'one-size-fits-all' medical model toward precision approaches that are efficient and sustainable. Genomic capacity is a pillar of precision health; however, access to up-to-date genetic testing in African countries is limited, compounded by a startling lack of representation of data from populations of African descent in gene discovery studies. In this Review, we delve into the challenges impeding the development of genomic capacity in Africa, such as the lack of electronic clinical and epidemiological records, infrastructural challenges, high supply chain costs and the 'dependency trap' that jeopardizes long-term sustainability. We emphasize the need for strategies hinged on true partnerships, robust infrastructure, workforce development and well-crafted policies. Finally, we outline recent progress and existing initiatives that should be considered as role models for future capacity-building initiatives.

Leveraging technology to improve access to medical education in anatomy and physiology in resource-limited settings: A mixed methods study.

This study assesses the acceptability, appropriateness, feasibility, and efficacy of a novel asynchronous video-based intervention for teaching respiratory physiology and anatomy to medical students in resource-limited settings. A series of short video lectures on pleural anatomy, pulmonary physiology, and pathophysiology was created using Lightboard and screen capture technology. These were uploaded to YouTube and Google Drive and made available to 1st-3rd year medical students at two Latin American universities for 1 week. Employing a parallel-convergent mixed methods design, we conducted surveys, focus groups, interviews, and pre/post testing for qualitative and quantitative data. Thematic Analysis was used to analyze qualitative data and McNemar's test for quantitative analysis. Seventy-six students participated. The videos' short format, interactivity, and Lightboard style were highly valued for their flexibility, time efficiency, and educational impact. Students recognized their clinical relevance and trusted their content, suggesting potential applicability in similar settings. Despite infrastructure and connectivity challenges, the use of flexible streaming and downloadable options facilitated learning. Survey results indicated high levels of feasibility (99%), appropriateness (95%), and acceptability (95%), with significant knowledge gains observed (37% correct pre-test answers vs. 56% post-test, p < 0.0001). Our findings demonstrate high acceptability, appropriateness, feasibility, and efficacy of a targeted asynchronous education centered on short-format videos in resource-limited settings, enabling robust learning despite local barriers. Flexible access is key for overcoming localized barriers. Taking an adaptive, learner-centered approach to content creation and delivery to address constraints was pivotal to success. Our modular videos could serve as versatile models for flexible education in resource-constrained settings.

MARKET OF PRODUCTS OF THE FEED INDUSTRY IN TODAY'S CONDITIONS

The article is devoted to the study of the state and prospects for the development of the feed industry market in Ukraine. The main reasons for the unstable activity of subjects of compound feed production, such as the high sensitivity of the market to changes in the grain industry, the limitation of the available raw material base, the lack of high-tech production in the necessary volumes, the constant increase in costs for the production of compound feed products, the insufficient development of the market infrastructure, the lack of sufficient solvent demand. The war in Ukraine affected the demand for compound feed products, production, sales, and logistics. The article provides statistical data of the Ukrainian market in 2022–2023 on the volume of compound feed production and the prices of compound feed components, namely grain and oil crops. Considering the export problems in Ukraine, raw materials are competitive in price policy. This situation is favorable for the Ukrainian production of compound feed, which, in turn, allows to increase the production of animal husbandry products . State influence in the direction of vertical integration makes it possible to control the beginning of the production chain, primarily grain producers to ensure the sale of agricultural products, protection from price fluctuations in raw materials markets, and flexible response to consumer requests. State stimulation of research and innovation , such as providing financial support and incentives for research in the field of compound fodder production, will contribute to the development of new technologies , improvement of feed quality, and increased competitiveness . To date, compound feed producers have overcome infrastructure challenges associated with the loss of logistics chains, damaged businesses, and demonstrated positive development trends and sustainable economic performance.

Software maintenance practices using agile methods towards cloud environment: A systematic mapping

AbstractAgile methods have emerged to overcome the obstacles of structured methodologies, such as the waterfall, prototype, spiral, and so on. There are studies showing the usefulness of agile approaches in software development. However, studies on Agile maintenance are very limited in number. Regardless of the chosen methodology, software maintenance can be carried out in either a local (on‐the‐premise) or global (distributed) environment. In a local environment, the software maintenance team is co‐located on the same premises, while in a global environment, the team is geographically dispersed from the customer. The main objective of this Systematic Mapping (SM) study is to identify the practices useful for software maintenance using the Agile approaches in the Cloud environment. We have conducted a comprehensive search in well‐known digital databases and examined the articles that map to the pre‐defined inclusion criteria. The study selected and analyzed 48 articles out of 320 published between 2000 and 2022. The findings of the mapping study reveal that Agile can resolve the major issues faced in traditional software maintenance, making the role of this approach significant in global/distributed software maintenance. Cloud computing plays a vital role in software maintenance. Most of the studies highlight the application of XP‐ and Scrum‐based Agile maintenance models. The study found a need for more Agile maintenance solutions in the cloud, highlighting the importance of agile in software maintenance, both locally and globally. Irrespective of the environment, Cloud computing provides a centralized platform for collaboration and communication, while also offering scalability and flexibility to adapt to diverse infrastructure needs. This allows agile maintenance practices to be implemented across both local and global environments, leveraging the cloud's capabilities to overcome geographical and infrastructural challenges.