Community Capacity Research Articles

An integrated participatory framework for WEFE nexus strategic planning: The Jordan Valley case study.

The Jordan Valley (JV) is a critical region where the interplay of water, energy, food, and ecosystem (WEFE) dynamics presents both challenges and opportunities for sustainable development and climate change mitigation and adaptation. In such a transboundary river basin with acute nexus problems and a long history of conflicts, it is essential that conscious efforts are made to pluralize the debate and actively encourage stakeholders' empowerment, participation and fair collaboration in strategic planning. An integrated framework for participatory strategic planning in the WEFE nexus is proposed, which has been developed in the context of the JV case study. The nexus approach emphasizes decentralized, but coordinated decision making as the source of solutions, based on a clear understanding of the challenges faced. The engagement process consisted of living lab sessions where Causal Loop diagrams facilitated discussions with stakeholders by visualizing the complexity and interdependence of WEFE sectors and prioritizing the challenges faced. Community capacity assessment appraised the capacities of each community, identifying barriers to addressing their priorities. Finally, the gap analysis bridged the baseline understanding with actionable targets. The results not only highlight the pressing challenges, priorities, and leverage points for each territory but also outline pathways for fostering resilience and adaptation to the region's intertwined crises. The priorities and capacities across the three territories of the JV reveal significant disparities, reflecting the diverse socio-political, environmental, and economic contexts of the region. The methodologies and overall framework may be replicated in other regions with similar climate and challenges around the world.

TRAINING ON DURIAN CULTIVATION AND MAINTENANCETHROUGH HYDROCULTURE TECHNIQUES INWARUNGPRING VILLAGE, PEMALANG

Empowering village communities is a strategic effort to increase the capacity ofindividuals or groups so they can be independent and develop local potential.Warungpring Village, which has great potential in durian cultivation, faces challengesin utilizing this potential due to limited community knowledge and skills regardingappropriate cultivation techniques. This research aims to increase the capacity of theWarungpring Village community in cultivating durian through hydroculationtechniques and good maintenance of durian plants. This empowerment program isexpected to help the community utilize durian's potential optimally and increase theirincome. Community service activities were carried out by UIN KKN student K.HAbdurrahman Wahid Pekalongan in Warungpring Village on August 15 2024. Themethod used included training with three stages: planning, implementation andevaluation. Participants are given knowledge about shoot grafting, grafting andhydroculation techniques, as well as practicing durian planting. The evaluation showsthat the availability of supporting technology such as a simple and affordablehydroculation system makes it easier for farmers to apply this technique. The prospectof higher profits from hydroculated durian cultivation attracts farmers' interest intaking part in the outreach. The availability of quality durian seeds that are suitablefor the hydroculation system facilitates the socialization process, but faces challengesin the form of low participation from residents who live far from the activity location.The community empowerment program through training in hydroculating duriancultivation and durian plant maintenance can increase the knowledge and skills of theWarungpring Village community.

Pemberdayaan Masyarakat dalam Penguatan Kemandirian dan Ekonomi Desa Berbasis Potensi Lokal

The community service program in RT.03 RW.02 Semambung Village, Wonoayu District, Sidoarjo aims to empower the community by strengthening village independence and economy. This community service activity focuses on developing local potential, which has made RT the winner of the Mandiri Sejahtera category. Qualitative descriptive methods are applied by collecting data through interviews, observations, and documentation. The results include ecoenzyme training, teaching in schools, website creation, location mapping, and creation of Business Identification Numbers (NIB) for small businesses. This program shows essential findings related to the active role of village officials and residents in strengthening the local economy. The impact of this program is increasing community capacity in utilizing technology, managing the environment, and developing independent economic businesses.

An evaluation of a community dementia screening program in rural Kenya: DEM-SKY.

This study describes the implementation outcomes and evaluation of DEM-SKY, a community-based dementia screening program developed in rural Kenya with the support of community health care workers (CHWs). DEM-SKY was delivered to 3546 older adults in Makueni County, Kenya, over a 6-month period. Using a mixed-methods design, we explored implementation outcomes with stakeholders through surveys and interviews. The program demonstrated good acceptability, adoption, and fidelity and was effective in instigating behavior change. Individuals who screened positive for dementia were 28.7 times more likely to intend to speak to a doctor. Qualitative data showed that participants valued the program but indicated scope for improvement, particularly further down the diagnostic pathway. DEM-SKY was successful across several implementation metrics. Although the program demonstrates that community-based screening can be conducted effectively with minimal resources, future research needs to explore the long-term benefits of dementia screening in Kenya. Community-based dementia screening is feasible in rural Africa. Involving community health workers strengthens trust in health care systems. Empowering community health workers enhances the community capacity to address dementia Screening promotes proactive health seeking among older adults.

Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration and Community Development: An analysis of Impact in Selected Countries

Purpose: This paper explores the relationship between community development and Farmer-Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR) as a strategy for resource conservation and community empowerment. It highlights how FMNR contributes to ecological sustainability and rural household livelihoods in selected countries in West and East Africa, including Niger, Ghana, Mali, Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya. Methodology: A content review of FMNR practices was conducted, focusing on their adoption, spread, and impact on community development. The analysis emphasized economic empowerment, ecological sustainability, best practices, challenges, and mitigation strategies. Findings: The study found that FMNR enhances community livelihoods by promoting sustainable natural resource use and reducing environmental degradation. It strengthens community capacity for resource management and supports rural economic development. However, challenges such as land fragmentation, technological gaps, and limited adoption were noted. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: To scale up FMNR, stakeholders should prioritize community training, strengthen institutional frameworks, and provide policy support for sustainable resource management. Addressing technological and socio-economic barriers is essential to maximize FMNR's potential in improving livelihoods and achieving ecological sustainability.

The Everyday Commoning Practices in Urbanising Localities

Negotiating Rights to Inhabit Common Lands for Housing in Two Cities of South India This paper presents a framework for understanding the everyday political dynamics of commoning initiated by residents to secure their claims to ‘common land’ in urbanising localities. This paper puts forward the proposition that a spatialised approach would serve to reveal the extent to which unique socio-political and geographical factors exert an influence upon the dynamics of collective actions (commoning). It examines the experience of households in two squatter settlements on the outskirts of two South Indian cities: Villupuram, a medium-sized town in the state of Tamil Nadu, and Bangalore, a large metropolis in the state of Karnataka. It demonstrates how common land could serve as a foundation for the inclusion of poor communities within the city. The two cases presented in this paper reflect a trend observed in Indian cities since the mid-1990s, whereby rural common lands in urbanised localities, previously allocated to poor households for housing, have been targeted for more profitable development, eventually justified by environmental arguments. Consequently, those in poverty are compelled to compete with more powerful actors in order to assert their right to the common land they occupy for the purpose of housing. The two case studies demonstrate the capacity of such communities to unite and engage in practical political actions to regularise their settlements and dwellings. We describe their engagement with multiple government institutions across the rural and urban continuum and illustrate the influence of contextual factors, including geographical and temporal factors, in shaping the unique and diverse trajectories of commoning.

Enabler of Madrasah Education: The Case of LGU-Supported Traditional Madrasah in General Santos City

This study explored the enablers of Madrasah education programs, focusing on locally-led efforts of the Local Government Unit of General Santos to support the traditional Madrasahs in the city, recognizing the vital role of traditional madrasah education in promoting religious and cultural identity as well as social cohesion. This research analyzed the key factors contributing to these educational initiatives' effective implementation and sustainability. A case study method approach was utilized, including surveys and interviews. The findings revealed several critical enablers, such as active community involvement, government assistance, and capacity building. This paper underscores the significance of the all-of-the-community approach in creating an inclusive educational environment that meets the needs of Muslim learners. Hence, the analysis concluded that contextual factors such as social, economic, environmental, and political dimensions affect the implementation of the traditional Madrasah in General Santos City. The study recommends the standardization of the traditional Madrasah Curriculum, considering the nuances of Muslim communities in General Santos.

Asset-based community development and happiness in community residents in Taiwan

ABSTRACT The rise of literature on Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) has indicated a positive association between ABCD and life outcomes in communities. However, the empirical effects of ABCD on the well-being of community residents in Taiwan remain largely unexplored. This study used 682 residents to examine the relationships between ABCD and happiness in community residents in Taiwan. The findings of this study show that ABCD had significant positive effects on happiness (β = 0.42, p < .001). Specifically, dynamic assets have a 22% stronger impact on happiness compared to static assets (β = 0.44 versus 0.36). Further, the study found that the community capacities in below dimensions have high effects on the happiness of the residents: participation (β = 0.47), leadership (β = 0.43), and organization (β = 0.43). This study calls for specific strategies to strengthen community assets in community development that has vital effects on the well-being of community residents in Taiwan, especially for community participation, leadership, and organizational capacities.

Visualising Community Capacity in Sustainable Development

Community capacity building is central to many sustainable development efforts around the globe. However, its effectiveness has been questioned. Part of the challenge lies in the fact that scholars and practitioners often struggle to define community capacity in a clear and accessible way, and communities themselves often lack a voice in the development of these understandings. In this ethnographic study, undertaken in Chennai, India, we address this challenge by using photography to explore and highlight existing community capacities in the region. Our analysis of the photographs revealed three concrete community capacities that allow community members to address their needs with resilience and adaptability: (1) synergistic collaboration, (2) responsible utilisation of animals, and (3) bricolage mentality. This research advances our understanding of community capacities by challenging the prevailing broad and rather abstract conceptualisations presented in the literature. It also introduces a fresh perspective on the sense of community as an integral aspect of community capacity. Furthermore, this study underscores photography’s potential to unveil implicit community capacities and its suitability for forming interpretations based on the images.

Community Training Institute for Health Disparities: Outcomes of a Formal Opportunity for Community Capacity Building to Increase Health Equity in Southern Puerto Rico.

Integration of the community into health research through community-engaged research has proven to be an essential strategy for reducing health inequities. It brings significant benefits by addressing community health concerns and promoting active community participation in research. The Community Training Institute for Health Disparities (CTIHD) was established to support this integration based on Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) principles. The main objective of this paper is to report the CTIHD program's implementation, evaluation, and outcomes from the first two cohorts. The CTIHD recruited Hispanic community members (N = 54) to be trained in health disparities research and health promotion to foster Community-Academic Partnerships (CAPs) and develop community-led health promotion interventions. Evaluation measures included satisfaction, knowledge change, retention rate, completion rate, and project proposals (research and community health promotion plans). The retention and completion rates were 83% and 78%, respectively, with forty-two (n = 42) community trainees receiving the completion certification. Both cohorts demonstrated a significant increase in knowledge (p < 0.05), and overall satisfaction exceeded 90%. Outcomes include seven (7) community-academic partnerships, leading to the co-development of research proposals, three (3) of which received funding. Additionally, twenty-two (22) community health promotion plans were developed, with seven (7) implemented, impacting 224 individuals. Findings from this study suggest that the CTIHD effectively provided capacity building, promoted the formation of CAPs, and increased community-led health promotion interventions, thereby advancing health disparity research and community initiatives.

IbM Inovasi Pengolahan Balakka - Produk Unggulan Desa Padang Garugur di Kabupaten Padang Lawas Utara

Padang Garugur Village in North Padang Lawas Regency has significant economicpotential in agriculture and plantations, especially in processing balakka fruit. However,the problems faced include limited infrastructure, lack of product innovation, and lowcommunity skills in processing and marketing. To overcome this, communityempowerment is needed through training and mentoring that focuses on productinnovation, skills development, and digital marketing. The results of this activity show thatthe development of new products such as Balakka Coffee and Manisan Balakka is able toincrease competitiveness and community income. The implementation of effectivemarketing strategies through social media and digital platforms has successfully expandedmarket reach. In conclusion, innovation and community capacity building can improve thewelfare and economic growth of the village. With a systematic and collaborativeempowerment approach, Padang Garugur Village can become a model of sustainable localwisdom-based community empowerment

Functional Isolation: The compounding burden on community capacity from cascading infrastructure failures and access disruption

Functional Isolation: The compounding burden on community capacity from cascading infrastructure failures and access disruption

Critical Connections: Transdisciplinary Capacity and Youth Engagement for Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries and Coastal Communities

As the global push for sustainable development intensifies, public and private actors in fisheries and ocean management are encouraged to support United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14, “Life Below Water.” For those involved in small-scale fisheries (SSF), the emphasis must shift toward “life above water” (Jentoft, 2019), reflecting the complex social, cultural, and heritage values that define these communities. To create lasting SSF sustainability, programs must be inclusive and community-driven. This shift requires transdisciplinary capacity building and youth engagement, fostering experience sharing and collaboration for transformation. Initiatives like Too Big To Ignore and Coast 2 Coast take this approach, focusing on relationship building, shared responsibility, and inclusive engagement to shape meaningful, grounded change.

Utilizing a novel fecal sampling method to examine resistance of the honey bee (Apis mellifera) gut microbiome to a low dose of tetracycline.

Disruption of host-associated microbial communities can have detrimental impacts on host health. However, the capacity of individual host-associated microbial communities to resist disturbance has not been well defined. Using a novel fecal sampling method for honey bees (Apis mellifera), we examined the resistance of the honey bee gut microbiome to disruption from a low dose of the antibiotic, tetracycline (4.5 μg). Prior to the experiment, bacterial communities from fecal samples were compared to communities from dissected whole guts of the same individuals to ensure fecal samples accurately represented the gut microbiome. Fecal samples were collected from lab-caged honey bees prior to, and five days after, tetracycline exposure to assess how antibiotic disturbance affected the communities of individuals. We used metrics of alpha and beta diversity calculated from 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequences to compare gut community structure. Low dose tetracycline exposure did not consistently change honey bee gut microbiome structure, but there was individual variation in response to exposure and specific taxa (one ASV assigned to Lactobacillus kunkeei and one ASV in the genus Bombella) were differentially abundant following tetracycline treatment. To assess whether individual variation could be influenced by the presence of tetracycline resistance genes, we quantified the abundance of tet(B) and tet(M) with qPCR. The abundance of tet(M) prior to tetracycline treatment was negatively correlated with change in community membership, assessed by difference in Jaccard dissimilarity over the five-day experiment. Our results suggest that the honey bee gut microbiome has some ability to resist or recover from antibiotic-induced change, specific taxa may vary in their susceptibility to tetracycline exposure, and antibiotic resistance genes may contribute to gut microbiome resistance.

Community health system capacities and capabilities within an evolving community health policy framework: mixed methods study of stakeholders in central Uganda

ObjectivesEmpowering communities through identifying and unlocking community capacities and capabilities is vital for improving community health systems. This study assessed the community health system’s status quo and readiness for implementing...

Equity Zones: Building the Bridge to Transformation.

This article is a call to action for transformative health equity initiatives empowering communities to address systemic health inequities through expanded implementation and enhanced evaluation of health equity zone models. These models prioritize community capacity building and power sharing for upstream, transformative change, urging increased investment in transformative public health practice. Lessons from Rhode Island and Chicago, Illinois, highlight strategies for preventing health inequities and reducing downstream needs among vulnerable populations, underscoring the need for developing innovative evaluation practices measuring transformative change. (Am J Public Health. 2025;115(1):47-51. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2024.307872).

Nfrastructure of Protective Structures – Inventory of Existing Facilities, Safety Assessment, Threat Scenarios, and Response Capabilities and Needs for the City and Municipality of Dębica, Based on Experiences from the Conflict in Ukraine

Abstract: War threats associated with escalating geopolitical tensions pose a serious danger to the civilian population, compelling the authorities of the Republic of Poland to undertake protective measures. This paper analyzes the state of security and the level of public awareness regarding crisis management, using the city and municipality of Dębica in the Podkarpackie Voivodeship as a case study. The research encompasses protective structures and local territorial units, identifying key issues within the region. The findings indicate deficiencies in the infrastructure of protective buildings and crisis management systems, which undermine the community's capacity to respond effectively to threats. Residents demonstrate insufficient knowledge regarding the locations of protective structures and the necessary skills for crisis management. This paper emphasizes the importance of education and public awareness in the context of civil protection, presenting recommendations aimed at enhancing the safety of local communities. These recommendations serve as a foundation for future actions at both the regional and national levels. Key words: Crisis management, Protective structures, Radar systems, Military security, War in Ukraine

Legal Dilemma in Navigable River Water Pollution: Consequences of Garbage and Baby Diaper Disposal

The pollution of shipping river water due to the disposal of garbage and baby diapers in Tawangsari Village, Sidoarjo Regency, has created a legal dilemma regarding the implementation of existing regulations. Although there are various national and regional regulations regarding waste management, their implementation in the field is still very limited. The research method used is normative juridical law with an empirical approach supported by accidental sampling techniques on eleven residents of Tawangsari Village. The results showed that, many people still do not comply with their obligations and responsibilities in waste management. In addition, weak law enforcement and the lack of waste management facilities at the village level exacerbate the condition. Legal dilemmas arise due to the mismatch between the existence of regulations and the reality on the ground, as well as the inability to balance the provision of appropriate sanctions with community capacity building. This shows that the legal responsibility of both the government and the community has not been maximized. In conclusion, strengthening law enforcement, increasing public awareness, and developing better waste management infrastructure are needed to overcome this legal dilemma. The recommendations of this research are to tighten supervision, provide strict sanctions, and increase education about waste management to the community.

Backyard gardening in the face of exacerbating rates of hunger and poverty in South Africa

Backyard gardening holds immense promise as a viable solution to combat the escalating rates of hunger and poverty in South Africa. This study examines the dynamics of backyard gardening, its significance, potential contributions to food security and the myriad challenges it faces. The literature review explores the diverse dimensions of backyard gardening drawing insights from scholarly research and policy documents. The study underscores the pivotal role of backyard gardening in addressing food security, enhancing nutrition and promoting socio-economic resilience within communities. However, significant barriers such as limited access to land, water scarcity and inadequate support structures pose formidable challenges to its widespread adoption and effectiveness. Analysing the legislative frameworks, policy landscape and organisational initiatives surrounding backyard gardening illuminates’ pathways for overcoming barriers and harnessing its transformative potential. Moreover, it underscores the importance of reimagining backyard gardening as a dynamic strategy for inclusive development, grounded in principles of equity, sustainability and community empowerment. Through strategic interventions aimed at promoting equitable land tenure, enhancing water resource management and fostering community capacity building, South Africa can leverage backyard gardening as a powerful tool in its quest for a more resilient and food-secure future.

REDRESSING THE CHALLENGES OF UNSUSTAINABLE UTILIZATION OF FORESTRY RESOURCES IN NIGERIA

Introduction: The unsustainable utilization of forest resources in Nigeria has led to deforestation, biodiversity loss. And climate change impacts, posing sustainability and socio-economic implications, and propose strategic interventions for sustainable forest management. Utilizing theoretical frameworks in ecological economics and sustainable development, the research explores the complex dynamics between forest resources exploitation and environmental degradation. The findings highlight the need for a multi-stakeholder approach, incorporating policy reforms, community-based resources management, and the promotion of alternative livelihoods to ensure sustainable forest utilization. This study contributes to the body of knowledge on forest resource management in developing economies and offers actionable insights for policymakers and stakeholders. Purpose: The primary aim of this study is to address the challenges of unsustainable forest resource utilization in Nigeria by identifying root causes, evaluating impacts, and proposing sustainable strategies to mitigate environmental and socio-economic consequences. Method: The study employs a mixed-methods approach by adopting the doctrinal method on the sources of the law, the interpretation and analysing of relevant statutes, conventions and regulations by way of a critique of existing legal material on the subject of forest resources utilization and development. And assessment of existing forest management policies and their effectiveness in addressing sustainability goals. Implications of Research; The study underscores the importance of adopting holistic, inclusive, and adaptive strategies to address forest resource challenges in Nigeria. Key policy implications include: Strengthening enforcement mechanisms forest conservation laws. Promoting community-based forest management practices. Facilitating alternative livelihoods to reduce dependency on forest exploitation. Encouraging afforestation and reforestation programs to restore degraded ecosystems. Originality/Value: This research provides a novel perspective by integrating ecological economics and sustainability frameworks to analyze forest management challenges in Nigeria. It offers practical and actionable solutions tailored to the unique socio-economic and ecological context of the country. By engaging diverse stakeholders, it ensures that the proposed strategies are inclusive and realistic, enhancing their potential for successful implementation. Conclusion: Unsustainable forest resource utilization in Nigeria poses a significant threat to environmental socio-economic sustainability. This study highlights the critical need for holistic, multi-stakeholders approaches to address the drivers of deforestation and promote sustainable practices. By leveraging community participation, policy reforms, and capacity building, Nigeria can achieve a balance between forest conservation and socio-economic development, ensuring a sustainable future for its forest and communities.