Community Development Research Articles

The role of regional competence centers in local economic development

Regional Centers of Competence (RCC) play a key rolein local economic development by enabling better education,increased employability, and economic growth. These centers providetraining in skills demanded by the labor market, thus increasing theemployability of participants. The integration of practical trainingthrough collaboration with industry helps students acquire real workskills. Successful RCCs often have strong partnerships with localcompanies, allowing for training aligned with labor market needs.Providing internships and apprenticeships facilitates the transitionfrom education to employment. Funding for RCCs comes from varioussources, including EU funds, state incentives, and employers. Theinfrastructure and technological resources in RCCs support the learningprocess through adequate facilities, equipment, and qualified staff.Various types of support are available to participants, such as careercounseling and mentorship during and after education. Research showsthat RCCs have a significant role in local community development, buttheir success depends on effective management, sustainable funding,and close cooperation with industrial partners. Recommendations forfurther research are aimed at achieving synergistic effects of RCCs,educational institutions, and industry to ensure their long-term successand positive impact on the local community.

Conservation and regeneration of architectural and urban heritage: The case of the Xinmalu historical site, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China

The current discourse about contemporary cities emphasizes the notion of heritage conservation and preservation as a catalyst for expressing local identity and accomplishing community development. This article uses the case of Ningbo City (Zhejiang, China) to interrogate different approaches to preserve and rehabilitate architectural and urban heritage. Over the past two decades, the identification, documentation, and preservation of deteriorating dwellings and the urban context of traditional cities have undergone an unprecedented cycle of transformation. The article explores the economic, social, and cultural practices that inform strategies for heritage conservation, with a particular focus on Ningbo’s experiences. The selected projects from the city’s context range from independent house restoration and rehabilitation to traditional markets and the preservation of its urban heritage core. In addition, the article provides insights into the complexities of the ongoing discourse surrounding the interpretation, evaluation, protection, and augmentation of heritage territories. It confronts questions such as how to encourage inclusivity and diversity in cities’ heritage zones and urban spaces, and how specific chapters of the past are chosen and reintroduced for suggested contemporary functions. The article also examines the cooperation between international organizations and local planning entities in shaping a vision for Ningbo’s heritage conservation and rehabilitation. The study concludes by summarizing the successes of projects in the Xinmalu Heritage District in Ningbo, which foster growth and community development without compromising the value of its heritage.

How outdoor and indoor green spaces affect human health: a literature review.

The analysis of the complex interactions between outdoor or indoor greenness and the health of individuals and ecosystems is a topic of current and growing interest. This review aims to examine and summarise the results of studies conducted to evaluate the effects of exposure to greenness on various aspects of human health and the natural environment. For this purpose, in April 2024 we searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases, Google Scholar and specialised books. Evidence gathered demonstrates a remarkable correlation between exposure to outdoor and indoor greenness and the improvement of mental health, including the reduction of stress, anxiety, and depression. Contact with greenness is also associated with improvements in physical health, such as reductions in blood pressure, heart rate, and inflammation, as well as in cognitive abilities, concentration, and overall recovery. These benefits are recognisable both in outdoor spaces, such as urban parks, oases, and public gardens, and in indoor spaces, through the introduction of plants and nature-evoking elements in living and working environments. The presence of vegetation in indoor environments, such as offices, schools, healthcare facilities, prisons, and others, can contribute to improving the quality of social spaces, fostering communication, and collaboration, and attenuating aggressiveness and inequalities, thereby increasing employee satisfaction and work efficiency. The combination of outdoor/indoor green spaces and the well-being of the living environment includes exposure to greater biodiversity, mitigation of extreme weather events, absorption of atmospheric pollutants, attenuation of urban background noise, and increased privacy. The presence of vegetation in urban areas has a positive impact on social cohesion, promoting interpersonal interaction and facilitating the development of more cohesive and inclusive communities, thus supporting a sense of belonging and collective identity. In conclusion, these results underline the importance of considering contact with greenness as a fundamental element in promoting the psychophysical health and well-being of individuals and ecosystems, suggesting the adoption of nature-based therapies and interventions in public health policies and urban planning practices.

7th International Workshop on Software-intensive Business (IWSiB 2024): Software-intensive Business in the Era of Generative Artificial Intelligence

The 7th International Workshop on Software-intensive Business (IWSiB'24), held on April 16, 2024, in Lisbon, Portugal, as part of the 46th International Conference on Software Engineering (ICSE 2024), brought together diverse research communities to address the pressing challenges faced by software-producing organizations. These challenges, driven by changing demands, evolving technologies, and dynamic environments, require interdisciplinary collaboration across software engineering and business research. The workshop focused on the theme "Software Business in the Era of Generative Artificial Intelligence," highlighting the transformative impact of GenAI and large language models on software businesses. The event featured a keynote by Jan Bosch and showcased 11 accepted papers on a diverse range of topics. Participants engaged in interactive discussions, group activities, and ideation sessions aimed at identifying future challenges and solutions for software-intensive businesses, fostering ongoing community development and cross-disciplinary synergy.

Measuring the community dream: A social capital lens of capacity building initiatives

ABSTRACT In 2010, San Antonio leaders sought to leverage networks and collective action to create a future in which each resident was responsible to the whole community in helping to reach a shared vision for 2020 to become a world-class city. In doing so, city administrators applied social capital theories to utilize the active networks in a social capital-rich community, which creates a wider capacity for dynamic actions and more opportunity for community practitioners to meet development goals. This case study compiles secondary sources from publicly distributed data sets, utilizing data mining techniques and social network analysis to describe community capacity building outcomes. This case study examines community development outcomes through a social-network analysis of organizational leadership, combined with an examination of diversity, civic engagement, and participation within the decade-long initiative, to provide insights for other leaders seeking to utilize a social capital theory approach to capacity building.

Civic and Community Engagement among Poor Rural Women in Bihar: A Pilot Study

Civic and community engagement is often crucial for the successful development of rural areas and a catalyst of personal transformation. This article examines changes in civic and community engagement among women in rural Bihar, India. Using an exploratory factor analysis of survey data from n = 815 respondents who participated in Heifer’s Values-Based Holistic Community Development [VBHCD] training, the study identifies three factors that constitute civic and community engagement. Next, the study assesses the efficacy of VBHCD’s impact on participants’ civic and community engagement relative to participants’ duration in the program and type of self-help group. The results indicate that pass-on groups are more civically active in their community than original groups. However, civic and community engagement wanes over the course of participation in Heifer’s intervention.

Waste Management Strategies by the Village Government

The general background waste management is a critical issue for sustainable community development, particularly in rural areas where resources are often constrained. Specific background in Wedoroklurak Village, effective waste management practices have become increasingly necessary due to rising waste production and its environmental impacts. Knowledge Gap: Although there is considerable literature on community-based waste management, there is limited research examining the specific roles of village governments in facilitating effective waste management strategies. Aims this study to analyze the roles of the village government in waste management, particularly its functions as a facilitator, mobilizer, and regulator. Results: The research findings reveal that the village government has successfully served as a facilitator by providing essential infrastructure, such as waste disposal facilities and educational resources for residents. Moreover, it has acted as a mobilizer by encouraging community participation through training programs. However, the government’s regulatory role has been inadequate, primarily relying on informal agreements rather than formal regulations. Novelty this study contributes valuable insights into the governance of waste management in rural contexts, emphasizing the need for more robust regulatory frameworks. Implications the findings suggest that strengthening regulatory measures can significantly improve waste management practices and promote sustainable environmental health in rural communities. Highlights: The government facilitates waste management through resource provision. Community education and training are essential for environmental awareness. Regulatory measures are needed for effective waste management practices. Keywords: Waste Management, Government, Community, Facilitator, Mobilizer

Empowerment of Farmers Through GAPOKTAN to Improve Farmers' Welfare

The general background the empowerment of farmers is crucial for improving their welfare and ensuring sustainable agricultural development. Specific background This study focuses on the role of Farmer Group Associations (GAPOKTAN) in Dukuhsari Village as a platform for farmer empowerment. Knowledge gap Despite the recognized importance of farmer groups in community development, there is limited understanding of how these associations function to enhance farmers' welfare in specific contexts. Aims the research aims to analyze and describe the effectiveness of GAPOKTAN in empowering farmers within Dukuhsari Village. Results the findings indicate that GAPOKTAN has successfully facilitated the fulfillment of farmers' basic needs, improved access to resources, and fostered critical awareness among farmers. Participation of farmers in group activities has been instrumental in enhancing their involvement in agricultural management and empowerment processes. Novelty this study contributes to the existing literature by providing empirical evidence on the operational mechanisms of GAPOKTAN in a local context, highlighting its multifaceted role in promoting welfare among farmers. Implications the results suggest that strengthening GAPOKTAN and similar associations can lead to more effective agricultural policies and community development initiatives, ultimately contributing to better living standards for farmers and sustainable agricultural practices. Highlights: GAPOKTAN plays a crucial role in fulfilling farmers' basic needs. Participation in farmer groups enhances farmers' involvement in agricultural management. Critical awareness among farmers leads to better access to resources and support. Keywords: Farmer Empowerment, GAPOKTAN, Welfare, Participation, Community Development

Climate change and population aging: The role of older adults in climate change mitigation

This paper explores the intersection of climate change, population aging, and community resilience, focusing on the potentially powerful roles of older adults in climate change mitigation efforts, particularly in developing countries. Through a brief review of relevant literature in the fields of environmental studies, gerontology, and community development, the paper examines the vulnerabilities of older adults to climate change impacts and their potential contributions to adaptation and mitigation strategies. By integrating findings from some existing literature, the paper contributes to ongoing conversations about the inclusivity of climate change actions and the empowerment of marginalized groups. Our suggestions include harnessing the traditional knowledge and leadership of older adults and empowering them to act as climate change activists within their communities. Additionally, the paper suggests encouraging older adults to organize community capacity-building workshops that advocate for environmentally sustainable initiatives. We conclude by emphasizing that neglecting older adults in the climate change discourse risks exacerbating entrenched social inequalities and overlooks the potentially valuable resources and knowledge that older adults can contribute toward climate change mitigation and adaptation. This therefore calls for the recognition of older adults as vital agents of change and empowering them through inclusive development policies, programs, and initiatives. Future research should investigate the long-term impacts of inviting older adults into climate change mitigation efforts, and the barriers that may hinder their active engagement.

The Role of PKK in Sustainable Community Empowerment

The general background while community empowerment is widely studied, the specific contributions of PKK remain underexplored. Specific background this study focuses on PKK's role in Tambak Kalisogo Village, particularly within sustainable community empowerment programs. Knowledge Gap Existing literature lacks a comprehensive analysis of PKK's multifaceted role in community development initiatives. Aims this research aims to elucidate the various roles of PKK, including its functions as a motivator, facilitator, mobilizer, and regulator in community empowerment. Results the findings reveal that PKK effectively organizes activities, provides guidance in food processing, ensures quality in production, and complies with governmental regulations, thus significantly impacting community welfare. Novelty this research contributes to the field by presenting a detailed examination of PKK's diverse functions in fostering community development and enhancing the economic capabilities of women. Implications Strengthening PKK's initiatives can further improve community welfare, encouraging women's participation in economic activities, and leading to more prosperous and resilient families. Highlights: PKK functions acts as a motivator, facilitator, mobilizer, and regulator in community initiatives. The study demonstrates PKK's effectiveness in enhancing local economic welfare through various programs. Strengthening PKK's efforts fosters women's participation, contributing to improved family income and welfare. Keywords: PKK, Empowerment, Welfare, Community, Economy

Experimental study of an absorption-based refrigeration driven by ocean thermal energy

Establishing an island-based cold chain is essential for ensuring food storage, vaccine preservation, and fish freezing on islands, which is indispensable for the sustainable development of island communities. The compression-absorption refrigeration system that uses ocean-thermal-energy is ideal for cold storage on islands as it efficiently utilizes local renewable energy sources and can meet refrigeration needs below 0 °C. Therefore, a refrigeration prototype has been constructed and thoroughly experimentally investigated to obtain refrigeration characterization under variations of refrigeration demand and environmental conditions. The system's energy-saving potential is evaluated by conducting comparisons with conventional refrigeration techniques. The results indicate that refrigeration temperature plays a crucial role in determining refrigeration capacity, with an increase of approximately 8.2 % observed for every 1 °C rise in refrigeration temperature. Lower cold-seawater temperatures or higher warm-seawater temperatures do not have a significant effect on the refrigeration capacity, but contribute to a reduction in compressor power due to increased thermally-driven compression force. Consequently, for every 1 °C change, the refrigeration capacity per unit compressor power increases by approximately 4 %. Additionally, the refrigeration capacity of the system is three times greater than that of a vapor-compression-refrigeration-system. The findings provide theoretical and experimental guidelines for the design and operation of refrigeration using ocean-thermal-energy.

Sustainable Community-Based Ecotourism Development Mechanism: Oaxaca and Puebla Cases in Mexico

This research intends to identify the processes and factors of Community-Based Ecotourism (CBET) development in indigenous communities, focusing specifically on the states of Oaxaca and Puebla, Mexico. Six different CBET initiatives were investigated. Two methodologies were used for data collection. One approach involves conducting in-depth interviews with community representatives to potentially refine the hypothesis from prior studies and preliminary fieldwork. The other approach uses a questionnaire for the quantitative validation of the hypothesis. The findings revealed core factors influencing CBET success, such as deep community pride, an active community-centered approach, management skills, and the integration of ecotourism with traditional lifestyles. Surprisingly, communities demonstrated a willingness to embrace government support as a pivotal catalyst in the initial phases of CBET endeavors. This openness is influenced by specific national laws that endorse and safeguard indigenous autonomy, ensuring that accrued benefits are retained within the community. This study underscores the delicate balance between heritage preservation and a thoughtful acceptance of modern progress, offering valuable insights to CBET.

Closing the gap: examining the impact of source habitat proximity on plant and soil microbial communities in post-mining spoil heap succession.

Revegetation of barren substrates is often determined by the composition and distance of the nearest plant community, serving as a source of colonizing propagules. Whether such dispersal effect can be observed during the development of soil microbial communities, is not clear. In this study, we aimed to elucidate which factors structure plant and soil bacterial and fungal communities during primary succession on a limestone quarry spoil heap, focusing on the effect of distance to the adjoining xerophilous grassland. We established a grid of 35 plots covering three successional stages - initial barren substrate, early successional community and late successional grassland ecosystem, the latter serving as the primary source of soil colonization. On these plots, we performed vegetation surveys of plant community composition and collected soil cores to analyze soil chemical properties and bacterial and fungal community composition. The composition of early successional plant community was significantly affected by the proximity of the source late successional community, however, the effect weakened when the distance exceeded 20 m. Early successional microbial communities were structured mainly by the local plant community composition and soil chemical properties, with minimal contribution of the source community proximity. These results show that on small spatial scales, species migration is an important determinant of plant community composition during primary succession while the establishment of soil microbial communities is not limited by dispersal and is primarily driven by local biotic and abiotic conditions.

Empowerment of Community Groups to Realize Food Security

The general background food security is a critical global challenge that influences community well-being and development. The specific background in rural contexts, community empowerment is vital for addressing food security issues; however, the mechanisms and dynamics of such empowerment are often underexplored. The knowledge gap while existing literature emphasizes the importance of empowerment, there is a lack of detailed studies focusing on specific strategies that effectively enhance community resilience in food security. The aims this research aims to describe and analyze the empowerment of community groups in achieving food security, using a case study approach in a specific rural area. Results the study reveals that key indicators—authority, confidence and competence, trust, opportunities, responsibilities, and support—play significant roles in empowering community groups, leading to improved food security outcomes. The novelty this research introduces a comprehensive framework that interlinks these indicators, providing new insights into their collective impact on community food security initiatives. The implications emphasize the necessity for sustained support from local governments and active community participation, advocating for collaborative efforts to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of food security programs in rural communities. Highlights: Community empowerment is essential for achieving food security in rural areas. Key indicators for success include authority, trust, and support from local governments. A collaborative approach enhances the effectiveness of food security initiatives. Keywords: Community Empowerment, Food Security, Rural Development, Participatory Approach, Sustainable Agriculture

Overcoming Barriers in Infrastructure Development Planning and Community Involvement

Abstract. The success of national development is often reflected in infrastructure improvements at the village level, particularly in promoting community welfare. In the specific context, Wunut Village in Porong District, Sidoarjo Regency, faces challenges in infrastructure planning, including transparency issues and limited community participation. The knowledge gap lies in the need for effective infrastructure planning to optimize the use of available resources and to identify obstacles in rural development. This study aims to analyze the village's development planning and identify barriers using a qualitative approach. Based on Syaodih's theory, focusing on achieving better goals, optimizing resources, addressing limitations, and ensuring efficiency, the results show a lack of transparency in the village work plan and passive community participation. This research's novelty highlights the critical role of transparency and engagement in successful infrastructure planning. The implications suggest enhancing community involvement and transparency for more effective rural development. Highlights: Transparency in village government work plans is essential for effective infrastructure development. Community involvement must be improved to enhance the planning and implementation process. Strategic planning is key to overcoming limitations in rural infrastructure projects. Keywords: Infrastructure, Development Planning, Rural Development, Community Participation, Transparency

Analysis of the Development of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Before and After Receiving Murabaha Financing from PT BPRS Rahmah Hijrah Agung Kota Lhokseumawe

This study aims to analyze the development of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) before and after receiving Murabaha financing from PT BPRS Rahmah Hijrah Agung. MSMEs play a crucial role in Indonesia's economy, significantly contributing to community development and job creation. However, they often face various challenges, particularly in accessing financing. The Murabaha financing offered by BPRS, a sharia financial institution, provides an alternative for MSMEs to obtain business capital without the burden of high interest rates and complicated requirements typically associated with conventional banks. This research examines the differences in sales turnover, order volume, market reach, product quality, business profits, employment opportunities, financial management, and competitive ability of MSMEs before and after receiving financing from BPRS. The data used in this study is sourced from MSMEs that have received Murabaha financing during the period of 2020-2023. The research findings indicate a significant improvement in various aspects studied after MSMEs received Murabaha financing. These results suggest that the sharia financing products from BPRS play a crucial role in supporting the growth of MSMEs in Indonesia, particularly in enhancing their business capacity and competitiveness in the market. This study also highlights the importance of socialization and education regarding sharia financing products to improve MSME actors' understanding of the available financing options.

Challenges and Solutions in the Implementation of the Family Hope Program

The general background family Hope Program (PKH) represents a significant initiative aimed at reducing poverty through conditional cash transfers to very poor households, initiated in 2007. Specific background however, while many countries have adopted similar strategies, the effective implementation of such programs in rural contexts often faces numerous challenges. Knowledge gap This study specifically investigates the implementation of PKH in Gempol Village, addressing the knowledge gap regarding community attitudes and the practical obstacles that impede program success. Aims aim of this research is to analyze the barriers faced by stakeholders and participants in the execution of PKH. Results Findings reveal that successful implementation depends on enhanced coordination among government officials, program coordinators, and beneficiaries, as well as the necessity for ongoing education to ensure participants comprehend the requirements for enrollment in the program.The novelty of this research lies in its focus on financial management skills, which are often overlooked but crucial for effective fund utilization among beneficiaries.The implications of this study underscore the importance of strengthening communication among stakeholders and providing targeted educational interventions, ultimately contributing to the sustainability and effectiveness of the PKH initiative and similar community development programs in rural settings. Highlights: Coordination between stakeholders is crucial for successful program execution. Continuous education is needed for participants to understand requirements. Financial management skills are essential for effective fund utilization. Keywords: Family Hope Program, Implementation, Challenges, Solutions, Community

LLMs4OL 2024 Overview: The 1st Large Language Models for Ontology Learning Challenge

This paper outlines the LLMs4OL 2024, the first edition of the Large Language Models for Ontology Learning Challenge. LLMs4OL is a community development initiative collocated with the 23rd International Semantic Web Conference (ISWC) to explore the potential of Large Language Models (LLMs) in Ontology Learning (OL), a vital process for enhancing the web with structured knowledge to improve interoperability. By leveraging LLMs, the challenge aims to advance understanding and innovation in OL, aligning with the goals of the Semantic Web to create a more intelligent and user-friendly web. In this paper, we give an overview of the 2024 edition of the LLMs4OL challenge and summarize the contributions.

Community development, the carceral state and the necessary challenge of penal abolitionism

Abstract This article introduces and explains the key concerns that have informed and inspired this Special Issue of the Community Development Journal. It sees punishment and prisons as troubling issues for community development despite the comparative lack of attention they have received in the journal to date. The article acknowledges that the specific forms that punishment, incarceration and their alternatives take have profound implications for the lives people live in communities; but that those forms of punishment, as well as resistances to them, are also shaped by collective activism and actors operating from, on, through or on behalf of communities, both real and imagined. We reflect on changing conceptions of the carceral state, positing that ‘carceral community development’ is playing an increasingly prominent role in the extension, outsourcing and normalization of punishment internationally. Against such tendencies, we consider the potential for abolitionist theory and practice to contribute to a critically self-reflexive community development that is committed to anti-carceral or de-carceral futures, and to the building of concrete forms of community in the here and now.

Complex Systems and Sustainable Leadership: Enhancing Resilience and Sustainability of Community-Based Social Enterprises in Soweto, South Africa

In urban South Africa, community-based social enterprises (CBSEs) face challenges at the intersection of financial and environmental sustainability and social purpose. These enterprises address social exclusion and community development within complex institutional environments. Despite increasing governmental support, CBSEs struggle with historical inequalities, resource limitations, high poverty levels, inadequate infrastructure, and complex social dynamics. These challenges contribute to a high failure rate among SMMEs, including CBSEs, which represent approximately 71% of community-level businesses. This study examines how complex system dynamics in marginalized South African suburbs impact the sustainable leadership and resilience of CBSEs. Utilizing a qualitative approach, the study conducted 15 in-depth semi-structured interviews with CBSE leaders. The findings revealed that effective leadership in CBSEs requires extraordinary abilities to traverse complexity, adapt to changes, and engage in dynamic organizational change. The key themes identified included adaptive and flexible leadership, interdependencies and network collaboration, community engagement and co-creation, continuous learning and feedback loops, policy influence and response, and resource utilization and constraints. By applying complex systems leadership theory (CSLT) and sustainable leadership principles, the research offers insights into the mechanisms enabling CBSEs to thrive in challenging environments. These findings contribute to Social Enterprise Management and Leadership Studies, providing practical implications for policymakers and practitioners to support CBSE development and sustainability in marginalized urban communities.