Communities In Rural Areas Research Articles

Renewable Energy Communities in Rural Areas: A Comprehensive Overview of Current Development, Challenges, and Emerging Trends

Achieving environmental and economic stability amid climate change requires renewable energy technologies. This review analyses 86 articles on rural energy communities, highlighting key technological, economic, and social drivers of their growth and sustainability. Findings show that rural energy development (38%), community engagement (36%), and agricultural integration (26%) are key focus areas, supported by drivers like technological innovation, regulatory frameworks, and community participation. Emerging trends reveal a shift from localised solutions to integrated hybrid systems and smart grids across three stages (2004–2024). Cross-country comparisons indicate varied regional priorities, with environmental benefits emphasised in China, Thailand, and Italy, and economic gains in the U.S., Poland, and India. Main challenges include financial constraints (21%), infrastructure (35%), regulation (44%), and participation (52%). Core elements for development are resilience, scalability, and innovation, with strong correlations (R2>0.80) between resilience, economic benefits, and social engagement. This review underscores the need for innovation, policy support, and community involvement to foster resilient, scalable rural energy communities, promoting sustainability and energy security.

Assessing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on goat farming systems in rural mediterranean regions

Numerous studies have highlighted the detrimental effects of COVID-19 disruptions on various aspects of rural farming communities worldwide, including economic status, food security and nutritional status. However, despite this extensive literature, there is a striking gap in understanding the nuanced impacts of these disruptions on different segments of smallholder goat keepers, particularly in the Eastern Mediterranean region of Turkiye. The aim of this study is to shed light on the multifaceted impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on goat farming and the local community in rural areas. Data was collected to examine the impact of COVID-19 on various dimensions such as input use, agricultural production (livestock and crops, etc.), market accessibility and food safety among goat farmers in Tufanbeyli, Feke and Karatas districts of Turkiye. The results showed that goat farming in rural areas under the pressure of COVID-19 had a negative impact on input management and marketing. In addition, it was found that breeders suffered economic setbacks, particularly due to the disruption to production and family nutrition caused by COVID-19.

Pendampingan Kesehatan Reproduksi Remaja, Upaya Mencegah Pernikahan Dini pada Masyarakat Petani Desa Sapih Kabupaten Probolinggo

The low level of understanding of public health is one of the factors in the practice of early marriage. This community service purposes to address the problem of understanding early marriage, from a health perspective for students in SMPN IV Lumbang Satu Atap in the farming community of Sapih Village, Lumbang District, Probolinggo Regency. The Service Learning method used socialization focusing on health issues, and the pre-test and post-test are used to see students’ and parents’ understanding. The results show that socialization can solve the problem of students’ and parents’ understanding of the impact of erly marriage from a health perspective. The contextual delivery of material becomes the subject of discussion when implementing it outreach to farming communities in rural areas.

How Mobile ECCE Practitioners Leverage a Variety of Learning Materials in Resource-Scarce Communities

This study explored how curriculum policies support that Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) practitioners need to leverage a variety of learning materials in resource-scarce communities to enhance children’s holistic development. Mobile ECCE practitioners face a challenge of limited resources especially in rural areas. Yet there is lack of professional training on the use of variety of learning materials in a resource-scarce communities. The study was underpinned by Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory to understand the significance of how mobile ECCE practitioners scaffold children's learning experiences by using various materials and tools, considering the underprivileged sociocultural context. A qualitative phenomenological design was adopted to examine mobile ECCE practitioners leveraging of a variety of learning materials in resource-scarce communities. Semi-structured interviews were used to gather data from twenty mobile ECCE practitioners in the rural communities from two mobile ECCE units of the Free State Province, South Africa. Prolonged engagement was used to validate the results. Interpretative phenomenological strategy was used to analyse data with the help of Atlas.ti. This study found that mobile ECCE practitioners employed innovative methods to adapt and improvise the use of existing materials to improve children’ holistic development. In light of this, it is recommended that practitioners need to integrate sociocultural context into their innovative methods improve the quality of ECCE in the face of resource constraints. Thus, novelty of this paper contributes to the curriculum and professional development in resource-scarce communities in rural areas.

Developing community-based physical activity interventions and recreational programming for children in rural and smaller urban centres: a qualitative exploration of service provider and parent experiences

BackgroundChildren’s physical inactivity is a persisting international public health concern. While there is a large body of literature examining physical activity interventions for children, the unique physical activity context of low-density communities in rural areas and smaller urban centres remains largely underexplored. With an influx of families migrating to rural communities and small towns, evaluations of health promotion efforts that support physical activity are needed to ensure they are meeting the needs of the growing populations in these settings. The aim of this community-based research was to explore service providers’ and parents’ perspectives on physical activity opportunities available in their community and recommendations toward the development and implementation of efficacious physical activity programming for children in rural communities and smaller urban centres.MethodsThree in-person community forums with recreation service providers (n = 37 participants) and 1 online community forum with the parents of school-aged children (n = 9 participants) were hosted. An online survey and Mentimeter activity were conducted prior to the community forums to gather participants’ views on the barriers and facilitators to physical activities and suggestions for activity-promoting programs. The service provider and parent discussions were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed following a deductive approach guided by Hseih and Shannon’s (2005) procedure for direct content analysis. A code list developed from the responses to the pre-forum survey and Mentimeter activity was used to guide the analysis and category development.ResultsSeven distinct categories related to the existing physical activity opportunities and recommendations for programs in rural communities and smaller urban centres were identified during the analysis: (1) Recovery from Pandemic-Related Measures, (2) Knowledge and Access to Programs, (3) Availability, (4) Personnel Support, (5) Quality of Programs and Facilities, (6) Expenses and Subsidies, and (7) Inclusivity and Preferences.ConclusionTo improve the health and well-being of children who reside in low-density areas, the results of this study highlight service provider and parent recommendations when developing and implementing community-based physical activity programs and interventions in rural and smaller urban settings, including skill development programs, non-competitive activity options, maximizing existing spaces for activities, and financial support.

Associations’ involvement in preserving and developing local communities in rural areas

How much do associations in rural districts involve themselves in the local community, and what can explain differences their involvement? The analysis of this issue is based on data from a survey in 2022 of all types of associations in four rural municipalities. The analysis, which is inspired by theories of new institutionalism, shows that most associations are involved in tasks that aim to preserve or develop local conditions and institutions, and that the associations have a positive attitude towards contributing to develop the local community. The associations’ involvement in the local community depends in particular on the number of inhabitants in the local community, what their primary goals are and their size, while the associations’ age, municipal context and public support have little significance.

The role of social media in public health awareness during times of war in Sudan: snakebites and scorpion stings

BackgroundSnakebite envenomation (SBE) and scorpion sting envenomation (SSE) are significant neglected tropical diseases that primarily affect impoverished communities in rural areas of developing nations. A lack of understanding about snake and scorpion species and their distribution exacerbates the disabilities and fatalities caused by SBE and SSE. In Sudan, particularly in regions affected by ongoing conflicts where healthcare resources are scarce, social media platforms offer a cost-effective approach to addressing public health challenges. Our aim in this study is to highlight the benefits of using social media for data collection and health promotion in such environments.MethodsWe present a cost-effective communication and data collection strategy implemented at the Toxic Organisms Research Centre (TORC) of the University of Khartoum, focusing on a Facebook group, “Scorpions and Snakes of Sudan”, as our primary social media platform. Additionally, we discuss the lessons learned and the initial impact of this strategy on enhancing population health literacy.ResultsThe group community is composed of ~ 5000 members from 14 countries. During the period from January 2023 to January 2024, we received 417 enquiries about snakes and scorpions belonging to 11 families and composed of 55 species. In addition, 53 other enquiries covered a range of organisms and their tracks (e.g., spiders, skinks, chameleons, foxes, sun spiders, centipedes, lizards, moth larvae, and insect tracks). The first photographic evidence of Malpolon monspessulanus in Sudan was via the group activities. The rare species Telescopus gezirae, the Blue Nile cat snake, is also documented via the group member’s queries. Recognizing the evolving nature of social media use in public health, we also address the current limitations and evidence gaps that need to be addressed to effectively translate best practices into policy.ConclusionIn conclusion, utilizing Facebook as an institutional platform to share scientific information in simple Arabic language underscores the proactive roles that citizens, scientists, and public health stakeholders can play in leveraging social media for eHealth, eAwareness, and public health initiatives. This approach highlights the potential for collaborative efforts, particularly during crises, to maximize the benefits of social media in advancing public health.

Effect of Agency Banking Services Provision on Performance of Small Business Entrepreneurs at Chamwino District

Purpose: This study endeavours to examine effects of agency banking services provision in rural area on performance of small business entrepreneurs at Chamwino District, Dodoma Region. Urban settings have been the main areas of concentration, leaving out the dynamics and challenges rural entrepreneurs encounter while using agency banking services to expand their businesses, hence the essence of undertaking this study. Design/Methodology/Approach: Cross sectional research design was used, and a sample of 108 respondents were involved in this study. Data were analysed using descriptive and multiple linear regression analysis. Findings: The study findings show that, variables of accessibility, privacy and reliability of agency banking services have positive and statistically significant impacts on the performance of small business entrepreneurs in rural areas. Implications/Originality/Value: The study recommends banking industry in Tanzania to establish standardized fee structures and transaction charges for agency banking services. Also ensure transparency and prevent excessive costs to users of agency banking services. By so doing, it can ease provision and expansion of various online banking services to majority of the underserved communities in rural areas of Tanzania

How Can Community Autonomy under the Guidance of Party Building be Possible?

Leading Party building is the basic institutional arrangement of community governance in the new era. By constructing a multi-logic analysis framework, taking G community in rural area of Anhui as an example, the paper systematically analyzes how the leadership of Party building promotes the realization of community autonomy. The findings are as follows: political parties break down the contradictions and divide governance boundaries through a series of political mechanisms, so as to achieve the purpose of social integration; At the same time, the assessment target system and personnel system in the government organization provide effective administrative means for the realization of the intention of the ruling party. Finally, through the construction of public space and the cultivation of social organizations to reshape the community governance structure, stimulate the vitality of community governance. Therefore, the essence of community autonomy led by party building is the transformation process of subject behavior from isolation to benign interaction, relationship structure from "atomization" to organic connection, and institutional logic from discrete to co-evolution.

Needs and Challenges for Volunteering in Rural Areas: Lessons Learned From a Survey of a Service Organization in Rural Michigan.

Volunteers are the foundation of social service agencies in rural communities, yet limited research exists on their needs and challenges. Motivated by the multidimensional older voluntarism sustainability framework, this study aims to understand (1) the characteristics of volunteers, (2) the relationships between volunteers' sense of community and their own aging and volunteer retention, and (3) the unique challenges faced by volunteers and volunteer-based agencies. This study uses a mixed-methods design. Data were gathered via telephone interviews (n = 76) and in-person focus groups (n = 14) from the volunteer pool of a nonprofit organization in rural Michigan. Descriptive and regression analyses were conducted to understand the characteristics of the volunteers. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify unique challenges faced by rural agencies and volunteers. Findings show that most volunteers were over 70, women, married, volunteered weekly or more, and were affiliated with multiple agencies. Volunteers with a stronger attachment to the community and higher self-perceptions of aging were likelier to continue and increase volunteering commitments. Due to the low population density in rural areas, volunteers were concerned about the heavy burden of volunteering, the lack of social connections with fellow volunteers, and the lack of active involvement in shaping the organization. Results from the study shed light on the urgent need for creative and engaging volunteer recruitment and retention strategies to sustain older adults, service agencies, and communities in rural areas.

Transforming Energy Access: The Role of Micro Solar Dome in Providing Clean Energy Lighting in Rural India

Access to affordable and reliable energy sources can substantially enhance the lives of marginalized communities in rural areas. Unfortunately, numerous households in these communities rely upon unclean sources of energy such as kerosene to light the house even during daylight. To address this issue, solar off-grid technology - Micro Solar Dome (MSD) was implemented in various states across India, specifically benefiting the scheduled caste and scheduled tribe communities. The study, across the eight selected states, highlights the advantages of adopting off-grid technologies and their roles in promoting awareness of renewable energy solutions. The survey used purposive sampling to collect community members’ perceptions of the product’s benefits and their awareness of renewable technologies. The results indicated that the utilization of the product not only enhanced illumination levels within households but also contributed to improved safety, increased study hours for children, and facilitated economic activities during the evening hours. Furthermore, the study revealed that education plays a crucial role in adopting solar energy. However, interventions such as awareness programs and hands-on experiences with the products can also greatly enhance awareness and promote adoption in rural areas. Overall, the study provided compelling evidence of the significant and positive impact that small-scale initiatives like the MSD can have on the lives of marginalized communities. It also emphasized the potential of such solutions to empower these communities and improve their overall well-being.

Development Planning in Rural Communities in Bolivia: A Study in the Department of Oruro

This research aims to determine the most important elements that contribute to the development planning processes in the rural communities of the department of Oruro, Bolivia; It is based on the proposition that democracy in Latin America is in a situation characterized by advances in political rights and deficiencies in the civil and social rights of citizens, rural communities are where the most acute indicators of political, social, cultural and economic exclusion occur. Therefore, the effective membership of rural communities emerges as a peremptory task for the consolidation of their development based on community development planning. It assumes a quantitative qualitative approach, and is of a correlational descriptive type, which seeks the association and relationship of the variables that intervene and influence the community planning processes. A survey is applied to 384 people who live in communities in rural areas, among them the actors in the development of the localities are considered, such as community leaders and heads of households. For the statistical analysis, descriptive statistics and a multiple regression model are incorporated. The research establishes that community participation, ancestral knowledge, along with natural resources are the most important elements that contribute to the planning of the development of rural communities. Received: 16 February 2024 / Accepted: 8 April 2024 / Published: 5 May 2024

The Influence of Road Infrastructure Development on Improving the Welfare of the People of Wajo Regency

This study analyzed the impact of road infrastructure development, especially the Lowa-Macero Road section, on improving the welfare of the people of Wajo Regency, South Sulawesi. This district has a variety of geographical characteristics, with great potential in the agricultural, fisheries and tourism sectors. Road infrastructure development is a priority for the district government to increase regional accessibility and connectivity. Data shows that the construction of the road has been carried out in stages since 2017 with a total budget of Rp41.86 billion. Analysis shows that road construction has had a significant positive impact on the welfare of the community, especially through increasing the efficiency of the distribution of agricultural products, savings in transportation costs, and opening new employment opportunities. This research confirms the importance of road infrastructure development as an effort to improve the social and economic welfare of the community in rural areas.

Hubungan Social Support Dengan Tingkat Kesepian Lanjut Usia Pada Latar Belakang Pedesaan Di Kabupaten Bogor

The solidarity life of mechanical communities in rural areas generally has closer social ties than organic communities in urban areas. It seems to be a gap between what is expected and reality if rural mechanical solidarity is still able to make the elderly feel lonely in the midst of deep-rooted social ties. This study aims to determine the relationship between social support and the level of loneliness of the elderly using THE MPSS scale and UCLA Loneliness Scale Version 3. This quantitative study involved 91 elderly participants in Barengkok Village, Bogor Regency. Parametric analysis to see the relationship between independent and dependent variables using Pearson Product Moment. The results showed a negative correlation (r = -0.629 and p = 0.000) which indicates that if social support increases, the level of loneliness decreases. The implication of this study is that the elderly need to be given social support either from a partner, family or friends so that the elderly do not feel lonely.

INNOVATION IN FIBERGLASS SHIP ASSEMBLY: SOCIAL-ECONOMIC AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP STUDY OF COASTAL COMMUNITIES

The problem of low performance of fishing communities in producing capture fisheries is generally related to the low quality of the capital ships used. This research aims to reveal the factors that caused the emergence of innovation in the business of assembling fiberglass fishing ships, the level of business development, and its impact on improving the socio-economic performance of fishing communities in rural areas. The research sample included small fishing communities and a group of fishermen who had built a business assembling fiberglass fishing ships in Bengkulu Selatan Regency. Because the data collected is mostly in the form of qualitative data, the analysis method used is a descriptive-qualitative method supported by statistical analysis methods. The results indicate that the emergence of innovation in assembling fiberglass fishing ships is driven by evidence highlighting the superior quality of fiberglass over wood in ship construction. The growth of the fiberglass ship assembly business is evident through its expanding market reach and increased sales turnover. Qualitatively, the study demonstrates that the innovation in assembling fiberglass ships has a positive impact on the socio-economic performance of fishermen, manifested through improved workability, heightened work motivation, and increased capture fisheries production. Three key recommendations emerge from the findings: (1) Stakeholders should consistently support the sustainability of fiberglass ship assembly businesses; (2) Relevant agencies are encouraged to actively contribute to the substantial development of the fiberglass ship assembly sector; and (3) Fishing communities greatly benefit from socialization, empowerment, literacy, and education programs.

Pelatihan Manajemen BUMDes Berbasis Sosiokultural Masyarakat Lokal di Desa Sukamaju

Improving the welfare of rural communities in rural areas is an urgency in every community empowerment activity. One of the institutions that can improve the welfare of village communities, namely Village Owned Enterprises (in Indonesian is BUMDes). However, BUMDes have not contributed significantly and are optimally managed. This activity aims to apply the pattern of understanding the management of BUMDes Maju Mandiri in Sukamaju Village, Cihaurbeuti District, Ciamis Regency. In addition, this activity can make a positive contribution to the economic empowerment of rural communities through a pattern of BUMDes activities based on socio-cultural rural communities to increase the income and welfare of rural communities. The principle of gotong royong and participation is the main vocalist in Community Based Empowerment (in Indonesian is PKM) activities. This activity is carried out through mentoring methods which include: (1) the program initiation stage; (2) implementation stage; and (3) monitoring and evaluation stages. This activity resulted in an increase in the knowledge and skills of BUMDes managers by 50% in the management organization, so that the institution is managed quite well. In addition, there is an increase in the understanding of BUMDes managers by 75% in business management and has an impact on increasing innovation, as well as sales of BUMDes superior products.

An introduction to rural minority‐serving community colleges

AbstractRacially minoritized communities in rural areas experience some of the most challenging conditions related to poverty, educational access, and educational attainment in the nation (Farrigan, 2021; Hillman, 2016). For residents in these communities, community colleges are the most common entry point into postsecondary education (Byun et al., 2017), yet little attention has been paid to the many two‐year institutions that are both rural and minority‐ serving. This chapter introduces the landscape of rural, minority‐serving community colleges (RMSCCs) and offers future directions for research and practice to bring more visibility to these essential institutions.

Sustainable tourism development activities and planning systems in Vhembe district, Limpopo province, South Africa: A comprehensive eco-touristic and sustainability perspective

PurposeThis study aims to examine Musina municipality’s tourism development status and plans with existing documents and respondents’ responses on their envisaged implications on tourism development and sustainability initiatives in Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South Africa.Design/methodology/approachSurveys, interviews and focus group discussions, supplemented by field observation and document reviews, gray literature alongside published literature, were applied. Subsequently, Microsoft Excel and cross-tabulation analysis orchestrated the analysis of the data.FindingsThe policy and strategy aspects contributing to the previous and actual tourism statuses in Musina municipality are defined. The study concludes that Musina Municipality has rich tourism possibilities but lacks a better tourism strategy to empower local communities. Nonetheless, it dwells in the most tourism-based landscape within the Vhembe District of Limpopo.Originality/valueMusina Municipality is one of the driest areas in the north of Limpopo Province in South Africa. It is also marked by impoverished rural communities. Studies on sustainable tourism and development have increased in recent years. However, rare studies specialize in synergies within various forms of tourism. Also, significant resources to advance local communities in rural areas are not sufficiently appreciated.

A scoping review on the barriers to and facilitators of health services utilisation related to refugee settlement in regional or rural areas of the host country

BackgroundHealthcare access and equity are human rights. Worldwide conflicts, violence, and persecution have increased the number of people from refugee or refugee-like backgrounds. Because urban areas are already densely populated, governments have aimed to increase refugee resettlement in rural and/or regional areas. Because of the complex healthcare needs of refugees, this creates challenges for healthcare service providers. Identifying barriers to accessing healthcare in rural areas is therefore important to better inform policy settings and programmes that will provide culturally appropriate patient-centred care to the refugee community.MethodsThis review scoped 22 papers written in English between 2018 and July 2023 from five countries (Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Bangladesh, and Lebanon) in order to provide an overview of the barriers and possible solutions to facilitate refugees’ access to healthcare.ResultsThe reviewed literature summarised the perceptions of at least 3,561 different refugees and 259 rural health service providers and/or administrators and identified major challenges. These include communication (illiteracy in the resettlement country language and lack of a suitable interpreter), lack of cultural awareness of health services, discrimination, and access difficulties (transportation, availability of health specialist services, cost). As a consequence, it was identified that improving access to affordable housing, employment through credential recognition, competence-level education for children, facilitating language training, and adapting health information would increase resettlement and encourage access to healthcare.ConclusionsRefugees face significant barriers to accessing and engaging with healthcare services. This impacts their integration into rural communities and increases the prevalence of psychosocial issues like feelings of loneliness, low self-esteem, a lack of autonomy, and a lack of empowerment over informed decision-making, especially for women, jobless men, and the elderly. These findings support the need for additional support for refugees and healthcare providers to improve language proficiency and cultural competency. Policymakers need to improve the availability and accessibility of employment, housing accessibility, and service mobility. Additionally, more research is needed to assess the efficacy of emerging innovative programmes that aim to close the gap by delivering culturally appropriate patient-centred care to refugee communities in rural areas.

Bendruomenių kūrimo naudos Lietuvos kaimo vietovėse: praktinė perspektyva

Building communities in rural areas is an important factor in social and economic development. The purpose of this article is to analyze the benefits of community building in rural areas of Lithuania. The literature review discusses the concept of rural community, examines the content of the benefits of creating rural communities, and the research part analyzes the results of semi-structured interviews collected from communities in rural areas of Lithuania. The study found that building rural communities strengthens social ties and reduces social isolation. The community initiatives such as local markets and craft centers help create new business opportunities and jobs, increasing local income and encouraging entrepreneurship. In addition, communities, in cooperation with local authorities and international organizations, can receive financial support, which allows developing infrastructure and improving the quality of services. From a cultural point of view, organized festivals and other events help to maintain and popularize traditions, strengthen community identity and attract tourists. Keywords: rural community building, economic benefit, cultural benefit, social benefit.