Community Perceptions Research Articles

Safety-centric urban engagement plan

Research objective: The objective of this study is to assess the efficacy of a Safety-Centric Urban Engagement Plan (SCUEP) that intends to improve the safety of city centres by actively involving the community. This study investigates the impact of heightened social engagement in public areas on the safety and overall welfare of individuals residing in urban metropolis centres.
 Methodology: The research adopts a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative data analysis of crime rates and qualitative assessments of community perceptions before and after the implementation of SCUEP. It also includes case studies from various municipalities that have adopted similar engagement plans.
 Main findings: The results show a direct correlation between heightened social participation and reduced crime rates in city centers. Improved lighting, well-maintained public spaces, and community events correlate with increased public use of city centers and a consequent reduction in crime.
 Application of the study: The findings offer practical insights for urban planners, legislators, and law enforcement authorities. The significance of engaging local populations in safety measures is emphasised, indicating that successful urban involvement can result in enduring safety solutions in city centres.
 Originality/Novelty of the study: The study brings a novel perspective by linking urban design and social engagement with urban safety. It introduces SCUEP as an innovative framework that integrates community-led activities, urban planning, and law enforcement strategies to foster safe and inclusive city centers.

Deconstructing Masculinity in Gender Equality Campaigns (Study of Participation of Men with Family Planning in DRPPA Penyamun Pemali Bangka)

The current family planning (KB) program approach not only aims to control the population and reduce fertility levels, but also to ensure the fulfillment of reproductive rights. Men's participation in this program is considered important because they are women's partners in matters of reproduction and sexuality, so responsibility must be shared equally between men and women. This research aims to identify how the local government carries out deconstruction in the gender equality campaign in the Penyamun DRPPA, Pemali District, Bangka Regency, as well as to understand community perceptions of men's participation in family planning programs. This research method is a descriptive qualitative study, using data collection through FGD, in-depth interviews, observation and documentation studies. The research results show that the campaign for men's participation in family planning is carried out through advocacy, communication, information and education (KIE), but it is still more aimed at women. Even though there have been deconstruction efforts from the central to the village level, men's participation in family planning has still not reached an adequate level. The public's perception of men's participation in family planning in Penyamun Village is still limited to the level of knowledge, because the campaign carried out only brings changes in knowledge. Factors such as patriarchal culture, religion, and shame play a role in maintaining the role of family planning among women

IMPLEMENTASI PERATURAN PRESIDEN NOMOR 76 TAHUN 2020 TENTANG PENGEMBANGAN KOMPETENSI KERJA MELALUI PROGRAM KARTU PRAKERJA DI KABUPATEN BEKASI

This research explores the implementation of the Pre-Employment Card Program in Bekasi Regency based on Presidential Regulation No. 76 of 2020. The implementation of the pre-employment card program has experienced various problems, including failing to register, failing to participate because the quota has been met, failing to connect to an account, problems in training such as certification that is difficult to issue, and finally funds that fail to be disbursed. The research objectives are to analyze the implementation of the regulation, identify inhibiting factors, and evaluate community perceptions. The qualitative research method with case studies involved observation and in-depth interviews. The results of this study indicate that the Implementation of the Pre-Employment Card Program in Bekasi Regency has been running quite well but there are still obstacles to the Population Identification Number when registering and also there are still many people in Bekasi Regency who are unfamiliar with technology or social media. The public perception of the pre-employment card program is a program that provides free training, certificates, and incentives. The pre-employment card program is very useful and helps the community because it is a program that is devoted to increasing community competence or skills. Due to the covid-19 pandemic, the government provided incentive funds to the community of 600 thousand per person after completing all training.

Religious Secularism: Muslim Perception and the Effects of France and Belgium's Niqab and Burqa Prohibition

This article examines how the Muslim community perceives religious secularism in France and Belgium. Second, to explore the negative and positive impacts of the niqab and burqa ban policy on the perception of the Muslim community in France and Belgium. This article uses a descriptive qualitative research method (Field Research) with a participatory approach. Namely, the researcher conducted direct observations in France (Cannes, Marseille, and Dunkerque) and Belgium (Saint-Nicolas and Bouge) on 19-26 February 2022. The data collection techniques in this article are primary data and secondary data. Preliminary data includes field observations, interviews, and documentation. Meanwhile, secondary data includes books, scientific articles, and popular articles still relevant to this research. Then, the researcher conducted semi-structured interviews with informants or sources, namely Muslim women in Belgium and France. Furthermore, the documentation technique uses a theoretical reference source referring to Stephen P. Robbins' version of perception theory. The findings in this article are the perceptions of the Muslim community, which has been known above. The views of the Muslim community in France and Belgium towards religious secularism in terms of the prohibition of wearing the Niqab and Burqa vary greatly. These very varied views or perceptions are influenced by the principles, experiences, knowledge, attitudes, social conditions, surrounding environment, and personalities of those (Muslim communities) who live in France and Belgium. The negative impacts are more dominant, and this may worsen the social and economic conditions of Muslim communities.

Beyond the metropolis: street tree communities and resident perceptions on ecosystem services in small urban centers in India

Abstract Although 41% of the global urban population lives in smaller cities, the nature and trajectories of urban nature, ecosystem services and human-nature connections in smaller centers is relatively unknown. While megacities in developed countries move towards biophilic urban planning and participatory decision making, basic information on tree communities and their perceived services is a bottleneck in achieving these goals in such small urban centers. Through a combination of field measurements (258 transects, 931 trees) and semi-structured interviews (497 individuals), we assessed the street tree community and resident perceptions of ecosystem service values in two coastal cities on the west coast of India that are under rapid change. We found that mean street tree density is low in both cities, and corresponds to perceptions of recent change in tree cover (−28% in Kochi, −11% in Panjim). The street tree community in both cities were dominated by ornamental avenue trees such as Albizia saman and Peltophorum pterocarpum, but native coastal species like Cocos nucifera, Terminalia catappa and Thespesia populnea were also common. Despite recent urban growth, residents in both cities reported low value of trees for food, fodder and medicine, but high value for regulating services like shade and water. Moreover, we found strong evidence for aesthetic and cultural values of trees in both cities. Our study establishes critical baselines for biophilic planning in these small urban centers towards urban sustainability in India.

Voices from the Ground: Community Perspectives on Preventing Unintentional Child Injuries in Low-Income Settings.

Unintentional injuries significantly contribute to mortality and morbidity among children under five, with higher prevalence in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Deprived communities in these regions face increased injury risks, yet there is limited research on child safety tailored to their unique challenges. To address this gap, we conducted focus group discussions in rural Uganda, involving parents, village health workers, community leaders, teachers, and maids. The objective was to understand community perceptions around child safety and determine what culturally and age-appropriate solutions may work to prevent child injuries. Analysis of discussions from ten focus groups revealed five main themes: injury causes, child development and behavior, adult behavior, environmental factors, and potential safety kit components. Common injuries included falls, burns, drowning, and poisoning, often linked to environmental hazards such as unsafe bunk beds and wet floors. Financial constraints and limited space emerged as cross-cutting issues. Participants suggested educational resources, first aid knowledge, and practical devices like solar lamps as potential solutions. The study presents invaluable insights into child safety in rural Ugandan homes, emphasizing the role of community awareness and engagement in designing effective, accessible interventions. It underscores the importance of context-specific strategies to prevent childhood injuries in similar resource-constrained environments.

Persepsi Masyarakat Terhadap Pelaksanaan Program Sanimas Di Kampung Yoboi Distrik Sentani Kabupaten Jayapura

Community-Based Sanitation Program (SANIMAS) is a form of government policy implemented by the Ministry of Public Works since 2006 regarding sanitation improvements and is designed to empower communities, Low Income, Communties (MBR), as well as disadvantaged communities, communities living in dense residential areas, slums, and poor in urban and rural areas. Apart from that, the SANIMAS program also places the community as actors, decision makers and those responsible for activities starting from identification, planning, implementation, management and supervision. This research aims to look at community perceptions of the implementation of the Sanimas Program, as well as look at the MCK infrastructure that has been built by the government to empower underprivileged communities and areas with high defecation rates. The method used in this research is the Qualitative Descriptive method. The results of this research show that the Sanimas Program ini Yoboi Village has been implemented by building 22 toilet units for 22 residents’ houses, whilw 40 other housing units have not been built, out of a total of 62 housing units there. The Sanimas Program is able to have a positive impact on people’s lives, namely increasing the level of dignity of the community, improving the level of environmental and community helath. Im implementing the Sanimas Program, the government has not fully built the infrastructure needed by the community to answer Sanitation problems. In terms of community empowerment, not all of them have been able to be empowered due to a lack of guidance from the regional government for the target community.

Community responses to persons with aphasia participating in CoActive therapeutic theatre: A pilot study.

Persons with aphasia (PWA) experience a number of communicative and social-emotional challenges. Reported experiences of PWA include but are not limited to, being misunderstood, isolated, frustrated, and infantilised. The aim of this pilot study, involving a Life Participation Approach to Aphasia (LPAA), conducted over the course of 2 years, was to understand community perceptions of aphasia while PWA engaged in an interprofessional treatment program involving speech and drama therapy. The interprofessional treatment program involved PWA participating in a therapeutic theatre program using the CoActive Therapeutic Theater (CoATT) while also receiving speech-language therapy. Each year, the PWA performed a different, original therapeutic theatre production for a public audience, at the culmination of their interprofessional treatment program. In this paper, we share data obtained from perspectives of audience members who witnessed the theatre production and aphasia education during the first year of the study and friends and family of PWA who participated in the therapeutic theatre process during the second year of the study. Responses from audience members who participated in aphasia education and witnessed the therapeutic theatre performance by the PWA during the first year, indicated an increased knowledge of aphasia. Friends and family members of PWA who witnessed their loved ones engaging in the CoATT process through interprofessional treatment, in the second year, reported that their loved ones benefited from the CoATT process, which was distinct from other therapeutic processes to their knowledge and that they were impacted by watching their loved one perform. These initial findings create footing towards understanding impact of therapeutic theatre in combination with speech-language therapy in the lives of PWA. They help us to obtain an initial appreciation of how therapeutic theatre and aphasia education help connect PWA and their community. What is already known on this subject Caregivers and communities at large play a significant role in and substantially impact the recovery of their loved ones (Dalemans etal., 2010; Grawburget etal., 2013; Kniepmann & Cupler, 2014) with aphasia. However, existing research suggests that persons with aphasia (PWA) are often misunderstood, isolated and infantilised by their communities. What this paper adds to existing knowledge The findings of our study reveal that friends, families and extended communities of PWA gain a positive and deep understanding of challenges experienced by PWA through therapeutic theatre supported by speech language therapy, based in a new CoActive Therapeutic Theatre (CoATT) model. This PWA community also agrees that therapeutic theatre in combination with speech-language therapy provides confidence and camaraderie between PWAs and strengthen connection between all constituencies. These results support the need for interprofessional intervention within the framework of a Life Participation Approach to Aphasia (LPAA). What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work? Treatment paradigms that bring PWAs in contact with their communities using an LPAA approach can increase confidence and social engagement for PWAs potentially leading to better outcomes for their individual speech-language therapy as well as create means of educating communities about PWA, and their stories.

Community Perceptions of Countries in The World Towards Corruption and Its Handling in Indonesia in The Last Five Years (2017-2022)

The Corruption phenomena in the World is important to analyze because corruption has decreased on quality of public services and economic productivity. This research aims to determine and analyze the level of corruption in the form of bribery and gratification in Indonesia from a world perspective involving 169 countries (76,350 respondents) during five years from 2017 until 2022. Analysis in this study using statistical tabulation methods has shown that the results of Corruption Perceptions explain that 87.8% of corruption (both high and medium level corruption) and 12.62% low level and no corruption) with domination actors of corruption are businessmen 94,76%, second of sequel is central governments at 94,51% respondents and the third of sequel is local government at 93,74% The risk of corruption in the form of law action that has a deterrent effect on corruption in Indonesia is still very weak, this is stated by 24.07% of respondents. Therefore, to reduce corruption, it is necessary to eliminate the culture of tribute to government officials, then in terms of the government must increase the integrity of public services, accompanied by firmness and independence of law enforcement officials.

Endangered Spectacled Flying-fox: a review of past and current knowledge and future needs to re-start its recovery

ABSTRACT The Spectacled Flying-fox has declined by 75% over the past two decades, falling in status from vulnerable to endangered even while a recovery plan was in place. This review is the first in 13 years and is necessary to bring the knowledge of the species up to date and to identify some of the most pressing issues in the bat’s conservation. Foremost among these are the already apparent extreme heat events which were not anticipated in earlier studies and plans, compounded by continuing habitat loss and declining habitat condition, deterioration of food resources that support the species, community and political pressure to disperse roosts in urban areas and diseases that disproportionately affect young and mothers in this slow-reproducing species. Perceptions of this keystone species have been coloured by the advent of Covid-19 and fears that these bats transmit coronavirus directly to humans (which they do not). It has been difficult to change negative attitudes, so better approaches to changing community perceptions are needed. Greater diligence is required to ensure recovery action is taken, to avert the threats to this keystone species and to obtain the resources to help it recover.

Contribution of the Tanzania Police Gender and Children Desk on Reduction of Gender-Based Violence in Meru District, Tanzania

This study assessed the contribution of the Tanzania Police Gender and Children Desk on reduction of gender-based violence in Meru District in Arusha Region, Tanzania. The objectives of this study were to examine community perceptions of the effectiveness of the Tanzania Police Gender and Children Desk in addressing gender-based violence, to determine the extent of incidences of gender-based violence resolved by the Tanzania Police Gender and Children Desk, and to analyze the influence of the police gender and children desk in addressing gender-based violence. A cross-sectional design was adopted, involving 120 respondents. Data were collected using a household self-administered questionnaire and key informant interviews. Descriptive statistics and multiple regression methods were used in analyzing the collected data. Results showed that the majority of the respondents (65.0%) perceived TPGCD as highly effective in addressing gender-based violence, 26.7%) perceived TPGCD as moderately effective in addressing gender-based violence, and 8.3% perceived TPGCD as lowly effective in meeting its objective of addressing gender-based violence, among others. Likewise, there was a substantial decrease in incidences of gender-based violence in the areas with TPGCD centers, indicating that the decline was due to the eminent effects of TPGCD. Further, the contributions of TPGCD included receiving and summoning resolutions of reported GBV cases, training police officers on GBV issues, and creating awareness among community members about GBV issues. The study concludes that there is a positive influence of TPGCD on the reduction of gender-based violence in the study area. Moreover, it is recommended based on this study that the government, through its Ministry of Community Development, Gender, Women, and Special Groups, amicably extend PGCD throughout all institutions and ward authorities to enable all community members to get gender awareness and access services regarding incidences of GBV in their communities.

“Not enough”: A qualitative analysis of community perceptions of neighborhood government flood management plans using the case of Houston, Texas

Disasters, including floods, have increased in intensity over recent decades due to climate change and urbanization. Some local governments have attempted to engage communities in resilience efforts, referred to as Community-Based Disaster Resilience Management (CBDRM). However, it is unclear to what extent governments can effectively involve local communities in flood management plans, and how much flood management is perceived to be a “shared responsibility,” especially in low-income and minority areas. One city attempting to engage low-income and minority communities is Houston, Texas, which provides an opportunity to study how these efforts play out in the community in real time. Specifically, in this study, we examine Kashmere Gardens, a target neighborhood of the Houston initiative. We used a purposive and snowball sampling method and a grounded theory methodological approach to conduct qualitative in-depth interviews with 22 Kashmere Gardens residents. From this process, we found several themes, including affordability and convenience, neglect and distrust toward government, a lack of awareness concerning government flood management plans, and a sense of personal efficacy in the face of feelings of government neglect. The results of this study suggest that clearer communication from the city and more direct engagement with the community through on the ground programming may be necessary to develop better community trust and partnership in high flood risk areas. In terms of policy, utilizing funds to organize transportation or place meetings physically in the neighborhood, and employing more community organizers from within the community who have local knowledge, may foster better engagement to develop trust.

Revitalizing the Canal de Castilla: A Community Approach to Sustainable Hydropower Assessed through Fuzzy Logic

This study addresses the sustainable revitalization of the Canal de Castilla through a community-focused approach and an assessment via fuzzy logic of the implementation of hydroelectric turbines. The canal, built in the 18th century, played a key role in transportation and territorial unification, but the deterioration of the locks has limited its functionality. This research use surveys as tools to assess the impact of the Canal de Castilla in different areas. With more than 85% of the inhabitants analyzed supporting measures in the areas of building and research at a high or very high level, and specifically proposing sustainable improvements that respect historical heritage, the installation of axial turbines in the cross channels is proposed as an efficient solution, highlighting their adaptability and low environmental impact. The careful selection of turbines, considering the historic nature of the canal, is supported with a detailed analysis using fuzzy logic. The innovation lies in the synergistic integration of community perceptions and technical analysis, providing a balanced foundation for decision making in heritage revitalization projects. This proactive approach seeks not only to identify challenges but also to formulate solutions, committing to sustainable development and active community participation.

The Community's Perception and Adaptation to The Conversion of Agricultural Land Into Housing in Wirolegi Village Sumbersari District Jember Regency

The purpose of this study was to find out how the community's perception and adaptation to the conversion of agricultural land into housing in Wirolegi Village, Sumbersari District, Jember Regency. This study uses a qualitative descriptive research method that aims to obtain data and be able to collect complete information, the practice in this study is to describe the perspectives and adaptation of the community to the conversion of agricultural land into housing in Wirolegi Village, Sumbersari District, Jember Regency. The location of this research is in Wirolegi Village, Sumbersari District, Jember Regency. The informant in this study was the head of the RT in Wirolegi Village, Sumbersari District, Jember Regency. Data collection techniques in this study are using interviews and documentation. The results showed that the community was very aware of the conversion of agricultural land into housing. The community hopes that, even though there is a housing development, at least the community will be assisted with road construction so that it is mutually beneficial. The majority of the people work as farm labourers. After the conversion of agricultural land to housing, the people still became agricultural labourers, but in another village.

Perception and experiences of adolescent mothers and communities in caring for their preterm babies: findings from an in-depth study in rural Bangladesh

BackgroundA significant concern for Bangladesh is the high prevalence of adolescent pregnancy and the associated negative consequences for mother and baby, including a teen-related increased risk of preterm birth (PTB). Bangladesh also has one of the highest incidences of PTB (19%). Despite these high numbers of adolescent pregnancies and PTB, little is reported about the experiences of adolescent mothers in caring for their preterm babies, and the interventions needed to support them. The aim of this study was to explore gaps and opportunities for improved care for preterm babies among adolescent mothers and communities in rural Bangladesh.MethodsWe conducted a qualitative study in rural villages of Baliakandi sub-district of Bangladesh. Data collection involved in-depth interviews with adolescent mothers of premature and term babies, adult mothers with premature babies, and family members (n = 36); focus groups with community members (n = 5); and key informant interviews with healthcare providers (n = 13). Adolescent mothers with term and adult mothers with PTBs were included to elicit similarities and differences in understanding and care practices of PTB. A thematic approach was used for data analysis.ResultsWe explored two major themes- perceptions and understanding of PTB; care practices and care-seeking for illnesses. We observed gaps and variations in understanding of preterm birth (length of gestation, appearance, causes, problems faced) and care practices (thermal management, feeding, weight monitoring) among all, but particularly among adolescents. Immediate natal and marital-kins were prominent in the narratives of adolescents as sources of informational and instrumental support. The use of multiple providers and delays in care-seeking from trained providers for sick preterm babies was noted, often modulated by the perception of severity of illness, cost, convenience, and quality of services. Health systems challenges included lack of equipment and trained staff in facilities to provide special care to preterm babies.ConclusionA combination of factors including local knowledge, socio-cultural practices and health systems challenges influenced knowledge of, and care for, preterm babies among adolescent and adult mothers. Strategies to improve birth outcomes will require increased awareness among adolescents, women, and families about PTB and improvement in quality of PTB services at health facilities.

Land use planning and climate change adaptation in river-dependent communities in Nigeria

Land use planning and climate change adaptation are critical for ensuring sustainable development and resilience in river-dependent communities in Nigeria. This study examines land use planning and climate adaptation in river-dependent communities in the Lower Niger River region of Nigeria. The research utilizes a mixed-methods approach. Data for the study were gathered from 198 households through surveys, complemented by 17 qualitative interviews and remote sensing techniques to assess land use changes and community perceptions. Findings reveal a notable trend where poor farmers face heightened vulnerability to climate change due to financial constraints, hindering their adoption of adaptive land use strategies. Specifically, more than half of the sampled households possess individual land for agricultural purposes yet lack the resources to effectively mitigate climate-related risks. Among the studied communities, Odekpe emerged as particularly vulnerable, with a prevalence of vulnerability at 32.3% and higher exposure to flood-prone zones.The quantitative analysis delineates community engagement in land management practices, showcasing proactive resource allocation and conflict resolution efforts among over 60% of participants. However, a significant portion (57.6%) lacked awareness of hydrological changes, potentially impeding effective land use planning and adaptation measures.Further analysis through remote sensing and mapping techniques revealed shifts in land use land cover, highlighting a transition from predominantly vegetated areas to built-up regions over the past three decades. The flood vulnerability assessment maps underscored substantial vulnerability across the Lower Niger basin, especially in downstream regions, indicating heightened risks due to proximity to the Niger River and heavy rainfall.Qualitative insights from stakeholder interviews identified challenges impeding effective land use planning, including uncertain climate projections, insufficient data, institutional capacity constraints, and conflicting priorities. Additionally, participants emphasized the need for resilient land use decisions to address urbanization impacts, altered drainage patterns, and diminishing green spaces. The study recommends several key actions to enhance the effectiveness of land use planning and climate adaptation in the Lower Niger River region. These include the imperative to strengthen institutional capacities, improve stakeholder engagement processes, integrate traditional knowledge and practices into planning efforts, fortify legal frameworks governing land use, and prioritize the promotion of sustainable livelihoods among local communities.

PERSEPSI MASYARAKAT TERHADAP PENGAJUAN PERHUTANAN SOSIAL SKEMA HUTAN DESA DI KAMPUNG KUADAS KECAMATAN MAKBON KABUPATEN SORONG

Background : Kuadas Village, located in Sorong Regency, is one of the villages selected by the Forest Area Management (KPH) of Sorong Regency through the Social Forestry Indicative Map (PIAPS) created by the Social Forestry and Environmental Partnership Center (BPSKL). It is proposed under the social forestry program with a village forest scheme and is currently facilitated by the NGO (Non-Governmental Organization) Fauna Flora Indonesia Program in the submission of the Social Forestry Village Forest Scheme. However, the issues faced by the surrounding village communities are usually related to social and economic aspects in managing the forest. Method: The researcher used 46 respondents as samples and conducted the study from June to July 2023 in Kuadas Village, Makbon District, Sorong Regency, using the Saturated Sampling technique. The data obtained were analyzed using the Likert Scale. Results: Three perception aspects were assessed, namely the Utilization and Level of Dependence on Forest Resources, Forest Sustainability, and Perception of Social Forestry. After calculating with the Likert Scale formula, it was found that the aspect of Social Forestry Perception received the highest score with a total of 1.175 and a percentage of 87.7%. Conclusion: The development of knowledge about community perceptions regarding the submission of the Social Forestry Village Forest Scheme can provide valuable information for readers, such as the village or others.

Urban Farms for Neighborhood Improvement and Social Well-being of Urban Areas in Kandy


 
 
 In the latter half of the 20th century, as urban populations increased in the majority of emerging nations, the reliability of urban food production and delivery networks decreased. Urban hunger increased concurrently with the urban population, speeding up by in response, urban farms spread over a growing worldwide. However, later other purposes were added to it and urban farms were nurtured. Globally, urban farms are changing as a result of political, economic, environmental, and technical advancements. With time, urban farming activities are becoming a reason to improve the value and quality of life in terms of economic, social, and other elements. In this research, it was investigated how urban farming affects the social well-being and neighborhood improvements of urban areas. Furthermore, it focuses on urban farms' relative attachment to the neighborhood and confidence, their impact on agriculture literacy and youth development, and the economic and food crises in the urban areas. It was sought to understand community perceptions of how urban farms can benefit cities through a qualitative study conducted in two urban farms in Kandy. Interviews with visitors, laborers, and professionals related to urban farming revealed the pathways by which community members view farms as improving neighborhoods and social well-being. According to this study, six characteristics are highlighted and evaluated: neighborhood attachment, neighborhood confidence, youth development, food access, agricultural literacy, and economic development. Benefits stemmed from a primary changes urban farms made to neighborhood improvement: the creation of public project involvement, the physical improvement of degraded space, the production of local food, and the creation of new businesses. These changes led to multiple perceived benefits, including increased social connectedness, a transformed physical landscape, an improved neighborhood reputation, and employment opportunities. But there were some points that should be developed. especially in cases of food access and youth development. Urban farms with strong social aims may appear to contribute little to economic development if measured using traditional indicators of success such as job creation or fiscal impacts, but they provide numerous other benefits for community development.
 Keywords: Urban farms, Social connectedness, Physical improvement, Food access, Youth engagement, Economic development
 
 

Community perception and utilization of services for the severe wasted children aged 6-59 months in the Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals and their nearest host communities in Bangladesh: a qualitative exploration.

There is a paucity of data on community perception and utilization of services for wasted children in Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals (FDMN) and their nearest host communities. We conducted a qualitative study to explore community perceptions and understand the utilization of services for severely wasted children among the FDMN and their nearest host communities in Teknaf, Cox's Bazar. We carried out 13 focus group discussions and 17 in-depth interviews with the caregivers of the children of 6-59 months, and 8 key informant interviews. Caregivers' perceived causes of severe wasting of their children included caregivers' inattention, unhygienic practices, and inappropriate feeding practices. However, the context and settings of the FDMN camps shaped perceptions of the FDMN communities. Caregivers in both the FDMN and host communities sought care from healthcare providers for their children with severe acute malnutrition (SAM) when they were noticed and encouraged by their neighbors or community outreach workers, and when their SAM children suffered from diseases such as diarrhea and fever. Some caregivers perceived ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) as a food to be shared and so they fed it to their non-SAM children. Caregivers of the children having SAM with complications, in the FDMN and host communities, were reluctant to stay in stabilization centers or complex respectively, due to their households' chores and husbands' unwillingness to grant them to stay. The findings of this study are expected to be used to design interventions using locally produced RUTF for the management of SAM children in the FDMN, as well as to inform the health sector working on SAM child management in the host communities.

Analisis Kebijakan Pendidikan Agama Islam dalam Menghadapi Tantangan Era Globalisasi di Madrasah

The aim of this study is to assess how the Islamic Religious Education Policy responds to the emerging challenges in the globalized era. Qualitative methods, centered on case studies, are employed for this research. During the research process, data collection is conducted through interviews, Observation and documentation were used as methods. Afterwards, the data was analyzed using three techniques: summarizing data, presenting data, and making conclusions while ensuring the validity of the data. Islamic Religious Education encounters various challenges amidst globalization, such as moral crises, insufficiently qualified teaching staff, inadequate welfare for educators, a cognitive-centric approach to learning, suboptimal madrasah management, and negative community perceptions towards madrasahs. To address these challenges, several strategies for Islamic Education are proposed, including the development of an Islamic education paradigm, the implementation of effective educational practices, the enhancement of teaching resources' quality, and the creation of education tailored to the characteristics of the millennial generation.