Willingness Of Community Research Articles

Co – creation Approaches to Improve Conservation Efforts of African Elephant Populations in Nigeria

Scientific sources and the IUCN reveal the decline in African Elephant populations, and new Redlist status for both the Forest and Savannah African Elephants. Efforts are ongoing to improve conservation of Forest and Savannah Elephants in Nigeria through engagement of local communities adjoining Protected Areas. This study investigates the willingness of local communities to co-create approaches that support elephants’ conservation efforts. The study was carried out in Omo Forest Reserve, South – western, Nigeria and Yankari Game Reserve, North-eastern part of the country, for forest and savannah Elephants respectively. Mixed methods of questionnaires, outreaches, and youth engagement were used to collect data. The data was analyzed using simple averages, chi-square, and ANOVA tests. The study’s findings reveal that 95.0% of participants agree that elephants should be protected. About 88.0% of the participants also agree that communities will benefit from elephant protection and 60.0% attribute the value of elephants to eco- tourism, while 45.0% for revenue generation. In addition, 41.0% of the participants have experience in co-creation approaches for wildlife conservation. Participants showed willingness and support to participate in elephant conservation efforts. Therefore, concerted efforts of co – creation approaches need to be further explored for sustainable elephant conservation efforts in Nigeria. Key words: co-creation, elephant conservation, sustainability, local communities, biodiversity

Strengthening the Tourism Village Program: Educational Tourism on Waste Bank and Clean and Healthy Living Behavior

Sawahan Village, Watulimo Subdistrict, Trenggalek Regency, is one of the tourist village areas developed by the local community. Several tourism programs have been established by the local tourism awareness groups, including durian forest tourism. In 2023, a chlorine diffuser technology was implemented to support the development of the tourist village, ensuring access to clean water. This appropriate technology is not only designed to produce clean water but also serves as a strategy to meet the requirements of Clean and Healthy Behavior (CHB). In 2024, community service has focused more on waste management through a waste bank. The methods employed include Focus Group Discussions (FGD) on educational tourism through waste banks, education on the separation of organic and inorganic waste, and community assistance with Clean and Healthy Behavior (CHB). The activities conducted resulted in increased community knowledge about waste banks, from 10 people (10%) to 48 people (96%). Not only did the community's knowledge improve, but their behavior also changed, with the creation of separate waste containers for organic and inorganic waste increasing from 3 people (6%) to 38 people (76%). Additionally, the community's behavior regarding clean and healthy living improved, with handwashing facilities available in every home and throughout the tourist area, reaching 50 people (100%). These changes in knowledge and behavior indicate that community service activities can only succeed with the community's willingness and ability to achieve sustainability and self-sufficiency.

Faktor - Faktor yang Berhubungan dengan STBM di Desa Lhok Makmur Kecamatan Simeulue Barat, Kabupaten Simeulue Tahun 2023

Lhok Makmur Village located in West Simeulue Sub-District, Simeulue Regency, most of the community has not accessed STBM eitherpillars 1-5 STBM, which was caused by a lack of community willingness to access the STBM program. The purpose of this study was to determine the factors that influence STBM in Lhok Makmur Villager. The method used in this study was quantitative with an observational design through a cross sectional approach, the population in this study were 236 families, the sample in this study were 80 heads of families (KK) or housewives (IRT) the sampling technique was carried out by random sampling. Data were collected using a questionnaire and then analyzed using Univariate and Bivariate Analysis with the help of the SPSS version 26 application. The results of the study based on the results of Bivariate Analysis on the variables of education (p value = 0.073), occupation (p value = 0.584), income (p value = 1.000), there was no statistically significant effect with the dependent variable, while on the awareness variable (p value = 0.019), and the participation variable (p value = 0.001) there was a significant effect with the dependent variable, in the community in Lhok Makmur Village, West Simeulue District, Simeulue Regency. The conclusion of the five independent variables studied was that there are two variables that have an impact, namely, (community awareness and community participation) while the variables (education, employment, income) do not have a statistically significant effect on the dependent variable (STBM). Suggestions for the Puskesmas Sanggiran to be able to collaborate with the Village Apparatus to involve active participation or community empowerment to increase more understanding of the importance of access to STBM programs.

Valuing community awareness and willingness to pay for marine environment management: empirical analysis in coastal central region of Vietnam

Vietnam is a country with strengths in marine resources and economy. The coast provides habitats and livelihoods for millions of households but is in decline due to economic activity and climate change. This study’s purpose is to evaluate the awareness of people in the central coastal provinces of Vietnam about marine environmental values and their willingness to pay for the management and improvement of marine environmental quality. The study applied a binary random assessment model and surveyed 980 households in 4 coastal provinces to evaluate community payments. The results show that people have good awareness of tangible environmental values, associated with life and livelihood. They also highly agree with protecting marine environmental values and emphasize passing these values on to future generations. Community payment for sea environment management was estimated at 420 thousand/household/year in parametric model and 398 VND thousand/household/year in non-parametric model. Bid level, income and education are main factors affecting people’s ability to pay. The study also proposes implications for marine environmental management including strengthening community awareness and capacity, establishing financial mechanisms for community-led conservation at the local level, and integrating education marine environmental values for high school students to aim for sustainability in community awareness and behavior.

Boosting beach clean-up participation through community resilience hypothetical scenarios

Engaging coastal communities in beach clean-up initiatives is crucial for the sustainability of marine ecosystems and the support of the blue economy. This study aims to examine the influence of various resilience attributes on community willingness to participate in these activities. It uses choice experiment framework to test three distinct scenarios: (1) cultural recycling education, (2) social media task force, and (3) resilience debris recovery. The study surveyed 647 valid samples from metropolitan Bali, Indonesia to assess their preferences across these scenarios. Advanced econometric models, specifically the Random Parameter Logit (RPL) and Latent Class Model (LCM), were used to analyze the data. The results indicate that integrating cultural and digital engagement strategies can significantly enhance community participation in beach clean-ups, providing a model that can be applied in various coastal regions. Each scenario improves community engagement by aligning beach clean-up efforts with broader economic and cultural dynamics.

Assessment of Community Participation in Forest Conservation in Ondo State, Nigeria

This study examines community participation in forest conservation in Ondo State, Nigeria, exploring the socio-economic dynamics and the effectiveness of decentralized forest management. Amidst escalating environmental degradation and forest depletion, this research highlights the critical role local communities’ play in the stewardship of forest reserves. Data were collected through surveys, interviews, and field observations involving 200 households across multiple communities adjacent to forest reserves. The findings reveal a strong community willingness to engage in forest conservation, with a substantial proportion of respondents prepared to accept financial incentives to aid in conservation efforts. The study also uncovers a significant correlation between socioeconomic factors—such as income levels, educational attainment, and proximity to forests—and the willingness to participate in conservation initiatives. Despite the readiness to support forest preservation, the research identifies a glaring lack of awareness and involvement in existing forest conservation programs. It is recommended that enhanced community education on the benefits of forest conservation, the introduction of more robust economic incentives, increased community involvement in conservation decision-making, and the strengthening of legal frameworks to protect forest resources. These steps are essential for sustainable forest management and biodiversity conservation in the area, which could serve as a model for similar regions globally.

Evaluating factors influencing community readiness for post-mining environmental development strategies

This research delves into the complex factors that affect how ready a community is to embrace new environmental development strategies, which could significantly change the region's social and economic fabric. Using a structured questionnaire, exploratory factor analysis and logistic regression analysis, the study assesses how corporate practices in resource management, environmental governance, efforts to enhance community capabilities, and various demographic factors influence the community's willingness to adapt to change. Despite its intentions to benefit both the mining operations and the community, corporate resource management appears to have a paradoxical impact on the community's willingness to pursue new environmental paths. This negative impact can be attributed to the dependency it creates. Effective corporate resource management can lead to a community becoming heavily reliant on the stability and benefits provided by the mining company. This dependency fosters a sense of security and satisfaction with the status quo, making community members less inclined to explore or support new and potentially disruptive environmental strategies. The stability provided by the mine's resource management practices may inadvertently anchor the community to existing economic structures, reducing their impetus to seek alternative livelihoods or adapt to new socioeconomic conditions. However, it is essential to consider the limitations of this finding. One limitation is the potential bias in community perceptions, where immediate benefits from corporate resource management overshadow long-term considerations for sustainable development. Additionally, the context-specific nature of this study means that these findings may not be universally applicable to all mining communities.

Geo-sustainable Practices in Urban Agriculture: A Study of Sustainable Land Use and Natural Resource Conservation at Household Level

This study explores urban agriculture as a solution to food insecurity in Lahore, Pakistan, amid rapid urbanization and declining agricultural productivity. Using a mixed methods approach, the research assesses the current state of urban agriculture, community willingness to adopt such practices, and the factors influencing this adoption. Data was collected from households in Johar Town and Faisal Town through surveys, complemented by a literature review of global urban agriculture policies. The findings reveal limited practice of urban agriculture but significant willingness among residents, driven by factors such as self-reliance, high food prices, and health concerns. However, barriers like lack of access to land, guidance, and time hinder widespread adoption. The socio-economic profile of respondents indicates varied interest and awareness based on age, income, and household size. The study emphasizes the need for policies promoting urban agriculture, including community gardens, vertical farms, and wastewater reuse. Educational campaigns and professional training are essential to raise awareness and build skills among urban dwellers. The research concludes that urban agriculture can enhance food security and sustainability in Lahore with robust policy support and community engagement. Future research should expand the study area, use more nuanced data collection methods, and explore the economic viability of urban agriculture initiatives. Such efforts aim to advance urban agriculture practices and policies in Lahore, making the city more self-sufficient and resilient in food production.

Expected Role of the Community in Decision-Making for the Development of Sanankerto Tourism Village, Turen Sub-District, Malang District

Sanankerto Tourism Village was recognized as one of the best tourism villages at the 2021 Anugerah Desa Wisata Indonesia award. However, the Covid-19 pandemic led to significant challenges, causing many tourism products and activities to falter. There is now a discourse on revitalizing Sanankerto Tourism Village, highlighting the need to assess the community's willingness to engage in decision-making processes regarding the village's development. Community involvement is crucial to ensure that grassroots ideas, which are vital for development, are incorporated. Engaging the community in the development process is expected to make Sanankerto Tourism Village more advanced, innovative, and creative, while also fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility among the residents. The level of community participation was evaluated using descriptive analysis, scoring, and weighting methods to determine its value. The analysis revealed a score of 1,213.10, placing the community in the Delegated Power category on Arnstein's Ladder of Participation. At this level, the government grants authority to the community for making planning decisions, giving them control over some or all of the programs to be implemented.

Conflict Governance between Protected Areas and Surrounding Communities: Willingness and Behaviors of Communities—Empirical Evidence from Tanzania

Under the dual pressures of climate change and human activities, the restrictions imposed by conservation policies, along with the increasing overlap between wildlife protected areas (PAs) and community living areas, have intensified the contradictions and conflicts between PAs and surrounding communities. Effective governance of such conflicts is particularly crucial to reconciling the contradictions between conservation and development. This study takes the Mikumi–Selous areas in Tanzania, Africa, as a case study. Through questionnaires and semi-structured interviews, it explores the current state of conflicts between PAs and communities in the study area and summarizes conflict governance measures. Moreover, this research focuses on identifying various factors that influence the conservation willingness and action of community residents, further validating the relationships between residents’ household characteristics, conservation costs and benefits, conservation cognition, willingness, and behaviors through empirical analysis methods. The results indicate that residents’ conservation cognition significantly positively impacts their conservation willingness and behaviors, while conservation willingness also positively affects their conservation behaviors. Additionally, it was found that conservation costs inhibit residents’ conservation willingness and behaviors. This study primarily explores, from a community governance perspective, the participation willingness and behaviors of core stakeholders in conflict governance, emphasizing the critical role of community involvement in achieving biodiversity conservation and coordinated community development and providing a new perspective for alleviating conservation and development issues.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Organ Donation Among the Population of Al-Majma'ah Region, Saudi Arabia.

Organ donation plays a pivotal role in addressing the global demand for transplantable organs and saving lives. The success of organ transplantation relies not only on medical advancements but also on the willingness of communities to participate in organ donation programs. In Saudi Arabia, specifically within the Al-Majma'ah region, understanding the dynamics of knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to organ donation is crucial for promoting a sustainable and ethical organ donation system. A cross-sectional, retrospective study was utilized in this research, employing data from a sample of 564 participants from the general population of the Al-Majma'ah region, Saudi Arabia. The participants completed a self-administered questionnaire and ensured anonymity. About 545 (96.6%) respondents were familiar with the concept of organ donation, and 455 (80.7%) participants recognized the necessity for the blood groups of the donor and recipient to match before the transplant process. About 412 (73.0%) participants agreed with the practice of organ donation with 326 (57.8%) expressing support for the practice. About 417 (73.9%) participants reported that their religion permits or endorses organ donation/transplantation. A total of 151 individuals (26.8%) had a low knowledge level, with total scores below 50%(6 or lower). In contrast, 280 people (4.7%) demonstrated a moderate level of knowledge (scoring between 50% and 75%) (7 to 9). Additionally, 133 individuals (23.5%) showcased a high level of knowledge, with scores exceeding 75%(10 or higher). The study established a statistically significant association between age, marital status with p-values < 0.05 (0.001*), and the knowledge score towardorgan donation. However, genderand monthly household income were not significantly associated with knowledge score towardorgan transplant with p-values (p-value > 0.05). The research findings indicated a moderate level of knowledge and a positive attitude toward organ donation among the general population of the Al-Majma'ah region in Saudi Arabia. Age and marital status were found to be significantly associated with the knowledge score towardorgan donation. The study noted the desire and willingness to save lives through organ donation by the residents of the Al-Majma'ah region in Saudi Arabia.

Assessment of Willingness to Pay for Wetlands Protection in Ondo State, Nigeria

Wetlands provide numerous kinds of advantages and functions, making them vital ecosystems. However, the exploitation of these resources has led to their significant depletion. Engaging communities who rely on wetlands in their sustainable management is crucial to stem the degradation of these critical habitats. This research investigated the willingness of individuals to donate financially to the conservation of wetlands in Ondo State, Nigeria. It aimed to identify the factors influencing the community's willingness to pay (WTP) and to measure the financial commitment made to wetland restoration. A systematic multi-phase sample method was used to survey 124 people who lived close to wetlands. The Binary Probit Regression Model (BPRM), the Contingent Valuation Method (CVM), and descriptive statistics were all included in the analysis. The results show that the majority of respondents (64.5%) were men, with an average age of 60 and a typical household size of six people. The importance of wetlands as water reserves was emphasized by more than half of the respondents (52%) to the survey. Moreover, 53% of respondents said that they would be willing to contribute financially to the conservation of wetlands, with an average monthly payment of ₦1038.68. Gender, household size, proximity to wetlands, and yearly income were found to be significant predictors of WTP for wetland preservation in the BPRM analysis. The study highlights the community's overall willingness to contribute to wetlands protection. It promotes laws and initiatives meant to raise regional revenues and encourage more community participation in wetland preservation.

Optimal hybrid classification model for event recommendation system

There is a growing need for recommender systems and other ML-based systems as an abundance of data is now available across all industries. Various industries are currently using recommender systems in slightly different ways. These programs utilize algorithms to propose appropriate products to consumers based on their prior choices and interactions. Moreover, Systems for recommending events to users suggest pertinent happenings that they might find interesting. As opposed to an object recommender that suggests books or movies; event-based recommender systems typically require distinct algorithms. A developed event recommendation method is introduced which includes two stages: feature extraction and recommendation. In stage, I, a Set of features like personal willingness, community willingness, informative content, edge weight, and node interest degree are extracted. Stage II of the event recommendation system performs a hybrid classification by combining LSTM and CNN. In the LSTM classifier, optimal tuning is done by Improvised Cat and Mouse optimization (ICMO) algorithm. The results of the ICMO technique at an 80% training percentage have the maximum sensitivity value of 95.19%, whereas those of the existing approaches SSA, DINGO, BOA, and CMBO have values of 93.89%, 93.35%, 92.36%, and 92.24%. Finally, the best result is then determined by evaluating the whole performance.

On your own, together: Regional perspectives on community resource-sharing for disaster preparedness in Washington state

ABSTRACT When disasters isolate communities from external support, their members must turn to each other for mutual assistance. This study explores (1) resource management, (2) information sharing, and (3) community leadership and civic participation as dimensions of peer-to-peer sharing for more efficient distribution of local resources under “islanded” conditions. Interviews with members and leaders of three neighborhood-scale communities in Washington state revealed concerns about household preparedness and stockpiling of resources, but also the potential to lever individuals’ community knowledge, social networks, and willingness to participate. Future interventions might include enhancing place-based social infrastructure for resource and information sharing; online local databases and applications that normally maintain privacy but “unlock” important household information for community use in emergencies; and programs that help individuals access and adopt leadership and participation roles. Satisfying these requirements for successful disaster prepared ness also aligns with the goals of everyday community-building and strengthening of collective capacity.

Assessing Pollution Sources and Impacts in Gbarnga: A Case Study of Barwror and Kortu Quarters

The rapid urbanization and industrialization of Gbarnga have brought forth significant environmental challenges, including pollution. This study, titled "Assessing Pollution Sources and Impacts in Gbarnga: A Case Study of Barwror and Kortu Quarters," aims to investigate public awareness and participation in pollution reduction initiatives within these communities. The background of the study encompasses the pressing need to address pollution in urban areas like Gbarnga, where industrial activities and urbanization have intensified environmental pressures. Previous research has highlighted the detrimental effects of pollution on public health, ecosystem integrity, and overall well-being, emphasizing the urgency of proactive measures to mitigate pollution levels. The objectives of this research include assessing the level of public awareness regarding environmental regulations and policies aimed at pollution reduction, as well as gauging community willingness to participate in pollution reduction initiatives. Additionally, the study seeks to identify factors influencing public engagement in environmental actions and to provide recommendations for enhancing community involvement in pollution mitigation efforts. The findings reveal a significant gap in public awareness of environmental regulations and policies, with just over half of the population informed about such initiatives. However, there exists a strong willingness among community members to actively engage in pollution reduction initiatives, with over 97% expressing readiness to participate. Further statistical analysis indicates a moderate level of public awareness regarding pollution-related issues, underscoring the need for targeted educational campaigns and enhanced communication strategies. In conclusion, the study emphasizes the importance of strengthening communication channels, launching educational campaigns, fostering inclusive community engagement, encouraging community-research partnerships, and integrating public awareness initiatives into environmental policy frameworks. These recommendations aim to empower communities to actively participate in pollution reduction efforts, ultimately contributing to the attainment of sustainable environmental goals in Gbarnga and similar urban settings.

Recognition of Community Pharmacists' Behaviors Related to Information Sharing: A Cross-Sectional Study.

With the recent shift in community pharmacist services toward in-person services and the growing need for centralized and continuous medication management/monitoring, pharmacist-patient information sharing is crucial. This study investigated the pharmacist-patient gap in the recognition of pharmacists' behaviors regarding information sharing and assessed the potential impact of such recognition on patient trust and willingness to self-disclose. This cross-sectional study included 600 patients (aged 21-85 years) using pharmacy services (surveyed online in December 2020) and 591 community pharmacists with ≥1 year of experience (surveyed from September to November 2021). Both groups responded to items on the recognition of pharmacists' behaviors regarding information sharing. There were patient-specific items on trust in community pharmacists and willingness to self-disclose. For all items on the recognition of pharmacists' behaviors, patients' scores were significantly lower (4-5) than pharmacists' own scores (≥5), revealing a notable perception gap. Patients' recognition had a positive, direct effect on trust and willingness, and trust had a positive, direct effect on willingness. Patients' recognition and trust positively influenced their willingness to self-disclose. Pharmacist communication with clear intent is important to bridge the gaps in pharmacist-patient recognition and foster effective patient-pharmacist relationships.

Marine biodiversity conservation: The cultural aspect of marine protected areas in Ghana

Abstract Studying fishers and fishing communities' social‐cultural structures is vital in policy‐making concerning local marine ecosystem sustainability. Previous studies on marine communities seldom neglected the role of culture in marine biodiversity conservation, especially a marine protected area (MPA) establishment. This study first explores the cultural practices in coastal communities in Ghana that have the potential for the conservation of the marine ecosystem (MPA); second, it examines the willingness of coastal communities to welcome an MPA establishment. Primary data were collected using focus group discussions with 9 fishermen, key informant interviews with 20 chief fishermen, and self‐administered questionnaires to 491 fishermen across 9 semi‐urban, 2 urban, and 16 villages along the coast of Ghana. Adopting the convergent parallel mixed‐methods research design (quantitative method includes descriptive analysis using tables, charts, diagrams, and χ2 bivariate analysis; and qualitative method involves a narrative format), the study underscored that the socioeconomic characteristics of fishermen are diverse and mixed. Most of the fishermen do not know what an MPA is but are willing to accept an MPA initiative. Certain cultural practices such as the prohibition of gathering certain species, traditional close season, and fishing holidays are found to be conducive to an MPA initiative. These cultural practices should be integrated into an MPA policy. Fisheries practitioners should consider an ecosystem‐based approach (including cultural values) to fisheries management and fishermen should endeavour to learn new skills outside the industry.

银发一族智慧社区养老服务参与意愿影响因素研究

With the accelerating global aging population, solving eldercare issues has become a significant challenge, and smart community elderly care services based on big data and internet technology have emerged as a response. To further analyze the factors influencing the elderly’s willingness to participate in smart community elderly care services, this study first reviews relevant literature from the perspectives of smart community elderly care and willingness to participate, providing a theoretical basis for this paper. Next, to ensure the typicality of the research, Weifang City is selected as the study’s experimental site. Questionnaires were distributed to collect data on the elderly’s willingness to participate in smart community elderly care services, and univariate analysis was conducted for factor screening. The screened results were then analyzed using binary logistic regression. The results are mainly analyzed from three aspects: individual factors such as age, type of household registration, and occupation; family internal factors such as living situation, family support for participating in community elderly care, and external factors such as neighborhood relationships and exposure to privacy. These factors influence the elderly’s willingness to participate in smart community elderly care. Finally, through discussion, the study identifies existing problems and proposes measures to improve the elderly’s willingness to participate in smart community elderly care, such as providing demand-oriented services, updating elderly care concepts, and creating a favorable external environment.

Determinants, Motivators and Barriers for Utilitarian Cycling in Starter Cities: Case of Battaramulla, Sri Lanka

In the 1960s, a counter-cultural movement promoting utilitarian bicycle usage emerged in Europe and North America, challenging the dominance of cars, and advocating for sustainable urban mobility. despite the emergence of this movement, many developing cities have low cycling modal share and encounter obstacles in promoting utilitarian cycling. This study delves into workers attitudes toward using bicycles as an alternative mode of transportation. Employing a Binary logistic regression model and incorporating the Relative Importance Index (RII), the research identifies key determinants of utilitarian cycling. The findings highlight significant community willingness (71%) to bike to work, despite perceived barriers. Safety concerns (RII - 0.88) and environmental factors (RII = 0.60), such as rain and heat, emerge as prominent deterrents. Societal perceptions linking cycling to lower social status (vanity) (RII = 0.35), bicycle affordability (RII = 0.35), and work-related factors (RII = 0.48), such as non-cycle-friendly work attire and insufficient office parking safety, play relatively minor roles in discouraging bicycle use. Using the logistic regression model, the study predicts factors influencing the willingness to use bicycles for utilitarian transportation, revealing negative impacts from the absence of cycling infrastructure, motor traffic, rainy weather, and a lack of a cycling community.

Can conservation-based incentives promote willingness of local communities to coexist with wildlife? A case of Burunge Wildlife Management Area, Northern Tanzania

ABSTRACT Globally, conservation-based incentives (CBIs) are perceived as effective tools for enhancing human–wildlife coexistence. This study investigated whether CBIs could improve willingness of local communities around Burunge Wildlife Management Area (BWMA) to coexist with wildlife. We conducted a questionnaire survey which was orally administered to 150 households from three villages participating in the BWMA. Providing social services like education, healthcare, and livestock disease control increased the community’s willingness to coexist with wildlife by 60%. Gender, occupation and time of residence were significant predictors explaining the observed 27.4% variation in the willingness to coexist with wildlife. Women involved in small businesses were more receptive to CBIs if they received training on protecting their property from wildlife. People who lived in the area for a longer time showed higher tolerance for wildlife-related challenges. We recommend implementing effective CBIs to enhance coexistence and developing measures to minimize crop losses caused by wildlife.