Development Agenda Research Articles

Does technological innovation in National Sustainable Development Agenda Innovation Demonstration Zones promote green development?-the case from Chengde City, China.

The National Sustainable Development Agenda Innovation Demonstration Zones (NSDAIDZs) aim to spearhead green development through scientific and technological innovation, showcasing sustainable development to other regions in China and offering valuable insights for countries worldwide. Taking Chengde City, which is one of the cities in the second batch of NSDAIDZs, as a case study, we examine the quantitative impact of technological innovation on green development. Additionally, it investigates the threshold effect of Research and development investments (R&D investments) on the relationship between technological innovation and green development. The results indicate that: (1) technological innovation has a positive promoting effect on green development, with a 1.01% increase in green development for every one unit increase in technological innovation; (2) The positive effect of technological innovation on green development becomes fully realized only when R&D investments and the upgrading of industrial structure surpass a specific threshold value. We contribute to the existing research on the connection between technological innovation and green development in innovation demonstration zones. It also provides empirical insights to foster a mutually beneficial relationship between R&D investments, industrial structure upgrading, and technological innovation, ultimately maximizing the promoting role of technological innovation in green development.

Setting a shared development agenda: prioritizing the sustainable development goals in the Dominican Republic with fuzzy-LMAW.

The sustainable development goals (SDGs) were established by the United Nations as an international call to eradicate poverty, safeguard the environment, and guarantee that everyone lives in peace and prosperity by 2030. The SDGs aim to balance growth and sustainability in three dimensions: social, economic and environmental. However, in the post-pandemic era, when resources for public development policies are scarce, nations face the problem of prioritizing which SDGs to pursue. A lack of agreement is one of the determinants of low performance levels of the SDGs, and multicriteria decision analysis tools can help in this task, which is especially relevant in developing countries that are falling behind in achieving the SDGs. To test the feasibility and appropriateness of one of these tools, the Fuzzy Logarithm Methodology of Additive Weights, we apply it to prioritize the SDGs in the Dominican Republic, to see if the priorities established are consistent. Seventeen experts were surveyed, and the main result was that Decent work and economic growth was the most important goal for the country. Our findings, consistent with the literature, show the path to similar applications in other developing countries to enhance performance levels in the achievement of the SDGs.

IMPROVING COORDINATION AND COLLABORATION FOR MULTI-STAKEHOLDER PARTICIPATION TO ACHIEVE

The document describes an international community service program that focuses on multi-stakeholder participation in achieving Development Goals. Sustainable for Indonesia and Malaysia. SDGs represent the global agenda for sustainable development. To achieve this goal requires collaboration between government, the private sector, civil society organizations and the community. Both Indonesia and Malaysia face challenges such as poverty, inequality and environmental degradation in their efforts to achieve the SDGs.

Nectere between Social Entrepreneurship and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Over, the past few years, social entrepreneurship has grow as a cause of poor effectiveness of government bodies in upgrading the wealth, quality of life of underprivileged social sectors. Since, the aim of sustainable development is to enhance the standard of individual’s lives. Social entrepreneurship including its advantages, would be observed as one of the most significant opinion for development. This study explores the interconnectedness between social entrepreneurship and sustainable development goals. Social entrepreneurship characterized by innovative, sustainable and impact driven solution to societal challenges, align closely with the sustainable development goals agenda for global development. This study made review of past researchers and use of present researchers. The study involve the Introduction; entrepreneurship and social entrepreneurship; characteristics of social entrepreneurs; importance of social entrepreneurship in advancing the sustainable goals agenda; conception of sustainable development goals; link between social entrepreneurship and sustainable development; conclusion and implications. Finally this paper concludes with implications of policies and research emphasizing the greater support and integration of social entrepreneurship with broader development framework to accelerate progress towards the sustainable development to meet up with common needs without diminishing the importance of other goals and build a most sustainable and inclusive world. Key-Words Entrepreneurship; Social Entrepreneurship; Social Entrepreneurs; Sustainable Development Goals.

Development-induced dispossession: Adivasi existence in the milieu of contemporary Indian texts in translation

The paradigms of development around the globe involves mechanisms associated with its social purpose, which is more often than not dubious in nature! Natural resources form the fundamental aspect of any developmental activity. But in the process of accumulating these resources, the beneficiaries often rely on malignant mechanisms. The capitalist discourse has always been successful in manifesting their agendas of development as constructive and profitable for the entire humanity. Periodically, when the utility of development is foregrounded by dominant cultural forms, often the ramifications of progress remain uncritiqued. The developmental projects earmarked for the rural population remain unnoticed, for it serves the interest of the elite and the urban middle class. Many a time, the indigenous population, who inhabit the resource rich area are swayed away by the false propaganda for development, ultimately aggravating their existing deprivation. In the case of India, too, amidst all the development activities, the marginalized populace or the so-called Adivasis are the worst sufferers, because they have been encountering displacement for ages. The current study attempts to unveil the displacement of the tribal population (Adivasi) of India due to development projects, thereby offering a critical analysis of the social policies. The study employs select translated literary narratives to examine the development-induced dispossession of tribal population in the colonial, postcolonial and neo-liberal phase of Indian history, adopting the theoretical framework of new historicism.

Effects of Agronomical Practices on Crop Quality and Sensory Profile

In 2015, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development adopted 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with the aim of “peace and prosperity for people and the planet” FAO [...]

Sustainable Development Goals: A Developmental Agenda for the Sustainable Development of Scheduled Tribes in India Based on Educational Development

Sustainable Development Goals: A Developmental Agenda for the Sustainable Development of Scheduled Tribes in India Based on Educational Development

The nutritional turn towards crisis: a critical perspective

ABSTRACT With concerns about food systems growing due to environmental change and the abrupt disruption of trade relations following the dual crises of the pandemic and the war in Ukraine, it has become increasingly common for global development agendas to include discussions, programmes, initiatives, and policy proscriptions about the risks of malnutrition. Yet, there remains limited insight into how securitising nutrition in particular influences the politics of food insecurity more broadly. Therefore, we aim to develop a critical perspective of ‘nutritional crisis’. In doing so, we draw from critical security studies to advance an interpretation of the nutritional turn that takes into account three key dynamics: (1) the performativity of nutritional crisis discourses (2) the political-economic context in which they are embedded (3) alternative notions of nutrition, security, and crisis among resistance movements. We apply this perspective to a case in point concerning food insecurity in Guatemala – a country that remains the intense focus of nutritional policies at the global level and simultaneously a site of struggle and resistance for local and transnational food justice.

Achieving Sustainable Development Goal Four (4) in Africa: Spotlighting the role of quality education and innovation orientation

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has damaged the global economy and business ecosystem. Also, quality education and skills mismatch have become critical in today’s working environment post-COVID-19. Furthermore, one of the 17 Global Goals comprising the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is quality education, yet Africa pays less attention to this and its impact in the workplace and organizations. This study, therefore, examined the effects of quality education on the innovation orientation of selected consumer goods companies listed in Nigeria and their role in achieving SDGs in Nigeria, the most populous and largest economy in Africa. Findings showed that quality education had a significant effect on innovation orientation. This study recommends that management and stakeholders consider the benefits of quality education in innovation and innovation orientation and, therefore, channel resources to achieve and align with Sustainable Development Goal 4.

Alcohol policy development in Sierra Leone: An assessment of the role of civil society

Objective: To assess the value addition of civil society collaboration with Government in the development of Sierra Leone’s National Alcohol Policy (NAP). Policy Development Process: We reviewed the entire process of lobby, advocacy, and support for the development of the NAP from 2015 when the Siera Leone Alcohol Policy Alliance (SLAPA) was formed to the launch of the NAP in 2023. It also assesses the level of collaboration between FoRUT, SLAPA and Ministry of Health of Health and Sanitation (MoHS). The MoHS coordinated the policy formulation process with substantive technical support from civil society. Results: The quality of the NAP was rated high as it reflected appropriate policy areas and interventions from the Global Strategy to Reduce the Harmful Use of Alcohol, the WHO SAFER initiative, and the Global Action Plan for Alcohol Control (202-2030). The NAP is a solid reference material for the development of a new alcohol bill. MoHS recognized FoRUT and SLAPA as the national champions for alcohol control in the country. FoRUT, directly and through SLAPA influenced the process of developing the NAP and its quality through advocacy, collaboration and technical and financial support. Conclusions: The development of the NAP in Sierra Leone truly reflects civil society-government collaboration, built on mutual trust and a common health and development agenda. Connecting national level lobby and advocacy with regional global advocacy actions to prioritize, influence, support, and monitor the alcohol control agenda is a critical catalyst for civil society to advancing the development of NAPs.

Synergizing trade and sustainability: advancing SDG 14 through international trade dynamics

This paper explores the intricate relationship between international trade and the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water), focusing on the potential of trade to contribute positively to marine conservation and sustainable use of ocean resources. By examining the intersection of economic, social, and environmental dimensions, the study delves into how trade policies and practices can be aligned with environmental objectives, particularly concerning marine ecosystems. A principal challenge identified is the tension between economic growth driven by international trade and the sustainability of marine ecosystems, exacerbated by practices such as overfishing and pollution from maritime transport. Another significant challenge is the lack of robust enforcement mechanisms for existing environmental provisions in trade agreements. To address these challenges, the paper recommends the integration of stringent and enforceable environmental clauses in trade agreements, coupled with the promotion of sustainable trade practices through international cooperation and capacity building. Furthermore, the study suggests the adoption of innovative trade mechanisms, such as eco-certification and the implementation of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), to enhance the protection of marine life, support sustainable fisheries, and reduce ocean pollution. The paper concludes with specific policy recommendations for leveraging international trade as a tool for the sustainable management of marine resources, ultimately contributing to the broader agenda of sustainable development.

The potential of student as partners approaches for humanitarian developments

This article explores the potential for students-as-partners models developed in the scholarship of teaching and learning and educational development fields to be expanded to new agendas such as humanitarian developments and other agendas related to the so-called civic university. There is a growing appetite for students and staff to work in partnership due to the mutual benefits for both parties (Mapstone et al., 2017), yet the majority of the published works on students as partners is almost exclusively reporting upon partnership activities relating to curriculum and wider student experience developments in higher education. This paper explores the literature on best practice for working with students as partners in order to create new recommendations for how the students-as-partners model can be applied successfully for community and humanitarian development projects, rather than curricular, teaching, or research projects By drawing on literature from student voice, student engagement in quality assurance, and co-design, this paper will highlight the great potential of student-staff partnerships for addressing other development agendas globally.

Carrots rather than sticks: Governance of voluntary sustainability standards and farmer welfare in Peru

Carrots rather than sticks: Governance of voluntary sustainability standards and farmer welfare in Peru

Challenges and Opportunities of Livelihood Diversification in Ethiopia: A Review Article

Diversifying sources of income has been recognized as a crucial approach to alleviate poverty, mitigate food insecurity, and enhance the overall well-being of rural residents in Ethiopia. This review outlines the key challenges and opportunities associated with livelihood diversification in the country. The study identifies several primary constraints that hinder livelihood diversification, including inadequate infrastructure development, scarcity of arable land, limited access to credit services, gender disparities, and poor rural-urban linkages. However, it also highlights potential avenues for sustainable livelihoods through diversification, such as the promotion of sustainable land management practices, adoption of climate-resilient agricultural strategies, and the provision of training and capacity building programs. To facilitate successful livelihood diversification, the review emphasizes the urgency of investing in infrastructure development and ensuring access to credit services. Moreover, it underscores the importance of promoting gender equality to mitigate the challenges faced by women in diversifying their livelihoods. Encouraging sustainable land management practices, implementing climate-resilient agricultural strategies, and providing comprehensive training and capacity building programs are identified as critical measures to support diversification efforts in Ethiopia effectively. The review offers evidence-based policy recommendations to inform government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and other stakeholders on effective strategies that can enhance livelihood diversification in the country, while also ensuring inclusivity and sustainability. The significance of livelihood diversification within Ethiopia's development agenda cannot be overstated, and it is imperative for stakeholders to act in addressing the identified challenges and capitalizing on the opportunities presented by diversification. By doing so, they can contribute to poverty reduction and sustainable development in the country. However, it is essential to note that further research is necessary to explore the efficacy of livelihood diversification strategies in different contexts and identify additional opportunities and challenges that may arise.

Multi-Objective Evcuation Planning Model Considering Post-Earthquake Fire Spread: A Tokyo Case Study

As an integral part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) is essential for human safety and city sustainability. In recent years, natural disasters, which have had a tremendous negative impact on economic and social development, have frequently occurred in cities. As one of these devastating disasters, earthquakes can severely damage the achievements of urban development and impact the sustainable development of cities. To prepare for potential large earthquakes in the future, efficient evacuation plans need to be developed to enhance evacuation efficiency and minimize casualties. Most previous research focuses on minimization of distance or cost while ignoring risk factors. We propose a multi-objective optimization model with the goal of reducing the risk during the evacuation process, which is called the risk reduction model (RRM). Problem-specific indicators for screening optimal solutions are introduced. The research selects the Ogu area in Tokyo as a case study, where there is a relatively high density of wooden structures, increasing the risks of building collapse and fire spread after an earthquake, and is based on a two-phase evacuation flow that considers secondary evacuation for fire response. The results indicate that, in this case, RRM can, in most situations, reduce the risk level during the evacuation process and improve evacuation efficiency and success rate without significantly increasing the total evacuation distance. It proves to be superior to the traditional distance minimization model (DMM), which prioritizes minimizing the total distance as the objective function.

Assessing ecopreneurship impact on composite sustainability in the food and beverage industry: A holistic AHP approach integrating economic and environmental dimensions.

The implementation of ecopreneurship is evolving to address environmental sustainability challenges posed by industrial pollution. Scholars are exploring ways to enhance ecopreneurship implementation globally. However, there's a gap in understanding how ecopreneurship affects sustainability across economic and environmental dimensions. This study aims to explore the impact of ecopreneurship on sustainability, considering both economic and environmental indicators. The investigation was conducted through Analytical Hierarchical Process (AHP) methodology covering 102 ecopreneurs operating in the Tanzania food and beverage industry. The results of the study showed that implementation of ecopreneurship results in the attainment of sustainability through composite scores of 79.5%. In conclusion, this study underscores the significant impact of ecopreneurship implementation on composite sustainability, as evidenced by notable reductions in environmental emissions and improvements in economic performance within the studied industries. The findings highlight the importance of integrating environmental considerations into entrepreneurial endeavors for achieving sustainability goals. It is recommended that stakeholders actively promote and incentivize the adoption of ecopreneurship practices, invest in eco-friendly technologies, foster collaboration, implement effective monitoring mechanisms, and integrate sustainability into business strategies. The study recommends stakeholders' efforts directed towards enhancing the implementation of ecopreneurship practices in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs, 2015–2030), specifically goal nine (9) on pollution prevention through the implementation of Eco practices-based solutions to foster innovations and sustainable industrialization. Thus, strategizing the implementation of ecopreneurship practices is considered to have an essential contribution to addressing the challenges of sustainability and therefore enriching the realization of the global sustainable development agenda.

Modelling the Combined Effect of Green Leadership and Human Resource Management in Moving to Green Supply Chain Performance Enhancement in Saudi Arabia

Previous research has been limited in examining the causal relationship between green transformational leadership (GTL) and green supply chain management (GSCM), with the intermediary influence of green human resource management (GHRM), within the pharmaceutical sector of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). This gap persisted despite the recognition in Saudi Vision 2030 of logistics, specifically, supply chain management (SCM), as fundamental to the national development agenda, given that contemporary competitiveness lies in the efficacy of supply chains (SCs) rather than individual companies. Moreover, the achievement of economic progress hinges significantly on how well these accomplishments align with sustainability demands and obstacles. This paper aims to investigate the extent to which GTL fosters GRHM practices to enhance the maturity of GSCM performance in the pharmaceutical industry in the KSA. In other words, the research goal is to explain the variance of GSCM due to GHRM and GTL. Drawing upon the Resource-Based View (RBV) and the Ability–Motivation–Opportunity theory (AMO), GTL can enhance many aspects of GHRM, such as employee performance measurement, training content design, recruitment criteria, and green-based rewards policies, which positively influence GSCM practices. The methodology employed is deductive and translated into a questionnaire derived from a comprehensive review of the existing literature. This questionnaire was subsequently tested through the collection of 111 responses from pharmaceutical companies operating in the KSA. The results show the critical effects of GTL and GHRM on GSCM in this sector. The research provides fresh theoretical perspectives and actionable recommendations based on the outcomes. As for originality, this research explores the contribution of transformational leadership and green human resource management in enhancing SC sustainability. The research provides directions for future research to investigate the mediating or moderating impacts of other significant factors, such as green thinking or eco-friendly behaviour, on SCM sustainability. As for practical implications, this research came up with an in-depth understanding of SC managers and professionals regarding their practices related to sustainability.

Transformative approaches for peace-centred sustainable development: The role of social and solidarity economy

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development aims to forge a more equitable and sustainable world by integrating peace and development efforts. Despite this ambition, challenges persist as these initiatives often operate in isolation, limiting their collective impact. Moreover, the most affected populations by conflicts find themselves trapped without resources or capabilities. The lack of development often exacerbates underlying conditions, leading to recurring conflicts. The question arises then: How can vulnerable groups overcome these barriers collectively?The Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) emerges as a transformative approach to achieving peace-centred sustainable development. SSE is a people-centred and nature-responsible economic model characterised by voluntary cooperation, collective goods, local action, and democratic governance. Additionally, SSE initiatives contribute significantly to achieving various Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), fostering resilience, promoting well-being, and reducing inequalities. Although SSE is revolutionary in its principles, it has yet to be studied in an interdisciplinary manner within peace and conflict studies. This review article explores the potential of integrating SSE into peacebuilding and development agendas. Our study provides policy recommendations to enhance the impact of SSE on achieving the SDGs and promoting peace. We also identify barriers and limitations, advocating for an integrated approach to ensure collective and solidarity-driven development.

Youth inclusion in value chain development: a case of the aquaculture in Nigeria

Many countries in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) have made youth inclusion a top priority in their development agendas. This is aimed at overcoming social, technical, and institutional obstacles and providing fair and significant opportunities for the growth of young people. Inclusive agricultural value chain development (VCD) is being used to address youth unemployment in the region. The Nigerian government and its partners have invested in aquaculture VCD to create employment opportunities for young men and women, but the participation rate is low, at around 2%. Further, research and practices focusing on rural youth inclusion in VCD is scant, with biases towards urban youth inclusion. This study explored youth engagement in the aquaculture value chain and how the chain features and context shape inclusive mechanisms/patterns of youth inclusion in VCD processes. We used the integrated livelihood asset framework, access approach, and VCD approaches to present an analysis of conditions influencing the inclusion of young men and women in the aquaculture VCD in Nigeria. Accordingly, two youth inclusion strategies were identified: investment and risk management strategies. Young men and women from better-off households adopt investment strategy and dominate the production function. They use their resources, social networks and support from youth-focused aquaculture projects to invest in production functions. Those adopting a risk management strategy dominate the processing, distribution, and marketing functions. They dominantly use social networks, support from aquaculture projects, and Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) to mitigate risks. The high demand for fresh and processed fish, supportive policies, and youth-centered aquaculture projects encourages the engagement of young men and women to adopt either of the strategies. However, they face challenges such as high-cost and low-quality inputs, lack of tailored services, inadequate infrastructure, and sociocultural norms. This study contributes to youth inclusion literature, provides a comprehensive theoretical lens for understanding youth inclusion in VCD, and offers insights into the specific case of young men and women’s engagement in the aquaculture sector in Nigeria.

THE SPARŚA PROJECT: BUILDING A COMPREHENSIVE MENSTRUAL HEALTH MANAGEMENT INTERVENTION IN NEPAL

This article addresses the pervasive silence around menstrual health management (MHM) in Nepal, emphasizing its impact on women's rights. Despite being a natural process, menstruation remains taboo, perpetuating gender discrimination and restricting women's empowerment. This study examines the lack of sufficient menstruation-related targets in international development agendas and focuses on Nepal's cultural norms concerning this issue that affect women's behaviour, health, and social participation. The paper advocates for a comprehensive understanding of women's experiences and preferences to design effective MHM interventions. It explores various strategies, including campaigns against practices like Chhaupadi, presents findings from a field survey and introduces the Sparśa project - a women-led social enterprise offering biodegradable pads to counteract menstrual discrimination across Nepal. The article emphasises the historical neglect of menstrual-related needs, resulting in adverse effects like school absenteeism and social marginalization. It highlights the crucial role of coordinated efforts and fostering knowledge-sharing to implement more impactful and comprehensive interventions in the field of MHM. The research highlights the Sparśa project's potential to transform societal perceptions of menstruation, break the silence, and contribute to women's rights. It offers insights into the challenges faced by Nepali women and provides valuable considerations for global menstrual health initiatives.