Inclusive Development Research Articles

Impact of digital divide on energy poverty across the globe: The mediating role of income inequality

Energy poverty is an important reality facing the whole world, and the rapid development of digital technology has great potential in eradicating poverty. However, the differences in the level of information development have led to the existence of the digital divide within countries. In this context, this paper explores whether and how the digital divide affects energy poverty from a global perspective. Based on cross-country panel data, this study focuses on the effect and asymmetry of the digital divide on energy poverty. The results show that the digital divide hinders the reduction of energy poverty and manifests itself in a Matthew effect that makes the energy poor poorer. Second, the heterogeneity analysis based on income level and rural-urban areas find that the digital divide has a greater negative impact on energy poverty in low-income countries and rural areas. Finally, the mechanism analysis reveals that the digital divide exacerbates energy poverty mainly by increasing income inequality. Therefore, there is a greater need to focus on the efficiency, equity and inclusive development of the digital economy in the process of its globalization. The findings can also provide an empirical basis for policy design to bridge the digital divide and alleviate energy poverty.

Sacrificing sustainability for a higher GDP growth rate

Striving for positive GDP growth often comes at the expense of sustainability indicators, highlighting a crucial dilemma in modern economic development. This empirical study delves into the intricate relationship between sovereign sustainability indicators and GDP growth by using panel data that spans across 15 years for 100 countries and sheds light on the complexities of economic progress in the context of sustainability. Analysis reveals a negative bidirectional relationship between SDG scores and GDP growth rate, prompting further exploration into the determinants of these variables. Notably, GDP growth tends to rise following deteriorations in sustainability, while improvements in certain sustainability indicators, such as quality education and renewable energy consumption, correspond to enhanced GDP growth. However, the interplay between GDP growth factors and SDG scores unveils nuanced patterns, with both positive and negative associations observed across various determinants. These findings underscore the multifaceted nature of the relationship between sustainability and economic growth, challenging the notion that GDP growth alone signifies economic well-being. Considering these insights, policymakers are urged to adopt a holistic approach to sustainable development, integrating diverse econometric metrics, decoupling economic growth from environmental degradation, and bolstering data collection and analysis efforts. By embracing comprehensive strategies that prioritize sustainability alongside economic prosperity, policymakers can pave the way for inclusive and resilient development pathways.

Moderating Effect of Strategic Linkages on Corporate Leadership and Organizational Performance in Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO)

The urgency of securing safe, affordable, reliable, and nutritious food amid a growing global population and shrinking land productivity underscores the pivotal role of corporate leadership in fostering strategic partnerships and organizational performance. This is crucial for organizations like Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) to enhance performance and drive agricultural innovation that ensure achievement of national targets and mandate. Understanding the dynamics between leadership effectiveness, strategic alliances, and organizational performance is essential for addressing food security challenges and optimizing the impact of agricultural research institutions worldwide. The projected 27% increase in global population by 2050 emphasizes the need for strong corporate leadership and strategic partnerships to ensure balanced diets for over half a billion smallholder farmers. Despite Kenya's higher productivity than East Africa and Africa averages, challenges remain in enhancing food security through effective leadership and strategic alliances, particularly within institutions like KALRO. The study explored the moderating influence of strategic linkages on the relationship between corporate leadership and the performance of KALRO. Rooted in organizational excellence, upper echelons, legitimacy, and stakeholder theories, the research employed a pragmatic philosophy, and mixed methods design to mitigate bias. The target population included 75 management organs, with 60 directors and 188 top leadership units as units of observation. Quantitative analysis, using a composite regression model and ANOVA, revealed a significant impact of strategic linkages on corporate leadership and KALRO's performance. The study verified consistent variances and normality across variables, supporting parametric analyses. Autocorrelation analysis indicated no significant autocorrelation. Multicollinearity tests showed acceptable values, ensuring the reliability of the regression model. No outliers were detected. Cronbach's alpha scores demonstrated strong internal reliability. Significant correlations confirmed associations between variables, aligning with previous research findings. Strategic linkages emerged as enhanced moderator, explaining 69.4% of the variance. In this case, the moderator variable amplified or strengthened the relationship between corporate leadership and organizational performance of KALRO. Rejecting the null hypothesis highlighted the positive impact of strategic linkages on performance. Conditional effects analysis revealed strong corporate leadership influence at low strategic linkages but diminishing at higher levels. Recommendations encompassed gender diversity, inclusive leadership development, regular performance appraisals, enhanced monitoring and evaluation system, and improved linkages. The findings provide valuable guidance for KALRO's leadership amid competing priorities and budgetary constraints.

Social innovations for inclusive development in tourism – insights from Kemi, Finland

Social innovations for inclusive development in tourism – insights from Kemi, Finland

Social Inequalities in Colombia: An Analysis from a Cultural and Social Perspective

The objective of this article was to analyze inequalities in Colombia using a strategic prospective approach to identify the social, economic and cultural dynamics that prolong such asymmetries and propose actions to reduce these gaps. The methodology employed is based on the use of advanced prospective analysis tools, such as influence matrices and variable mobility diagrams, in addition to the identification of key actors involved in the formulation and execution of public policies. The results point to the complexity of the interactions between critical variables such as access to technologies, gender equity and youth participation in employment; likewise, the study showed that certain actors, such as the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Equality and Equity, have a significant influence on the achievement of objectives that seek to mitigate social inequalities in Colombia. The study concludes the need to work on public policies for social and economic development, but with an approach based on education and changes in cultural patterns in society that allow the gradual reduction of inequalities. The discussion points out that through strategic collaboration among diverse actors and a comprehensive approach, progress can be made towards a sustained reduction of inequalities, promoting a more equitable and inclusive development in Colombian society.

EXPLORING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FINANCIAL LITERACY AND SUCCESSFUL LOAN REPAYMENT UNDER THE MUDRA YOJANA SCHEME IN INDIA

Financial literacy enhances the ability of the borrower to manage their finances such as budgeting and monitoring cash flow, thus leading to successful repayment of debts. This research employs a detailed review of secondary data, which includes qualitative insights. By focussing articles, reports, journals and websites, the study aims at providing insights on Mudra scheme and the role financial literacy in successful loan repayment and the importance of financial literacy to address the challenges faced by borrowers under the Mudra Yojana Scheme. Research reveal that higher financial literacy leads to better finance management, which leads to informed decisions and adherence to repayment schedules. Financial literacy enables individuals to mitigate financial challenges, make informed decisions, financial management, which in turn leads to timely loan repayments. It also highlights the importance of enhancing financial education through training programs conducted by policy makers, as it contributes to the strategic decision making and business growth. Thus contributing to the broader goals of financial inclusion and economic development. KEY WORDS: Sishu, Kishore, Tharun and Financial literacy.

The Impact of Financial Inclusion as a tool for Inclusive Development

The pursuit of financial inclusion in India has a long and storied history. Financial inclusiondescribes the policy of providing low-income people with easy and affordable access to credit and otherfinancial services. The goal of Financial Inclusion is to promote economic growth by making it such thatpeople from all socioeconomic backgrounds have equal access to, use of, and profit from the formalfinancial system. The promotion of economic parity has recently emerged as one of the most pressingissues facing modern society. In India, the concept of financial inclusion presents a challenge since thegreat majority of the population is still denied access to inclusive economic growth. Credit access isincreasingly seen as a tool for economic growth. Consider the effects of financial inclusion on inclusivedevelopment in this paper.

Educational attainment and problems in Indian Tribal Populations, with a focus on Tribal Women: A Theoretical Assessment

Disparities in educational attainment exist within Indian tribal populations, especially among tribal women, despite the fact that it is a fundamental aspect of development. With an emphasis on tribal women, this theoretical evaluation probes the complex relationship between educational attainment and the various difficulties encountered by Indian tribal tribes. In this research, we review the literature and examine the various factors, such as socioeconomic status, cultural norms, insufficient infrastructure, and institutional discrimination, that prevent these communities from advancing in their education. In addition, it delves into the intricate gender dynamics inside tribal communities, illuminating the ways in which women's access to education is shaped by traditional roles and power relationships. With a focus on improving educational outcomes for tribal women and creating more inclusive development pathways, this assessment aims to shed light on these issues in order to inform policy interventions and educational initiatives that are specifically designed to meet the needs of Indian tribal communities.

Using feminist critical management studies to examine LGBTQ+ women’s experiences of inclusion and exclusion in rugby

ABSTRACT The purpose of this research is to examine the experiences of lesbian, bisexual, gay, takatāpui, queer, and allies (LGBTQ+) women in rugby in Aotearoa/New Zealand. Using Feminist Critical Management Studies (FCMS) the research shows the potential of these experiences to inform the development of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in sports organisations. FCMS places feminism at the centre of organizational research and seeks to disrupt hegemonic masculinity. This means that DEI policy and practice generation, and implementation, are informed by the knowledge experiences of a marginalized group, in this case, LGBTQ+ women. Mixed methods were used, comprising an online Qualtrics survey, which enabled the collection of descriptive quantitative data about 143 respondents’ demographics and experiences. The quantitative data revealed that women’s rugby is generally inclusive for LGBTQ+ community members. Of the 143 respondents, 69 also provided open text qualitative responses. The qualitative results were thematically analysed, revealing further details, such as inclusion as personal support; and inclusion as rugby culture. Constraints to inclusion were identified, as well as exclusion through traditional club environments. The respondents provided thoughts on future inclusion through the development of education and awareness. The research contributes to DEI in sport management by asking questions about how DEI knowledge is created in sport organisations, who are the guardians of that knowledge, and whether and how might sport managers adapt their practices to respectfully ensure that marginalized peoples’ views inform DEI.

Educate and Skill Africa

The African Union continues to be seized with the task to build the Africa we want as outlined in the African Agenda 2063. This agenda should lead to a stronger, more peaceful and more prosperous Africa. It should lead to strong and effective institutions. It should produce more responsible leadership and accountable governments across the continent. It is expected that the road to 2063 must see inclusive economic growth and development marked by the participation of small and medium size enterprises and informal entrepreneurs that Africa has in abundance.

Assessing The Effects Of Government Expenditure And Tax Revenue On Economic Growth In Seven ASEAN Countries

Background: This study investigates the Assessing the Effects of Government Expenditure and Tax Revenue on Economic Growth in Seven ASEAN Countries namely Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Myanmar, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand over a lengthy temporal prospect from 1980 to 2022. This research aims to deliver a nuanced understanding of how these government expenditure and tax revenue dynamics effects on the economic growth of these regions. Spanning over four decades, the study investigates into the multidimensional extents of government expenditure and tax revenue and its effects on economic growth, presenting a comprehensive exploration of the long-term strategies besides their implications for economic growth. This research covers both short-term and long-term dynamics, thus enhancing the robustness of this investigation. Moreover, the findings contribute to the hypothetical discourse by enriching the understanding for the effects of government expenditure and tax revenue on economic growth within these regions. The outcomes of this study embrace the potential to appraise evidence-based policy decisions, academic explorations, and the broader recreation of sustainable and inclusive economic development contained by these ASEAN regions. The focus of this study has investigated the effectiveness of government expenditure and tax revenue measures in promoting economic growth in seven ASEAN countries. These studies utilize the panel Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) approach and find that government expenditure was statistically significant in these ASEAN economies. It is important to note that the effectiveness of fiscal policy in promoting economic growth can vary across countries and over time.

Disseminating our knowledge in an inclusive society: An inaugural editorial statement

Inclusive research is essential at all stages of research, including data collection and dissemination. This essay investigates how current literature and the practical application of inclusive practices in the academic setting illuminate this critical but often overlooked aspect of research. It offers the South African policy of Working Paper 6 (WP6) to clarify how the principle and policy of education for all learners can be implemented in inclusive societies and development, which confront various obstacles due to psychosocial issues. It discourses the purpose of the South African Policy of WP6 and its discourses in multiple contexts by adopting innovative and more inclusive techniques for dissemination, intellectual and developmental disability research, and analysis that can reach far beyond the academic walls. It finally discusses barriers to inclusive dissemination and methods to overcome them. Even though further research needs to be explored in this regard, this article would be beneficial to scholars to champion and implement inclusivity to make research more meaningful and accessible to all who are affected by any form of exclusion and discrimination in our society.

Unbalanced burden is escalating: Urban inequality landscape under sudden shocks?

Sudden and unforeseen events, notably the COVID-19 pandemic has underscored and exacerbated pre-existing urban inequalities. These disruptions have disproportionately affected the most vulnerable sectors of society, thereby further aggravating existing inequalities. Addressing these inequality issues requires systematic research into academic community's response to significant global disturbances. Therefore, we have integrated bibliometric analysis with meta-analysis (quantitatively combines research results from systematic reviews) techniques, culminating in a research framework based on KNIME software (a software for creating data applications and services) and Python programming. Noteworthy for its open-source nature, scalability, and reproducibility, this framework tries to decode the developmental patterns and response characteristics of urban inequality research under sudden shocks. Additionally, it seeks to clarify its causal pathways, predict the emergence of new or strengthened inequalities, and provide effective suggestions to promote inclusive and sustainable urban development. Our findings indicate that the COVID-19 has exacerbated the existing urban inequality, attracting widespread attention in fields such as society and public health. Issues of fairness and justice of human health, resource allocation, urban resilience and vulnerability have become hot topics around COVID-19 related urban inequalities. Simultaneously, the sudden shocks have led to disparities in research areas and themes. Social, economic, and urban planning are the main drivers behind urban inequality, and particularly affecting vulnerable groups, including low-income populations and those living in remote regions. Before and after the COVID-19, the average global urban inequality are 0.57 and 0.61, respectively. Inequality issues are particularly severe in Africa and countries such as Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India. The pandemic changed the focus of urban inequality to health and social issues, worsening inequality performance in these regions and deepening global gaps. Additionally, countries with high urban inequality are more prone to large-scale outbreaks and higher mortality rates. To this end, we advocate academia for in-depth research and comprehensive evaluation, focusing on vulnerable groups, providing integrated policy recommendations, supporting interdisciplinary exchanges and cooperation, and committing to find long-term sustainable solutions. These efforts aim to propose more comprehensive and reasonable solutions to alleviate and address complex urban inequality issues under sudden shocks.

Towards more sustainable and inclusive development corridors in Africa

Abstract Development corridors are linear programmes of infrastructure and agriculture aiming to facilitate rapid socio-economic development. In Africa, they are a major development activity, with 88 underway or planned corridors. Drawing from extensive literature and insights gleaned from a 4 year research programme, this review scrutinizes the impacts of development corridors on people, wildlife and ecosystems in Kenya and Tanzania, proposing solutions to achieve better outcomes. The overarching goal was to discern the principle challenges emerging from the practical execution of the prevailing corridor model. The holistic approach taken, assessing the development corridors paradigm through an integrated ecological, social, and economic lens, provides novel insights that have not been possible using more traditional—siloed—research approaches. Eight key challenge areas are identified: impact assessments processes; coherence across international, national and local planning; governance; inclusivity; equality; impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem services; incorporation of future climate risks; and integrated water resource management. Poorly planned and implemented corridors detrimentally impact livelihoods and ecosystems. They lack a sustainable development vision, detailed social, environmental or climate risk assessments, and develop incrementally in policy and corporate spaces. There is also often a disconnect between investors and recipient governments, with some investors funding what governments request without applying internationally-recognised safeguards, and governments lacking capacity and resources to enforce regulations. We make recommendations for addressing these challenge areas. These aim to enhance impact assessment efficacy; integrate local perspectives into effective and inclusive corridor planning; overcome siloed project development and implementation; anticipate future development projections; and prioritise landscape preservation for enhanced ecosystem services and climate resilience.

Foreign Investment in Fragile and Conflict-Affected Situations: Opportunities, Challenges and Prospects

African countries remain stubbornly plagued by fragility and conflict-affected conditions. Out of thirty-seven countries categorized as fragile and conflict-affected states, African countries are nineteen in number representing about 51% of the total states. The remaining African countries that are excluded in this list do not fare better in institutional and social fragility index, nor are they delivering enduring peace and sustainable development to their populace. The African Union (AU)’s approval of the Phase II of the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (AfCFTA) constitutes a pragmatic approach to use investment framework to change the climate of fragility and conflict. Foreign investment presents a veritable opportunity to turn the fragile and conflict-affected African states into a hub of peace and development. The increase in international investment brings with it the spillover of skills, know-how and technology into the host state. Additionally, foreign investment increases employment and revenue generation, diversification and improvement in the quality of products and services, and overall improvement in the standard of living. Equitable and inclusive sharing of revenues from natural resources similarly promotes societal cohesion and limits the triggers of institutional fragility. Consequently, this paper seeks to explore the modalities for the use of foreign investment as a pathway to inclusive development in African countries plagued by fragility and conflict.

S11-4: Reaching people with a disability in a small town–a practice perspective

Abstract Purpose It is well documented that people living with a disability often have restricted opportunities to participate in physical activity and may face significant barriers. This presentation provides a practice perspective on reaching, and providing inclusive, meaningful physical activity opportunities for children and adults living with disability in Ireland. Project or policy description While significant efforts have been made in Ireland and elsewhere to facilitate access, this presentation will provide insights from a Sports Inclusion Development Officer, working in a town in Ireland, on how providing facilitators (funding streams and a varied programme of activities) does not necessarily remove barriers for people with disability to access physical activity and participate. Conclusions There are problems in areas with low population density – small numbers of people with specific disabilities leading to no specific activities for specific disabilities. Clubs are providing options, in some instances, but they are often not easy to implement as the volunteer base has declined and many sports clubs focus on performance rather than participation. Sometimes they are difficult for those with disabilities to access and participate. Often, the policy and willingness for change is there at organisational level but at intervention level there are difficulties in implementation.

Агломераційні процеси та інклюзивний розвиток: стратегування і смарт-підхід

The purpose of this article is to delineate the principal approaches to forming strategies for rural-urban agglomerations, which serve as tools for the inclusive development of territories through innovative approaches, practical synergistic impact, and as a form of multi-purpose cooperation among territorial communities within the agglomeration’s sphere of influence. The article outlines the main approaches to agglomeration formation within the context of state regional policy, including the principles of agglomeration formation exemplified by the Lviv region, considering the approved Strategy for the Lviv Agglomeration until 2027. It identifies the elements of the agglomeration process and analyzes the problems and conditions that underlie the formulation of the Strategy for the Lviv Agglomeration for the period up to 2027. It defines territorial community, agglomeration, urbanization, inclusive development, smart specialization, and intelligent economy as a single comprehensive organizational-institutional and functional approach to territorial development. It determines the main directions for the inclusive development of territorial communities. It formulates a schema for the interconnection of strategic objectives defined in the Strategy for the Lviv Agglomeration with the directions for the inclusive development of territorial communities, including the specifics of rural communities within the context of rural-urban agglomerations. The article characterizes the normative-legal regulation of agglomerations, the peculiarities of infrastructure provision, and the socio-economic benefits arising from the creation of inter-territorial linkages. It considers the key elements of inclusive development and urbanization within regional policy, emphasizing the importance of integrating rural and urban zones. It proposes reviewing strategic goals and measures to ensure sustainable development in various aspects of agglomeration life, from infrastructure initiatives to social investments. Keywords: agglomeration, agglomeration process, territorial community, strategy, inclusive development, smart specialization, regional policy, strategic objectives.

Mapping the intellectual landscape of financial inclusion and sustainable development: a bibliometric analysis

Purpose This research mirrors a 360° probe into bibliometric review of various studies aimed to examine the relationship between financial inclusion and sustainable development (FI and SD). It also offers a conspectus of apex contributors, influential articles, key journals and potential avenues for further research in this crucial area of global progress. Design/methodology/approach The study is the abstract of a total 233 papers on the subject representing a period between 2012 and 2023 in the Scopus database in the domain. This investigation probes into publication trends, the most inexhaustible contributors by national journals, publications and authors. The study conducts keyword co-occurrence analysis and examines thematic evolution using Vosviewer and Biblioshiny. Findings The findings reveal four prominent clusters: (a) Financial growth with FI, (b) Economic Empowerment with Sustainable Goals, (c) Environmental Sustainability and (d) Microfinance and Digital Era. Furthermore, the study paves way for the future research agenda with the help of these research themes. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first of its kind in deeply probing the literature on FI and SD from a bibliometric perspective. Hence the findings of this study is a powerful weapon for researchers and practitioners coupled with future research inquiries, offering valuable insights and establishing robust quantitative foundations for advancing knowledge in the realms of FI and SD.

An Investigation into the Relationship Between Financial Inclusion and Economic Development of Indian States

The issue of inclusive growth is placed on the agenda of policy-makers across the globe. Though the governments of various countries have been considering financial inclusion as a weapon to combat poverty and to foster growth and development in the economy, there is an incongruency in the inclusion-growth nexus. This empirical study explores the relationship between these two variables in the Indian context. The researchers collect state-level data on parameters of economic development and financial inclusion over the period 2015 to 2020 to achieve the objective. The investigators compute a weighted composite index for economic development and financial inclusion of different states of India with the application of data reduction technique. The study finds a strong positive relationship between financial inclusion and economicdevelopment .

A Collaborative Approach to Understanding the Intersections of Practice and Policy for Peers in the Alcohol and Other Drugs Sector.

Peers in the alcohol and other drug sectors possess lived-living experience (LLE) crucial for shaping community care. However, genuine consumer collaboration is often confounded by stigma. This study examined peers' perceptions, exploring their experiences regarding workforce dynamics, policy implications, and impacts on health equity. In presenting the research, we sought to synthesise the research methods and illustrate the methodological innovation and knowledge production in substance use research through authentic collaboration. We purposively sampled peer networks and community organisations, involving peer-researchers in planning, design, and analysis. We conducted semi-structured digital interviews with 18 peers and applied iterative coding to analyse the data. This collaborative process provided nuanced insights into sectoral challenges. Peers expressed emotional strain revisiting personal substance use experiences, blurring personal and professional boundaries. Tokenistic peer involvement critiques underscored the need for genuine leadership and organisational support. We advocate for a shift towards equitable and inclusive policy development through both organisational and systemic restructuring. However, these changes are hamstrung by broader policy frameworks, which require a shift to peer-led principles, ensuring the expertise of peers is genuinely valued. Policymakers should invest in expanding peer frameworks, acknowledging the diversity within communities of people who use drugs to improve health equity and public health outcomes. This innovative approach to substance use research emphasises the transformative impact of integrating LLE into research.