Land Development Research Articles

Analysis of rainwater utilization technology and current situation in the roof garden

The urban water environment has been deteriorating over the last decade due to land development and climate change, increasing the pressure on urban stormwater drainage systems. With economic development, the value of buildings has also been challenged at a higher level. Roof garden, as a new form of roof treatment, can effectively increase the urban greening area and compensate for the ecological and water environments that have been damaged by building development and utilization. This paper analyzes the advancement of roof garden by comparing it with the traditional sloped roof. The analysis finds that roof gardens can store water and control drainage, and have significant advantages in reducing rainwater discharge, reducing building water demand, and improving the urban water cycle. Roof gardens not only have the ability to utilize rainwater efficiently, but also come with a series of economic, ecological, and social benefits, such as improving the urban heat island effect, saving the amount of water demanded by buildings, and energy consumption. By analyzing domestic and international cases of roof gardens, it is verified that roof gardens are designed as a combination of utility and aesthetics.

Assessment of Factors Impacting Water Supply Services in Lusaka District: A Case of Lusaka Water Supply and Sanitation Company

The water supply situation in Lusaka district faces numerous challenges related to reliability, accessibility, and sustainability of water supply services. Despite a population of 3,079,964, only 134,807 household connections were established by LWSC in 2022. With a record 4.5% population increase from 2022 to 2023, the demand for water stands at over 420,000 cubic meters per day, while LWSC produces 250,000 cubic meters per day. Groundwater, accounting for 57% of LWSC's water, is threatened by land development and pollution. Meanwhile, 45% of the population relies on site sanitation, contributing to groundwater pollution, the very source LWSC is dependent upon. Lusaka faces low or no water supply, an average of 18 hours per day. Despite existing research on the peri-urban water supply, a gap remains in addressing the challenges of rapidly growing urban areas like Lusaka. This study aims to fill this gap by providing a comprehensive analysis focusing on the unique challenges faced by LWSC, such as land development, population growth, and climate change. The research will offer practical solutions for sustainable water supply management in Lusaka and similar contexts. The research philosophy employed for this study is interpretivism, as it allows for a deep understanding of the subjective experiences and perceptions of experts involved in the water supply sector in Lusaka. This approach aligns with the qualitative nature of the research, which aims to explore and understand the complex interactions between various factors influencing water supply services in the district. The findings of the study reveal that climate change, population growth, and land development are significant factors influencing water supply services in Lusaka. Erratic rainfall patterns and prolonged droughts have led to challenges in water availability and quality, while rapid population growth has increased the demand for water supply services, putting pressure on the existing infrastructure. Unplanned land development has also led to challenges in water supply services, particularly in areas with shallow water tables that are vulnerable to groundwater pollution. The study recommends investing in climate-resilient infrastructure, diversifying water sources, enhancing water conservation practices, and strengthening land use planning regulations to address these challenges and ensure the sustainability of water supply services in Lusaka.

Impact of land development along the western Mediterranean coast of Egypt regarding surfactant sources, interfering elements and ecotoxicity

The effect of recent land development of the western side of the Egyptian Mediterranean coast on the fates, behaviors, interactions, and ecotoxicology of surfactant (LAS), F, Br, B, Ca, Mg, and P was studied. Samples of seawater and sediments were collected from 15 stations at different depths representing, 5 perpendicular sectors. Elevated levels of LAS were identified in seawater columns in the El-Hamam (467.3 ± 220.8 μg/L) and El-Dabaa (480.0 ± 314.1 μg/L) stations. LAS homologue in sediment was in the range of 0.013–0.024, 0.042–0.184, 0.086–0.402, and 0.025–0.058 μg/g for C10, C11, C12, and C13, respectively. Studied parameters showed mixture risk characterization ratios RCRmix > 1 for algae, invertebrates, and fish in seawater and sediments, except for P, which showed low risk (RCRmix ≤ 1) in sediment. Acute relative contribution (RC) of LAS reflected that fish were the most sensitive species (RCFish = 48.5), followed by algae (RCAlgae = 44.4) and invertebrates (RCInvert = 7.1).

A Study of the Spatiotemporal Evolution Patterns and Coupling Coordination between Ecosystem Service Values and Habitat Quality in Diverse Scenarios: The Case of Chengdu Metropolitan Area, China

The global ecological decline resulting from urban development presents a significant challenge for numerous regions striving to reconcile conservation efforts with developmental needs. This study explores the relationship between ecosystem service value (ESV) and habitat quality (HQ) under various scenarios to elucidate prospective development trajectories. This study utilized the PLUS model to simulate land use patterns in the Chengdu metropolitan area across four distinct development scenarios. Furthermore, it employed the equivalent factor method and the Invest model to quantify ESV and HQ values, and investigated the coupling coordination between ESV and HQ for each city using a coupling coordination model (CCM). The findings are as follows: (1) Between 2000 and 2020, land use in the Chengdu metropolitan area primarily expanded through the development of construction land. (2) Concurrently, ESV demonstrated a fluctuating trend characterized by an initial decline succeeded by an upsurge, culminating under the Development–Ecological Balance Scenario. Likewise, HQ displayed a similar fluctuating pattern with an initial decline succeeded by an increase, reaching its zenith under the Ecological Dominance Scenario. (3) The coupling coordination between ESV and HQ exhibited variability across cities and scenarios. Ultimately, this study offers a distinctive perspective on evaluating the interplay between urban development and conservation, providing valuable insights for promoting sustainable development in other regions.

Sustainable Agroforestry Model for Supporting Farming Communities by Identifying Land Development in Bone District

Agroforestry is an optimal land management approach that combines forestry, agriculture, livestock, and fisheries activities within the same area. Sustainable agroforestry models are implemented through community support in Bone District. The Bengo region is one of the initiatives undertaken by STIP YAPI BONE as part of a partnership scheme for the Agroforestry model, which represents a local wisdom aimed at safeguarding water sources by integrating several key components, including food crops, perennial plants, and livestock. It is undeniable that the Bengo region is highly unique, as it is divided into several zones, such as the core zone (Integrated Agrocomplex Gardens), buffer zone (Land for Integrated Forestry, Plantation, Agriculture, and Fisheries Commodities), and utilization zone. It holds significant social, cultural, economic, and ecological value. Bengo boasts two key farmers, Mr. Sahir and Mr. Asgar, who have successfully transformed their cocoa plantations into Agroforestry gardens. Therefore, Bengo has the potential to become a cornerstone for the partnership between the Research and Community Service Institution, offering economic, social, and ecological benefits. Hence, it is imperative to preserve Bengo. One approach to achieving this is to raise awareness among all stakeholders, including both the community and the government, regarding the importance of applying Sustainable Agroforestry models to critical lands in Bone District, particularly in South Sulawesi.

Legal Framework of Land Engineering: Compliance with Environmental Regulations to Reduce Pollution

Research in relation to land technology should be conducted guided by concerns for environmental sustainability. There must be a robust framework that regulates land use and development, taking into account changes in the environment due to biological, human-made substances and other factors. The research has shown how important it is to have all stakeholders involved in regulation process through Integrated Stakeholder Engagement Approach (ISEA) which is unique. Proposed ISEA approach can bring together different stakeholders including government agencies, corporate experts, environmental advocates as well as community groups to come up with appropriate regulatory frameworks. One model of reducing the impacts of a building is to build it on a strong foundation. It is necessary today for such studies to include simulation assessment so as to evaluate the effectiveness of the regulatory system. This review examines possible outcomes and environmental implications associated with specific regulations based on certain zoning policies are useful for decision-making and policy choices. By minimizing pollution while using simulation analysis techniques among different stakeholders, this initiative wants to facilitate resilient sustainable land improvement.

The carbon emissions risk evolution and low-carbon optimization in a typical mountainous region on the western edge of the Sichuan Basin, China

Land use and cover change (LUCC) is a major driver of this rapid increase in atmospheric carbon. To reasonably plan various types of land use areas and mitigate the rate of growth of carbon emissions, this study takes Yaan, Sichuan province, as a case study. First, the calculation of Yaan's land use carbon emissions (LUCE) was approached by taking land use structure into account. Subsequently, the spatiotemporal distribution of LUCE was evaluated by employing the carbon emission risk index and the Moran index. Finally, the multi-objective linear programming (MOP), the Markov chain, and the PLUS model were used to predict the spatial distribution of LUCC in 2030, including natural development scenarios (NDS) and low-carbon optimization development scenarios (LODS). According to the findings, the impervious surface is identified as the principal contributor to LUCE, while the forest is recognized as the principal absorbers of carbon. The carbon emissions in typical mountainous areas are distributed in cities and generally concentrate towards the plains in the northeast direction. Under the LODS, LUCE decrease significantly. For both NDS and LODS, the overall trend of land development direction in Yaan is “northeast-southwest” from 2020 to 2030. These results could provide some suggestions for low-carbon land use in cities like Yaan.

Evaluation of Urban Land Suitability under Multiple Sea Level Rise Scenarios

Anticipated sea level rises from global climate change pose a significant flood risk to urban land. Evaluating urban land suitability under sea level rise scenarios is crucial for promoting sustainable development. Recent research has advanced the application of artificial intelligence and the integration of GIS with models, yet the impact of climate change on land suitability has often been overlooked. This study focuses on Xihu District in Hangzhou, utilizing the entropy weight and matter-element model to evaluate land suitability for urban development. The evaluation results were cross-verified with land use plans. A comprehensive analysis of potential flood risk to urban land in 2100 was conducted, considering varying degrees of sea level rise under Sustainable Development Scenario SSP1-2.6 and High-end Emission Scenario SSP5-8.5, as well as the scenario reflecting the most severe sea level rise during extreme climate events. The results indicate that more than half of the land in the study area is suitable for construction, aligning spatially with the current planned urban land. The analysis process of the matter-element model reflects the impact level of each indicator on urban land suitability, conveying information both spatially and numerically, thus enhancing accuracy. Scenario analysis reveals that approximately 10% to 20% of urban land in the study area could face flooding threats due to future sea level rises, primarily in the northern and southeastern regions. Recommendations for future land development and spatial planning strategies to address flood risk are discussed, aiming to alleviate the pressure on urban land in response to future climate change.

Multi-Scenario Land Use Optimization Simulation and Ecosystem Service Value Estimation Based on Fine-Scale Land Survey Data

Land optimization simulation and ecosystem service value (ESV) estimation can better serve land managers in decision-making. However, land survey data are seldom used in existing studies, and land optimization constraints fail to fully consider land planning control, and the optimization at the provincial scale is not fine enough, which leads to a disconnection between academic research and land management. We coupled ESV, gray multi-objective optimization (GMOP), and patch-generating land use simulation (PLUS) models based on authoritative data on land management to project land use and ESV change under natural development (ND), rapid economic development (RED), ecological land protection (ELP), and sustainable development (SD) scenarios in 2030. The results show that construction land expanded dramatically (by 97.96% from 2000 to 2020), which encroached on grassland and cropland. This trend will continue in the BAU scenario. Construction land, woodland, and cropland are the main types of land used for expansion, while grassland and unused land, which lack strict use control, are the main land outflow categories. From 2000 to 2030, the total amount of ESV increases steadily and slightly. The spatial distribution of ESV is significantly aggregated and the agglomeration is increasing. The policy direction and land planning are important reasons for land use changes. The land use scenarios we set up can play an important role in preventing the uncontrolled expansion of construction land, mitigating the phenomenon of ecological construction, i.e., “governance while destruction”, and promoting food security. This study provides a new approach for provincial large-scale land optimization and ESV estimation based on land survey data and provides technical support for achieving sustainable land development.

Exploring Spatial-Temporal Coupling and Its Driving Factors of Green and Low-Carbon Urban Land Use Efficiency and High-Quality Economic Development in China

Green and low-carbon use of urban land (GLUUL) and high-quality economic development (HED) are two closely linked and mutually reinforcing systems, and their coordinated development is of great theoretical and practical significance to the realization of green and sustainable urban development. Based on theoretical analysis, this paper used data from 2005 to 2020 to measure GLUUL efficiency and HED level and their coupling coordination degree (CCD) successively of 282 cities in China, and then analyzed in-depth the main factors affecting CCD and its spatial–temporal heterogeneity using the GTWR model. This study found that (1) GLUUL efficiency and HED levels are increasing with different trends, and the development is unbalanced. High-value cities in the two systems show a staggered distribution pattern. (2) The CCD of the two was dominated by primary and intermediate coordination types, and the overall became increasingly coordinated, with the “intermediate coordination—advanced development” type having the highest representation. (3) There is a gradual convergence of CCD spatial differences, showing an overall spatial distribution pattern that is “high in the northwest and southeast, low in the central area”. (4) The influence degree and direction of different factors on CCD are distinguishing. The positive impact of industrial structure upgrading (Isu) is obviously greater than other factors, which has the strongest effect on the industrial corridor along the Yangtze River and the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region. The findings can offer insightful recommendations for promoting sustainable development in China and similar developing countries and regions.

Spatiotemporal Analysis of Soil Quality Degradation and Emissions in the State of Iowa (USA)

The concept of soil quality (SQ) is defined as the soil's capacity to function, which is commonly assessed at the field scale. Soil quality is composed of inherent (soil suitability) and dynamic (soil health, SH) SQ, which can also be analyzed using geospatial tools as a SQ continuum (SQC). This study proposes an innovative spatiotemporal analysis of SQ degradation and emissions from land developments using the state of Iowa (IA) in the United States of America (USA) as a case study. The SQ degradation was linked to anthropogenic soil (SD) and land degradation (LD) in the state. More than 88% of land in IA experienced anthropogenic LD primarily due to agriculture (93%). All six soil orders were subject to various degrees of anthropogenic LD: Entisols (75%), Inceptisols (94%), Histosols (59%), Alfisols (79%), Mollisols (93%), and Vertisols (98%). Soil and LD have primarily increased between 2001 and 2016. In addition to agricultural LD, there was also SD/LD caused by an increase in developments often through urbanization. All land developments in IA can be linked to damages to SQ, with 8385.9 km2 of developed area, causing midpoint total soil carbon (TSC) losses of 1.7 × 1011 kg of C and an associated midpoint of social cost of carbon dioxide emissions (SC-CO2) of $28.8B (where B = billion = 109, USD). More recently developed land area (398.5 km2) between 2001 and 2016 likely caused the midpoint loss of 8.0 × 109 kg of C and a corresponding midpoint of $1.3B in SC-CO2. New developments are often located near urban areas, for example, near the capital city of Des Moines, and other cities (Sioux City, Dubuque). Results of this study reveal several different kinds of SQ damage from developments: loss of potential for future C sequestration in soils, soil C loss, and “realized” soil C social costs (SC-CO2). The state of IA has very limited potential land (2.0% of the total state area) for nature-based solutions (NBS) to compensate for SD and LD. The results of this study can be used to support pending soil health-related legislation in IA and monitoring towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) developed by the United Nations (UN) by providing a landscape-level perspective on LD to focus field-level initiatives to reduce soil loss and improve SQ. Future technological innovations will provide higher spatial and temporal remote sensing data that can be fused with field-level direct sensing to track SH and SQ changes.

Development of microsatellite markers for the endangered butterfly Luehdorfia japonica Leech, 1889 (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae)

ABSTRACTThe endangered butterfly species Luehdorfia japonica Leech, 1889 (Lepidoptera, Papilionidae) is endemic to the central and western parts of Honshu, Japan. This species inhabits deciduous forests and coppices, but areas of optimal habitats are decreasing due to the development of land and the abandonment of regular coppice management. We developed 17 microsatellite loci for L. japonica based on de novo genome sequence data and found that 16 of these loci exhibited polymorphisms in 34 individuals of L. japonica. In addition, polymorphisms of 15 of these microsatellite loci were observed in two individuals of L. puziloi. The number of alleles and the expected heterozygosity per locus in L. japonica were 2–11 and 0.11–0.83, respectively. A principal coordinate analysis based on this genetic information revealed genetic differentiation both within and among geographic populations of L. japonica. Thus, these microsatellite loci could potentially be useful for future conservation genetic studies, including monitoring the genetic diversity and population structure of this endangered butterfly species.

Spatiotemporal patterns of groundwater over South Korea

Understanding the large-scale spatiotemporal pattern of multi-depth groundwater levels is critical to develop water management plans and policies for sustainable ecological and social prosperity, which are still lacking. Here, we investigate three major spatiotemporal modes of groundwater levels from ∼200 groundwater monitoring stations over the southern Korean Peninsula (2009–2020), using the Cyclostationary empirical orthogonal function analysis. The first two major modes are associated with the seasonality of recharge and discharge and groundwater use during the 2016/17 drought, which explained half of the total variance. The third major mode indicated a decreasing trend of deep groundwater levels over the western Korean Peninsula, where key administrative and authority offices have been relocated via balanced national land development policies. Furthermore, at least three million Koreans over this region likely experience groundwater depletion by the 2080s. Observational evidence of emerging groundwater depletion suggests a window of opportunity for pre-emptive groundwater management plans.

IMPACT OF FADAMA III ADDITIONAL FINANCE II ON YIELD AND INCOME OF FARO-44 RICE FARMERS BENEFICIARIES IN TARABA STATE, NIGERIA

The study was carried out to examine the impact of fadama III additional finance II on yield and income of faro-44 rice farmers beneficiaries in Taraba State, Nigeria. A Multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select 500 respondents. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (mean, frequency distribution and percentages) and inferential statistics (Gini coefficient). The findings of the study revealed that more days was expended in faro-44 rice weeding days per hectare with mean of 5.0 and 8.0 hours worked/day. The average number of tractors owned by the fadama users’ association (FUA) farmers was 2 with value of N3,129,079.63. The major inputs intervention received by the respondents were 5 kg seeds, wet season = 10 kg seeds all at N10,000/20 kg bag ((dry season), 2 bags of NPK fertilizer and 4 bags of NPK fertilizer at N7,000/50 kg bag in dry and wet season respectively, followed by a bag of Urea fertilizer in dry season and 2 bag of Urea fertilizer at N9,000/50 kg bag in wet season. Similarly, the respondents also received 4 liters of herbicides each in dry season and wet season. The result further revealed that the yield (kg/ha) in dry season increased from 3,675 kg before intervention to 6,156 kg after intervention representing 59.69% increase and with mean difference of 2,481 kg significant at P<0.01. Similarly, yields in wet season by the faro-44 rice farmers has a mean difference of 1,679 kg compared to mean difference of 2,481 yield in dry season. Consequently, income from dry season harvest (N/ha) increased by 40.77% representing Naira value from N787,375.00 to N1,720,400.00 for before and after fadama AF-II intervention. Similarly, income from wet season harvest only increased by 4.63% with wet season mean income difference of N315,189 compared to the dry season mean income difference of N933,025 implying that the respondents realized more income in dry season faro-44 rice farming than wet season in Taraba State, Nigeria. The study concluded that fadama III additional finance II project intervention had positive impact on yield and income of the respondents and faro-44 rice farming yielded more in dry season than wet season. It is recommended that farm inputs at subsidized rate should be made timely available, there should be further collaboration through the State fadama office with National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) to clear more land, rice promotion programmes like training on modern rice production techniques, new varieties of seeds in order to be technically efficient should also be promoted and farmers should be encouraged to form cooperatives to benefit more from such laudable fadama AF-II intervention and enjoy economies of scale.

Economic development and optimal allocation of land use in ecological emigration area in China

Due to factors such as climate, environment, and resource scarcity, a large number of ecological immigration activities have been carried out in many regions of the world, and a large amount of land has been abandoned in emigration areas, which makes it difficult to reflect the economic value of the land in the process of land ecological restoration. Many scholars mainly focus on the socio-economic development of the immigration area, while the ecological economic value of the land in the emigration area is neglected. The Chinese government has organised and implemented six large-scale resettlement projects in Ningxia to alleviate poverty and bring prosperity to areas where the soil and water are not well nourished and people are struggling. Thus, this study observed Guyuan City, Haiyuan County, and Tongxin County in central and southern Ningxia and conducted a systematic and comprehensive analysis of land resources, natural resources, the ecological environment, and social economy in the emigration area. Based on the accurate identification of the land scale of the emigration area, evaluating industrial suitability in the ecological emigration area, this study intended to strike a balance between ecological and economic development. The results showed that the emigration area is 8.0794 million mus, and the main types of land use are grassland, arable land, and forest land; the industrial development directions include large-scale livestock farming, drought-tolerant fruit farming, cold-resistant vegetable farming, modern forestry, specialised understory and photovoltaic and wind power production. The results provide policy inspiration for sustainable land use in ecological emigration areas, and propose practical ways for social capital and financial institutions to participate in the land development and promote ecological and economic value balance of emigration areas in the world.

Spatial–Temporal Pattern of Coordination between the Supply and Demand for Ecosystem Services in the Lhasa River Basin

Quantifying the spatiotemporal patterns of the coordination between ecosystem service supply and demand is vital for regional sustainable development. To reveal the dynamic pattern of the coordination of ecosystem service (ES) supply and demand in the Lhasa River Basin, we quantified the supply of the following four ESs using the InVEST model from 2000 to 2018: carbon sequestration (CS), water conservation (WC), habitat quality (HQ), and soil conservation (SC). Using socio-economic data, including land development degree, GDP, and population density, the ES demand was quantified. The ES supply–demand ratio (ESDR) and coupling coordination degree (CCD) model were used to evaluate the coupling relationship and coordination of ES supply and demand. The spatial autocorrelation analysis was used to determine the spatial correlation and changes in the ES supply–demand coupling coordination degree. The results indicate that the distribution of ESDR exhibited significant spatial heterogeneity. The area with ES supply far greater than demand was always in the upstream area of the Lhasa River, while the ES demand of Chengguan District far exceeded supply. Grasslands and forests were the main contributors to ESDRs, providing positive ESDRs for three services, SC, HQ, and WC, with a total proportion above 80%. From 2000 to 2018, the mismatch between ES supply and demand was gradually spreading upstream, while the upstream areas had a relatively high CCD. The spatial correlations of the CCD in the Lhasa River basin all showed statistically significant differences (p < 0.01). The high–high aggregation areas were concentrated in the northeast of the Lhasa River basin, while the low–low aggregation areas were centered around Chengguan District. This study provides reference values for optimizing the land use spatial patterns in ecologically vulnerable areas with the goal of sustainable development.

A Coupled InVEST-PLUS Model for the Spatiotemporal Evolution of Ecosystem Carbon Storage and Multi-Scenario Prediction Analysis

In investigating the spatiotemporal patterns and spatial attributes of carbon storage across terrestrial ecosystems, there is a significant focus on improving regional carbon sequestration capabilities. Such endeavors are crucial for balancing land development with ecological preservation and promoting sustainable, low-carbon urban growth. This study employs the integrated InVEST-PLUS model to assess and predict changes in ecosystem carbon storage under various land use scenarios within the Chengdu urban cluster, a vital region in Central and Western China, by 2050. The results indicate the following. (1) A linkage between land use dynamics and ecosystem carbon storage changes: over two decades, a 7.5% decrease in arable land was observed alongside a 12.3% increase in urban areas, leading to an 8.2% net reduction in ecosystem carbon storage, equating to a loss of 1.6 million tons of carbon. (2) Carbon storage variations under four scenarios—natural development (NDS), urban development (UDS), farmland protection (FPS), and ecological protection (EPS)—highlight the impact of differing developmental and conservation policies on Chengdu’s carbon reserves. Projections until 2050 suggest a further 5% reduction in carbon storage under NDS without intervention, while EPS could potentially decrease carbon storage loss by 3%, emphasizing the importance of strategic land use planning and policy. This research provides a solid theoretical foundation for exploring the relationship between land use and carbon storage dynamics further. In summary, the findings highlight the necessity of incorporating ecological considerations into urban planning strategies. The InVEST-PLUS model not only sheds light on current challenges but also presents a method for forecasting and mitigating urbanization effects on ecosystem services, thus supporting sustainable development goals.

Entrepreneurial migrations and diffusion of innovations: the case of Apulia in the first half of the 19th century

Purpose Through the reconstruction of the events of some foreign entrepreneurs who worked in the territory of the Italian city of Bari in the first half of the 19th century, this paper aims to analyze the role of entrepreneurial migration in the economic development of Apulia land in this period. Design/methodology/approach This study adopts a theoretical framework that combines the concept of mixed embeddedness in a multifocal perspective, with the model of the diffusion of innovation focusing on the role of the so-called agency of actors, and of the network, in the dissemination of innovation. The theoretical framework is applied to multiple case studies to compare the evidence that emerged from the simultaneous analysis of several situations. Findings By analyzing how innovations have spread within the network of entrepreneurs of that time, it is possible to identify some relevant aspects related to the mechanisms of dissemination of innovations in the context of entrepreneurial migration. Specifically, the opportunity structure is intended in an even broader sense than indicated in the classic approach to mixed embeddedness: it is considered as the result of the joint interaction of the political, institutional and economic context of several places, and the behavioral dynamics of several groups. Research limitations/implications Due to the specific method chosen, the outcomes of the research might apply to a narrow context. Therefore, the results need to be tested and confirmed in further empirical studies, and by applying multiple research methods. Practical implications Findings are useful and significant in the analysis of the link that exists between the diffusion of innovations and migrant entrepreneurship, and then the conclusions can be applied and extended to the current phenomenon of migration-related innovations, with specific reference to developing countries. Social implications Findings can be applied and extended to the current phenomenon of migration-related innovations and highly skilled migration, with specific reference to developing countries. Originality/value This paper contributes to shed new light on the contextual and multifocal factors that influence the development of innovations in the networks of migrant entrepreneurship, in a specific historical period and a specific context. Combining social, human and financial capital with the wider opportunity structure, this study also provides a comprehensive understanding of the modalities through which migrant and high-skilled entrepreneurs could innovate.

Land Use Sustainability: Assessment of the Dynamic Response of Typical Bedrock-Buried-Hill Earth Fissure Sites in the Su-Xi-Chang Area

Disaster prevention and the mitigation of earth fissures is a key issue in the sustainable development of urban land. Structures directly avoiding earth fissures are not conducive to the rational planning and efficient utilization of urban construction. The Su-Xi-Chang area, which consists of the cities of Suzhou, Wuxi, and Changzhou, surrounded by Taihu Lake, has developed bedrock buried-hill earth fissures that are rare in the rest of the country. Existing research results have identified the genesis mechanisms, distribution patterns, and developmental characteristics of this type of fissure. Not only does the slow-variable activity of earth fissures cause direct damage to surface and underground structures, but in addition, when an earthquake occurs, the presence of earth fissures may cause the seismic response of the site to be altered or even strengthened, leading to unknown damage or the possible destruction of structures near the fissures. However, no studies have been conducted to assess the dynamic effects of bedrock-buried-hill earth fissure sites. Therefore, in this research, based on six typical bedrock-buried-hill-type earth fissures in the Su-Xi-Chang area, and in order to accurately reveal the dynamic amplification effect law of the earth fissure sites, systematic spectral analyses and comparisons of the microtremor signals were carried out by using the linear analysis method (Direct Fourier Transform Analysis) and the nonlinear analysis method (Hilbert–Huang Transform). The results show that bedrock-buried-hill-type earth fissures have a significant amplification effect on the dynamic response of the site; the amplification effect of bedrock-buried-hill fissure sites follows the same attenuation pattern, and the furthest range of the dynamic response on the site is about 25 m, beyond which the original seismic fortification level can be maintained; the extreme value of the amplification factor of the two sides of this type of site, as derived from the Fourier and HHT methods, is about double, and the nearest earth fissure region should be considered to have a raised seismic fortification intensity of more than double the original. The Hilbert–Huang transform method has good applicability for processing microtremor data, and nonlinear signal analysis methods can be considered comprehensive for future microtremor signal processing.

Land Grabbing and Development: The Case of Ethiopia

Since African decolonization and independence, foreign land acquisitions for agriculture have surged in Sub-Saharan Africa, notably transforming agricultural production. This “land grabbing” phenomenon is particularly pronounced in the Horn of Africa, especially Ethiopia. This study assesses the impact of land grabbing on Ethiopia’s development, targeting economic, environmental, and quality of life dimensions. Development is viewed as multifaceted, spanning beyond merely economic aspects. The research delves into the land-grabbing phenomenon in Sub-Saharan Africa and Ethiopia, focusing on policy and legal frameworks for large-scale commercial agriculture. It then explores the effects of large-scale land acquisition on Ethiopia’s development in terms of economy, environment, and quality of life. The analysis reveals that land grabbing profoundly affects Ethiopia’s development. Although some economic benefits exist, the negatives like environmental degradation and food insecurity greatly outweigh the positives. Consequently, the study advises prioritizing alternatives and strategies favoring Ethiopia’s economic development and people’s well-being.