Local Infrastructure Development Research Articles

Human capital of grassroots leaders and vulnerability to poverty: Evidence from rural China

This study examines the impact of the educational level of grassroots leaders on the vulnerability to poverty among villagers in China, using panel data from the National Fixed-Point Survey (NFS) from 2003 to 2015. Our findings indicate that a higher proportion of village cadres with a high school education or above significantly reduces the vulnerability to poverty among rural households in China. We identify two main mechanisms underlying this effect: (1) highly educated village cadres possess greater capabilities in assisting eligible poor households to understand and access government assistance programs, thereby increasing household transfer incomes; and (2) highly educated village cadres can alleviate household vulnerability to poverty by promoting local infrastructure development in the village. These results offer an alternative perspective on targeted poverty alleviation, suggesting that efforts should be directed toward enhancing the human capital level of local grassroots leaders or appointing highly educated leaders in underdeveloped villages.

CLSER: A new indicator for the social-ecological resilience of coastal systems and sustainable management

The coastal system is a highly active and productive social-ecological system (SES) facing significant challenges from human activities. However, understanding the resilience of this complex system is limited due to conflicting effects of local infrastructure development and regional ecosystem degradation with high spatial precision. This study proposes a holistic indicator, coastal landscape social-ecological resilience (CLSER), to evaluate the historical changes in social-ecological resilience in Fujian's coastal zone over the past two decades. The CLSER considers trade-offs between ecosystems, social systems, and production systems, the subsystems with conflicted interests, providing a comprehensive perspective of integrated land and sea planning at a fine spatial resolution. Results reveal spatial variation in CLSER within Fujian's coastal zone, with poorer conditions (i.e., class I and II) in developed urban areas and better conditions (i.e., class IV and V) in vegetated regions. From 2000 to 2010, CLSER experienced a significant decline, primarily driven by coastal habitat degradation due to extensive land reclamation and shoreline solidification. While there was a slight increase in CLSER from 2010 to 2020 due to the improvement of coastal infrastructure, it did not fully compensate for the overall loss in CLSER. Consequently, Fujian's coastal zone exhibits a more fragile social-ecological system under rapid urbanization, with increasing solid shorelines. The proposed indicator effectively reflects the general resilience of a coastal SES to external disturbances and suggests management strategies for promoting sustainable development in the coastal zone.

Analytic Network Process (ANP) Method: Factor Analysis of the Non-Implementation of Municipal Islamic Bonds in Sukuk Potential Areas in Indonesia

This study seeks to examine the factors that have prevented the implementation of municipal Islamic bonds in a region with the potential for sukuk issuance in Indonesia. Previous research has identified regions with the potential to issue municipal Islamic bonds, yet none of these regions have done so thus far. Municipal Islamic bonds have the capacity to address regional budget deficits and finance the development of local infrastructure, thereby reducing the need for debt. Hence, the authors conducted research to identify the factors contributing to the lack of municipal Islamic bond issuance in these potentially sukuk regions in Indonesia. The analytic network process was employed as the methodology to determine the priority scale of causal factors. The findings indicate that two main problems exist, namely internal and external issues. The primary factor identified within the internal problem is human resources, while government regulation emerged as the primary factor within the external problem.

Life cycle assessment of e-waste management system in Australia: Case of waste printed circuit board (PCB)

Electronic waste (e-waste) is one of the fastest-growing waste streams globally. Recycling is one of the environment-friendly waste management strategies that creates a net environmental gain in recovering valuable materials. In some countries, downstream recycling (high-value material recovery) is done overseas, and Australia is one of them. Waste printed circuit board (PCB) is a critical component of various electronic equipment, and it contains metals such as copper, tin, gold, aluminium, iron, silver, and others. Waste PCB, as apart of e-waste is mainly recycled overseas in Australia. However, the overall environmental impacts of recycling the waste stream overseas have yet to be investigated. The benefits of recovering the material in Australia have yet to be extensively understood from a supply chain perspective. This study aims to develop multiple scenarios using lifecycle assessment (LCA) methodology to identify the best possible solution for waste PCB disposal (final sink) derived from e-waste. Using SimaPro and Ecoinvent databases, four scenarios have been developed, along with a baseline scenario where waste PCB is recycled overseas. Receipe 2016 impact assessment methodology was utilized for the analysis, and results of the study showed that Scenario 2 (integrated material and energy recovery) is the best approach for waste PCB recycling in Australia, while landfill and direct incineration were the identified two worst scenarios in terms of final disposal option. When choosing local recycling over overseas recycling of waste PCB (material recovery only), it was found that impact categories such as global warming (human health) and fossil resource scarcity were reduced by 53% and 98%, respectively. In addition, the net positive environmental gain could be achieved for human non-carcinogenic toxicity by 7.16% when the waste stream is recycled in Australia. Uncertainty analysis of the study showed that in almost all major impact categories, material and energy recovery together scored high compared to scenarios when only material recovery was considered. This study is the first systematic attempt to characterize system-level lifecycle environmental impact assessment for waste PCB recycling. Future policies and regulations should focus on data transparency and availability across the value chain, local infrastructure development, and resource circularity. This study will add value to decision-making, policy on investment and future policy planning. It will also help industry and researchers develop optimized recycling-focused low-emission resource recovery supply chains.

Utilizing the Potential of Local Wisdom and Infrastructure Development of Old village of Tiangwangkang, Tembesi Sub-District, Batam City

Indonesia is a country located in Southeast Asia and has more than 17,000 islands in it. One of the provinces in the form of islands is the Riau Archipelago Province which is close to Singapore and Malaysia, so that many tourists also visit the province, such as Batam City. In Batam City there are several tourist objects such as the Batam Botanical Garden, Welcome to Batam, and also Ocarina Park. Apart from tourist attractions in the city center, Batam City also has beach tourism destinations such as Melayu Beach, Melur Beach and many other beaches. Old village can also be an option for tourists to visit because there are many cultural values ​​of local wisdom that are still maintained and preserved in it. One of them is the Old village of Tiangwangkang which is in the Tembesi Village, Sagulung District. old village of Tiangwangkang has the potential to become a tourist village because it has a strategic area, which is close to the beach and also close to the Barelang Bridge. However, there are several problems in the area such as road problems, street lighting, and also several other public facilities to support the accessibility of the community and tourists later. Therefore, it is necessary to develop infrastructure and also arrange it so that the village is worthy of being a tourist village. This research uses a descriptive method as well as a potential analysis to see the potential of this region. Old village of Tiangwangkang has the potential to become a tourist village because it has local wisdom that is still maintained and has beautiful views. However, to become a tourist village that is appropriate and can prosper the local community, it is necessary to develop infrastructure and arrange it so that the old village of Tianwangkang can become a tourist destination that is comfortable and worth visiting.

Insights into Significant Contribution by Local Government toward Community Development in the Bahawalpur Division

This research investigates the role of local government institutions in promoting community development in Bahawalpur division from 2001 to 2018. The provision of municipal amenities is crucial for community growth, and local governments are expected to play a significant role in enhancing social, political, and cultural development. However, financial constraints, lack of education, community participation, and infrastructural development hinder their effective functioning. The study used statistical sampling techniques and analyzed the data using regression, and correlation analysis. The results show a positive trend in the contribution of local government towards community development, with a significant positive relation between the local government budget, community participation, education level, and infrastructure development. The study suggests that local governments should prioritize allocating sufficient budgets for community development programs and encourage community engagement in decision-making processes. Overall, the study highlights the significance of local government institutions in promoting community development in Bahawalpur division.

Forecasting small area populations with long short-term memory networks

Local and state governments depend on small area population forecasts to make important decisions concerning the development of local infrastructure and services. Despite their importance, current methods often produce highly inaccurate forecasts. Recent years have witnessed promising developments in time series forecasting using Machine Learning across a wide range of social and economic variables. However, limited work has been undertaken to investigate the potential application of Machine Learning methods in demography, particularly for small area population forecasting. In this paper we describe the development of two Long-Short Term Memory network architectures for small area populations. We employ the Keras Tuner to select layer unit numbers, vary the window width of input data, and apply a double training and validation regime which supports work with short time series and prioritises later sequence values for forecasts. These methods are transferable and can be applied to other data sets. Retrospective small area population forecasts for Australia were created for the periods 2006–16 and 2011–16. Model performance was evaluated against actual data and two benchmark methods (LIN/EXP and CSP-VSG). We also evaluated the impact of constraining small area population forecasts to an independent national forecast. Forecast accuracy was influenced by jump-off year, constraining, area size, and remoteness. The LIN/EXP model was the best performing method for the 2011-based forecasts whilst deep learning methods performed best for the 2006-based forecasts, including significant improvements in the accuracy of 10 year forecasts. However, benchmark methods were consistently more accurate for more remote areas and for those with populations <5000.

Management of Business Activity of Territorial Communities: Case of Ukraine

The article analyzes challenges and prospects of development of business activity of territorial communities (hereinafter – TC) in terms of decentralization. Particular attention is paid to the extension of the opportunities for entrepreneurs due to the establishment of TC and in the context of implementation of the European Green Deal. The principal powers concerning support of economic development, solving environmental problems and supply of social services on the territory are delegated to the local bodies. It is a positive aspect, but it requires improvement of human resources of the local governmental bodies to secure efficient use of the provided opportunities. The research substantiates directions of business activation in TC, particularly creation of favorable environment for enterprises development at the state level, supply of broader access to financing for small and medium-size enterprises, simplification of tax administrating for small and medium-size enterprises, promotion of business culture and development of business skills and sustainable thinking, support for internationalization and greening of small and medium-size business, improvement of competitive capacity and innovative potential of enterprises. The work suggests a model of efficient management of business activity of territorial communities. The authors define the principal criteria for setting local taxes and charges at the level of community. The research also marks the problems that have a negative impact on business development of TC, particularly, restraints for business running, development of local infrastructure, and employment of population. The article specifies the reasons and factors of the obstacles appearance and proposes the ways for them overcoming.&#x0D;

Distinguishing the impact of tourism development on ecosystem service trade-offs in ecological functional zone

Tourism in ecological functional zones (EFZs) is rapidly becoming an increasing trend; however, its impact on ecosystem services remains poorly understood owing to the absence of a consistent quantification framework. This study uses the Taihang Mountains (THM), an EFZ in China, as an example to develop a framework for evaluating the direct and indirect impact pathways of scenic spots on the trade-offs between multiple ecosystem services by identifying the linkages between scenic spot development, socioeconomic change, land use transitions, and ecosystem services. The results show that the continued conversion of agricultural land, grassland, and forest to constructed land around scenic spots in 2000–2020 was accompanied by a decline in water yield (WY) and habitat quality (HQ); while food production (FP), carbon storage (CS), and soil retention (SR) increased. Land use and ecosystem service changes around scenic spots in the THM also exhibited significant spatial gradient effects. In particular, a 10-km buffer area was identified as a distinct “influence zone” where the ecosystem services trade-offs and land use changes were the most pronounced. In 2010, scenic spot revenue was the dominant factor that increased the trade-offs between SR with FP and CS via direct pathways. However, in 2020, the dominant factor was scenic spot level, which shifted the impact toward the relationship between CS and WY and HQ by intensifying the trade-offs to facilitating synergies. This was accomplished in an indirect manner, such as the facilitation of local population growth, industrial restructuring, and infrastructure development. This study reveals the varying effects of scenic spot development via different pathways, thereby providing useful insights for global EFZs to more precisely design policies that can adequately balance human activities with ecosystem services.

Strategies to Operationalize Health Equity in Island Area Health Departments.

Strategies to Operationalize Health Equity in Island Area Health Departments.

Comparative analysis of tourism indicators for Croatia and selected competitive countries

An increasing number of countries are investing in the development of tourism, thus becoming a key driver of socioeconomic development. The effects of tourism are realized through foreign exchange revenues, job creation, and the development of local and national infrastructure. As an international trade service, inbound tourism has become one of the world's major trade categories. Tourism in Croatia is considered an important investment driver and a generator of growth in the national economy. Addressing and development on a competitive basis are determined by the unfavorable macroeconomic environment and business climate in the country. Today's business world is characterized by accelerated development and competitiveness of companies that must stimulate profitable development, measure value creation and continuously learn from success, because only such companies can succeed. The aim of the paper is to show the economic effects of tourism and show the position of Croatian tourism in relation to competitive countries, in order to confirm the hypothesis that Croatia is a strong competitive country.&#x0D;

The Allocative Efficiency Analysis of Special Allocation Fund for Road Sector in 2015-2019

Indonesia, as an archipelago, requires connectivity infrastructures to ease mobility and equitable development. However, the current condition has not reflected a decent quality of road infrastructure. The road sector's special allocation funds are the main instrument for financing local road infrastructure development following national priorities. Departs from this, the study analyzes the extent to which the allocation for the Road Sector in 2015- 2019 complied with the Allocative Efficiency principles as part of the public expenditure management (PEM) framework. The research uses a postpositivism approach with primary data analysis (in-depth interviews) and secondary data in literature reviews, regulatory reviews, and descriptive statistics. The study concluded that the 2015-2019 allocation was not optimally in line with priority-based allocations, a weak medium-term budgeting perspective, poor consolidation within the local autonomy, and several contradictions among regulations. Even though there are several weaknesses in the practice of implementing allocative efficiency principles, the Government's strong commitment is reflected in the Cabinet Review annually and the planned issuance of the Presidential Instruction of Regional Roads. This study brought practical recommendations highlighting the need to sharpen priority targets and recipients, adopt the medium-term expenditure framework (MTEF), and regulatory harmonization. In addition, it is essential to revamp the structure of regional capital spending and the need to accommodate roads in the Minimum Standards Services.

The effects of the local and regional conditions and inequalities on urban shrinkage: a multilevel analysis focusing on local population decline

ABSTRACT Urban shrinkage is becoming a worldwide issue. However, empirical investigation still lacks an understanding of the spatial extent of the factors that drive local population decline, a prevalent aspect of urban shrinkage. Empirical evidence on multilevel factors relating to population decline is particularly scarce. We investigated the influences by analyzing economic, social, physical, and policy conditions at the local and regional levels. Regional conditions, as well as local conditions, are also related to the decline of the local population. The effect goes beyond economic and demographic conditions; conditions such as the local infrastructure level and development policy also significantly influence.

ПЕРСПЕКТИВИ РОЗВИТКУ ФЕСТИВАЛЬНОГО ТУРИЗМУ В ХМЕЛЬНИЦЬКІЙ ОБЛАСТІ

The aim of the study. To investigate the current state and prospects of the festival tourism development in the Khmelnytskyi region. The development of tourism, particularly festival tourism, is important for the economy of the country and territorial communities, as it ensures the growth of tourist flows and the development of infrastructure. Method. The research uses general scientific research methods, namely, general logical methods: comparison, analysis, synthesis, generalization and analogy. The methods of analysis, synthesis and generalization were used in the study of the cause-and-effect relationship growth of the tourist activity in the region due to the use and preservation of tourist objects, cultural and historical local communities' traditions. Using the method of analogy, the probable positive results of the development of festival tourism in the Khmelnytskyi region were evaluated. Results. Examples of the development of festival tourism in Khmelnytskyi region are demonstrated. The prospects for the development of festival tourism in the Khmelnytskyi region have been determined. The scientific novelty. The scientific novelty of the obtained results lies in the fact that the potential of using festivals in the field of tourism of the Khmelnytskyi region has been determined. The directions for the development of festival tourism in Khmelnytskyi region are described in order to activate domestic tourism and improve the image of the region at the international level. Practical significance. The article provides examples of the festival tourism development in Khmelnytskyi region. The strengths and weaknesses of festival tourism in the region are analyzed. The development of this type of tourism has many positive aspects: popularization of the native region, development of local infrastructure, receipt of funds to the budget, creation of new jobs, attraction of new tourists to other tourist locations. The article argues that the festival tourism development potential of Khmelnytskyi region is very rich and needs development. The obtained scientific results are used in the educational process of future specialists in the direction of training «Tourism», with the educational qualification «Tourism expert, organizer of excursion and animation activities» when teaching the disciplines «Organization of tourist trips», «Professional competences in tourism business», «Organization of tourist activities». The obtained scientific results are used in the educational process of future specialists in the direction of training «Tourism», with the educational qualification «Tourism expert, organizer of excursion and animation activities» when teaching the disciplines «Organization of tourist trips», «Professional competences in tourism business», «Organization of tourist activities». The obtained data can be used for conducting student practices.

State policy in the agricultural sector of Ukraine in the context of demographic changes

Introduction. The agricultural sector has a direct impact on providing Ukraine and the world with grain, oil crops, and food. It is also a source of filling the state budget of Ukraine with currency funds. Taking into account the existing geopolitical circumstances (military aggression of Russia against Ukraine) – it plays an important role in ensuring national and global food security. The state of agricultural development, which has been formed over the past decades, is directly related to the policy pursued by the state in the agrarian sector of the economy. Purpose. The purpose of the article is to generalize the theoretical foundations and practical approaches to solving the problem of employment in the countryside, which existed before and new ones that began to arise as a result of structural reforms of the economy of Ukraine and directly in its agrarian sector. Method (methodology). The following scientific methods of knowledge are used in the article: the method of system analysis, the statistical, abstract-logical method when summarizing the changes that occurred in the number of employed rural population during the structural reforms of the economy in general and the agrarian sector in particular; induction and deduction when justifying the further policy of state regulation with the aim support of the agrarian sector of the economy for the future. Results. The changes that occurred during the transformations of the agrarian sector of the economy are summarized, in particular in the number and structure of the population employed in agriculture, their wages; crisis demographic trends are noted. The priority areas of implementation of state support for the agricultural sector have been determined. Priority measures to ensure the employment of the rural population are proposed and substantiated. It was determined that there is an urgent need to modernize the state regulatory policy in the agrarian sector of the Ukrainian economy. It should include the following components: development of small and medium-sized enterprises in the agricultural sector; development and support of agricultural cooperation; promotion of diversification of employment of the rural population; development and implementation of modernization programs and creation of new jobs; increasing the income level of the rural population; creation of favorable living conditions and reproduction of the labor potential of the rural population; development of local infrastructure.

Directions of the hotel, restaurant and tourist business development under transformation processes

The article is devoted to the study of the hotel, restaurant and tourism business, which is currently in the phase of the beginning of a radically new cycle of development, because under the influence of modern socio-economic transformations, the hospitality industry needs other management levers in order to develop an effective strategy for sustainable development. It is proven that the hotel, restaurant and tourism industry development in Ukraine is a promising direction due to the favorable conditions and rich recreational resources. However, there are still many problems in the field of the legislative framework and the unstable economic and political situation in the country, which inhibits the development of the hotel, restaurant and tourism business. It is necessary to develop and implement into the practice of management special organizational and economic measures of state support for hotel, restaurant and tourist business enterprises. The following measures are to be undertaken: easing taxation, direct subsidies, employment support or payments to workers who have lost their jobs; activation of employment centers for employment, etc. The necessity to reform the organizational approaches to the functioning of the hotel, restaurant and tourism business, which has an opportunity to become one of the leading multiplier factors of national income growth, is proven as well as the necessity to contribute to the employment increase and the local infrastructure development, to raise the standard of living of the population and to act as an effective mechanism for the redistribution of funds between sectors of the economy. It is emphasized that the main issues to be solved remain stabilization and adjustment of the economic and political situation, renewal and improvement of the legislative framework, management of the hotel and restaurant business. It is substantiated that the hotel, restaurant and tourism business can act as a stimulus for sustainable socio-economic regional development, which in turn will increase revenues to the budgets of all levels, contribute to improving the image of regions, create additional jobs, and act as a factor in the activation of inbound and foreign tourism.

Пропозиції до законодавчого забезпечення щодо напрямів просторового розвитку територіальних громад різних видів в Україні

The reform of local self-government in Ukraine has created conditions for the effective operation of all territorial entities related to local development. Its practical implementation is aimed at the use by territorial communities of: various types of their own potential for development, search for opportunities for cooperation, development of local economy and infrastructure, creation of incentives for socioeconomic growth; instruments for long-term and short-term planning, when the general goals defined in the strategy are specified in programs and implemented through projects; conditions for obtaining high-quality services of European level; providing opportunities for the full-fledged life of citizens in their territories. At the present stage of implementation of the decentralization reform in Ukraine, the request for the formation, in accordance with European principles and values of conceptual provisions for determining the directions of spatial development, of territorial communities of various types is more relevant than ever, which, in turn, actualizes and makes promising the need to update the legislative framework regulating these issues. A wide range of developments and the urgent expediency of forming and improving the legislative framework for use in public administration of territorial development (in particular, in the context of overcoming the consequences of military aggression against Ukraine) determines the relevance of further development and implementation in Ukraine of an effective system of regulatory and legal support for the formation of directions of spatial development, its stimulation, development of strategies, solving existing socioeconomic problems, using certain management and development tools, including through the introduction of an expanded and multi-level classification of regions, territorial communities, etc.

Development of Community Infrastructure Based on the Local Resource-Based Approach

Investing in the development and maintenance of local infrastructure is an important task for any community and state. In modern conditions, the search for resources for the development of the community’s infrastructure is of particular relevance, in which the available potential and resources play an important role. LRB approaches optimize the use of local resources, including labor and technology, as well as locally available materials, tools and equipment from local suppliers, throughout the project cycle from planning to implementation and infrastructure maintenance. A community’s infrastructure needs can be huge, and investment often falls short of those needs. To close the investment gap, governments at the national and local levels may decide to allocate more funds to community infrastructure development. Increasing the participation of local people in the planning phase also increases the distribution of public investment in the construction and maintenance of community infrastructure, opens up business opportunities for local entrepreneurs and creates jobs. The LRB approach creates more local employment opportunities, increases market prospects and stimulates the local economy. Additional resources to complement the work can be obtained through partnerships and support from local authorities. The ideas and approaches analyzed in the study show how innovative communities can be used in the development of the infrastructure of territories. They contribute to the creation of a sustainable, efficient and innovative infrastructure that meets the needs of the community. The use of innovative communities in the development of the infrastructure of territories can improve the quality and efficiency of infrastructure projects, stimulate innovation and ensure sustainable and sustainable use of resources. This requires a joint effort from government, business, the public and proactively. These measures can be supplemented by the development of investment programs, the stimulation of scientific research in the field of infrastructure, the holding of competitions and grants for innovative projects, as well as the formation of a network of exchange of experience and training programs for improving the qualifications of specialists.

A review on the success factors of crowdfunding-based to finance small-scale infrastructure projects

Public-Private Partnership (PPP) schemes in delivering economic and social infrastructure are growing in developing countries worldwide. Various developing countries, including Indonesia, has also been preparing and developing numerous projects, ranging from larger-scale economic infrastructures that include toll roads to multifunction satellites and smaller-scale social infrastructures that include water supply, solid-waste management, and regional hospital projects. With the increasing numbers of smaller infrastructure projects proposed by the local government, attracting financers to invest in these projects is still a challenge the government faces. Financial institutions are still averse to making the appraisal and due diligence to such projects, owing to the nature of little historical evidence of private finance involvement in small-scale infrastructure finance. In some western countries, citizens have taken the initiative to forward and finance their local infrastructure development due to realizing the social, economic, and environmental benefits of civic projects for the local community. Theoretical research has shown the opportunity of utilizing crowdfunding for local urban infrastructure; however, the factors contributing to benefit from this finance method are yet to be identified. This paper seeks to answer questions on what success factors contribute to the opportunity to adapt the crowdfunding scheme to finance a smaller-scale urban infrastructure project by conducting qualitative literature review.

The Role of Stakeholders in Sustainable Tourism using Mactor Analysis: Evidence from Kragilan's Top Selfie, Magelang, Indonesia

Sustainable tourism development has to pay attention to social, economic, and environmental factors, which is essential in supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The key actors' involvement in tourism development determines its success. This study aims to analyze the strength and convergence between stakeholders or actors who play a role and are involved in the development of Top-Selfie in Kragilan, Magelang, Indonesia, especially from the strategic issues of Increasing Income, Expanding Employment, Increasing Tourists, Poverty Reduction, and Maintaining Local Wisdom, Infrastructure Development, and Pine Forest Conservation. In-depth interviews were conducted with seven important actors, namely (1) The Youth, Sports, and Tourism Office, and (2) the Mount. Merbabu National Park, (3) the village government, (4) the Tourism Awareness Group, (5) Visitors, (6) Local Communities, and (7) Business Actors. The result is the Youth, Sports, and Tourism Offices, Mount. Merbabu National Park and tourism awareness groups are the main actors in developing sustainable tourism in Kragilan's Top Selfie.