Enhance Community Development Research Articles

WOMEN ENTREPRENEURIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS ENCOURAGING GOALS ATTAINMENT IN THE SOCIETY

The main drivers of women's entrepreneurship span from entrepreneurial framework conditions, socio-cultural influences, gender-specific challenges, and economic contributions to innovation and sustainability. This paper examines the effects of the above elements on growth, resilience, and sustainability in women-owned enterprises through a thematic analysis of empirical studies that investigate how these different aspects have influenced the development of women-owned enterprises. Some findings also show that women entrepreneurs face specific obstacles in establishing and sustaining enterprises, scaled by constraints in accessing finance, induced biases by gender conditions, and inadequacy in managerial training. However, supportive socio-cultural dynamics, the adoption of digital technologies, and targeted policy frameworks have been imperative to foster entrepreneurial success. This study takes cognizance of the role played by women entrepreneurs from an economic and social perspective. This role was targeted to reduce poverty and enhance community development to strategically achieve both Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 1-(Poverty Reduction) and SDG 8-(Economic Growth). The theoretical framework for the study is ‘social feminist theory’, which postulates that patriarchal structures in society are one of the avenues for unequal distribution of resources, power, and decision-making, thus shaping the female gender's actions in entrepreneurship. The policy recommendations for this study include identifying enhanced financial access, and digital transformation among others.

Perceptions of Local and Traditional Government Leaders for Enhancing Community Development

Purpose: There are two key governance forms in Ghana, specifically traditional governance and democratic governance. Accelerating development in the local communities requires effective collaboration and the fusion of the two governances divide to harness the unique capabilities and opportunities embedded within each paradigm. The perceptions hold by local and traditional leaders about each other is fundamental to collaborative efforts. Such perceptions speak to the psychosocial, convictional and behaviour of local leaders. Methodology: This study through a field survey samples the views of two leadership divide about each other in terms of their ability to drive positive change in the community to drive accelerated community development. The study was conducted among three select districts specifically, the Accra Metropolis, Kumasi Metropolis and the Tamale Metropolis using key informant interviews, and focus group discussions to gather the data. The data was analysed using thematic analysis. Findings: The findings of the study indicated that there are shared perceptions of strengths of both systems of governance for developing local communities. The traditional leaders are seen to be strong on cultural legitimacy, moral authority, communication competence, and historical knowledge, all of which helps in social mobilization within the local communities. The local government leaders were found to exercise strength in the areas of access to money and resources, legal authority, and enforcement authority. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: We conclude that there are opportunities to harness each of these strengths such that a successful fusion of local and traditional systems of government will lead transformative leadership for sustainable local development.

VRIO Analysis in Developing Branding Strategies for Egg-Based Food Products as Souvenirs from Blitar – Local Perspective

Blitar is rich in tourism potential. The local economy stands to benefit significantly from tourism, creating job opportunities and enhancing community development. Blitar's position as a major egg producer offers unique opportunities for developing egg-based souvenirs. However, challenges include identifying appealing products and effective branding strategy is required to enhance the marketability of these products, fostering economic growth and tourism in the region. This study utilizes a mixed-method approach to explore consumer perceptions of egg-based processed products in Blitar, combining quantitative surveys with qualitative interviews of business actors. A survey of 61 respondents gathered measurable data on consumer preferences and factors influencing purchasing decisions. In-depth interviews provided insights into marketing strategies and challenges faced by producers. The study employs descriptive statistics and VRIO analysis to develop effective branding strategies for promoting processed egg products as signature souvenirs from. The analysis reveals that respondents indicating higher interest in egg-based products as souvenirs from Blitar as food significantly influences their choice of tourist destinations, with a strong preference for local ingredients. However, awareness of Blitar’s egg production potential is low, leading to limited appeal for egg-based products. The VRIO analysis shows organizational weaknesses hinder competitive advantage despite valuable product features. Effective branding strategies tailored to consumer expectations are crucial for market success. Enhancing product awareness and education through organized action can further strengthen the appeal of these culinary offerings in tourism.

Engendering Rural Tourism as a Viable Strategy for Poverty Alleviation and Rural Development in the Southern Tourist Circuit of Tanzania

This article employs a systematic literature review to present the need to innovate and engender rural tourism as a viable strategy for poverty alleviation in the Southern Tourism Circuit of Tanzania—one of the regions with many rural tourist opportunities that are unexplored and yet to be utilized to transform local peoples’ livelihoods. The study explores why the circuit is underdeveloped in terms of rural tourism as compared to other tourist circuits and maps the existing rural tourism opportunities in the region. The impacts of colonial legacy, limited financial capability, policy issues and poor infrastructure are the main factors for the under-exploitation of tourist resources in the southern circuit. Rural tourism assets such as natural, cultural, agritourism/farm-based, and culinary assets in this circuit still need to be utilized. Innovation and utilization of these rural tourism opportunities could be one of the appropriate strategies to improve residents’ livelihoods. Rural tourism could help to boost individual economies and government revenues and enhance community development. The study highlights the importance of effective collaboration among stakeholders and multisector linkage while putting the local community at the core of rural tourism.

The politics of ward committees in enhancing community development through democratic participation in the perspective of structuration

Abstract The paper aims to explore the politics of ward committees in enhancing community development through participation. In post-1994 South Africa, ward committees are perceived as one of the key structures that are constitutionally required to be established to enhance community development through democratic participation. These structures are envisioned as playing a critical role in ensuring a contact between local people at the grass-roots level and their local authorities. Despite the conspicuous successes of establishing the ward committees at the municipal level, their effectiveness in executing their constitutional mandate remains an issue. This is because such structures have been ‘caught up’ in ambiguous political contestations at the local level. Hence, these structures are perceived as ‘watchdogs’ and an extension of the dominant party from the ward level to the municipality level. This negatively affects their ability to progressively realize their constitutional mandate. This paper adopts a secondary research approach to explore the politics of ward committees in enhancing community development. Gidden’s theory of structuration is employed as a theoretical lens to interpret the findings. Based on this theory, the paper highlights that ward committees are ineffective in promoting community development through democratic participation because of the environment within which they operate. Thus, the environment where these structures operate is characterized by power dynamics, and intra- and inter-political fighting, which provide a context within which they can operate. The paper concludes by recommending that the government should consider professionalizing ward committees to enhance their effectiveness in the complex environment within which they operate.

Empowering Rural Transformation: Assessing the Impact of MPLADS Funds Utilisation on SAGY Initiatives in Chandigarh's Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana Village

This study evaluates the impact of Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) funds utilization on Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana (SAGY) initiatives in Chandigarh's Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana village. Utilising quantitative analysis, the research examines the distribution and allocation patterns of MPLADS funds across various project categories within the SAGY framework. Data obtained from the MPLADS office include project names, categories, expenditures, and work numbers for projects executed during Phase-I of SAGY. Findings reveal significant investment across sectors such as healthcare, sanitation, infrastructure, and livelihood enhancement. The study underscores the importance of continuous monitoring and evaluation to optimise resource allocation and enhance community development outcomes.

Strategic planning is a tool for developing the reality of the Faculties of Arts and aligning with the labor market

Strategic planning is considered a vital tool for the development of Arts Colleges in Iraq, as it helps to establish a clear and measurable vision and objectives that align with the colleges’ mission and future aspirations aimed at improving the quality of education and institutional development. This is achieved through analyzing the external and internal environment, such as evaluating infrastructure, teaching and learning resources, and the needs of students and the surrounding community. Strategic planning can identify opportunities and challenges faced by the colleges and develop strategies to deal with them. The importance of planning lies in the institution’s ability to align its educational outputs with the requirements of the job market and anticipate the skills and knowledge required from graduates. Colleges can develop educational programs that suit market needs and various sectors. These are implemented continuously with performance monitoring, evaluation, and adjustment as needed. This includes implementing development programs for faculty members and providing the necessary resources to improve the quality of education and scientific research. Strategic planning also encourages continuous communication with employers and relevant entities to ensure curriculum updates and effectively meet needs, increasing graduates’ employment opportunities and enhancing community development. The study concludes that strategic planning is an essential tool for the development of Arts Colleges in Iraq, as it helps direct efforts towards achieving educational and developmental goals that meet the needs of society and the job market effectively and sustainably.

Assessment of the UNDP’s humanitarian assistance programme on community development in Lagos State, Nigeria

The study appraised the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)’s intervention programmes on community development in Lagos State. Multiple regression analysis, using ordinary least square (OLS) techniques of data analysis will be used to test Hypotheses. OLS techniques of data analysis constitute inferential statistics. The hypotheses will be tested at 5% (percent) level of significance. Finding suggests that UNDP’s humanitarian assistance programme does not significantly enhance community development in the selected communities in Lagos state. The study also revealed that UNDP’s empowerment programme does not significantly enhance community development in the selected communities of Lagos State. The findings of this study highlight the non-positive impact of UNDP programmes on community development in selected communities in Lagos State. Building upon these insights, the following comprehensive recommendations are provided for consideration by UNDP development Partner. UNDP, in collaboration with relevant governmental and non-governmental agencies, should reinforce humanitarian assistance programs. Emphasis should be placed on the development of long-term strategies that address the root causes of socio-economic challenges, ensuring sustained positive impacts on community development. UNDP's women empowerment programmes should be expanded and tailored to address specific challenges faced by women in the selected communities. Efforts should include capacity-building initiatives, promoting entrepreneurship, and fostering gender equality to empower women as key contributors to community development.

Social media and women mobilization for community development

The study explored the potential of social media for women mobilization to attain community development. Social media has become a very powerful platform that informs and educates its users. Community development is the advancement and progress of a particular community. Women play a vital role in community development. The study seeks to know the effects of social media in mobilizing women as well as examining how social media can help in women empowerment for community development. For the purpose of this study, the Diffusion of Innovation theory was employed to further expatiate the impact of social media for community development. Conclusively, it can be seen as though social media is very essential in mobilizing women for community development. Social media plays a vital role in enhancing community development. However, government should support programs that empower women. It is recommended that Development Agencies and State Ministry of Women Affairs should increase advocacy visits to women in the communities.

Social Media and Women Mobilization for Community Development

The study explored the potential of social media for women mobilization to attain community development. Social media has become a very powerful platform that informs and educates its users. Community development is the advancement and progress of a particular community. Women play a vital role in community development. The study seeks to know the effects of social media in mobilizing women as well as examining how social media can help in women empowerment for community development. For the purpose of this study, the Diffusion of Innovation theory was employed to further expatiate the impact of social media for community development. Conclusively, it can be seen as though social media is very essential in mobilizing women for community development. Social media plays a vital role in enhancing community development. However, government should support programs that empower women. It is recommended that Development Agencies and State Ministry of Women Affairs should increase advocacy visits to women in the communities.

Urban Well-Being and Community Development: Investigating the Relationship Between Built Environments, Social Networks, and Quality of Life

This research investigates the dynamic interplay between the built environment, social networks, and quality of life in Bandung City's urban context, with a focus on urban community wellbeing and community development. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study combines quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to comprehensively explore the relationships among these factors. The findings highlight the significance of access to green spaces, transportation options, and housing quality in influencing residents' quality of life. Moreover, strong social networks emerged as a crucial catalyst for community development, fostering a sense of belonging and social support. Integrating quantitative and qualitative insights, this research provides a nuanced understanding of how the built environment and social networks intersect to shape urban community wellbeing and enhance community development. The implications of this study extend to urban planning, policy development, and community engagement strategies, guiding efforts to create more livable and inclusive urban environments in Bandung City.

Enhancing community development management and the management of social and environmental impacts to get social license to operate in the mining industry: A Peruvian case study

AbstractThis research aims to determine the type of strategy used by mining companies according to the degree of community development management and social and environmental impact management. For this purpose, a qualitative study has been carried out using the methodology of case studies of mining companies in Peru, for which written and virtual reports and audiovisual material have been analyzed. The results show a framework whose main axes are community development management and social and environmental impact management. In addition, it is shown four types of community relations strategies: shared value strategy, compensatory strategy, business‐oriented strategy, and compliance strategy.

Social Entrepreneurship as Panacea for Sustainable Community Development

This paper examines social entrepreneurship as a way of attaining sustainable community development. It specifically examines the practice of social entrepreneurship and how the idea gained popularity in recent discourse, as well as the focus of the idea as the use of business ventures in addressing social problems, promoting economic growth and enhancing community development. The paper adopted a conceptual review method to reveal that social entrepreneurship is a hybrid approach that emerge to transform communities with deliberate thoughts of social responsibility and has the potential of addressing social, economic and environmental challenges of communities including poverty, climate change, unemployment, education, healthcare, and security among others. Sustainable development requires a sustained social entrepreneurship that presents a holistic approach to community’s growth and development. Social entrepreneurship is therefore a veritable tool for sustainable community development which every nation must aspire to promote, encourage and establish policies capable of enhancing it. Keywords: Community Development, Social Change, Social Entrepreneurship, Sustainability

The relationship between creative developments and place: a position paper

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore and clarify the relationship between creative developments and the concepts of place and placemaking. Design/methodology/approach This paper systematically reviews scholarly literature on the relationship between creative developments and the concepts of place, and critically analyzes the extent to which creative developments acknowledge different aspects of place. Findings The findings demonstrate that the relationship between creative development and place is multifaceted, and combines physical, cultural and social aspects of place. However, the literature also calls for the greater valuation of particular facets of place, including the daily experiences of communities and local cultural producers, alongside symbolic and imagined aspects of place, all of which inform either positive or negative perceptions of urban form. In addition, the authors argue that the cultural value of the creative industries needs to be better acknowledged in creative developments, implying support for a range of cultural practitioners. Research limitations/implications The authors argue that embracing a more holistic understanding of place in creative development has the potential to minimize the negative impacts sometimes associated with such developments (like gentrification and social displacement) while generating greater social and cultural benefits to people and place. The study findings raise questions that frame a critical research agenda for creative-led developments and creative placemaking in this context. Originality/value By examining the broader relationship between creative developments and place and identifying areas neglected by researchers, this research contributes to an articulation of “creative placemaking” that moves creative city policy toward enhancing community development.

A structural equation model of community development organizations (CDO)' capacity and collaborations to increase community satisfaction.

This study examines a structural equation model among community development organizational capacity, collaborations, and community satisfaction to develop a comprehensive model of community satisfaction in rural community development projects in South Korea. The model was tested on a sample of 592 participants in the rural community development project for enhancing community development in South Korea, using confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling. The findings suggest that the planning capacity of CDOs and community collaboration are significant determinants that influence community satisfaction. The leadership capacity, planning capacity, and administrative support capacity of CDOs can facilitate community collaboration. But leadership and planning capacity did not significantly affect community satisfaction. Practical and policy implications are included in the conclusion.

Social Enterprises as Drivers of Community Development in South Africa: The Case of Buffalo City Municipality

In many societies of the world, accumulation of material wealth through profit-orientated investments does not necessarily advance constructive social and community transformation. Recognising this development gap has led to an emergence of innovative approaches that enable entrepreneurs to create and facilitate wealth sharing in communities. Community development is an important component of social work practice that attempts to deal with diverse social challenges. Indeed, this makes continuous research on emerging practices to enhance community development extremely important. Through a qualitative case study research design, I investigated the ways in which social enterprises contribute to community development in South Africa. Twelve participants were sampled and interviewed. The study revealed that the principles and operations of social enterprises facilitate and enhance community development in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality. This is because they embrace social investment to redress social development deficits by providing alternative and innovative services. The social enterprises also empower and capacitate vulnerable groups such as women and youths to promote socio-economic emancipation. Through these facilitative operations, jobs are created, inequality is reduced, and inclusion and participation in the communities are effectuated. These findings indicate the crucial role played by social enterprises when dealing with social challenges related to poverty, unemployment, inequality and participation in economic prosperity of the community. Social work practitioners can therefore draw lessons from the operations of social enterprise to design socio-economic programmes for sustainable interventions in rural communities.

Strategies for enhancing community development: A case of Anglican development services in Kenya

This research sought to investigate the strategies employed by ADS in enhancing Community Development (CD) in Kenya. The study targeted four Anglican Development Services (ADS) regions in Kenya, namely, Pwani, Eastern, Mount Kenya East and NAIKA (Nairobi, Kajiado and All Saints). A sample of 330 respondents drawn from a target population of 1,827 was acquired through a Descriptive Research design. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26. Quantitative data were analysed using frequencies and percentages, while thematic analysis was done on qualitative data. The findings illustrated that there were well-founded strategies for enhancing CD in Kenya employed by the ADS. In this regard, the ADS use strategies that are implementable on the ground to improve the sustainability of CD within targeted areas. The main strategies employed by the four ADS regions in enhancing CD in Kenya include mobilising for food production and security in the community, partnership and networking for community capacity building, promotion of health care, training and mobilising farmers to form groups to promote Agri-business by Farming God’s. These findings illustrated that the ADS has an array of strategies for enhancing CD in Kenya. It is recommended that for the effectiveness of ADS strategies, the target recipients should be expanded through a conscientisation process, biblical and theological interventions and a participatory transformation approach, with the most vulnerable members of the community receiving priority.

Towards Smart Inclusive Cities

Cities are rethinking the urban future, following a smart city view towards urban development to drive inclusive urban growth and improve the quality of life, shaping the city as an inclusive community and engine of sustainable growth. A smart city helps shape the city of the future, using the potential of information technology to serve both economic and social life, and transform the urban community in a significant way. Inclusive cities protect the value of a city, thus enhancing community development. Smart inclusive cities help support sustainable urban development, strengthening collaborative and open frameworks within urban communities. Currently, several European cities are selecting a smart city vision to develop the city as an open, innovation-led, socially inclusive community. As smart communities, cities of tomorrow employ information and communication technology (ICT) to drive sustainable, open and inclusive urban growth and innovation, improving the quality of life, strengthening smartness as an ability to develop the city as smart inclusive community. Cities are shaping a smart pathway and building an open and inclusive environment for smart urban community development. The study aims to identify the pathway that cities are following to drive the city as smart, sustainable and inclusive urban community. In the study, exploratory case studies drawn from smart city urban planning are duly discussed concerning three cities that are designing a smart future and thus rethinking a smart inclusive urban development. The three European cities of Wien, Paris and Florence, which are planning a smart urban future, to shape inclusive and open innovative urban communities, are hereby discussed.

Implementation, benefits, and challenges of the community development program of a Non-Government Organization in Negros Occidental

The study used descriptive and comparative research approaches to assess the extent of implementation of the community development program of a non-government organization (NGO) in Negros Occidental in the areas of education, health and social care, livelihood, and environment. Using stratified random sampling, 227 beneficiaries from the community and 12 implementers participated in the study. The data were gathered using the researcher-made instrument subjected to validity and reliability testing. Mean, standard deviation, and Mann Whitey U-test were used to analyze the data. The findings of the study revealed that the community development program was implemented to a high extent when taken as a whole and when grouped according to the designation of assessors in the areas of education, health and social care, livelihood, and moderate in the environment. There is a significant difference in the extent of implementation of the community development program in the areas of education and livelihood when the assessors are grouped according to the designation. Moreover, there is no significant difference in the extent of implementation of the community development program in the areas of health and social care and the environment when the assessors are grouped according to the designation. The study also identified several benefits, challenges, and recommendations. The results of the study led to enhanced community development implementation strategies to be presented to the BOM and beneficiaries.

Determinants of Livelihood Diversification: The Case of Community-Based Ecotourism in Oaxaca, Mexico

Diversification is a livelihood strategy that households use to survive and to absorb disturbances. Community-based ecotourism (CBE) is part of a set of sustainable options that are available to households for diversification. This paper analyses households’ capital assets that increase the probability of a family becoming involved in a CBE compared to other forms of diversification, and empirical evidence is presented for coastal communities located in Oaxaca, Mexico. Based on household surveys and a multinomial logit econometric model, the results show that the probability that a household decides to become involved in CBE increases for households with young people and those that have their basic needs covered by government programs or small agricultural production. Other forms of diversification are positively related to agreements within the community, woodfire use, and the presence of irrigated lands. Thus, CBE is determined by specific assets mentioned previously compared to other forms of diversification. Particularly, to promote CBE, tourism policies need to consider households’ human, social, natural, and financial capital assets and the associated programs in an integrated way to enhance community development.