Global South Research Articles

Folding Imperfections: Mixed Methods Insight Into the Limits of Curriculum Change for the Trinidad and Tobago Primary School Curriculum Rewrite

We theorize on the limits of curriculum change in countries of the Caribbean and Global South using integrated evidence derived from a qualitatively driven, mixed methods evaluation (MME) of the Primary School Curriculum Rewrite (PCR) in Trinidad and Tobago. We use a folding metaphor and implementation science to explain how an imperfect system might produce a flawed curriculum product that misdirects sensemaking and generates resistance during curriculum change. The formative process evaluation consisted of two complete research projects, with the second qualitative project prioritized. Project 1 was a quantitative survey of 454 teachers in 58 schools. Project 2 was a multiple case study of subjectivities-in-action in 9 schools of varied implementation outcomes. Findings from Project 1 showed mostly acceptable implementation outcomes and small associations between antecedents and outcomes. However, findings from Project 2 suggested that 6 of 9 schools were classified as nonusers, defined as implementing institutions with most teachers still exploring or installing the new curriculum or reverting to the old curriculum. In the thematic, cross-case analysis, participants at the various sites identified curriculum imperfections, inadequate training, and work intensification as core barriers to change. To achieve curriculum change, Caribbean countries such as Trinidad and Tobago will require improved systems for curriculum engineering.

Perspectives on cities of the global south

This article offers a critical assessment of the present state of discourse on cities of global south. It identifies and examines five major themes found in the literature and shows both their cope and limitations, i.e. northern bias in the literature, informality, precarity and social disprity, fractured spatial organization, and inadequacies of planning in those cities. The article argues that there is some convergence in cities of north and south on account of globalization, large scale migration and digital revolution. With the example of Lahore, a mega city of the south, it argues that global south is too braod a category. Cities of global south differ by income levels, culture and social organization. The search for common bases of these cities should be focussed on generalizing by regions, economic conditions and cultural/religious uniformities.

Green spaces provide substantial but unequal urban cooling globally

Climate warming disproportionately impacts countries in the Global South by increasing extreme heat exposure. However, geographic disparities in adaptation capacity are unclear. Here, we assess global inequality in green spaces, which urban residents critically rely on to mitigate outdoor heat stress. We use remote sensing data to quantify daytime cooling by urban greenery in the warm seasons across the ~500 largest cities globally. We show a striking contrast, with Global South cities having ~70% of the cooling capacity of cities in the Global North (2.5 ± 1.0 °C vs. 3.6 ± 1.7 °C). A similar gap occurs for the cooling adaptation benefits received by an average resident in these cities (2.2 ± 0.9 °C vs. 3.4 ± 1.7 °C). This cooling adaptation inequality is due to discrepancies in green space quantity and quality between cities in the Global North and South, shaped by socioeconomic and natural factors. Our analyses further suggest a vast potential for enhancing cooling adaptation while reducing global inequality.

Advancing the science of adverse childhood experiences and resilience: A case for global and ecological perspectives

Research on adverse childhood experiences and resilience (the process of overcoming trauma) has been dominated by studies originating in wealthy democracies of the global north. We call for more global and ecological approaches not only for documenting the true global burden of childhood adversity, but also for advancing the science of resilience and understanding pathways to overcoming trauma. We identify several forms of trauma that need better consideration in prevalence estimates, including state, political, and institutional violence, crisis migration, climate change and related natural disasters, and global health crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. We also need more nuanced analyses of culture and place and to recognize that the global south and global north are not monolithic concepts. We offer illustrative examples of how more global, ecological approaches can enhance our understanding of pathways to overcoming even high dosages of childhood adversity. One of the key insights of ACEs research, the dose-response relationship between trauma burden and outcomes, has been extended to research on resilience. Concepts that capture the total “dose” of positive assets and resources (people's resilience portfolios) are showing how people might overcome even high doses of trauma. This work can become more global by including incorporating strengths and healing processes common in collectivist, versus individualistic, cultures. It can become more ecological by recognizing that physical environments—both natural and human-made built aspects—play key roles in resilience. Recognizing the intersectionality among these elements can take us to the next generation of trauma and resilience science.

Inclusive business and partnerships: Enhancing value creation for producers in the global south

AbstractInclusive businesses (IBs) are promoted to alleviate poverty and contribute to sustainable development at the base of the pyramid (BOP). In the agri‐food sector, there is limited evidence regarding what types of partnerships enhance IBs' value creation potential for low‐income producers. This prevents policymakers from providing effective support to IBs and leveraging their full potential for sustainable development. To understand what types of partnerships are more effective for social value creation, this paper conducts a mixed‐method analysis of 46 cases from Tanzania and Ghana. It finds that transactional partnerships create efficient IB networks that require limited external support. Such IBs, however, generally undertake business‐as‐usual activities. In contrast, IBs adopt more innovative business models when their partners are integrated in decision‐making and strategic planning. Such IBs, however, often require tailored support to resolve their inter‐ and intra‐organizational challenges. This paper suggests practical considerations for designing IB partnerships to maximize impact potential.

Hepcidin: A missing link at the interface of malaria and hypertension

Malaria and hypertension are seemingly unrelated communicable and non-communicable diseases, both highly pervasive in the global south. There is a debate about the potential connection between these two disorders beyond any obvious factors. The emerging evidence suggests an emerging genetic selection pressure for hypertension in malaria-endemic regions. Furthermore, the impact of the liver hormone hepcidin, which has been overlooked, is significant in the development of hypertension due to malaria. Malaria exposure leads to changes in iron metabolism through the regulation of hepcidin, resulting in iron deficiency and, consequently, the development of hypertension.

Urban sprawl, urban form, and urban land use pattern: examining urban planning response to the causes and effects of urban sprawl in Kumasi, Ghana

ABSTRACT Unplanned urbanization continues to threaten the sustainability of cities in the global south. This study seeks to assess the urban planning response to the effects of sprawl on the urban form and land use pattern of Kumasi. The study relied on geospatial techniques to determine changes in land use patterns, landforms, and sprawl. A qualitative research approach was used to examine urban planning response to the causes and effects of urban sprawl in Kumasi. The results of this study show that the higher the urbanization rate, the more the built-up area increases, causing a significant loss of natural assets such as farmlands. In terms of shape, the research showed that the Greater Kumasi Metropolis has shifted from the historically monocentric city structure to a polycentric city. The city currently has multiple centers or subcentres for commercial, cultural, and social activities. In spite of all the threats posed by urban sprawl on the metropolis, there no clear policy intervention put in place to address the adverse effects of sprawl in the Greater Kumasi Metropolis. The researchers recommend that city authorities should adopt the compact city approach to control the high rate of sprawl to promote densification.

Sanitation infrastructure challenges in global south poverty pockets: Towards a multidisciplinary approach to sustainable health—The Jordanian case

Sanitation infrastructure challenges in global south poverty pockets: Towards a multidisciplinary approach to sustainable health—The Jordanian case

“Disempowered by the transition”: Manipulated and coerced agency in displacements induced by accelerated extraction of energy transition minerals in Zimbabwe

The haste to reach the net zero emissions target induces a high demand for energy transition minerals (ETMs) required to produce renewable energy technologies. This demand also translates to “accelerated” extraction of the ETMs exposing communities to displacement risks and associated human rights abuses. In order to acquire access to ETMs deposits, governments and extractive companies are collaboratively displacing communities residing on or close to these deposits through manipulation and coercion. The theme of manipulated and coerced agency is the foci of this manuscript. I show how the “urgency” to decarbonize and fast- tracked ETMs mining interact to induce displacements in absence of due diligence. Urgency by mining companies to extract minerals interacts with weak governance and corruption to induce forced resettlement characterized by manipulation of consent in regions where ETMs are concentrated. This article focuses on the case of Buhera district (south-eastern Zimbabwe) where communities were displaced due to lithium mining activities at the Sabi Star mine (run by a Chinese mining company known as Max Mind) to elucidate how manipulation and coercion were utilized to get people to agree to “unfair” resettlement terms. The resettlement programme was deliberately jumbled to confuse peasants so that they consent to a flawed displacement scheme. In the aftermath, people agreed to hasty removals coupled with unfair compensation resulting in their impoverishment. The Buhera case is an epitome of the political ecologies of energy transitions and displacements prevailing across the global south, that needs to be urgently addressed if we are to achieve a fairer and just energy transition. The article leans on the political ecology arguments to argue its case. Information regarding this case was gathered through listening to publicly available documentaries, extensive literature review, media reports and qualitative interviews. In the discussion and conclusions, important steps to enhance the resettled people's agency and participation in ETMs resettlements are recommended. These steps potentially promote successful resettlements that translate into just and sustainable transitions.

Transforming the rhetoric of Just Energy Transition Partnerships into reality: The devil lies in the details

Urgent political action is required to arrest the rise in global temperature within the 1.5°C target of the Paris Agreement. Rising to this challenge, a series of Just Transition Energy Partnerships (JETPs) was launched between individual Global South and a group of Global North countries since COP 26 in Glasgow. Germany, France, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the European Union (International Partner Group or IPG countries) have established plurilateral partnerships with individual countries like South Africa, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Senegal in each JETP. These partnerships aim to help IPG countries provide long-term support to partner countries in the Global South to disengage from coal and convert to renewables for electricity generation. However, though ’just transitions’ and ’partnerships’ are potent ideas to drive such processes, it is challenging to translate these ideas from political rhetoric to policies. This paper argues that JETPs are treading on a narrow edge with a high chance of re-instantiating some of the criticism of partnerships between Global North and Global South countries that can detrimentally affect the chances of just transition. Based on academic literature on partnerships and just transition, the paper concludes that the devil lies in the details. Formalizing processes that deliver a just and fair energy transition should align with the Global South countries’ social, economic, and political realities.

Exploring the institutional barriers to rural water management in Ghana

ABSTRACT Framed within policy support for bottom-up community water management in development practice in the global south, this paper explores the institutional barriers that impede effective community management of water infrastructure in water-stressed rural communities in the Upper Manya District and Yilo Krobo Municipality in the Eastern region of Ghana. The study adopted a qualitative research approach, using data collection methods such as in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with local government and community water management committees and participant observation across four communities. The findings revealed that irregular and inadequate monitoring, poor financial auditing and transparency, inadequate technical support, and limited community engagement were the institutional barriers confronting sustainable rural water management. The study argues that in community water management, hybrid models are more likely to work better than models that focus entirely on either top-down or bottom-up approaches since the former can strengthen technical capacity, financial accountability, and the experimentation of infrastructure co-design initiatives. The paper concludes that by addressing institutional lapses in Africa's infrastructural management regimes, rural populations can become part of, rather than left behind, in the global quest to ensure water availability and sustainable water management for all.

Innovation, informality and community: between involution and evolution in kampung-based industries in Indonesia

ABSTRACT Business and urban informality coincide in global south cities. However, different things have been claimed for the inventiveness of each. In this paper, we examine the extent and nature of innovation by predominantly informal businesses and the connections of such innovation with the embeddedness of businesses in informal urban neighbourhoods or kampungs. Our findings indicate the widespread but modest innovatory aspirations and actions of informal businesses but also lead us to urge caution regarding urban informality as a context nurturing of business innovation. We thus paint a picture of the coming together of business and urban informality that lies somewhere between Schumpeterian invention, on the one hand, and Geertz’s involution, on the other hand. The ‘betweenity’ of business and urban informality as they intersect in processes of innovation raises a series of theoretical and empirical questions that we outline in our conclusion.

Occurrence, persistence, and removal of contaminants of emerging concern through drinking water treatment processes – A case study in South Africa

The presence of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) in drinking water is a global issue of concern. Evidence galore of the potential impacts of CECs on human health, yet there are no concrete guidelines or regulatory oversight to effectively tackle CECs exposure from drinking water. As a result, CECs concentrations can be well-above the suggested thresholds, particularly in low and middle-income countries (LMICs) due to undeveloped or underdeveloped (waste)water treatment infrastructure and/or substandard treatment practices. Yet, CECs occurrence and particularly their persistence during drinking water treatment is not well-documented in such settings. For this reason, here, the occurrence of 19 CECs was monitored across the different treatment steps (coagulation, sedimentation, sand filtration, and chlorination) of a typical water treatment plant in South Africa using UPLC-MS/MS. The most dominant CEC was, by and large, efavirenz (1103.9 ± 743.1 ng/L in raw water) tracing back to antiretroviral treatment for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and revealing unpleasant realities about the HIV epidemic crisis in Sub-Sahara Africa (Global South) and possible drug abuse for illicit drug (whoonga/nyaope) manufacturing. For the other examined CECs, their concentrations in drinking water were, from higher to lower score: 1,7 dimethylxanthine (403.3 ± 244.2 ng/L) ≥ emtricitabine (358.4 ± 250.8 ng/L) ≥ atrazine (227.0 ± 61.0 ng/L) ≥ caffeine (194.1 ± 216.5 ng/L) ≥ tramadol (189.5 ± 112.4 ng/L) ≥ carbamazepine (122.9 ± 24.5 ng/L) ≥ sulfamethoxazole (107.8 ± 55.1 ng/L) ≥ methaqualone (72.2 ± 20.5 ng/L) ≥ benzotriazole (61.2 ± 18.8 ng/L) ≥ trimethoprim (59.1 ± 30.4 ng/L) ≥ cetirizine (33.7 ± 19.6 ng/L) ≥ codeine (26.7 ± 57.2 ng/L) ≥ naproxen (25.7 ± 11.3 ng/L) ≥ venlafaxine (21.6 ± 16.3 ng/L) ≥ acetaminophen (17.7 ± 25.8 ng/L) ≥ benzoylecgonine (9.6 ± 5.1 ng/L) ≥ methamphetamine (8.6 ± 6.4 ng/L) ≥ diclofenac (5.2 ± 7.9 ng/L). The large standard deviations indicate the high temporal variations in CECs releases in freshwater. The silver lining is that in the final drinking water, CECs concentrations are greatly reduced, with percentage removals in the range of 9 % (diclofenac) to 75 % (efavirenz). Nonetheless, in LMICs tangible limits and regulatory frameworks for the effective removal of CECs from drinking water, along with more robust polishing techniques such as activated carbon treatment, are missing and should be introduced to avoid the worst effects of CECs exposure.

Unorchestrated Symphony: documenta fifteen as a Site of Resistance

documenta fifteen (d15) was held in Kassel, Germany from June to September 2022, and sparked heated media attention and critical discussions before, during, and after the exhibition. With the indigenous curatorial concept of lumbung, the artistic directors, ruangrupa, a Jakarta-based artist collective, brought a new corpus of artists, artist collectives, artistic projects, and cosmologies largely from the global south to d15. Notwithstanding its decentralised curatorial method and rhizomatic exhibition structure, many critiques of d15 continue to take a top-down approach, focusing on its overarching structure, curatorial discourse, the curators’ trajectory, collective methodology, and the context of international mega-exhibitions. With a bottom-up approach and a lumbung community perspective, this essay examines some of the lumbung practices, including but not limited to social gatherings with feasts and festivals, struggles for land and natural resources, and women and queer groups’ practices. The essay argues that, in spite of challenges and limitations, the lumbung community have enabled d15 to become a site of resistance to colonialism, capitalism and patriarchy, a proposition that aligns with the initial vision for d15.

Reframing climate security: The “planetary” as policy context

Much of the discussion under the label of “climate security” focuses on potential conflicts and disruptions in peripheral locations in the global south putatively triggered by climate change. If, however the analysis starts with climate, and the earth system as the point of departure for analysis, then things look very different. The speed and scale of climate disruptions is accelerating. Earth system science suggests that urgent action is needed to deal with climate change; waiting too long may make the issue impossible to address. Framing matters in terms of a planetary condition and focusing on climate rather than national security as the starting point for analysis suggests very different policy priorities. Reframing climate security to grapple with the planetary condition requires policies that first, facilitate adaptation, second work to make sustainable habitats for humanity and third, work to drastically constrain the use of fossil fuels urgently. Here, proposals for fossil fuel non-proliferation treaties and similar measures analogous with earlier arms control agreements. This provides the security sector with a much-needed direct engagement with the causes of climate change and its resultant disruptions while simultaneously reframing climate as a matter of planetary rather than national security. Tackling climate change is a matter of urgency, and failure to so effectively in the short run my derail needed efforts later, simply because the resources to do so are no longer available.

Rethinking the implications of sprawl for sustainable urban development: Insights from the Ejisu Municipality of Ghana between 2003 and 2023

Urban sprawl has been the focus of substantial academic discussion due to its intricate nature. The dominant narrative of this phenomenon, particularly in the global south, points to its adverse implications on cities, despite its positive outcomes. This study contributes to this discourse by examining the positive implications of sprawl — essentially spatial expansion and urban growth — from the perspectives of households and local planning officials within the Ejisu Municipality of Ghana. Employing an explanatory sequential mixed methods design, satellite images were used to assess the nature and spatial extent of Ejisu Municipality between 2003 and 2023. Additionally, 500 households and four relevant agencies were interviewed to discuss the positive implications of sprawl on the area's development and suggest measures to promote sustainable urban sprawl and development. The results showed significant horizontal expansion in the built-up areas over the period - from 34.51 km2 (16.6%) in 2003 to 44.92 km2 (21.61%) in 2013 and 76.46 km2 (36.78%) in 2023 with a projected increase to 100.80 km2 in 2033. Macroeconomic factors, demography, housing preferences, transportation, and regulatory frameworks were reported to influence the nature and extent of sprawl. Sprawl was reported to have resulted in economic diversification and viability, improved quality of life, improved access to public services, affordable housing, and expanded road networks, among others. The study proposes implementing sustainable measures for urban sprawl, and effective land-use planning, coupled with the enforcement of well-designed regulatory frameworks.

Exploring healthcare workers’ perceptions of child health research at Kamuzu Central Hospital, Malawi: an interpretative phenomenological analysis

BackgroundChildren’s health is a global public health priority and a determinant of development and sustainability. Its effective delivery and further improvements require constant and dedicated research on children, especially by child healthcare workers (HCWs). Studies have shown a high involvement of child HCWs from developed countries in child health research, with an under-representation from the global south in authorship and leadership in international collaborations. To our knowledge, there is very little literature on challenges faced by child HCWs in Malawi in conducting child health research. We sought to explore the lived experiences of child HCWs at Kamuzu Central Hospital (KCH) in Malawi by examining their perceptions of child health research and assessing the availability of child health research opportunities.MethodsFrom July 2023 to August 2023, we conducted five key informant interviews with purposively sampled policymakers and 20 in-depth interviews with child HCWs at KCH. The interviews were conducted in English, audio-recorded, and transcribed verbatim. We utilised interpretative phenomenological analysis by reviewing initial transcripts for familiarity, generating codes manually, and refining them into broader themes through comparisons and iterative processes.ResultsThe analysis revealed three main themes on perceptions of child HCWs at KCH in child health research. These are (i) perceived motivation and challenges for engaging in child health research, (ii) perceptions of resource availability and research opportunities at KCH, and (iii) perceptions of gaps in research training and participation among child HCWs.ConclusionsOur study has uncovered critical factors influencing the low participation of child HCWs in child health research at KCH. Lack of collaboration, limited financial opportunities, and non-research-based training were the key barriers to participation in child health research among child HCWs at KCH. We advocate for the inclusion of child HCWs at all stages of collaborative health research, transparency on funding opportunities for child health research, and inclusion of research in the training of HCWs. These initiatives can strengthen the participation of child HCWs in child health research and ultimately enhance child health outcomes in Malawi.

Exposure to Transnational Maritime Crime in the Pacific Islands Region

Although the Pacific Islands are strategically located alongside important trade routes, between the Global North and Global South countries and among plentiful fishing grounds, this region is considered among the lowest risk for land‐based organized crime. Grouped as a uniform region, collectively, the Pacific islands are anything but. The region consists of three ethnogeographic subregions with varying colonial, cultural, and legal legacies. Geographically, the Pacific Island states are remote, with small populations dispersed across many islands, some of which are uninhabited, limiting the ability to adequately surveil and protect this extensive maritime domain, creating porous land and sea borders. These challenges increase the complexity of policing the large exclusive economic zones of the region and therefore increase its vulnerability and potential exposure to various transnational organized crimes on land and at sea. Drawing on Kelling and Wilson’s broken windows theory, this article considers from a theoretical perspective, how international law can be used as a framework to guide Pacific Island states in achieving strengthened, region‐led resilience to transnational maritime crime in the pursuit of maritime justice.

‘Just leader? No, lideresa!’ Experiences of female leaders working in climate change disaster risk reduction and environmental sustainability in the global south

Abstract As environmental disasters disproportionately affect women, international guidelines to address the disparity focus on the inclusion of women in disaster risk reduction programs. While inclusion is a noble pursuit, it may fall short of equitable outcomes and instead lead to tokenization. Drawing on standpoint feminism and intersectionality, the goal of this study was to investigate tensions between inclusion and equity for women working in disaster risk reduction. We interviewed women from Ecuador and Tajikistan and asked them about the ways that gender shapes their experiences working in disaster risk reduction. We found that the women reflect upon themselves as agents with various forms of privilege and disadvantage, based on their multifaceted identities and differing levels of perceived discrimination within their professions. The findings suggest that inclusion, while necessary, can fall short of its promises. We recommend that organizational guidelines make everyone responsible for fostering equitable workplaces for disaster risk reduction.

Covid-19 lockdowns in the global south and the pitfalls of online education in a digitally divided society

The COVID-19 pandemic has had adverse effects on all aspects of social life. The pandemic has not spared the education fraternity with methods of teaching and learning being altered, pushing higher education institutions to adopt online or mediated education. Although online education is regarded as the future of education in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) digital age, the global health pandemic has fast-tracked the pace of digitalisation. The digital divide has highlighted the rapid shift in African societies. In this study, we explored the South African tertiary education landscape using the theory of the digital divide to understand the challenges of implementing full-time online learning among tertiary students. Data for this qualitative study were gathered from a sample of tertiary students at a university of technology from different economic and social backgrounds to find the connections between their situations and their ability to have access to digital learning tools. Semi-structured interviews were employed to extract the perceptions of students regarding online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.