Sustainable Development Goals Research Articles

Corporate social responsibility and sustainable development goals in higher education: a literature review from 2014 to 2023

Purpose Corporate social responsibility (CSR) and the sustainable development goals (SDGs) have multiple interactions with higher education institutions (HEIs), and CSR strategies present a remarkable importance for companies and society, being necessary for universities to provide teaching and research within this topic. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the practical implications of the implementation of sustainability concepts in HEIs and, by extension, in society. Design/methodology/approach A sample formed by papers obtained from WoS (Web of Science) and Scopus databases was used (34 papers from WoS and 30 papers from Scopus). Both bibliometric and content analysis were performed to better understand the main characteristics of the sample, such as the most prolific countries and universities, as well as the main practical implications of each of the 64 papers analyzed. Findings The findings show the state of the art of the literature about sustainability and responsible management education published between 2014 and 2023. This paper also reports results like the most prolific authors and universities, the most cited papers and authors and the yearly production of papers, among other data. Implementing CSR and sustainability courses in HEIs curricula has a plurality of practical implications for businesses, the academic institutions and for society. Research limitations/implications The sample is limited because it is formed of papers written in English only, and that affects the productivity figures of both Spanish and Latin American universities. Having used a single piece of software for bibliometric analysis also limits the scope and depth of the results. Practical implications By analyzing a sample of 64 papers with different practical implications, this paper offers important data and practical ideas for HEIs to implement sustainability and responsible management education in their curricula, as well as of University Social Responsibility (USR) practices implementation. The paper also offers some insight into practical experiences with sustainability education for both undergraduate and graduate students, as well as advice for policymakers. Originality/value The paper’s originality and value are trifold: First, it links CSR and the SDGs with HEIs. Second, it combines a bibliometric analysis with a content analysis, creating added value for the research. And third, this paper studies the effect of the impact of CSR both in HEIs and in society.

Advancements in Drug Analysis through Nanoscale Sensors: A Study on Production, Design and Applications of Nanosensors and Nano-Biosensors

The aim of this study is to fully explore and elucidate the ways in which nanosensor technology has transformed drug analysis, emphasizing both its benefits over traditional techniques and its potential to help fulfill the (SDGs) Sustainable Development Goals. The purpose of this study is to fill in the gap in the current literature on the analysis of drugs, which mostly concentrates on traditional techniques. By addressing the drawbacks of conventional approaches, such as their high procedural complexity and low sensitivity, nanosensors provide an innovative approach for drug analysis. This paper examines the benefits of drug analysis using Nanobiosensors, such as their increased sensitivity, quick detection, and possibility for downsizing. Nanosensor-assisted drug analysis can help achieve SDG 12 by lowering the requirement for resource-intensive conventional procedures and SDG 3 by enabling quick, accurate disease diagnosis and treatment. With continuing development, nanosensor technology has the potential to completely change the pharmaceutical analysis field, spurring innovation and enhancing patient outcomes all around the world. Overall, this study emphasizes the importance of drug analysis using Nanosensors/Nanobiosensor and how they can revolutionize the area, resulting in better healthcare results and sustainable development.

Analysis of sustainable development goals in university foundational documents

Purpose Higher education institutions play a pivotal role in addressing global challenges and cultivating responsible, sustainable practices among future leaders and professionals. However, some institutions emphasize actions without fully integrating the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into their foundational documents. This study aims to actively examine the extent to which universities in both developed and developing countries incorporate SDGs into their foundational documents. The investigation assesses the presence and articulation of SDGs, representing a crucial step toward fostering a culture of sustainability within universities. This is essential for promoting environmentally responsible behavior, ethical leadership and social awareness among students and young scientists, benefiting both society and the planet. Design/methodology/approach The authors employed a descriptive-comparative research design, conducting content analysis to ascertain the integration of SDGs within foundational documents of universities in both developed and developing countries. The authors selected academic documents from 12 countries and established keywords for each SDG to identify references. Statistical analyses, which included frequency tables, along with qualitative analysis, highlighted the similarities and differences among the documents. Findings The analysis of universities’ foundational documents revealed significant insights into the integration of the SDGs. Notably, SDG 4 (Quality Education) emerged as the most frequently mentioned goal, appearing in a substantial 66.7% of the documents, while SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) followed closely at 50.8%. In contrast, SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) received minimal attention and were notably missing in the documents. Furthermore, the research highlighted varying degrees of SDG integration in different types of documents, with strategic plans exhibiting a presence rate of 28%, while codes of ethics lagged behind at 11.3%. Qualitative analysis further revealed an intriguing dichotomy: universities in developed countries provided detailed insights into their SDG initiatives, while those in developing countries mentioned the goals without delving into specific actions. Originality/value These findings underscore the imperative for a more consistent and robust commitment to sustainability and ethical leadership within higher education institutions. This is particularly crucial for universities in developing nations, as it fosters environmentally responsible behavior and social awareness among students, faculty, staff and university leaders, benefiting both society and the planet.

Beyond pink ribbons: The unmet needs of women with breast cancer.

Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer worldwide. The treatment options for breast cancer can cause side effects and adversely impact quality of life. Side effects, including fatigue, pain, cognitive changes, and psychosocial complications, can be life altering and continue beyond treatment into survivorship. Traditionally, health professionals focused almost entirely on achieving cancer survival; however, due to significant success in cancer treatment outcomes, most women now live beyond their breast cancer treatment. Consequently, addressing side effects and compromises in quality of life are becoming more important issues to include in a comprehensive approach to breast cancer treatment. For women, these unmet needs may involve body image concerns, sexual dysfunction, and other lifestyle challenges, and may not have previously been given sufficient recognition or priority. It is necessary for us, as oncology healthcare professionals, to modify our delivery of cancer care and ensure that more comprehensive care is provided to women. By addressing women's unmet needs, we can contribute to achieving the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals regarding improving health and equality. This commentary seeks to emphasise the advantages of providing comprehensive care for women with breast cancer and advocates for cancer care professionals to actively participate in initiating and implementing this care.

Unleashing green innovation: navigating the path with green inclusive leadership, green knowledge management and internal CSR communication

Purpose Drawing upon the natural resource-based view (NRBV), organizational learning (OL) and contingency theories, this paper aims to develop and test a theoretical framework that examines the impact of green inclusive leadership on green innovation in business-to-business (B2B) context. This framework further examines the simple and serial mediation of green knowledge acquisition and sharing and the moderation of internal corporate social responsibility(CSR) communication. Design/methodology/approach Using survey questionnaires, authors collected multiwave data from 215 middle managers from different manufacturing and production organizations operating in Pakistan. The hypotheses were inspected using the PROCESS macro. Findings According to the findings, green inclusive leadership and green innovation are positively associated, and green knowledge acquisition and green knowledge sharing are efficient serial mediators of this relationship. Furthermore, the results suggest that internal CSR communication moderates the serial mediation such that the indirect relationship between green inclusive leadership and green innovation was stronger at high levels of internal CSR communication rather than at lower levels. Practical implications This research offers implications for manufacturing industry leaders and policymakers. Green inclusive leadership nurtures green knowledge dynamics, making it vital for achieving United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and promoting ecological stewardship. Investing in green knowledge processes and transparent internal CSR communication can enhance sustainable innovation and align with broader sustainability goals in organizations predominantly operating under the B2B model. Originality/value By merging NRBV, OL and contingency theories and drawing links across different genres of literature, this study provides unique insight into leadership, knowledge management, corporate communication, sustainability and CSR and innovation in the B2B sector.

Can the co-creation of local food products be a key factor in rural development?

PurposeThis study aims to comprehensively explore the behaviour of potential consumers in terms of their perception of how local agri-food co-creation activities in rural areas influence the perceived quality of agri-food products and the perceived value of the sustainable development goals (SDGs) in rural areas. To do so, it is important to start by answering the research question: Are consumers interested in the co-creation of agri-food products in rural areas?Design/methodology/approachThe methodology consists of two phases, one qualitative and one quantitative. The first phase includes four interviews with experts on gastronomy, rural tourism and services in rural areas and two focus groups with consumers involved in the research topic. In the quantitative phase, a representative sample of almost 700 people in Spain was obtained.FindingsThe first result shows a high level of interest in participating in co-creation activities with agri-food products in rural areas. Other research results suggest that the social integration of consumers with the local community through co-creation activities could improve the appreciation and market position of local foods, as well as their perceived beneficial effect on sustainable development goals. The results also demonstrate how the perceived value of co-creation activities has a positive impact on the intention to undertake and recommend such activities.Originality/valueThis study highlights the importance of co-creation in rural areas, in line with the SDGs and consumer preferences for locally produced sustainable food. Involving consumers in the production process allows small producers to stand out, fostering innovation and rural development. The results show consumers' interest in co-creation, motivated by altruism and the desire to preserve local heritage. The study highlights the indirect impact of co-creation on rural development, emphasising the perceived value and engagement of consumers. Ultimately, it suggests promoting sustainable rural economies through collaborative efforts between producers, consumers and local stakeholders.

The Ecological Concept of "Unity of Heaven and Man, Coexistence of All Things": Its Rich Connotations, Contemporary Value, and Practical Pathways

The ancient Chinese ecological concept of "Unity of Heaven and Man, Coexistence of All Things" emphasizes the harmonious coexistence of humans and nature, serving as a fundamental perspective in Chinese culture for understanding the world. This concept embodies deep ecological values and provides valuable ideological resources and practical directions for modern ecological civilization construction and sustainable development goals. This paper first traces the historical context of the concept and expounds on its ideological connotations; then, it analyzes the value of this concept in contemporary society, particularly in areas such as environmental protection and the green economy; finally, it proposes a series of practical pathways, such as policy development, technological innovation, and public education, aiming to fully leverage the concept in promoting the harmonious coexistence of humans and nature in modern society.

Reconstruction of a Closed-Loop Ecological Cycle System Anchored by Large-Scale Load-balancing Biogas and its economic viability assessment.

Biogas can be used for complementary load-balancing with renewable intermittent power, thus maintaining overall energy output stability. However, biogas load balancing load balancing is typically used in small-scale distributed energy systems, constrained by factors such as technology and land requirements, making it challenging to scale up. Therefore, this study proposes a closed-loop ecological cycle system, where biogas provides load leveling support for large-scale intermittent power sources in desertified regions dominated by animal husbandry. The biogas slurry and residue produced are used for land restoration and subsequent cultivation of high-quality economic crops, with the resulting straw used for the next round of biogas production. This study conducts an economic assessment of the aforementioned system and analyzes a case study of a load-balancing biogas project in Northwest China. Accounting results indicating that the system's net present value is 0.108 million yuan/m3, internal rate of return is 0.60%, and payback period is 22 years. Additionally, sensitivity backward deduction analysis identified the reasonable value ranges for key system parameters. According to the results, we offer management recommendations to promote the proposed system, supporting innovative biomass energy utilization and enhancing renewable energy stability.Implications Statement: This research introduces a novel closed-loop ecological cycle system that integrates large-scale peak-shaving biogas with renewable energy sources, offering a sustainable solution for enhancing energy stability and environmental sustainability in desertified areas. The study's economic evaluation reveals the critical role of ecological restoration costs in the overall viability of such systems, indicating the necessity for policy support to make them economically attractive. Our findings suggest that targeted subsidies, based on the quantified ecological benefits, are essential for incentivizing the adoption of this model. By providing specific conditions under which the system is economically feasible, this work informs policymakers on how to design effective incentive structures, thereby promoting the wider application of biogas and contributing to the goals of sustainable development and climate resilience. The research underscores the importance of integrating economic and ecological considerations to achieve long-term sustainability, making it a valuable reference for future energy policies and practices.

Education for sustainability and physical education: a systematic scoping review

ABSTRACT Education for sustainability (EfS) in the school context is recognized scientifically and politically as fundamental for training citizens who are capable of transforming future society. Physical education (PE) represents a singular way to complement cognitive approaches by drawing on the bodily dimension and learning in action as well as affective and sensory aspects. Furthermore, relevant research could lead to the qualitative implementation of EfS in PE. Thus, the aim of this systematic scoping review was to summarize the results of related research into the implementation of EfS in PE and to identify avenues for future studies aimed at establishing EfS sequences within PE. A 5-step methodological framework, incorporating the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology, was used to carry out this scoping review, in which 30 studies were considered. The results showed that the research was current, was performed mainly in Europe, and frequently referred to the institutional framework of the Sustainable Development Goals. Additionally, the results highlighted that PE programs make few explicit references to the concept of sustainability or EfS; furthermore, PE teachers, while they may be inclined to implement EfS in PE, lack control of the concepts and training. Finally, the EfS learning sequences in PE have limitations regarding the definition and characteristics of effective EfS, particularly a lack of pluralism and holism. Recommendations for future research and for practical implementation were made, particularly with respect to PE teacher training, PE programs and EfS learning sequences in PE.

Saccharification and co-fermentation of lignocellulosic biomass by a cockroach-gut bacterial symbiont and yeast cocktail for bioethanol production

BackgroundThe eco-friendly transformation of agro-industrial wastes through microbial bioconversion could address sustainability challenges in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. The bulk of agro-industrial waste consists of lignocellulosic materials with fermentable sugars, predominantly cellulose and hemicellulose. A number of pretreatment options have been employed for material saccharification toward successful fermentation into second-generation bioethanol. Biological and/or enzymatic pretreatment of lignocellulosic waste substrates offers eco-friendly and sustainable second-generation bioethanol production opportunities that may also contribute to waste management without affecting food security. In this study, we isolated a promising filamentous bacterium from the guts of cockroaches with commendable cellulolytic activity. The matrices of sequential statistics, from one-factor-at-a-time (OFAT) through significant variable screening by Placket-Burman design (PBD) to Box‒Behnken design of a surface methodology (BBD-RSM), were employed for major medium variable modeling and optimization by solid-state fermentation. The optimized solutions were used to saccharify lignocellulose in real time, and the kinetics of reducing sugar accumulation were subsequently evaluated to determine the maximum concentration of sugars extracted from the lignocellulose. The hydrolysate with the highest reducing sugar concentration was subjected to fermentation by Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Klyuveromyces marxianus and a mixture of both, after which the ethanol yield, concentration and fermentation efficiency were determined.ResultsSequential statistics revealed that rice husk powder, corn cob powder, peptone and inoculum volume were significant variables for the bioprocess at 59.8% (w/w) rice husk powder, 17.8% (w/w) corn cob powder, 38.8% (v/w; 109 cfu/mL) inoculum volume, and 5.3% (w/w) peptone. These conditions mediated maximum cellulolytic and xylanolytic activities of 219.93 ± 18.64 FPU/mL and 333.44 ± 22.74 U/mL, respectively. The kinetics of saccharification of the lignocellulosic waste under optimized conditions revealed two peaks of reducing sugar accumulation between 16 and 32 h and another between 56 and 64 h.ConclusionsAlthough K. marxianus had a significantly greater fermentation efficiency than S. cerevisiae, fermentation with a 50:50 (% v/v) mixture of both yeasts led to 88.32% fermentation efficiency with 55.56 ± 0.19 g/L crude bioethanol, suggesting that inexpensive, eco-friendly and sustainable bioethanol production could be obtained from renewable energy sources.

Empowering sustainable-development through circular economy practices in rare-earth sector

Rare-earth elements are essential mineral raw materials, but it is predicted that in a few years global mining output will not be able to meet the demand for them. The current study examines the connection between circular-economy practices in the rare-earth sector and sustainable-development within the framework of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (the 17 SDGs). A structural review of the literature identified 69 relevant articles in peer-reviewed journals. There are five key findings. (1) The different circular strategies are not equally employed within the rare-earth sector; (2) the recovery strategy is the main one employed; (3) the chief challenges to the implementation of circular-economy practices are operational and financial; (4) there is a direct relationship between circular-economy practices and sustainable-development, especially for SDGs 6, 7, 11, 12, and 13; and (5) robust policy will help the implementation of circular-economy practices and the achievement of sustainable-development. This study is novel because it sets out the present situation of the rare-earth sector in relation to the implementation of circular-economy practices in the production and operation phases to accomplish sustainable-development. It enhances theory and practice by deepening our understanding of circular-economy practices in the rare-earth sector, particularly with respect to their impact on sustainable-development.

Do Sustainable Agricultural Practices Boost Production and Technical Efficiency? A Case Study of Coffee Smallholders in Peru

ABSTRACTSmallholder agriculture remains a cornerstone for economic development and poverty reduction in Latin America. Their transition to sustainable agricultural production is critical in the face of the environmental challenges posed by conventional farming practices and is a key pathway to achieving the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. This study examines the effects of Sustainable Agricultural Practices (SAP) adoption on coffee production and technical efficiency (TE) among smallholders in Peru, focusing on both observable and unobservable factors. Using a multistage framework, we employ propensity score matching to control for observable factors, estimate a Stochastic Production Frontier model with sample selection bias correction to control for unobservable factors, and assess technological differences using a metafrontier approach. Our analysis of pooled cross‐sectional data from 2017 to 2019 indicates that age, farm accessibility, and having Quechua as a first language are factors that make farmers more likely to adopt SAP. Although SAP adopters initially show higher production levels, the difference is not statistically significant after accounting for unobserved factors. However, SAP adopters utilize better technology and exhibit higher TE compared to non‐adopters, highlighting the potential benefits of promoting sustainable practices in smallholder agriculture.

The sustainable development goals, master plans and the school curriculum: an interdisciplinary scoping review

The Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations, through the 2030 Agenda, seeks to address the various problems affecting the global population. For this, 17 goals and 162 subgoals were established, agreed by the member countries in 2015 at the COP 21 event in Paris. Therefore, the objective of this Scoping Review was to collect data produced in the world literature, which addressed themes linked to sustainability, education, curriculum, water and basic sanitation, in an integrated way, which dealt more specifically with goals 4 (Quality Education) and 6 (Water and Basic Sanitation) of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. It also aimed to find teaching networks in the most diverse countries, which used the curriculum, to bring the themes proposed by the UN into the classroom. To search for articles published in Portuguese, Spanish, and English, the period from June 2017 to June 2022 was taken into account. In addition, official guiding documents were also investigated. A total of 2,803 potential items were obtained. From this total, around 2,720 were eliminated for not meeting the guiding strings in this research, leaving 83 articles/documents. After further reading, 44 articles/documents met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data was found on all continents and in the most diverse countries, with different priorities. The countries that are part of the OECD have worked on these issues intending to improve their indicators. The so-called emerging countries (Brazil, Russia, China, India, South Africa, and Turkey, among others), on the other hand, treat the same data to improve educational metrics and universalize the quality of water supply and sanitation. Finally, in the countries that fall into the peripheral group, the findings were based on a rights guarantee approach, i.e., still from the perspective of implementing and consolidating public policies, such as some Latin American countries, South/Southeast Asia, and the vast majority of sub-Saharan African countries.

Reducing under-five mortality in Tanzania: insights from a 60-years data analysis on economic and health indicators

BackgroundUnder-five mortality in Tanzania remains a persistent issue, significantly affecting both the health and economic sectors. Despite various interventions, the under-five mortality rate (U5MR) remains high, impeding progress toward global health targets. This study investigates the factors influencing under-five mortality in Tanzania, focusing on the gross domestic product (GDP), malaria incidence, access to water, and access to sanitation.MethodsThe study employed data sets for Tanzania U5MR, GDP, access to water and sanitation, and malaria incidences from the World Bank for the years 1960–2020. Missing values are generated through the linear trend at point method. To analyses the data, correlation analysis and Bayesian linear regression are employed.ResultsThe analysis reveals significant relationships between the gross domestic product (GDP), malaria incidence, access to water, access to sanitation and under-five mortality. Furthermore, an increase in malaria incidences increase under-five mortality by 0.14 (14%), while access to water and sanitation exhibit an uncertain relationship. On the other hand, results show that an increase in the GDP lowers the likelihood of U5MR.ConclusionThese findings underscore the importance of economic development and public health interventions in reducing the child mortality rate. The study provides valuable insights for policymakers aiming to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Target 3.2 by 2030, which aims for all countries to accomplish U5MR of 25 or less deaths per 1000 live births. By highlighting the relationships between these variables, the study contributes practical evidence to support efforts towards SDG 3.2, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions in both health and infrastructure sectors.

Mangrove Planting on Cemara Beach for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in protecting marine and coastal ecosystems and reducing the risk of natural disasters can be achieved through mangrove planting activities at Cemara Beach. Mangroves are useful in maintaining ecosystem balance, protecting the coastline from abrasion and absorbing carbon dioxide which can reduce the impact of climate change. Mangrove planting activities involve local communities in the planting and maintenance process, and contribute to improving community welfare and environmentally-based economic development. Mangrove planting activities use seedlings aged 3 to 6 months. Mangrove planting is in a location with a water depth of 10 to 50 cm. The size of the mangrove seedlings planted is 15 to 30 cm. The type of mangrove planted at Cemara Beach is Rhizophora. Mangrove planting activities support SDGs 13, 14, dan 15 tentang climate action, life below water, and life on land.

What Determines Rural Residents’ Intention and Behavior Towards Clean Energy Use? Evidence from Northwest China

Two United Nations Sustainable Development Goals highlight that energy supply, conversion, transmission, and consumption are primary contributors to climate change, accounting for 60% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Exploring the influencing factors on the intention and behavior of clean energy use in rural areas is a crucial step in achieving the “Dual Carbon” target and global sustainable development goals. The article constructed a theoretical analysis framework of “environmental knowledge—perceived value—use intention—use behavior”. Taking Gansu Province, a typical case area in northwest China, as a case study, data from 766 survey questionnaires were used to analyze the characteristics and impact mechanism of clean energy use behavior among residents. This article finds that rural household energy use is moving towards low-carbon goals, but traditional energy remains an important component, especially in winter heating scenarios. Only the use intention has a direct promoting effect on use behavior, with a regression coefficient of 0.108. Perceived value and use intention play a chain-mediating role between environmental knowledge and use behavior. Residents with higher income levels, higher education levels, and poorer health conditions are more likely to develop clean energy use intention and behavior. At the same time, government intervention measures also have a promoting effect. Finally, countermeasures and suggestions for improving the public’s level of clean energy utilization in underdeveloped areas were proposed.

Geo-spatial analysis of high-risk fertility behaviors and child stunting in Ethiopia

BackgroundThe process of childbirth involves significant risks, particularly when certain high-risk fertility behaviors (HRFBs) are observed. HRFB of birth includes maternal age below 18 years or above 34 years at the time of childbirth, having a child born after a short birth interval (24 months), and having a high parity (more than three children). The majority of child stunting cases were linked to high-risk reproductive practices. Stunted children are those whose height-for-age Z-score is less than –2SD (standard deviation) from the median of a reference population. This study aimed to investigate the spatial association between HRFB of birth and stunting in under-five children across Ethiopia’s administrative zones.MethodThis study used cross-sectional data from the latest Mini Ethiopian Demographic and Health 2019 Survey, which included a weighted sample of 4,969 under-five children from 64 administrative zones. Spatial model analysis, specifically the spatial Durbin model, was used to examine the association between HRFB of birth and stunting in children. ArcGIS 10.8 was used for mapping and SAS 9.4 was used for model analysis.ResultsThe average mean proportion of HRFB of birth to the rate of stunting in children at the zonal level in Ethiopia was observed to be 58 and 36%, respectively, across Ethiopian zones. Children whose mothers displayed HRFB of birth and who were stunted were 24% at all times. The median value of HRFB of birth and stunting were 0.61 and 0.36, respectively. The average vegetable index and the livestock index across Ethiopian zones showed spatial variations of 0.57 and 0.12, respectively. In the selected spatial Durbin model, the deviance value was very small, indicating that the model fit the data well.ConclusionThe study found a high prevalence and significant spatial variation in both HRFB of birth and stunting across the Ethiopian zones. The spatial distribution of both HRFB of birth and stunting were found to be significantly clustered in the administrative zones of Ethiopia. These results emphasize the need for targeted interventions to address HRFB and stunting, supporting Ethiopia in achieving its Sustainable Development Goals.

TANTANGAN DAN PELUANG DALAM IMPLEMENTASI PROGRAM DESA MEMBANGUN DESA SUGI WARAS

This study aims to analyze the challenges, opportunities, and impacts of the implementation of the Village Development Program in Sugi Waras Village. This program is part of the government's initiative to improve the quality of life of rural communities through better social, economic, and infrastructure development. However, its implementation faces significant challenges, such as limited resources, low community participation, and a lack of support and coordination between central, regional and village governments. Nevertheless, there are great opportunities that can be utilized to support the success of this program, including community empowerment by managing natural resources sustainably, as well as the use of information technology that can accelerate communication and transparency between the community and the government The research approach applied in this study is a descriptive qualitative approach. This approach was chosen because it can provide an in-depth description of the challenges and opportunities faced in the implementation of the Village Development Program in Sugi Waras Village, as well as the role of the community and government in achieving more inclusive and sustainable development goals. By using this approach, the research is expected to identify factors that influence the success of the program, in terms of available resources, community participation, and relevant government policy support. The results of this study are expected to provide useful suggestions for improving policies and strategies in the implementation of the Village Development Program in the future.

Factors affecting the adoption of blockchain technologies in the food supply chain

With the rise in food insecurity, one of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals is to end hunger, achieve food security, and promote sustainable agriculture. This can be achieved through the strengthening and development of existing food systems. Integrating emerging technologies such as blockchain technology can help develop sustainable food systems. Blockchain technology allows the tracking and tracing of food items as they move through the supply chain. Blockchain technology also allows for low transactional costs at almost instantaneous applications. There is however a low adoption rate of blockchain technology amongst organisations in the food supply chain. The objective of the study was to explore factors that affect the adoption of blockchain technology in the food supply chain. The study adopted a quantitative research method that was guided by the technology, organisation, and environment Framework (TOE) to explore factors affecting blockchain technology adoption in the food supply chain. A systematic literature review was used for the study. Quantitative content analysis was used to analyse peer-reviewed articles. Results showed that TOE factors affect the adoption of blockchain technology in the food supply chain. Factors such as cost, scalability, firm size, and IT policy were noted as important factors affecting the adoption of blockchain technology in the food supply chain. The study contributes to the body of knowledge on factors that affect the adoption of blockchain technology in the food supply chain.

Under-5 Malaria and Fever Morbidities as Correlates of Anaemia in Niger: A Heteroscedasticity-Consistent Ordered Probit Approach

Background: The relationship between malaria/other febrile infections and anaemia among under-5 children is a subject of significant policy relevance among African health policy makers. The international significance of addressing anaemia is prominently underscored in the third Sustainable Development Goal (SDG). This paper therefore analysed the effect of malaria/other febrile infections and other maternal and child’s demographic variables on the prevalence of anaemia in Niger. Methods: We utilized the under-5 children’s module of the Malaria Indicator Survey (MIS) for 2021, which was collected from women of reproductive age (15–49) in selected households. The data were analysed with heteroscedasticity-consistent ordered probit regression model. Results: The results showed that 73.73% of the children was anaemic, while malaria and other febrile infections were present in 14.00% and 33.87%, respectively. Anaemia was highest in the Tillaberi and Dosso regions, where 84.12% and 79.12% of the children were anaemic. The ordered probit regression revealed that anaemia was promoted by malaria, other febrile infections, being a male child, second of multiple birth, and birth order, while wealth index, age, urban residence, and access to newspaper and television reduced it. Conclusions: Anaemia remains a major public health problem among under-5 children in Niger. A comprehensive healthcare intervention to address the problem should consider regional, sectoral, and gender differences in the incidences, with drastic efforts towards prevention of malaria and other fever-inducing illnesses. In addition, interventions to promote households’ economic status, reduce maternal fertility, and facilitate preventive practices through nutrition enhancement and health-related media programs hold some promise.