Institutional Capacity Building Research Articles

Multilevel Environmental Governance in Indonesia: Analysis of Implementation Pathways and Institutional Dynamics

This study examines Indonesia's environmental governance framework, focusing on the complex interplay between global environmental imperatives and local implementation challenges. Through a qualitative analytical approach utilizing comprehensive secondary data, the research investigates how Indonesia navigates environmental governance while balancing economic development priorities. The study analyzes the integration of traditional ecological knowledge with modern environmental management approaches and examines the effectiveness of adaptive governance mechanisms in addressing diverse environmental challenges. The findings reveal that Indonesia's multilevel governance system, while facing coordination challenges, demonstrates significant potential in developing comprehensive environmental frameworks. The research highlights the critical role of institutional capacity building and stakeholder engagement in environmental governance, particularly in balancing economic development with environmental protection. The study also identifies key challenges in implementing environmental policies across Indonesia's diverse archipelagic territory, including intergovernmental coordination issues and resource allocation barriers. Furthermore, the research emphasizes the importance of context-specific approaches in environmental governance, particularly in integrating traditional knowledge systems with modern environmental management practices. This study contributes to the broader understanding of environmental governance in developing nations and provides valuable insights for policymakers seeking to enhance environmental governance effectiveness while maintaining sustainable development objectives.

Efektivitas Layanan Arsip dalam Pembuatan Salinan Perizinan di Dinas Penanaman Modal dan Pelayanan Terpadu Satu Pintu (DPMPTSP) Kabupaten Kubu Raya

This study aims to analyze the performance of the Investment and One-Stop Integrated Services Agency (DPMPTSP) of Kubu Raya Regency in efforts to increase regional investment. The research method used is descriptive qualitative analysis with a case study approach. Data were obtained through in-depth interviews, observations, and documentation studies. The results show that DPMPTSP Kubu Raya Regency has implemented various service innovations that have successfully increased the efficiency of the licensing process and investment realization. The implementation of the Online Single Submission (OSS) system and the "Jemput Bola" service has reduced licensing process time by up to 30%. Focus on developing superior sectors, especially agribusiness, has contributed 40% of total investment. The "UMKM Go Digital" program has successfully increased MSME turnover by 30%. However, challenges remain, such as digital infrastructure gaps and inter-agency coordination. This study concludes that DPMPTSP's comprehensive approach in regulatory reform, infrastructure development, and institutional capacity building has contributed significantly to creating a conducive investment climate in Kubu Raya Regency.

Utilization of Quality Organic Fertilizer at P4S Sari Sedana, Badung, Bali

This Community Partnership Program (CSP) conducted in Desa Selat, Kecamatan Abiansemal, Kabupaten Badung, has achieved significant advancements in organic agricultural development. The program focused on the implementation of both hard and soft technologies. Hard technologies included the development of high-quality organic fertilizers using local waste materials such as livestock manure, biochar, Trichoderma, NPK fertilizers, and dolomite, processed with simple equipment. These innovations addressed local waste management issues and enhanced agricultural productivity. Soft technologies involved comprehensive training on production management, business operations, and marketing strategies, which empowered the P4S Sari Sedana Group with essential skills for sustainable operation. The program demonstrated high relevance to local needs, effectively transforming waste into valuable resources and introducing environmentally friendly production methods. It also fostered active community participation and generated substantial environmental and economic benefits, including increased soil fertility and reduced reliance on chemical fertilizers. The project produced several key outputs: high-quality organic fertilizer, enhanced community skills, scientific publications, intellectual property registration, and online media coverage. Future sustainability will be supported through institutional capacity building, market expansion, product innovation, and ongoing monitoring and evaluation.

Tobacco control research on the African continent: a 22-year literature review and network analysis

ObjectiveDescribe the landscape of tobacco-related topics, funders and institutional networks in Africa.Data sourcesWe searched PubMed, Embase and African Index Medicus for published articles from January 1996 to August 2018 in...

Cross-Border Institutional Trust in Post-Pandemic Times. The Role of EU b-solutions Initiative

ABSTRACT Mutual trust is an important element in starting cross-border processes, and institutional trust is vital to forging sound and effective cross-border cooperation. It is widely debated that the recent covidfencing process in Europe chipped away existing long and medium-term cross-border institutional ties, in most European borders, at least for some time. The fundamental point is that the sudden closing of national borders also revealed how important are effective and well-functioning cross-border institutions to direct the reopening of such borders into functional cross-border areas. To appreciate more in-depth the importance of cross-border institutional trust in post-pandemic times, this article analyses to what extent the EU b-solutions initiative contributes to reinforcing it along European cross-border regions. The analysis concluded that this EU initiative reinforces cross-border institutional trust by enhancing institutional capacity building, institutional knowledge sharing and stability/credibility as well as territorial integration in EU border regions. However, only a few European cross-border regions have benefited the most from this institutional support by b-solutions: the Benelux, plus Germany and France, as well as the Iberian cross-border areas.

Unlocking institutional imagination: Building institutional capacity to address societal challenges – the case of European missions

Unlocking institutional imagination: Building institutional capacity to address societal challenges – the case of European missions

Analysis of Rice Fields Conversion to Improve Control Strategies: A SWOT Framework

Rice fields are the leading supplier of rice in Indonesia. The conversion of rice fields is a severe problem that needs to be addressed to support food security. This study aims to formulate a strategy to control the conversion of rice fields in Pematangsiantar City. We conducted a comprehensive SWOT analysis, identifying the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats to control rice field conversion. This analysis was based on focus group discussions and in-depth interviews with 24 key respondents. Based on the evaluation matrix of internal and external factors and the strategy matrix, the strategies to control rice field conversion are aggressive (SO strategy), adaptive (WO strategies), and competitive (ST strategies). The main strategies are regulatory consistency, incentive, and disincentive systems, preparation of LP2B Perda, consistency in issuing non-agricultural sector permits, and institutional capacity building of rice farmers. This research is the latest comprehensive study in formulating control strategies for rice field conversion in Pematangsiantar City. The contribution is a strategy that can be used as an action program to control the conversion of rice fields. Implementing the strategy requires technical and political will from all stakeholders, especially local government, legislators, and farmers.

Law Enforcement Role in the Management of Sustainable Natural Resources

This study aims to analyze the role of law enforcement in sustainable natural resource management. By examining the linkages between regulations, legal compliance, and their impact on the environment, this study strives to identify factors that influence the effectiveness of law enforcement and provide urgent recommendations to improve natural resource management practices. The study discusses the challenges, including limited resources and institutional capacity, legal complexity and inconsistency, the importance of support from local communities, and international cooperation in law enforcement. This research, conducted using the literature study method, gathers data and information from various academic sources such as journal articles, books, research reports, and relevant policy documents. The results of the literature research show that law enforcement plays a key role in ensuring the sustainability of natural resource management but is faced with various challenges, such as capacity limitations, corruption, and legal complexity. Community participation proves important in streamlining law enforcement, as policies involving local stakeholders are more likely to be accepted and followed. Better international cooperation and regulatory harmonization are urgently needed to address weaknesses in transnational law enforcement. There is a pressing need to implement a more integrated approach to law enforcement, which includes public education, institutional capacity building, and increased transparency and accountability in law implementation.

Expanding technical assistance: a call for a more nuanced approach for sustainable HIV programs in Sub-Saharan Africa

An anticipated decline in external funding in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) necessitates a re-evaluation of HIV response sustainability strategies. While institutional capacity building (ICB) has yielded positive outcomes, including strengthened technical expertise and institutional frameworks, it faces challenges. These include overemphasis on technical expertise neglecting resource mobilization, and a limited focus on policy advocacy. To achieve long-term sustainability, ICB efforts must equip local institutions with skills for tailored donor engagement, data-driven advocacy, and collaborative policy influence. This multi-pronged approach, coupled with efforts to diversify funding and integrate HIV responses, is crucial to empower local ownership and ensure the long-term viability of effective HIV responses in SSA.

Q&A: Methods for estimating genetic gain in sub-Saharan Africa and achieving improved gains.

Regular measurement of realized genetic gain allows plant breeders to assess and review the effectiveness of their strategies, allocate resources efficiently, and make informed decisions throughout the breeding process. Realized genetic gain estimation requires separating genetic trends from nongenetic trends using the linear mixed model (LMM) on historical multi-environment trial data. The LMM, accounting for the year effect, experimental designs, and heterogeneous residual variances, estimates best linear unbiased estimators of genotypes and regresses them on their years of origin. An illustrative example of estimating realized genetic gain was provided by analyzing historical data on fresh cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) yield in West Africa (https://github.com/Biometrics-IITA/Estimating-Realized-Genetic-Gain). This approach can serve as a model applicable to other crops and regions. Modernization of breeding programs is necessary to maximize the rate of genetic gain. This can be achieved by adopting genomics to enable faster breeding, accurate selection, and improved traits through genomic selection and gene editing. Tracking operational costs, establishing robust, digitalized data management and analytics systems, and developing effective varietal selection processes based on customer insights are also crucial for success. Capacity building and collaboration of breeding programs and institutions also play a significant role in accelerating genetic gains.

Overcoming challenges and thriving as a new NGO – a case for institutional capacity building

ABSTRACT New non-governmental organisations (NGOs) face a challenging landscape, struggling to secure funding and demonstrate impact in their early stages. This creates a Catch-22 situation, hindering their ability to gain traction. This paper explores these hurdles and showcases how the Abdullah Dzinamarira Foundation (ADF), a Zimbabwean NGO, navigated these challenges through resourcefulness. The paper outlines successful strategies adopted by ADF, including diversifying funding streams, forging strategic partnerships, and leveraging volunteers. These strategies allowed ADF to maximise the impact of limited resources while laying the groundwork for future sustainability. Looking beyond individual efforts, the paper emphasises the need for a shift towards institutional capacity building for new NGOs. Investing in their potential fosters a vibrant civil society and empowers local actors to deliver culturally appropriate solutions. The authors call for a collaborative approach, urging international NGOs, funders, and stakeholders to prioritise mentorship programs, online resources, and regional training hubs to equip new NGOs with the tools they need to thrive and become architects of positive change.

Unveiling crisis in globalised higher education: Artificial intelligence insights from doctoral research in EThOS

AbstractThis paper seeks to illuminate new perspectives on the concept of crisis in globalised higher education (HE) by focusing on knowledge generated by doctoral research. Doctoral research is a significant part of research and knowledge building in HE, particularly in science, and doctoral students contribute to the research capacity and knowledge building of institutions. This source of knowledge offers alternative perspectives on crisis in HE, providing a rich source of research which is often under‐consulted. Using the British Library's digital repository EThOS, a collection of around 637,000 doctoral studies carried out in British universities, the research harnesses Generative Artificial Intelligence approaches in order to analyse the ways in which crisis is defined and constructed in doctoral research since 2000. Through a pilot study using a prototype of a new AI tool, the paper offers both conceptual and methodological insights into constructions of crisis in this under‐used field of research.

The importance of education and role of educational institutions in climate change mitigation and achieving UN SDG 13 Climate Action

Climate change is a long-term shift in weather patterns driven by natural and human activities, leading to global warming and extreme weather events. Education - both formal and informal, plays a crucial role in climate change mitigation by enhancing awareness, fostering critical thinking, and promoting sustainable practices. It equips individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand the complexities of climate change and engage them in informed decision-making. Education also promotes innovation and solutions, supports policy and advocacy, builds resilience, and empowers vulnerable populations. Climate change mitigation strategies align with Sustainable Development Goal 13 (SDG 13) “Climate Action”, but they also present synergies and trade-offs with other SDGs. Large-scale implementation of technologies can positively impact economic growth and job creation, but environmental issues linked to mineral extraction can detract from other SDGs. Careful management is essential to balance these interactions and minimize trade-offs. Educational institutions play a crucial role in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 13 (SDG 13) by fostering knowledge, research, advocacy, and sustainable practices. They contribute to climate education and awareness through curriculum development, research and innovation, leadership and institutional action, policy advocacy, capacity building, community engagement, ethical and sustainable values education, and monitoring and reporting. Higher education institutions can integrate climate change education into curricula, equipping students with the necessary skills to address environmental challenges. They can also promote global citizenship and empower individuals to contribute to climate solutions. By incorporating multidisciplinary approaches, educational institutions can bridge gaps in climate education and promote innovative solutions to mitigate climate impacts.

Stranding reports of the Antillean manatee in the middle Magdalena Basin, Colombia 2011 to 2023

The aim of this study was to conduct an analysis of reported events concerning Antillean manatee (Trichechus manatus manatus) strandings in the middle Magdalena Basin region of Colombia from January 2011 to December 2023. To achieve this, a literature search was conducted in newspapers, news broadcasts, as well as gray and published reports, complemented by interviews and workshops with various governmental and non-governmental organizations. This search resulted in reliable information regarding past experiences involving stranded manatees over the years. Cases attended to by the environmental authority and its partners were also considered. Forty-four stranding events were recorded, with 34 deaths and 10 live manatees. Of the cases discovered, 79.5% of the reported cases were addressed. This effort highlighted the current lack of an official database that would provide firsthand knowledge of Antillean manatee stranding events in Colombia, thereby hindering timely and appropriate territorial management during response to the challenges faced by this species in the region. Furthermore, it underscores the need to implement a standardized response pathway for manatee cases, following appropriate protocols, and promoting the coordination of stakeholders within the regional stranding network in the middle Magdalena Basin. This approach, in addition to supporting the capacity building of communities, institutions, and organizations for improving response knowledge, conservation, and manatee recovery, is of paramount importance for the long-term sustainability of manatee populations in the region.

Analysis of factors influencing market participation among orange‐fleshed sweet potato smallholder farmers in southern region of Malawi: A case of RTC project

AbstractAgricultural markets remain major issue downgrading root and tuber crop farmers who form the mainstream of the agricultural producers in Malawi. Recent evidence however reveals that orange‐fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) (Ipomea batatas) is currently being sold in produce markets along with the non‐orange varieties, sometimes in differentiated form in Malawi. The main objective of this study was to examine factors affecting market participation of sweet potato farmers in southern region of Malawi. Using a double‐hurdle model, this paper analyzed both the factors affecting farmer decision to participate and the extent/intensity of participation in market. The first tier of the double hurdle focused on decision to participate in the market using probit model and the second tier addressed factors affecting intensity of participation using truncated normal regression model. The paper used data collected from 360 farmers in southern districts of Malawi. Out of 360, 146 farmers had grown OFSP in the season preceding the survey. Double hurdle results indicate that farm size, output, age of a farmer (household head), and early maturing trait significantly determined decision to participate in the market. Further, results on intensity of participation indicate that access to market training, farm size, asset value, and output positively determined the intensity and negatively determined by distance to main market and gender of a farmer (household head). Based on the research findings, higher output levels and early maturing trait were found to increase smallholder farmer market participation. It is therefore recommended that strategies aimed at increasing household capacity to produce surplus produce through market tailored extension messages and productivity enhancement technologies could be highly effective in fostering smallholders' participation in commercial markets. Again, enhanced capacity building of research institutions to breed sweet potato varieties based on market demand is pivotal for increased market participation. Furthermore, research suggests that improving smallholder farmers' access to market price information, asset value, and farm size can help increase their intensity in the market. Therefore, it is critical for policymakers to holistically comprehend these socioeconomic factors in order to address the issue of smallholder farm households' decisions about market participation and the degree to which they participate.

Critical Analysis of Institutional and Regulatory Framework for Building Stock Energy Efficiency and Transition in Pakistan

Climate change has emerged as a global focal point, notably affecting vulnerable countries like Pakistan. The country faces heightened risk, prompting concern among many due to its susceptibility to climate-related hazards. An imperative challenge arising from this phenomenon is the necessary shift towards sustainable energy, particularly concerning energy consumption within the building sector. Buildings significantly contribute to daily energy usage and subsequent GHG emissions. In Pakistan, transitioning to energy-efficient building stock holds pivotal importance in mitigating climate change impacts. This hinges on establishing a robust institutional framework and regulatory structure centered around energy efficiency. While Pakistan possesses policies and national guidelines advocating for energy-efficient buildings, their practical enforcement and application remain inadequate. The inception of the Building Energy Code of Pakistan in 1990, based on ASHRAE 90.1 standards, marked a step forward. However, obstacles rooted in institutional weakness and limited capacity building have impeded its effective adoption and adherence. Although the Energy Provisions of 2011 introduced modifications, their scope remained confined mainly to commercial structures. This paper conducts an extensive assessment of Pakistan's existing institutional and regulatory framework for building energy efficiency and transition. Drawing on literature insights and stakeholder perspectives, an in-depth understanding of prevailing policies and institutions uncovers underlying reasons for non-compliance and limited implementation. Additionally, input was gathered from stakeholders through interviews, aiming to identify barriers obstructing the reinforcement of building energy efficiency measures in Pakistan. Discourse and narrative analysis, informed by literature and stakeholder interviews, revealed the significance of awareness, participation, coordination, capacity building, technical expertise, finance, and resources as key factors contributing to deficient compliance and implementation of existing codes and policy guidelines. This paper also proposes actionable recommendations to expedite the transition towards a sustainable, energy-efficient building stock in Pakistan.

THE POLITICS AND REALITY OF ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE IN INDIA: RESERVATIONS BETWEEN THEORY AND PRAXIS

This paper examines the dynamics of environmental justice in India, focusing on the disparities between theoretical ideals and practical implementation. The main objective is to critically analyse the intersection of environmental protection, social equity, and human rights in the Indian context and to identify the challenges and opportunities in achieving environmental justice. The paper highlights the persistent environmental injustices in India, despite the presence of robust legal frameworks. It explores the complex interplay between environmental governance, socio-economic factors, and institutional mechanisms, shedding light on the root causes of environmental disparities. The findings indicate that while India has made strides in environmental legislation and policy formulation, there are significant gaps in their execution and enforcement. Bureaucratic inertia, regulatory capture, and inadequate access to justice pose formidable barriers to achieving environmental justice. Moreover, the paper underscores the disproportionate impact of environmental degradation on vulnerable populations, exacerbating existing socio-economic inequalities.The study suggests that addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach, including policy reforms, community empowerment initiatives, and enhanced institutional capacity building. It emphasizes the importance of democratizing environmental governance and amplifying the voices of marginalized communities in decision-making processes. The study contributes to a deeper understanding of the complexities and realities of environmental justice in India, offering insights into the gaps between theory and practice. It calls for concerted efforts to bridge these gaps and advance towards a more just and sustainable future for all.

Regulatory Performance of Tourist Hunting and Legal Game Meat Trade in Tanzania

Recently, the government of Tanzania has legalized the sale of game meat under special rules namely the Wildlife Conservation (Game Meat Selling) Regulations of 2020 as an effort to curb illegal hunting. The regulations mention tourist hunting as one of the sources of commercial game meat. Other sources include resident hunting; wildlife farms/ranches/zoos; and culling, cropping, and control of problem animals. In this paper we examine the performance of tourist hunting, legal game meat in the country, and its regulatory framework from the perspectives of key stakeholders, including both public and private or non-state stakeholders. We use a variant of Likert’s methods of summated ratings and the cumulative ordinal regression model to analyse and compare the opinions of stakeholders. We found that there are still challenges, especially related to sources of wild animals. Operators of game meat facilities find it difficult to source game meat from tourist hunting companies and the latter are not willing to offer the meat to licensed operators of game meat shops. Our results support the hypothesis that authorization of the game meat trade can serve as one of the boldest conservation tools to mitigate illegal poaching if well-planned and regulated. The results of the cumulative ordinal regression model predict an improvement of 42% in the performance of regulatory framework per unit improvement in the procedures for application and registration of game meat selling facilities (p = 0.010). The paper recommends leveraging stakeholders' active engagement and strengthening cooperation between game meat value chain actors and law-enforcement authorities. An innovative participatory model for enforcing game meat sanitary and safety regulations is also recommended to avoid potential health risks to consumers. It underscores the importance of institutional capacity building, awareness creation, and adequate funding in the fight against illegal hunting and game meat trade. In order for the country to be able to achieve sustainable game meat trade in the country, the challenge of limited wild animal sources has to be addressed, possibly by supporting the establishment of privately owned wild animal farms, ranches, and zoos, this also has its own challenges that need to be addressed too.

International Partnerships in University-Level Music Education: Principles, Pivots, and Possibilities

This article reports an analytical review of research and policy concerning the qualities that create, sustain, and enliven academic partnerships between universities in different countries. This review provides context for a discussion of the development of the institutional partnership between the Universität Mozarteum Salzburg (Austria) and Georgia State University (United States of America). A scoping review of the literature suggests that such partnerships are viewed differently by those responsible for the legal agreement establishing the partnership, the faculty and students who are tasked with implementing the partnership, and outsiders who view the results of the partnership via publications, presentations, and performances. This review situates the analysis of the partnership with the identification of themes consistent with the broader literature, including a reflection on cultural awareness, access and equity, institutional and human capacity building, and ethical dilemmas. Implications include a reflection on the collaboration’s COVID-19 era development, with the suggestion that the shift to virtual communication enhanced the partnership even as it disrupted the planned implementation.

Understanding Resource Recycling and Land Management to Upscale Zero-Tillage Potato Cultivation in the Coastal Indian Sundarbans

Upscaling sustainable intensification (SI) technologies is crucial to enhancing the resilience of fragile farming systems and vulnerable livelihoods of smallholder farmers. It is also critical to shape the future land-use and land-cover changes in a region. Zero-tillage potato cultivation (ZTPC), introduced as an SI intervention in parts of the Indian Sundarbans, has demonstrated promises of rapid upscaling, and thus, changes in the seasonal land-use pattern in the region. This study aims to understand the socioecological complexity of farming systems to comprehend how the nascent stage of ZTPC thrives at the farm level and what preconditions are necessary to upscale them. The objectives are to analyse the farm resource recycling pattern in ZTPC, and map and simulate its system’s complexity to strategize ZTPC upscaling in the region. The analysis of farm resource recycling data reveals that ZTPC stability hinges on managing trade-offs in resource allocations, specifically involving straw, organic manure, sweet water, and family labour. The decision to manage such trade-offs depends on farm type characterizations by their landholdings, distance from the homestead, pond, and cattle ownership, competing crops, and family composition. Using a semiquantitative systems model developed through fuzzy cognitive mapping, the study underscores the significance of effective training, input support, enterprise diversification by introducing livestock, timely tuber supply, access to critical irrigation, and capacity building of local institutions as the essential preconditions to sustain and upscale ZTPC. This research contributes a systems perspective to predict agricultural land use within technology transfer initiatives, providing insights into how farm- and extra-farm factors influence resource allocations for ZTPC. Public extension offices must understand the trade-offs associated with straw, organic matter, and harvested water and design differentiated supports for different farm types. The most compelling interventions to upscale ZTPC includes farm diversification by introducing livestock through institutional convergence, pragmatic agroforestry initiatives to enhance on-farm biomass and fuel production, building awareness and integrating alternative energy use to save straw and cow dung, building social capital to ensure access to sweet irrigation water, and developing and/or strengthening farmer collectives to ensure the supply of quality tuber and marketing of farm produce.