Community Leaders Research Articles

The role of community leadership in building community adaptive capacity to coastal hazards – Insights from neighborhood networks in Semarang, Indonesia

Coastal communities in the Global South face significant challenges due to urbanization, population growth, and climate change-induced sea level rise. This paper contributes to the study of community adaptation in these contexts by emphasizing the critical role of community leaders in developing, maintaining, and activating community adaptive capacity. Drawing on quantitative data from a household survey and qualitative interviews with community leaders in Semarang, Indonesia, this study identifies and empirically analyzes previously overlooked linkages between community leadership and adaptive capacity. Our key findings demonstrate that effective leadership significantly impacts community adaptive capacity by building social capital, organizing collective action, accessing knowledge, managing communal funds, and representing community interests. Community leaders' influence stems from their network position as brokers and their ability to mobilize external resources and knowledge. Furthermore, we develop an empirically based framework of factors determining community leadership effectiveness, emphasizing the importance of social networks. Factors such as social capital, formal authority, influence, and legitimacy determine the scope of leaders’ actions and resources and are closely connected to the structure and dynamics of social networks. Our research contributes to the literature on community adaptive capacity by underlining the critical role of community leaders and social networks in enhancing community adaptation to natural hazards, with broader implications for coastal communities across the Global South.

Factors contributing to the decline of Animere Language in Ghana

The study aimed to explore the factors contributing to the decline of the Animere language in Ghana by delving into its historical context, linguistic features, cultural significance, and the broader socio-economic dynamics at play. Employing a qualitative research design, the study conducted in-depth interviews with ten respondents from the Animere-speaking community, structuring the interview guide into four sections to focus on specific aspects of the Animere language. Through thematic analysis, the research identified several factors contributing to the language's decline, including external influences like media and education, internal community dynamics, generational shifts, and socio-economic motivations, while also highlighting the deep cultural significance of the language and its role in shaping the identity of its speakers. The study acknowledged limitations in its sample size and geographical scope, primarily focusing on specific regions where Animere speakers reside, suggesting that future research could benefit from a larger sample and a more diverse geographical representation. The findings underscore the need for educational reforms, media engagement, community initiatives, policy interventions, and economic incentives to address the decline of the Animere language. It calls for collaborative efforts involving educators, policymakers, community leaders, and media professionals to rejuvenate and celebrate the rich linguistic heritage of Animere. This research offers a comprehensive exploration of the decline of the Animere language, bridging the gap between linguistic research and socio-cultural dynamics, and provides valuable insights for linguists, anthropologists, policymakers, and community leaders interested in language preservation and cultural heritage.

The Role of Law in Regulating Compulsory Vaccination: Between Human Rights and State Obligations during the Pandemic

Public health protection is one of the main obligations of the state in an effort to maintain the welfare of its citizens. One of the policies implemented is mandatory vaccination to reduce the spread of infectious diseases and maintain collective health. However, this policy raises challenges in terms of balancing between the state's responsibility to protect the community and individual human rights, especially the right to determine which medical interventions to accept. This research aims to examine the role of law in regulating mandatory vaccination in Indonesia, as well as how the policy can be implemented without violating human rights. This study uses a normative juridical approach by exploring various regulations that form the basis for the implementation of mandatory vaccination in Indonesia, including Law Number 36 of 2009 concerning Health and Presidential Regulation Number 99 of 2020 concerning Vaccine Procurement and Vaccination Implementation. The analysis shows that compulsory vaccination has a strong legal footing to protect public health, but it must still respect individual rights, especially the right to choose medical interventions. The state is also required to ensure that this policy is implemented in a fair and non-discriminatory manner, especially for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and individuals with special health conditions. This study also found that adequate education and socialization are important factors to increase public acceptance of mandatory vaccination. Public opposition is generally caused by a lack of proper understanding of the benefits of vaccines, as well as the spread of inaccurate information about vaccine safety. Therefore, a more persuasive approach, involving community leaders and related institutions, is needed to provide better understanding and increase public trust in vaccination policies. Mandatory vaccination policies need to be implemented while maintaining a balance between the state's obligation to protect public health and human rights. Not only does the state need to strengthen the legal basis for vaccination, but it must also ensure that this policy is implemented in a fair and inclusive manner.

Advancing gender equality through strategic project management: A framework for integrating gender-responsive policies in development projects

This review presents a strategic framework for integrating gender-responsive policies into project management to advance gender equality within development projects. Gender equality is increasingly recognized as a crucial component of sustainable development, yet significant gaps remain in effectively embedding gender considerations in project planning and execution. Through a review of successful case studies and current project management practices, this review explores how structured, gender-responsive strategies can enhance the impact of development projects across diverse sectors. The proposed framework emphasizes a systematic approach to incorporating gender perspectives from the project design phase through implementation and evaluation. Key components include conducting initial gender impact assessments, establishing gender-specific goals and indicators, and ensuring adequate budget allocations for gender-focused activities. Additionally, the framework underscores the importance of continuous monitoring, stakeholder engagement, and the collection of gender-disaggregated data to inform adaptive management. Challenges such as institutional constraints, cultural resistance, and limited gender-specific expertise among project teams are addressed with recommendations for building capacity and securing policy support. Best practices highlighted include fostering partnerships with local women’s organizations, engaging community leaders, and providing gender sensitivity training for project staff. This review concludes that integrating gender-responsive policies in project management not only advances gender equality but also contributes to more inclusive and effective development outcomes. The framework offers a replicable model for project managers and policymakers, advocating for a shift towards projects that prioritize equitable participation and benefits for all genders. By implementing these practices, development initiatives can create sustainable socio-economic improvements and foster gender-inclusive environments.

Pendampingan Pembentukan Peraturan Desa Tentang Pencegahan Perkawinan Anak Desa Gelangsar Kecamatan

Introduction: Child marriage is one form of rights that have an impact on various aspects ranging from health, education, economy, psychology, and gender equality. One of the efforts to prevent and handle child marriage is to strengthen laws and policies that protect children. So it is very urgent to provide assistance and facilitation in the formation of village regulations on preventing child marriage in Gelangsar Village.Purposes of Devotion: Increasing the knowledge and capabilities of village government officials, members of the Village Consultative Body, Community Leaders, increasing knowledge and encouraging synergistic performance between village government officials, members of the Village Consultative Body and Community Leaders in producing village regulations that are in accordance with the provisions of laws and regulations. Method of Devotion: The method used is counseling and assistance in the formation of village regulations for the community, especially for the Gelangsar Village Government, Bamusdes and village government officials as well as community leaders of Gelangsar Village.Results of the Devotion: After the implementation of the activity, it was discovered that the Gelangsar village government did not yet have village regulations on preventing child marriage as a form of village effort to prevent the increase in the number of child marriages.

Menelisik Respon Pemerintah Daerah Kabupaten Sumbawa Barat dalam Memfasilitasi Proses Pembebasan Lahan Pembangunan Smelter

The purpose of this Community Service Activity is to examine the response of the community and government regarding the smelter development program. This activity was conducted in the villages of Benete and Maluk, West Sumbawa Regency. The activity, held in December 2021, involved 126 participants. The details of the participants include 6 local government officials, 15 youth representatives, 15 community leaders, 15 religious leaders, and 15 community members directly impacted by the Smelter project in Maluk village, as well as 15 youth representatives, 15 community leaders, 15 religious leaders, and 15 community leaders directly impacted by the Smelter project in Benete village. The method used in this activity is the interview method with informants through a qualitative approach. The research findings indicate that the local government supports the construction of a smelter in Sumbawa Regency to boost development and improve the local economy, strongly backing the smelter project in West Sumbawa Regency by facilitating land acquisition.

Navigating Climate Challenges: Socio-Economic Impacts in Beledweyne District, Hirshabelle State, Somalia

This study examines the profound impact of climate change on socio-economic conditions in Beledweyne District, Hirshabelle State, Somalia. Using a descriptive research design, data were gathered from 123 stakeholders, including community leaders, representatives from non-governmental organizations, and internally displaced persons, through semi-structured questionnaires. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with SmartPLS software and Excel for Demographic characteristics. The reliability and validity of the measurement instruments were confirmed through metrics such as Cronbach's Alpha, composite reliability, and Average Variance Extracted (AVE). The findings reveal that climate change intensifies existing vulnerabilities, primarily through recurrent flooding and prolonged droughts, which diminish agricultural productivity, compromise critical infrastructure, and drive population displacement. Specifically, the results indicate substantial declines in crop yields and livestock production, extensive infrastructure damage including roads and community facilities—and rising migration as livelihoods erode. These shifts have deepened poverty, increased food insecurity, and strained social cohesion, highlighting an urgent need for targeted resilience strategies. This study provides valuable insights for policymakers and development practitioners, emphasizing the importance of climate-resilient infrastructure, adaptive agricultural practices, and robust social safety nets as mitigative measures against climate-induced socio-economic degradation. These findings offer a foundation for formulating strategic interventions to enhance resilience in Beledweyne and similarly vulnerable regions.

“Sukul Bhoj” a Newar feast: indigenous ways of knowing, doing, and living for ecological sustainability

ABSTRACT “Sukul Bhoj” is the feast organized by the Newars, an indigenous community of Nepal. It has a unique contribution to the ecological, health, and financial aspects, which is now shadowed by the buffet and party system, as people these days find it difficult and feel outdated to organize such a traditional feast. Hence, this paper subscribed to narrative inquiry through Vygotsky’s social constructivist approach to explore and access the cultural values, tools, and techniques used in Sukul Bhoj and its contribution to the ecological, health, and financial aspects. The participants were two Newar community leaders. The findings revealed that “Sukul Bhoj” is a significant step toward addressing global and local issues like environmental degradation, health issues, economic crises, and the loss of cultural identity. Finally, this study concluded that integrating indigenous knowledge and contextualizing the pedagogical practice helps develop 21st-century skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration among the learners.

Knowledge, attitudes and strategies on contraceptive utilization among adolescents: views from beneficiaries and parents in City of Kigali

IntroductionPregnancy among adolescents is a significant public health concern worldwide, particularly in developing countries, including Rwanda. Although contraception could be an effective tool to prevent unintended pregnancy, its utilization among adolescents is often low.AimThis study explored knowledge, attitudes and strategies on contraceptive utilization among adolescents.MethodsMixed method research (MMR) using a cross-sectional design, Sequential explanatory design was used to explore the views from 394 participants in Gitega Sector. This approach was chosen to first quantify the prevalence and patterns of contraceptive use through the questionnaire-based survey, and then to deepen understanding by exploring attitudes, beliefs, and experiences of adolescents and parents through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. This sequential approach allowed quantitative findings to guide qualitative inquiry, providing richer context to the statistical data. For the quantitative phase, convenience sampling facilitated by the in charge of Health at the sector level and community health workers at the cell level ensured effective access to the study’s target demographic. Qualitative participants were purposively chosen to gain detailed insights from those identified with unique or significant experiences in the initial survey. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.0 for quantitative analysis and ATLAS.ti 23 for qualitative analysis.ResultsThe study found that both adolescents and parents (59.1%) have a low level of knowledge about contraceptive utilization, with adolescents (75.5%) showing significantly lower knowledge than parents (46.4%). A majority of the participants, 195 (56.7%), had a positive attitude towards contraceptive utilization among adolescents. Bivariate analysis revealed significant associations between knowledge and socio-demographic factors such as education (P = 0.00) and marital status (P = 0.00), indicating higher knowledge levels among those with higher educational attainment and married individuals. Additionally, attitudes towards contraceptive utilization were significantly influenced by occupation (P = 0.005) and religion (P = 0.00). However, challenges such as the lack of parent-child communication and low knowledge contributed to the low contraceptive usage despite the existing initiatives such as the INGOBYI Activity.ConclusionThe findings highlight a need for targeted interventions that address the specific challenges identified, including the lack of knowledge and communication barriers. Improved education and awareness programs for both adolescents and parents, along with supportive community strategies, may enhance contraceptive utilization. A concerted effort involving parents, healthcare providers, and community leaders may foster a supportive environment that encourages responsible and informed contraceptive use among adolescents.

Safeguarding Women’s Land Rights: The Role Transformational Leadership as a Game Changer: A Case of South Sudan

Carrying out the study in Juba, South Sudan, with a specific focus on safeguarding women's land rights and exploring the role of transformational leadership is not only timely but also essential for addressing gender disparities in land ownership and contributing to broader efforts towards gender equality and sustainable development in the region. The incorporation of UNSCR 1325 in South Sudan has significantly altered the narrative surrounding women's roles, shifting them from passive recipients to active participants in peace and security endeavours. This resolution underlines the intrinsic right of women to engage in such processes, influencing the development of crucial policies and Legal Frameworks geared towards gender parity and women's empowerment, exemplified by instruments like the Transitional Constitution and National Action Plan. Moreover, UNSCR 1325 emphasizes the imperative of addressing the specific relief needs of women and girls during and after conflicts, positioning women as indispensable agents in relief and recovery processes. The study conducted in Juba gathered respondents from diverse backgrounds, including members of Community-Based Organizations, Faith Groups, women associations, Civil Society Organizations, village committees, community leaders, policymakers, subject matter experts, and political parties. Employing a qualitative research approach, the study utilized Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and Key Informant Interviews to collect data and insights. Thirty research participants partook in three separate FGDs, each comprising ten members, while twenty-three Key Informant interviews were conducted with stakeholders. The qualitative data underwent meticulous thematic analysis, revealing the significant challenges faced by women in South Sudan when asserting their land rights, exacerbated by conflicting statutory and customary laws. The transformative impact of UNSCR 1325 was a central revelation from the study, reshaping women's roles in peace and security efforts and emphasizing their active participation. This paradigm shift has been instrumental in shaping policies and legal frameworks in South Sudan, such as the Transitional Constitution and National Action Plan, which prioritize gender equality and women's empowerment. Conducting further studies focusing on women's land rights and transformational leadership in South Sudan is crucial for advancing gender equality and sustainable development, with recommendations including aligning laws, providing training, engaging champions, establishing information-sharing platforms, and developing comprehensive training programs tailored to promoting women's rights in land ownership. These recommendations aim to guide future interventions in fortifying women's land rights, fostering gender equality, and empowering women as pivotal actors in sustainable development efforts in South Sudan

Innovative Financial Models for Sustainable Investment in Zanzibar’s Blue Economy: Challenges and Opportunities

This paper explores the financial models applicable to the blue economy sectors in Zanzibar, focusing on innovative ways to finance marine-based economic activities. The study aims to assess various financing models such as traditional bank financing, microfinance, impact investing, crowdfunding, and government grants, examining their applicability, strengths, weaknesses, and feasibility within Zanzibar's unique context. This study used a mixed-methods approach, integrating quantitative surveys and qualitative case studies to analyze financial models for Zanzibar's blue economy. A purposive sample of 163 knowledgeable stakeholders—including representatives from financial institutions, government agencies, NGOs, entrepreneurs, and community leaders—was selected to capture diverse perspectives. Through a survey of 163 stakeholders, the research identifies microfinance as the most accessible and feasible model for small-scale and community-driven marine activities. The paper further discusses the challenges of financing the blue economy, including high upfront costs, limited access to traditional financing, and the need for comprehensive policy support. By analyzing case studies from other small island developing states, the study draws lessons on best practices for sustainable blue economy financing. The findings suggest that a combination of financial mechanisms is crucial for addressing the diverse needs of Zanzibar's blue economy, promoting growth, and ensuring the conservation of marine resources. The paper concludes by advocating for an integrated financial ecosystem that leverages both traditional and innovative financing models, policy reforms, and strategic partnerships to foster sustainable development in Zanzibar's blue economy.

Development of a minimum data set for long COVID: a Delphi study protocol

IntroductionPrevious consensus-based long COVID research has focused on establishing research priorities, developing clinical definitions, core outcomes and a list of recommendations of patient-reported outcome measures that can be used to...

What Drives Consumption in Online Games? Homo Socio Interneticus Approach

The current development of online gaming technology can facilitate social interaction, forming a virtual society. This social interaction is continued with economic interaction, namely the consumption of online games. This research uses a multidisciplinary approach to understand consumption behavior in online games. The research takes place in Jakarta, Indonesia, and interviews three key opinion leaders in online game communities. This is qualitative research using grounded theory. The results show that microtransactions in online games are driven by the influence of structural and cultural dimensions in a virtual society, in this case, online games. In the context of virtual society, structural dimensions of pressure are found in the form of exploitation by developers and communities. However, online players resist and reconfirm these structural and cultural pressures, such as stopping consumption. So, there is duality in the social structure of virtual society. This adds new perspectives to existing research more concerned with monetization strategy.

Designing place: Reimagining a peripheral town’s narrative through experience design

This paper introduces the concept of designing place as a specific type of experience design by exploring its application in revitalizing a peripheral town facing economic, social, political, and demographic challenges. We illustrate how reimagining the narrative of a peripheral town can enhance the quality of life for residents, make it attractive to newcomers, and contribute to enduring urban and regional development. We argue that designing place extends beyond traditional urban planning and infrastructure development to incorporate a holistic approach to experience that integrates cognitive, emotional, behavioral, sensorial, and social factors. Designing place aims to create a sense of belonging and well-being, and thus contributes to the broader discourse on the role of design in fostering impactful transformations in a rapidly changing world. We contribute to the design literature by delineating the dimensions of designing place and offer practical implications for policymakers and community leaders seeking to reimagine peripheral towns.

Utilization of Adolescent-Friendly Health Services in Mathare Informal Settlement, Nairobi, Kenya: Cross-sectional Study

Adolescent-friendly health services are essential for addressing the unique health needs of young people, particularly in informal settlements where access to quality healthcare is often limited. This study examined the utilization of AFHS among adolescents in the Mathare informal settlement, Nairobi, Kenya, with a focus on socio-demographic characteristics, health system factors, and adolescents' perceptions of service quality. A cross-sectional study design was employed, utilizing a structured questionnaire administered to a randomly selected sample of adolescents aged 15-19 years. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data, while logistic regression identified factors associated with AFHS utilization. Results showed significant associations between adolescent education level (χ2 = 4.54, p=0.033), type of school attended (χ2 = 24.05, p=0.001), religion (χ2 = 16.32, p=0.001), parent’s living status (χ2 = 28.71, p=0.001), and parent’s occupation (χ2 = 24.76, p=0.0001), as well as father’s (Fisher's exact p=0.001) and mother’s education levels (Fisher's exact p=0.001) with AFHS utilization. Health system factors, including waiting time (Fisher's exact p=0.049) and staff communication (χ2 = 63.22, p=0.0001), were also significantly associated with AFHS use. Additionally, the opportunity to ask questions in nearby health facilities was linked to higher utilization (χ2 = 20.42, p=0.0001). Perceived health risks among adolescents were significantly associated with AFHS use (Fisher's exact = 0.004). Key barriers identified included limited accessibility, insufficient healthcare worker training, and concerns about confidentiality. The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions, comprehensive policies by the MOH, improved resource allocation, and specialized training for healthcare workers. The study recommends the use of mobile clinics, awareness campaigns, and peer education programs to enhance service utilization. Collaborative efforts between AFHS centers, community leaders, schools, and youth organizations are essential for improving access and addressing socio-economic barriers in informal settlement

Challenges and Strategies for Mainstreaming Neglected Tropical Diseases Campaign Interventions in Ethiopia.

Mainstreaming neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) interventions in national health systems is one of the key strategies emphasized in the WHO Roadmap for NTDs. However, there is limited evidence on implementing the proposed mainstreaming approaches effectively. We used a participatory ranking methodology in Ethiopia, using consultative workshops with purposively selected stakeholders, including NTDs program leaders from the government and partners, primary health care (PHC) workers, and community leaders and volunteers. Our aim was to identify, rank, and contextualize mainstreaming challenges and strategies, which were then synthesized using the Primary Health Care Performance Initiative framework. Thirty-three stakeholders at the national, regional, district, PHC, and community levels participated in two consultative workshops conducted in the Adama and Shashemene towns in Ethiopia. The stakeholders identified 73 mainstreaming challenges related to service delivery (32 [43.8%]), inputs (22 [30.1%]), systems (18 [24.7%]), and outputs (1 [1.4%]). The top three most frequently cited and ranked challenges were poor data recording and reporting, poor drug management and logistics, and weak supportive supervision and monitoring. Among the 185 strategies identified to address these challenges, the three most frequently cited were establishing a strong, supportive supervision and monitoring system, continuous on-the-job training to build workforce competence, and performance-based motivation. Multifaceted NTDs campaign intervention mainstreaming challenges that are deep-rooted in the health system were identified. The suggested strategies to address them should be given due consideration not only to guide future mainstreaming efforts but also to facilitate health system strengthening.

Assessing the Effectiveness of Local-Based Approaches Adopted Towards Addressing Terrorism in Lamu County, Kenya and Baadadhe District, Somalia

In the global context, terrorism has evolved into a complex and transnational threat. Al-Shabaab posed significant threats, particularly to East African countries, due to its capacity for numerous attacks in Somalia and neighboring nations. Despite employing alternative strategies, such as a multiagency and comprehensive government approach to tackle terrorism in Lamu and Baadadhe, acts of terror persisted in the region. The study explored the efficacy of a populace-centered approach in curbing terrorism in Somalia and Kenya. The populace-centered approach aimed to actively involve the local population in Lamu County, Basuba Ward, in socio-economic development initiated by security personnel to address the root cause of insecurity problems. The approach was guided by the Securitization theory, System theory, and Power theory, which held a significant relationship with the terror threats and insecurity challenges in Lamu County and Baadadhe district. The study employed a descriptive research design with stratified sampling, with target population 4506 and a sample size of 363 obtained through Slovin sampling formula. It gathered stakeholders' perspectives through questionnaires, interviews, and group discussions. Both quantitative and qualitative analyses . Quantitative data was analyzed through statistical analysis while qualitative data was analyzed thematic analysis. The analysis revealed community responses to terrorism, including physical and cyber threats, through initiatives like neighborhood watch groups and religious collaborations. The study highlighted the importance of strengthening existing structures like neighborhood watch groups and enhancing collaborations with religious leaders and schools. The study concluded that the populace involvement in countering terrorism in Lamu, Kenya and Baadadhe, Somalia reflects a vigilant and multifaceted approach encompassing various aspects, from physical to cyber threats. Further, the research concluded that populace-centered approach is effective in curbing terrorism through information sharing. The study recommended for active involvement of community leaders in security committees and advocated for a legal framework supporting a populace-centered approach to counter-terrorism. Policymakers and security agencies should consider diverse economic and environmental contexts in Lamu County, Kenya, Baadadhe, Somalia.

Community Leaders’ Financial Literacy Towards Sustainable Community in Malaysia

In the fast-paced world of the 21st century economic landscapes evolve rapidly and financial literacy has become vital for leaders across all sectors. It equips them to navigate complex financial environments, make informed decisions and adapt to economic shifts. In Malaysia, the government has formed the Community Leaders under the rural development program for village development. As a result of that, the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development has allocated resources to assist community programs. Therefore, these community leaders should be equipped with financial literacy to ensure that the financial resources are managed efficiently and effectively. Financial literacy is one of the most important requisites to financial well-being. It is also described as the measurement of how well an individual can understand and use information related to finance to make decisions. The objective of this study is to examine the needs of the Financial Literacy Model for community leaders. Further, it will also determine the components to be included in developing the Financial Literacy Model to enhance the public financial management system among community leaders. A mixed method research design, which combined qualitative (focused group interviews on selected community leaders) and quantitative (questionnaires) data will be employed in this research. Data analysis in qualitative research focuses on the process of systematically searching and arranging the interview transcripts. Interview sessions are crucial for gaining a thorough understanding of financial knowledge and skills among leaders. The research is anticipated to assist policymakers, community leaders and the government in improving sustainable community development.

Enhancing Community Participation in Government-Funded School Projects in Morogoro Region

The study investigated the strategies for enhancing community participation in government–funded school project in Morogoro region. The study used case study research design to determine the strategies from a total sample of 23 comprising of 10 Head Masters, 1 Ward Councillor, 2 Ward Educational Officers and 10 School Board Chairmen. Semi-structured interviews were used in collecting data which were then analzyed using thematic analysis. The study found that, early community involvement in project design ensures educational initiatives are more relevant, effective and sustainable. Community contributions in constructing classrooms and laboratories, supported by government funding, enhance the academic environment and promote practical learning opportunities, particularly in science. Furthermore, engaging the community in supervising and securing school projects strengthens accountability and fosters a sense of ownership, improving long-term project sustainability. The study recommends that government-funded school projects should actively involve community members from the outset to reflect local needs, encourage participation in building educational facilities through various contributions, provide clear guidelines for overseeing projects, maintain ongoing community engagement for security and upkeep, and implement training programs to enhance management and collaboration skills among school and community leaders.

Cashless Payment among Rural Youth in Malaysia: Push Factors and Challenges

Fintech has become deeply embedded in society, enhancing daily life. Among the most utilized fintech services is cashless payment. Despite the benefits of cashless payments, their adoption among rural youth in Malaysia remains insufficient. This study investigates the factors driving and the challenges hindering the use of cashless payments among rural youth in Malaysia. A qualitative method, utilizing structured interviews, was conducted across all states in Malaysia. Thirty-nine in-depth interviews were conducted with rural youth from Perlis, Kedah, Perak, Pulau Pinang, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, Johor, Pahang, Terengganu, Kelantan, Sabah, and Sarawak. Most interviews were conducted face-to-face, with some online due to geographical constraints. The study identified inadequate infrastructure, limited cashless transaction operators, and a lack of digital literacy as primary barriers. Despite these obstacles, rural youths were highly optimistic about adopting cashless transactions, indicating their potential to engage actively in the digital economy and contribute to financial inclusion initiatives. The findings significantly aid policymakers, financial institutions, and community leaders in formulating strategies to promote digital acceptance in rural areas. This study also enhances the current body of knowledge by offering a deeper understanding of the factors influencing digital payment adoption in rural areas.