Empowerment Of Local Communities Research Articles

"Something we can all share": Exploring the social significance of food insecurity for young people in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

Food insecurity remains a pressing global issue and South Africa continues to face socioeconomic inequalities that make securing food a challenge for many young people. To address this challenge, we need better understanding of the social context of food and its importance in driving perceptions and behaviours about food and its scarcity. In this study, we examine the meaning of food for young people living in urban informal settlements and rural villages in KwaZulu-Natal, and investigate how they exert agency in the face of food insecurity. We use qualitative data from 17 photo/video elicitation interviews conducted from December 2020-January 2021 with young people experiencing food insecurity. The sample consisted of 9 women and 8 men who were part of the Siyaphambili Youth ("Youth Moving Forward") project. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Themes included the challenges young people face in securing food and money for food. However, in exploring young people's agency, food also plays a critical role in shaping their identities and social networks. Relevant themes included the use of food as a means of bonding with others; solidifying relationships; and as a signifier of social status and gender roles. Despite the challenges of food insecurity, young people demonstrated resilience and agency, utilising social and gendered coping strategies to secure food and to maintain their social networks. Our study contributes to the understanding of food insecurity amongst young people in South Africa and highlights the need for a comprehensive and culturally sensitive approach to addressing this issue. We argue that interventions aimed at addressing food insecurity should prioritise the empowerment of local communities and consider the sociocultural and gendered context of food in their design and implementation.

Groundwater Exploration and Assessment in Arid and Semi-Arid Regions of Basaltic Terrain of Solapur: Lessons Learned and Future Prospects

This research delves into the intricate dynamics of groundwater exploration and assessment in the arid and semi-arid basaltic terrain of Solapur, India. The study investigates the hydrogeological complexities of the region, emphasizing the importance of community involvement and sustainable practices in groundwater management. Employing advanced geophysical surveys, borehole logging, and hydrogeological modeling, the research uncovers the challenges and successes encountered during the study, providing valuable insights for future exploration strategies. Key findings highlight the heterogeneity of basaltic formations, the significance of local community engagement, and the need for adaptive approaches in groundwater exploration. Lessons learned from successes in geophysical surveys and challenges faced in borehole logging contribute to the knowledge base for effective exploration techniques in similar geological settings. The research's significance for Solapur lies in its potential to guide sustainable water management practices, empower local communities, and inform policy formulation. The emphasis on community involvement, awareness, and regulatory measures serves as a foundation for addressing water scarcity challenges in the region. Beyond Solapur, the study holds broader implications for arid and semi-arid regions globally. It contributes to scientific knowledge, informing policy frameworks, and promoting community-centric approaches to groundwater management. The research provides a blueprint for addressing water resource challenges in diverse geographical contexts, ensuring the resilience of communities and the preservation of vital groundwater resources.

Innovation in Preschool and Early School Education

The importance of innovation in early childhood learning emphasizes the need for a responsive approach to local cultural riches and values. The local wisdom approach emerges as a promising paradigm, creating space for innovation that has a positive impact on learning management. The aim of this research is to describe, analyze and offer learning innovation solutions through a local wisdom approach in a management context. The research method used is literature study, through collecting library data originating from articles, journals, electronic books and relevant document data related to the research focus. The data analysis process was carried out using descriptive methods to analyze the material collected. The research results show that innovative learning with local wisdom creates an interesting learning environment and supports children's development by enriching their experience of local values ​​and traditions. Innovative activities include learning methods, creative management, material development, and local community empowerment.

Exploring the Paradox of Local Community Empowerment in Mediating the Role of Village Fund Policy to Increase the Rural Society's Welfare: An Analysis through the Eye of Village Public Service's Users

Recent studies reported that the implementation of local budgeting in the context of fiscal decentralization policy had no significant contribution in increasing rural community welfare. This study therefore evaluated the local budgeting policy implemented in Indonesia through Village Fund (VF) policy as well as examining the mediating role of local community empowerment. This investigation used crossectional data from 399 respondents from villages in Indonesia. The measures used in this study involved villagers' perception about policy and implementation of village fund, the success of rural welfare and local community empowerment. PLS-SEM was used to test the hyphoteses. The result of this study evidences that perceived of VF usage measured by perceived infrastructure development and perceived basic social services, except for perceived VF usage in rural economic development, have less significant impact on rural community welfare. Moreover, perceived involvement of community empowerment has minimum contribution on perceived rural community welfare. This study provides an understanding of paradox existing in the perceived role of local community empowerment in mediating the effect of local finance budgeting on rural welfare which is still rarely studied particularly in developing countries like Indonesia.

Mining Conflict and Sustainable Development: A Review of Case Studies and Theoretical Framework

Mining has significant impacts on the environment and communities. Conflicts often arise between mining companies, governments and local communities over issues such as evictions, environmental damage and pollution. These conflicts can hinder sustainable development efforts. This research aims to review the literature on mining conflicts and sustainable development. This research uses the literature review method. The literature reviewed includes scientific articles, books, and research reports. The results of this study conclude that mining conflicts can hinder sustainable development by causing social instability, environmental damage and investment barriers. To address these conflicts, we recommend an approach that involves all stakeholders, emphasises good governance, responsible environmental management, empowerment of local communities, and effective dispute resolution mechanisms

The Role of Bali's Traditional Subak Farming System in the Preservation of Natural and Cultural Resources

The Subak traditional farming system in Bali embodies a harmonious relationship between humans, nature, and spirituality, epitomizing the Balinese philosophy of "Tri Hita Karana." This qualitative study explores the role of the Subak system in the preservation of natural and cultural resources in Bali. Through interviews with Subak farmers, water temple priests, and other stakeholders, as well as participant observation and document analysis, the study examines the ecological functions, cultural significance, and challenges facing the Subak system. The findings reveal that the Subak system plays a vital role in maintaining ecological balance, biodiversity, and soil health in Bali's landscapes. Furthermore, the Subak system holds profound cultural significance, serving as a spiritual anchor, fostering community cohesion, and preserving cultural heritage. However, the Subak system faces numerous challenges, including urbanization, water scarcity, and demographic shifts, which threaten its sustainability and resilience. Addressing these challenges requires concerted efforts to protect Subak landscapes, promote traditional farming practices, and empower local communities. By recognizing the holistic value of the Subak system, stakeholders can work together to ensure the preservation of Bali's natural and cultural heritage for future generations.

Let Us Dream’s Migration to a Global Virtual Conference: Delivering a Social Entrepreneurial Event

This case study applies Rudolph et al.’s social entrepreneurship model to describe the migration of Let Us Dream’s (LUD) face-to-face social entrepreneurial conference to a virtual platform during the COVID-19 pandemic. LUD Triennial International Conference focused on community service initiatives in the areas of education, health, and social services for the purpose of impacting local and international communities in a transformative way. Organizers experienced many positive outcomes (e.g., high attendance and participant satisfaction), human capital, and leadership development of its collaborative volunteer planning teams, and the empowerment of local and global communities. The discussion section elaborates on the social entrepreneurship model findings, and other lessons learned, and provides recommendations for others planning to deliver a virtual or hybrid conference in multicultural contexts.

Digitalization of village based on information technology through developing BUMDes MSMEs website and logo

The development of technology has transformed the global economic landscape, including in the realm of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). However, MSME actors in various villages and regions often still have limitations in understanding the importance of digitalization, especially in utilizing technology to promote their products. Therefore, this Community Engagement activity is initiated with the main goal of creating and disseminating understanding about the importance of implementing a profile website, financial management application, and logo in efforts to increase visibility and sales of products for MSME actors in the Serdang Tirta Kencana Village-Owned Enterprises (BUMDes) in Tangerang, Indonesia. The implementation method is based on Community-Based Participatory Research Program (CBPR) with the following stages are location survey, website and logo creation, socialization, and evaluation. Through close collaboration with local stakeholders from BUMDes Serdang Tirta Kencana, this activity has successfully empowered MSME actors with a strong visual identity and significant digital presence. The result is a 95% increase in the skills of MSME actors in BUMDes Serdang Tirta Kencana. It is hoped that through this activity, MSME actors can become competitive and have a positive impact on local economic growth and community empowerment

Forest Landscape Restoration and Its Impact on Social Cohesion, Ecosystems, and Rural Livelihoods: Lessons Learned from Pakistan

This paper explores community perspectives on forest landscape restoration (FLR) initiatives and their impacts on ecosystems, livelihoods and social cohesion. The study is based on data collected from 08 focus group discussions (FGDs) conducted in local communities involved in FLR activities. A coding process was used to identify key themes and patterns that shed light on the impacts of FLR. The results show that FLR initiatives have led to social cohesion and conflict resolution, including the establishment of community-based organizations (CBOs), the involvement of community volunteers in various FLR tasks, a cooperative/collaborative approach to forest management, conflict resolution, and the empowerment of local communities. In addition, the results of the study showed that FLRs have successfully regenerated and restored the forest ecosystem, including restoration of biodiversity, plant diversity, improvement of animal populations and livestock health, soil health, and water quality. Ecosystem restoration has improved community livelihoods, including increased crop productivity, access to education, affordable health care, improved economic conditions, and food security. Based on the findings, policy recommendations include strengthening support for community FLR initiatives, promoting stakeholder collaboration, and promoting social equity.

How Coffee Entrepreneurs in Kerinci Impact Local Economic Empowerment and Social Impact of Local Communities in terms of Financial Capital, Entrepreneurial Orientation, Government Policy and Entrepreneurial Ecosystem

In the Indonesian Kerinci region, this quantitative study explores the complex effects of coffee entrepreneurs on community well-being and local economic empowerment. This study examines the relationship between independent variables—financial capital, entrepreneurial orientation, government policy, and the entrepreneurial ecosystem—and their impact on dependent variables—entrepreneurial performance, economic empowerment, and community empowerment. It is based on the Resource-Based View (RBV) theory. A survey of 180 coffee entrepreneurs was conducted, and Structural Equation Modeling with Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS) was used to analyze the data. The findings supported the importance of this link by showing that government policies, financial resources, entrepreneurial orientation, and the entrepreneurial ecosystem all have a beneficial impact on entrepreneurial performance, which in turn promotes community and local economic empowerment. Policy makers, coffee entrepreneurs, and industry stakeholders can benefit greatly from the findings, which highlight the significance of resource allocation, entrepreneurial qualities, and a conducive ecology in augmenting Kerinci's socio-economic advancement

The Impact of Empowering Local Communities Through Food and Beverage Businesses at The Palo Naga Tourism Object, Deli Serdang Regency, North Sumatra Province

This study aims to determine the empowerment of local communities through food and beverage businesses at the Palo Naga tourist attraction, the effect of selling traditional food and drinks on increasing visitor interest in coming to the Palo Naga tourist attraction. This research is a quantitative descriptive research and the samples of this research are several food and beverage sellers and visitors of the Paloh Naga tourist attraction. The results of this study are that the management of the Palo Naga tourist attraction is very serious to guide the community, especially housewives in supporting the Palo Naga tourist attraction to sell in the tourist attraction area. All outlets are provided by the manager to be used as a place to sell free of charge and all sellers involved are from local residents. To improve the skills of these women sellers, the management often organizes training, both training on food processing and making souvenirs, in collaboration with some agencies by providing vocational homes as places for the training. The existence of the Palo Naga tourist attraction which utilizes the community's paddy fields besides having a cool natural and village feel as a visitor attraction, turns out to be a reason to enjoy the atmosphere and traditional food at this tourist attraction has a very strong influence on visitors coming. Most of the food and drinks are rather difficult to find in the city and the transaction system is also quite interesting where payments to sellers are not in cash, but using a medium of exchange made of wood.

Blockchain Innovation for Sustainable Supply Chain Management under EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) Regulation

This paper explores the transformative role of blockchain technology in advancing the sustainability of supply chain management within the context of the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) regulation. As companies grapple with an expanded scope under the CSRD, encompassing a broader array of reporting entities, the need for robust and innovative solutions becomes increasingly evident. Blockchain, with its inherent characteristics of transparency, security, and decentralized consensus, emerges as a promising tool to address the multifaceted challenges associated with sustainable supply chain management. The paper investigates the role of blockchain in fostering sustainability across various dimensions of the supply chain, including ethical sourcing, environmental conservation, and the empowerment of local communities. The “Fashion Passport” project represents a case study of blockchain solutions to the fashion industry, with a specific focus on traceability. By utilizing blockchain, the “Fashion Passport” project aims to verify the authenticity and origin of garments throughout the supply chain. Through this case study, the paper aims to elucidate how blockchain technology acts as a catalyst for positive change, empowering businesses to align their operations with sustainable practices.

Income Generation through Home Stay Tourism: A Case of Ilam Municipality

Home stay tourism has emerged as a promising avenue for income generation and community development in Nepal, particularly in rural areas where traditional forms of accommodation are scarce. This article explores the income generation opportunities offered by home stays in Ilam Municipality, Nepal, and delves into the impact of rural tourism on the local economy. The article also analyzes the challenges and opportunities associated with home stay development, emphasizing the importance of community-based tourism and its potential for economic growth, cultural preservation, and poverty alleviation. Drawing on qualitative approach, data were collected through the unstructured interview and direct interaction with local participants and visitors. The findings highlight the economic benefits of home stays, the empowerment of local communities, and the preservation of cultural heritage. However, challenges related to cultural authenticity, service quality, and equitable development are identified. The findings imply that the policymakers, tourism planners, and local communities should formulate effective plans and programs to enhance the sustainability and inclusivity of home stay tourism in Nepal.

Gianyar Botanical Garden Development Strategy as a Tourism Attraction Based on Local Wisdom in Kerta Tourism Village, Payangan District, Gianyar Regency

Gianyar Botanical Gardens is one of the natural attractions located in Gianyar Regency. The Gianyar BotanicalGardens has beautiful, cool and still beautiful natural potential that provides comfort for visitors to touristattractions, and has supporting potential such as cultural tourism and local wisdom such as the Bali Agatradition, Bali Age Architecture, and Gelagar Dance where this local wisdom is only owned by Kerta TourismVillage. In the development there are problems that hinder its implementation, including budget limitations forthe cost of facilities and infrastructure for tourist objects such as infrastructure, road conditions and otherfacilities that support the existence of the Gianyar Botanical Gardens tourist attraction. Lack of promotion oftourist objects, the need for empowerment of local communities about tourism and tourism development. Thisstudy aims to analyze the right strategy in the development of the Gianyar Botanical Gardens tourism object.The method used in this study is a qualitative method with a descriptive approach. This study uses a theorybased on a SWOT analysis. The results of this study indicate that the right strategy to be used in thedevelopment of the Gianyar Botanical Gardens is a strategy for utilizing natural potential, cultural tourism andlocal wisdom to support the existence of the Gianyar Botanical Garden tourism object to increase touristattraction in Gianyar Regency, a strategy for strengthening local community awareness institutions indevelopment of tourism objects and strategies to increase the capacity and role of rural communities throughthe village government in developing tourism objects of the Gianyar Botanical Gardens.Keywords: Strategy, Development, Garden, Local Wisdom

Community Empowerment Through Potato Dodol Processing to Increase Family Income in Kerinci District

Kerinci Regency is an area that produces a variety of agricultural products. In Lubuk Nagodang Village, Siulak District, people convert various agricultural products into raw materials for home industries. One of them is processing potatoes into potato dodol. Starting in 1994 in Lubuk Nagodang Village, this business developed rapidly by involving the community in Family Empowerment and Welfare (PKK) groups. The positive impact of the potato dodol business on socio-economic empowerment is that it opens up opportunities for the people of Lubuk Nagodang Village to increase their income. The potato dodol produced includes a variety of flavors, demonstrating product diversification as the key to consumer appeal. Empowerment is carried out through education, training and government policies, by presenting the Kerinci Regency Regional Superior Product Determination. This business not only produces delicious local products, but also drives the economic empowerment of local communities through active involvement in production and support from the local government. The suggestion in this research is that in empowering the Dodol Potato Business, it is recommended that the Department of Cooperatives and Manpower carry out continuous monitoring, so that the development of Dodol Potatoes, both in terms of product innovation and marketing, can be achieved optimally.

Assessing Energy Policies, Legislation and Socio-Economic Impacts in the Quest for Sustainable Development

The energy sector in Africa, particularly in countries like Uganda, plays a pivotal role in shaping economic development, social progress, and environmental sustainability. This study delves into the nuanced interplay between energy policies, legislation, and their real-world consequences in Uganda. By employing a case study approach, this research investigates the multifaceted impact of Uganda's energy policies and legislation on various stakeholders, including government institutions, businesses, and local communities. This study provides an overview of Uganda's energy landscape, highlighting the challenges faced by the nation in ensuring a stable and sustainable energy supply. It then meticulously examines the evolution of energy policies and legislation over the past few decades, analysing their formulation, implementation, and effectiveness. Through qualitative and quantitative analyses, this research assesses the socio-economic consequences of these policies and legislations. It explores how regulatory decisions have influenced energy accessibility, affordability, and reliability for urban and rural populations. Additionally, the environmental impact of energy policies is scrutinized, focusing on their contributions to climate change mitigation, natural resource conservation, and the promotion of sustainable practices. The study also evaluates the social repercussions, including the empowerment of local communities, employment generation, and overall improvements in the quality of life resulting from energy policy interventions. This research critically examines the challenges faced during policy implementation, such as bureaucratic hurdles, financial constraints, and political influences, which often hinder the desired outcomes. It identifies key lessons from Uganda's experiences, offering valuable insights for other African nations grappling with similar energy challenges.

Mapping Local Potential of Coastal Communities to Support Sustainable Empowerment

Coastal communities are very close to natural wealth in the form of ample marine resources. In reality, coastal communities are positioned as groups that are socially, economically, and ecologically vulnerable. This vulnerability is motivated by the non-participatory empowerment of fishermen. This research aims to map the local potential of the fishing community in Pulo Sarok Village, Singkil District, Aceh Singkil Regency. This research is supported by qualitative methods to explore local communities' dynamics and map their resources. Data collection techniques used observation, in-depth interviews, and FGD (focus group discussion). Determining informants used the snowball sampling technique. Data were analyzed using the concept of local community empowerment initiated by Jim Ife and Frank Tesoriero. The findings from this research show that fishing communities consist of human resources that rely on local knowledge and local culture to utilize and preserve natural resources. The fishing community also has the skills to establish synergy with the village government to accommodate all their needs. The local community-based empowerment model is very suitable for fishermen who need traditional markets to distribute their catch. Fishermen must be positioned as the main actors in empowerment who best understand their problems and needs. Further research is highly recommended to analyze external parties who can facilitate fishing communities in implementing empowerment to achieve prosperity.

Upaya Menjaga Raja Ampat sebagai Sustainable Tourism Melalui Prinsip Sustainabilty dan Blue Economy

This journal addresses efforts to maintain Raja Ampat as Sustainable Tourism through Sustainability and Blue Economy Principles. Raja Ampat is one of the tourism destinations in Indonesia that needs to maintain its tourism attractiveness while maintaining the surrounding nature. This research presents strategic steps that can be taken to encourage sustainable tourism. The research methodology was conducted through library research, which resulted in the conclusion that to maintain Raja Ampat as sustainable tourism requires the active involvement of local communities, stakeholders and the role of the government. The implementation of this sustainable improvement strategy can be in the form of tourism promotion, infrastructure development and empowerment of local communities.

Community Empowerment Program as A Sustainable Economic Strategy in Pela Tourism Village

The community empowerment program seeks to optimize a village's capacity to enhance the welfare of its residents. This study's aim was to determine different types of community empowerment initiatives. Data collecting methods for this study's qualitative methodology included observation, interviews, documentation, and literature review. Community empowerment is Practiced to bring about change for the residents of the Pela tourist village, particularly in improving knowledge. The study's findings showed that the Pela Tourism Village's development efforts were quite successful, with the leading indicator being the average increase in tourist visits, which was quite significant from year to year. Additionally, the local community's readiness regarding its education, knowledge, and involvement in the tourism village's development demonstrated that the community is adequately prepared to deal with various potential impacts. Local laws, particularly those limiting incoming foreign investment, influence local communities' rising ownership and control and their pride in working and doing business there. Tourist fees provide funding to the government. This is why it is essential to keep growing tourist villages responsibly while prioritizing local populations' needs. The empowerment of local communities must constantly be promoted in addition to physical development to establish a capable, economically self-sufficient tourist community prepared to maximize the economic prospects that result from village tourism operations.

Edutourism Initiative in Pulau Santen Beach, Banyuwangi Through Local Community Empowerment by Sea Turtle Conservation Program

The potential of Santen Island beach, which has been known as a tourist beach, is increasingly visible with the amount of infrastructure and tourism built by the local government. This is done as an effort to promote Santen Island, as one of the best natural tourism centers in Banyuwangi. The people of Santen Island must be prepared as a group that is aware of the potential of their village and the sustainability of its natural tourism. Santen Island is also a tourist location that is annually used as a nesting site for sea turtles that land on the coast of Banyuwangi. This is actually very contrary to the natural habits of sea turtles which prefer to make nests in quiet places without the disturbance of sound, light, and humans. Because this natural nesting site is a tourist attraction, the local residents should also be given insights related to the protection of sea turtles that land on the coast of Santen Island as wildlife protected by the Conservation Law in Indonesia. This community service aims to strengthen the awareness and knowledge of the Santen Island tourism awareness group related to the importance of the role of the community around the beach to participate in preserving wildlife and their ecosystems. The methods used to carry out community service are lectures, discussions, and brainstorming. The location of the implementation is on the beach of Pulau Santen with the target group of people in the Pulan Santen beach area. The locality development model is applied in community service activities. The understanding, awareness, and participation of the target group increased. Through the community service activities that have been carried out, the sustainability of the program is needed until a conservation education tourism model is formed that has the potential to improve the economy of the surrounding community and the preservation of biodiversity in the region. This activity provides an increase in knowledge, awareness, and participation of the target group in managing the conservation of wildlife and their ecosystems, especially sea turtles.