Local Government Community Research Articles

Local Government Revenue Generation and Community Welfare Services: A Descriptive Analysis of Kwashil

Local Government Revenue Generation and Community Welfare Services: A Descriptive Analysis of Kwashil

Batam City Coastal Tourism Management: Economic Opportunities for SMEs in Tourism

This research focuses on the involvement of local communities as SMEs in the tourism sector in the coastal tourism area of Batam City. This study is based on the argument that MSMEs offer welfare to local communities and at the same time become an attraction in tourist destinations. This research was conducted using a descriptive qualitative approach with primary and secondary data collection. Primary data collection was carried out through focus group discussions and interviews with local governments and communities as MSME actors, as well as field observations in four coastal areas. While secondary data is collected through the collection of documents related to the research focus. The results of this study indicate that (1) local communities are still not optimally involved in becoming MSME actors in the tourism sector in coastal tourism areas, due to limited knowledge of exploiting economic opportunities (2) culinary potential, crafts and tourist attractions have the opportunity to be developed as attractions in the area coastal tourism in Batam City. Curation of culinary and craft products, as well as packaging of local culture as tourist attractions (3) local communities have limited access to local government programs related to human resource training and improving service quality at destinations. Tourism awareness groups in the four coastal tourism areas that were observed continue to work to mobilize local communities to get involved. Exploring the potential of culinary, craft and tourist attractions requires optimal local government involvement. The role of local government and local communities jointly synergizes in improving the quality of coastal tourism areas through the involvement of local communities as SMEs in the tourism sector. Keywords: Coastal Tourism Areas, Tourism Smes, Local Community Involvement

NGOs as Partners of Local Development and Governance: The Sri Lankan Experience

During seven decades of independence, Sri Lankan politics have been characterized by strong central government despite various initiatives to decentralize power to local levels. Hence, local government has little capacity to respond to local development needs. The increase in NGO activity following the tsunami of 2004 and the end of the civil war in 2009 provides an opportunity to examine the potential of NGOs as partners with local government in promoting local development. Drawing on research into the views of national, provincial and local political representatives and administrative officials, NGO officials and representatives of community-based organizations in the southern and eastern provinces, this paper examines instances of the NGO involvement addressing local development and governance in Sri Lanka. It examines the impact of a strong central government on NGOs working at the local level, and the conditions for NGOs to be effective in promoting local development. It identifies instances where NGOs have played a key role as intermediaries between local government and local communities as they have promoted local development.

A reflection on motivating community action to protect an endangered species using marketing

PurposeThis paper aims to describe a case that has worked with community aiming to prevent koala deaths and injuries across known causes including dogs.Design/methodology/approachOver a 6½-year period, a project team has applied the Co-create–Build–Engage (CBETM) process initially delivering a proof-of-concept pilot programme for one threat faced by koalas, which was later scaled to citywide delivery. This approach is now being extended across 12 local government areas, and the author’s team is now working across all preventable threats faced by koalas’ regionwide. Leave It is now nested as one behaviour change project in a wider project delivered across Southeast Queensland, in partnership with Queensland Government, 12 local government areas, community groups and other organisations.FindingsUnderpinned by the pathway to impact and CBETM processes, this paper describes how the 3½-year Leave It project reduced koala deaths from dog attacks by 40% in the Redland City Council area. A reduction in koala deaths will contribute to a measurable increase in the local koala population across successive generations delivering lasting impact.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper provides an overview of links between inputs, activities, outputs and outcomes to impact. Robust koala population data is needed to precisely measure impact over time.Practical implicationsOne female koala joey saved equates to seven new koalas in the next generation and prevention of koala deaths can be achieved when people can be motivated to take action.Originality/valueThis paper reflects on 6½ years of experience applying marketing to deliver changes in people’s behaviour that protect koalas. A high-level overview of the strategic and operational marketing efforts that have been and continue to be applied is described.

Effects of Insurgency and Sit-At-Home Syndrome on Quality Secondary School Administration in South East Nigeria

In recent times, one of the most devastating factors to Nigeria’s development, which has also posed the biggest threat to national leadership and security, is the proliferation and criminal activities of multiple insurgent groups across the various geopolitical regions of the country. More than any other factor, insurgency and other forms of terrorism have caused a colossal damage to Nigeria’s human, social, economic and infrastructural development. In the Northern parts of Nigeria, most of the schools have either been closed down or completely damaged. Hundreds of students have equally been abducted and are still in captivity. Many local government areas and communities have also been taken over and are under full control and administration of Boko Haram (which means western education is forbidden). This constitutes a threat to Nigeria’s corporate political existence as well as a great challenge and setback for educational management and administration and therefore need reform. The paper is based on the fact that education is the life wire of every nation. In the absence of quality assurance in secondary education, this important provision of the national policy on education becomes jeopardized. This paper examined some key concepts in the discourse and the negative effects of these syndromes on education. Recommendations on measures that can restore or curb deficiencies arising from these effects are made. One of the recommendations is the extension of school time table to accommodate about 450 hours of lesson period and more than 135 topics of sub-topics of the scheme of work or curriculum which are either lost or not taught every school term in the various subjects of both the junior and senior secondary school classes.

Cities with poviat status in Poland and their financial condition

The study, devoted to the assessment of the financial condition of cities with poviat status (CWPS) in Poland, aims (i) to position cities with poviat status in the structure of local government and (ii) to examine and assess the average financial condition of city with poviat status in Poland in the spatial aspect, using standard measures (measures referring to the budget result, income potential and the amount of expenses) and those of the authors’ (reflecting the possibility of satisfying the needs of the local government community). The study uses the methods of descriptive statistics. Detailed analyses were carried out on the basis of the authors’ own calculations, using an MS Excel spreadsheet, and the calculated measures were presented for two deliberately selected years (2010 and 2019). The analyses present different pictures of the financial conditions: while the values produced by standard measures in 2019 compared to 2010 clearly indicate an improvement in the financial condition of analysed cities in Poland, the values derived from the authors’ measures do not confirm this. Changes in the values of both groups of indicators are spatially diverse. Both groups, however, indicate that there are voivodeships whose financial condition improved more in 2019 compared to 2010 (classical indicators) or deteriorated to a lesser extent (authors’ indicators) than other voivodeships. This applies to the provinces of Western and Central Poland. CWPS in these regions, due to their location and impact in the region, as well as their attractiveness as places of employment doing business: 1) have been better prepared to start new investments and incur further commitments; 2) attract high school and university graduates and investors; 3) have a large stock of real estate, including extensive infrastructure; and 4) are less dependent on transfers from the state budget.

Participatory Action Research (PAR) Model for Developing A Tourism Village in Indonesia

The Participatory Action Research (PAR) Model is not only referred to as a research method but is also referred to as an approach to community empowerment and development, including community-based tourism development. This paper describes the stages of empowerment and development of a tourist village in Indonesia using the Participatory Action Research (PAR) approach consisting of observing, mapping, reviewing, making program diagram maps, and re-planning the development of tourist villages. The data obtained through the PAR approach were analyzed using the Nvivo 12 Plus Software. This paper reveals that Ngadas Village has tourism potential, including nature tourism and socio-cultural tourism. The tourism potential of Ngadas Village has not been managed and developed properly due to the limitations of village facilities and infrastructure that support the presence of Ngadas Village as a tourist village. The participatory integrative model is a model that can be implemented to develop Ngadas Village as an agriculture-based tourism village. Through this model, stakeholders, especially the village government, local government, universities, and local communities, can synergize and play a role according to their respective abilities, which are directed to realize the same goal, namely to build Ngadas Village as a tourist village as a source of opinion that supports community welfare. The findings of this study contribute to the development of local tourism in developing countries, especially in Indonesia.

Preparing the Community Based Education of Socio-Cultural Oriented for Children in the Industrial Revolution Era of 4.0

This paper aimed to explore the preparation of community-based education of socio-cultural oriented for children in the Industrial Revolution Era of 4.0 as a new model in Pariaman City. This study reveals the importance of a positive correlation between education and the people's behavior to remain the socio-cultural norms. This model can be constructed through cooperative and collaborative education strategy based online learning. Preparation of this educational model built through cooperation with society as a stakeholder of education. This model allows the role of society and technology synergy gave birth to quality education without neglecting the social and local cultural values of the nation. Implementation of this idea can give the two sides to be achieved that is shaping the noble personality of the Indonesian children especially based cultured supreme divinity is one, civilized humanity and smart in technology to the advanced Indonesian community in the field of science and culture by nine steps are, character education, student-oriented learning system, teachers' learning skill improvement, collaborate with community organizations, social process-oriented education system, support from local government policy and community, build social and cultural coherence and set up diverse teaching materials from a variety of perspectives studies.

Sustainable Development in Mining Communities: The Case of South Africa's West Wits Goldfield

There is a significant role for the mining and minerals industry to play in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at a global level, through supplying the raw materials needed for technological progress, human development and cleaner economic growth, and at a local level, through socio-economic development and support, environmental protection, and good governance. While mining companies support the SDGs at the corporate level, there is a lack of evidence to show whether they are being implemented at the mine site level. There is also a lack of clarity on who the mine host communities are and what happens to the SDGs commitments after mine closure. The aim of this study was to identify all the host communities in the West Wits goldfield in South Africa and measure a comprehensive set of local SDG indicators, to explore the local variations that are hidden at national and municipal level, and the implications for communities achieving the SDGs in the context of mine closure. The West Wits is home to over 300,000 people living in 47 diverse communities—towns, mine villages, townships, informal settlements, industrial areas and rural areas. While 23 local SDG indicators were selected, only 13 indicators across 8 SDGs could be measured using census data. The findings show significant inequality between communities and deprivation in many communities, particularly the informal settlements. There are low levels of education, internet access and employment across the communities, indicating high vulnerability to mine closure. Without major intervention the SDGs will not be met by 2030 and thousands of people in these communities will be left behind. This is even more concerning given the majority of mines are expected to close in the next 10–20 years and the local economy in the West Wits is largely reliant on mining. Achieving the SDGs will require collaboration between multiple mining companies, local government authorities, civil society and communities, and significant urgent interventions on education and skills development, internet access and employment creation beyond the mining industry.

Application of GIS/RS in Assessment of Flash Flood Causes and Damages: A Case Study of Budhni Nullah, District Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Purpose: The purpose of this research is to assess the flood hazard causes and damages and to draw the extent of flood hazard zones in Budhni Nullah District Peshawar on the basis of devastating historical flood data through the usage of the Geographic Information System (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RS).
 Methodology: In this research, a descriptive methodology and GIS techniques were carried out to identify flood hazard causes, damages, and hazard zones. Therefore, qualitative and quantitative data related to flood hazards are clipped from various sources. Satellite images such as digital elevation models were generated for acquiring watershed and slope data. The data were put in the ArcMap for mapping and in SPSS for ease of statistical calculations to find the causes and damages of flood hazards. Moreover, various other tools from different applications were used such as ERDAS Imagine for Image processing and GPS application for location tracking.
 Main Findings: We delineated the catchment areas and different other tributaries and with the help of slope, settlements, area inundation, and past damages data we find out the flood hazard zones. These flood hazard zones were demarcated with the help of the Euclidean distance tool in which different data overlaid to others in ArcMap and through ground-truthing, we confirmed the flood hazard zones.
 Applications: Research results could be used for providing a recommendation to the local government authorities and communities to mitigate the flood hazard risk in the locality and improve the safety measures. Such as retaining walls to make them a little distance from levees.

The link between aphorisms on Jewish eschatological expectation of the anti-Christ and COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among Pentecostal Christians in Makurdi, Nigeria

This study examines the causal link between vaccine refusal in the Makurdi local government region and aphorisms that deal with the Jewish expectation of the anti-Christ. The Benue State government demanded that schools, companies and religious institutions educate their members about vaccinations. Many residents of Makurdi’s local government communities avoided the coronavirus vaccinations. Even when the state government attempted to restrict certain areas to unvaccinated people, it did not alter the stand of Pentecostal Christians in the state. This study was derived through a phenomenological approach. Findings reveal that aphorisms that concern Jewish expectations of the anti-Christ, such as the mark of the beast, hellfire bound, behaving immorally and animalistic tendencies, amongst others, have sustained vaccine hesitancy in Makurdi. Existing literature has failed to establish a causal link between the Christian understandings of Jewish expectations of the anti-Christ in Makurdi, Benue State. This study attempts to fill this gap. It is believed that the recommendations will speak anew to these challenges.

Evaluation of contributions of technology changes to commercialization among small holder crop Farmers in South East Nigeria.

The study evaluated the contributions of technology changes to commercialization among small holder crop farmers in South East Nigeria. This was carried out using 408 registered farmers. Multistage, purposive, proportionate and random sampling method were used in the selection of Agricultural zones, Local Government Areas and communities for the study. Data were collected on technologies available and products generated. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages and net return analysis. The results indicate that the major technologies are improved variety (88%), inorganic fertilizer(65%), rice mill(59%) and gari processing machines (81%).The major products are milled rice, gari and shelled maize. The crops subjected to value addition by processing gave more revenue to the farmer, hence 53% of cassava processed gave additional revenue of ₦138,168.62 to the farmer. There is need to ensure optimum utilization of agricultural produce through effective downstream sector so as to address local and international demand.

DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY NORTH TORAJA'S HIDDEN GEM IN LEMBANG NONONGAN

Indonesia's Government, through Tourism Ministry, tried hard to recover Indonesia's tourism in the Covid-19 pandemic. One of the strategies is to develop rural tourism in Indonesia. As part of Toraja, South Sulawesi province, Lembang Nonongan village is an embryo of rural tourism categories that can create. This research aims to know Lembang Nonongan village potencies to develop as a tourism destination, how local government and local communities develop Lembang Nonongan village tourism and the obstacles. Qualitative method is this research approach with literature study, documentation and interview to Local Government, Lembang Nonongan village tourism Leader, Leader of Sadar Wisata Lembang Nonongan, and Leader of Lembang Nonongan's public figure and SWOT analysis. The result Lembang Nonongan has natural and cultural potency to develop, the local Government and communities cooperate to enhance, and the obstacles needed to train and educate about tourism, marketing management, and tourism package.

Sustainability assessment of mangrove forest as a tourist destination: A case study using GSTC Criteria in Kota Belud, Sabah, Malaysia

The mangrove forest has been one of the natural areas that provides the local communities with economics opportunities especially those involving tourism activities. However, over time it could face destruction if there is no measure taken to monitor the impacts. The objective of this study is to identify mangrove forest conservation efforts in Nanamun River, Kota Belud, Sabah, Malaysia as sustainable ecotourism destination and to propose sustainable conservation guidelines based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council’s Criteria and Indicator (GSTC) guidelines. A total of 14 in-depth interviews were conducted with stakeholders which involved the local government authorities, community representatives and local tour operators, as the primary data for this study. Purposive sampling were deployed specifically snowball sampling technique to identify key persons that could provide relevant information. The data collecting instrument were based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council Criteria and Indicator (GSTC) guidelines for destination management which comprised 4 main sections (criterias): A) Demonstrate effective sustainable management; B) Maximize economic benefits to the host community and minimize negative impacts; C) Maximize benefits to communities, visitors, and culture; minimize negative impacts; and D) Maximize benefits to the environment and minimize negative impacts. This study found that there are some efforts to conserve mangrove forest in the study area. Among the 4 criteria, section A (sustainable management) and B (economic benefits) were found to have most of the indicators for sustainability checked. However, some of the conservation efforts might still need to be formalized. Recommendations were made in accordance with the gaps found based on the GSTC guidelines used.

Legal status of youth councils in Poland and France in the light of new legal regulations

The subject of the paper is the legal status of consultative bodies dedicated to young people, which are established both in the Polish local government and in the French local government community. In both legal orders these bodies have a consultative and advisory character. However, there are some differences in their structure and forms of action, which may constitute a field of reflection on their legal status. In Poland and in France, there is a noticeable trend towards expanding the importance and tasks of these bodies in self-governing communities, which indicates a good direction of change. Due to an increase in civic awareness, youth structures in Polish and French local government are becoming an essential element in the creation of democratic administrative structures.

Teoría del cambio aplicada al programa de promoción de la actividad física «La Ribera Camina»

ObjectiveTo develop a theory of change of a program to promote physical activity in eleven health districts, in order to improve its design and plan its evaluation. MethodFour focus groups were carried out, to develop a participatory theory of change, to identify the expected changes (long, medium and short term) of “La Ribera Camina” program, according to the following stakeholders: primary healthcare professionals, local government representatives and community members. A thematic analysis was used to identify the actions to be taken to achieve these changes, as well as the difficulties and facilitators to enhance the sustainability of the program. ResultsThe identified changes were classified into four themes: 1) changes in physical and social health (improved physical condition, healthy habits, self-esteem and perceived well-being); 2) organizational and relational changes (better coordination between institutions); 3) specific changes to the program (incorporation of more “assets” and local associations, especially male participants, more trails and schedules); and 4) changes in the environment (improved trails’ infrastructures and safety). ConclusionsThe theory of change allows to identify and classify the changes that are expected, the actions to be carried out and the links between elements of the program. This will serve as the basis for its evaluation. This methodology could be applied to other programs interested in incorporating intersectorality and community engagement in their design and evaluation.

Implementation of a Rural Community Diagnostic Testing Strategy for SARS-CoV-2 in Upstate South Carolina.

By developing a partnership amongst a public university lab, local city government officials and community healthcare providers, we established a drive-through COVID-19 testing site aiming to improve access to SARS-CoV-2 testing in rural Upstate South Carolina. We collected information on symptoms and known exposures of individuals seeking testing to determine the number of pre- or asymptomatic individuals. We completed 71,102 SARS-CoV-2 tests in the community between December 2020-December 2021 and reported 91.49% of results within 24 h. We successfully identified 5,244 positive tests; 73.36% of these tests originated from individuals who did not report symptoms. Finally, we identified high transmission levels during two major surges and compared test positivity rates of the local and regional communities. Importantly, the local community had significantly lower test positivity rates than the regional community throughout 2021 (p < 0.001). While both communities reached peak case load and test positivity near the same time, the local community returned to moderate transmission as indicated by positivity 4 weeks before the regional community. Our university lab facilitated easy testing with fast turnaround times, which encouraged voluntary testing and helped identify a large number of non-symptomatic cases. Finding the balance of simplicity, accessibility, and community trust was vital to the success of our widespread community testing program for SARS-CoV-2.

Street Verge in Transition: A Study of Community Drivers and Local Policy Setting for Urban Greening in Perth, Western Australia

The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are regarded as the key policy agenda for national, regional, and local government to combat climate change impacts and promote sustainable development. For example, in Perth and Peel metropolitan area, the capital city of Western Australia, there has been a shift of policy setting from that of a sprawling city to a denser city, while maintaining and promoting its ecosystem services and achieving sustainable city goals. Residential verge gardens have been widely adopted in recent years by communities and local governments in the Perth metropolitan area. This study reviews the motivations and drivers for the uptake of verge gardens in metropolitan suburbs and identifies potential policy responses. The City of Bayswater local government area was surveyed for this research. The study considers a mixed-methods approach, including site auditing and a questionnaire survey for local residents who have transformed their verges. A total of 534 verge gardens were audited on residential lots, and 166 valid questionnaire responses were received from residents. The site-audit of the verge gardens in Bayswater found that native vegetation is the dominant verge garden of choice, followed by the ornamental garden, with food production (plants/vegetables) seeming to be the least popular option. Regarding the motivations and drivers, the study has found that social (e.g., aesthetics, flowers, social interactions, and social mimicry), environmental (e.g., attracting wildlife and birds and environmental practice waterwise garden), and personal (easy maintenance) drivers are the primary motivators for residents to adopt verge gardens. Whilst the on-ground surveys were prior to COVID-19, the article includes how this topic could relate to pandemic-resilient urban spaces. As local governments look towards supporting the sustainable outcome goals, the observations of this study will be helpful for developing local government policy and community programs in the promotion and uptake of verge gardens in Australian cities.

Passenger's Perception of Services of PT. Indonesian National Shipping Bima Branch

Bima port is a vital necessity. The progress of crossing transportation in Bima port encourages the smooth flow of goods and services. The port of Bima since the Dutch colonial era has been known as a gateway for people to enter and leave various regions in the country. Various activities for distributing basic food items are increasingly massive and intensive, making it easier to provide food, board and clothing stocks in the Bima area. As a port, this area is quite strategic in supporting sea transportation and the distribution of goods and services for the local government and the people of Bima. The method used is descriptive quantitative with a population of all employees and the public who receive services, the number of samples is 30 random sampling respondents. As a result, 13.15% of respondents answered that they were very satisfied that the distribution of basic food items was getting more massive, then 44.85 percent of respondents answered that they were satisfied, and respondents who answered quite satisfied were 42.00% and respondents who answered dissatisfied were 0.00%. Bima Port supports sea transportation and the flow of goods and services distribution for the local government and Bima community

Community-Institutional Partnerships to Strengthen Maternal Health Care: Case Study of the First Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialty Training Program in Liberia.

Despite major setbacks to its health infrastructure and health workforce capacity, Liberia began its first post-graduate training program for physicians in 2013. Specialty training in Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, General Surgery and Obstetrics and Gynecology were the four inaugural Residency programs that recruited graduates from the country's only medical school, A.M. Dogliotti College of Medicine. The Obstetrics and Gynecology residency program was designed to combat the rising maternal mortality and strengthen health systems to improve maternal care. The program adapted in the face of challenges posed by limited financial support, lack of specialist-faculty and general physician shortages and the Ebola virus outbreak. The manuscript discusses the challenges and successes of the program and demonstrates how the shortage of teaching faculty was addressed by developing a collaboration between local government and educational communities, a United States (US) academic institution and volunteers from the Global Health Service Partnership.