Local Community Members Research Articles

In 2018, the Nicotine and Cannabis Policy Center's (NCPC) Community Core established a partnership with two state, one national, and local nonprofit and community-based organizations (CBOs) to increase policy capacity and community involvement in tobacco and cannabis control efforts in a predominantly rural region of California. Using principles of community-engaged research, the Community Core expanded their partnership network and provided colearning and networking opportunities for local CBOs, local public health departments, community members, and researchers to enhance their policy impact. We organized four full-day in-person workshops conducted in 2018 to 2019 and 2023 to increase regional tobacco and cannabis policy expertise; discuss shared goals, resources, and strategies; develop policy messaging skills building and facilitate dialogue between different audiences; provide legislative updates and state policy engagement trainings; and discuss local successes and challenges. In 2020 to 2021, we organized and implemented six virtual webinars during the COVID-19 pandemic. In terms of communications output, we established a message board with 183 subscribers from nine counties, developed an NCPC researcher video series, and trained a cadre of college-aged youth social media interns who posted hundreds of messages. In-person interactive workshops were found to be most effective, with social media and message boards having limited engagement. Our novel approach of bringing local, state, and national CBOs together enhanced the knowledge, resources, and expertise of each organization to optimize tobacco and cannabis control in our underserved region.

This study aims to describe the collaboration undertaken by the Dinas Kepemudaan, Olahraga dan Pariwisata (Disporapar), with various stakeholders in supporting a healthy lifestyle through the Pelayanan Instruktur Senam Gratis(PING) program. The research uses a qualitative descriptive approach, with data collected through observation and in-depth interviews with key stakeholders, including local government officials, aerobics instructors, partner sub-districts, and community members as service recipients. The findings reveal that the PING program is implemented through a collaborative governance approach involving public, private, and community actors. The collaboration process includes principal engagement, shared motivation, and capacity for joint action. The program has shown effective collaboration; however, there are still challenges related to information dissemination and administrative systems. The study recommends improving outreach strategies and administrative processes.

This study examined the influence of local government leadership on resolving land conflict in Buhigwe District, Tanzania, a common form of social grievance and hindrance to development. Using transformational leadership theory as a theoretical lens for the study, a quantitative, positivist approach was applied, which involved surveys using structured questionnaires for the 259 participants. Both local leaders and community members were selected using stratified and simple random sampling. Leadership styles and land dispute resolution outcome were assessed using binary logistic regression. The findings indicate that community-based forms of leadership influence land conflict outcomes, particularly informal dialogue (AOR = 23.08, 95% CI: 6.27 - 84.94, p < 0.001), negotiation (AOR = 17.68, 95% CI: 3.62 - 86.259, p < 0.001), consultation (AOR = 10.30, 95% CI: 3.62 - 29.3, p < 0.001), inclusive practices (AOR = 3.13, 95% CI: 1.37 - 7.12, p = 0.007), community meetings (AOR = 2.69, 95% CI: 1.17 - 6.19, p = 0.019) and awareness sessions (AOR = 19.79, 95% CI: 1.76 - 222.87, p = 0.016) that all build trust, cooperation, and lasting peace in conflict situations. In the adjusted model, mediation and legal and administrative processes are not effective predictors, presenting possible limitations to their current implementation of these forms of conflict resolution. Overall, the study illustrates that local leadership is an effective avenue for dispute resolution; however, local actors should now be supported as a reflection of the principle of devolution through financial and technical capacity and national government support for local government actors. In order to strengthen local governance and achieve land justice in rural Tanzania, formal recognition of the customary authorities by the central government is further suggested, along with a more public dispute resolution protocol for investigations of local customary authorities.

This study examines the application of bilateral inheritance law in Indonesia in relation to Islamic inheritance principles and assesses justice in property distribution. Bilateral inheritance grants equal rights to all heirs regardless of gender, while Islamic law provides specific rules for fair distribution. Using a qualitative case study approach, data were collected through interviews with Islamic law experts, legal practitioners, and local community members, as well as analysis of relevant cases. The findings reveal that the application of bilateral inheritance often conflicts with Islamic justice principles, such as excluding deceased parents’ rights or favoring children from second marriages over the first. These inconsistencies reflect tension between local customs seeking equality and Islamic law requiring proportional fairness. The study recommends harmonizing customary and Islamic inheritance laws to improve justice in property distribution. This research contributes new insights into the challenges of integrating customary practices with Islamic legal principles in Indonesia’s inheritance system. The findings can support policymakers, legal practitioners, and communities in developing fairer inheritance practices that respect both traditions and Islamic jurisprudence.

ABSTRACTCommunity and citizen science‐based conservation projects have proliferated in recent years and hold promise for further incorporating Indigenous science and ways of knowing in conservation practice and decision‐making more broadly. Tribally led efforts that engage local community members in the data collection process can take advantage of generations of intimate place‐based knowledge for improved ecological monitoring, increased policy buy‐in, and ultimately more effective conservation practice in socio‐ecological systems. In this study, we detail community science research initiated and led by the Karuk Wildlife Team (KWT) to monitor Roosevelt elk (Cervus canadensis, Karuk: Ishyuux) in their core winter range along the Klamath River in Karuk Ancestral Territory in northern California. Elk are a culturally and ecologically significant species that were extirpated from the area through overhunting after Euro‐American colonization in the mid‐19th century. They were reintroduced in the 1980s and are now annually harvested, necessitating effective monitoring. Encouraged by conversations with community members, the KWT began collecting detailed information on weekly elk sightings from community members along the Klamath River including date, time, number of elk seen, and approximate spatial coordinates (up to about ±200 m, accounting for the fact that elk groups could be observed from the highway on either side of the river). We fit an unmarked spatial capture‐recapture (uSCR) model in a Bayesian framework to community reports of elk from the winter of 2020–2021 to estimate their population density in our study area. We incorporated concurrent GPS monitoring data of three elk in this population to improve the spatial parameter, sigma, of our uSCR models. Our model estimated 0.56 elk/km2, a density that falls within expected ranges and mirrors the results of a camera trapping study we conducted in the same area. These results demonstrate the efficacy of a community‐driven monitoring protocol for harvested wildlife populations and the power of Tribally led science for effective conservation.

Abstract Gold mining is widespread in the Colombian Amazon and negatively impacts biodiversity, climate, and social equity. While some claim that sustainable gold mining can address these issues, we have analyzed different narratives of sustainable gold mining, focusing on equity and power dimensions. Our research, conducted through participatory observation and interviews across scales between 2022 and 2023, involved local miners, Indigenous representatives, community members, academic experts, NGOs, and government officials at regional, national, and international levels. We found diverging perspectives on sustainable mining leading to conflicts and occasional violence. While the greening of mining involves a corporate focus on distributive equity, traditional and artisanal miners seek support and recognition of their mining rights. Indigenous and other ethnic minorities aim to emancipate themselves from historical epistemic domination and exclusion. We conclude that resolving the conflicts arising from these differences requires questioning the role of corporate mining, and considering diverse values related to the sustainability of gold mining in decision-making processes.

Abstract More than a decade after the catastrophic Great East Japan Earthquake of March 11, 2011, this study critically examines the long-term evolution of community participation in disaster risk reduction (DRR) within Iwate Prefecture. Despite the devastation caused by the earthquake and subsequent tsunami, this research argues that the proactive engagement and resilience demonstrated by local communities have significantly transformed the DRR landscape in the region. By focusing on initiatives that emerged post-disaster, the study highlights how community-led actions have moved beyond reactive recovery to proactive risk mitigation, establishing a model for sustained participation in disaster preparedness. Employing a robust qualitative methodology, the research draws on semi-structured interviews, participant observations, research questionnaires, and a comprehensive literature review. The findings reveal increased volunteering in tsunami memorial museums and information centers, active participation in opinion exchanges, regular engagement in evacuation drills, and capacity-building programs. The findings underscore that such initiatives are not merely activities but represent a broader cultural shift toward embedding DRR in everyday life. This study contends that sustained community engagement is indispensable for effective DRR. The collaboration between local governments, non-governmental organizations, and community members has fostered a sense of shared responsibility and ownership, which enhances the effectiveness and sustainability of DRR measures. The research contributes to the broader discourse on DRR by demonstrating how participatory approaches can be institutionalized to build long-term resilience. It challenges the notion that external interventions alone can drive disaster preparedness, instead advocating for grassroots initiatives as pivotal to creating robust and adaptive DRR frameworks.

This study explored sustainable tourism practices in the Municipality of Alabat, Quezon, aiming to balance economic growth with environmental preservation and cultural heritage conservation. Recognizing tourism’s role in economic development, the study highlighted the significant challenges posed by unplanned tourism, including resource depletion, waste management issues, and the risk of cultural erosion. By employing a mixed-methods research design, data were gathered from local government officials, business owners, tourists, and community members to assess the state of tourism and identify gaps in sustainability. The findings revealed a critical need for a comprehensive tourism framework that prioritizes conservation, waste management, and community engagement. Additionally, the study identified opportunities for sustainable tourism initiatives, such as eco-friendly accommodations, guided nature tours, and local artisan markets, which could align economic benefits with environmental and cultural preservation. This study concluded with the development of a proposed Sustainable Tourism Development Framework, emphasizing inclusive governance, community participation, and sustainable infrastructure. By implementing these recommendations, Alabat can promote long-term sustainable tourism that benefits both the local community and the environment.

This study investigates the utilization of eco-enzyme soap as a medium for empowerment and sustainable environmental education, addressing the growing need for community-based approaches to environmental awareness and waste management in developing regions. Grounded in the principles of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), the research aimed to explore how eco-enzyme soap production can function as both an educational innovation and a tool for socio-environmental empowerment. A participatory action research (PAR) design was employed, involving 25 purposively selected participants consisting of postgraduate students, teachers, and local community members in Palembang, Indonesia. Data were collected through observation, semi-structured interviews, and participatory workshops, then analyzed thematically using Braun and Clarke’s six-phase framework. The results reveal that the eco-enzyme initiative enhanced environmental literacy, strengthened community collaboration, and generated economic value through small-scale entrepreneurship while simultaneously reducing household waste. Participants demonstrated improved understanding of scientific concepts such as fermentation and enzyme activity, along with increased awareness of sustainable living and collective responsibility. The findings confirm that eco-enzyme projects not only serve as effective pedagogical models integrating theory and practice but also promote empowerment through active engagement, leadership, and gender-inclusive participation. This study concludes that the integration of eco-enzyme production into educational and community programs provides a transformative framework for linking environmental science, social innovation, and sustainability. The implications emphasize that eco-enzyme initiatives can be institutionalized as scalable models for green education and local empowerment, informing policy development, curriculum innovation, and future research on community-based sustainability practices across diverse socio-educational contexts.

The Ayushman Bharat-Health and Wellness Centers (HWCs) program envisages collective action for health through the formation of facility-level committees-Jan Arogya Samitis (JAS), at the HWCs. The study aimed to appraise the constitution and functioning of the JAS, identify the enablers and barriers in carrying out its functions, and explore the perceived level of decentralization among elected and nonelected community members in Punjab state of India. A sequential mixed methods study was conducted in a block of Punjab. The first phase consisted of quantitative assessment of the constitution and functioning of JAS, which was followed by in-depth interviews with the JAS members to understand the enablers and barriers for the functioning of the committee. The final phase comprised interviews with the elected local body representatives and community members to understand their perceived extent of decision space, capacities, and accountability for a series of healthcare functions. It was noted that JAS performed the functions of leading health promotional activities and enabling quality service delivery. However, the committees played a passive role in supporting village-level committees, monitoring services, and facilitating social accountability, majorly due to awareness gaps. The perceived extent of decision space, capacity, and accountability was found to be low to moderate with significantly higher decision space and accountability reported by elected representatives, in comparison to service recipients. The study emphasizes the need of consistent support for strengthening local health governance through the structured capacity-building program for all the members of health committees and regular supportive supervision.

We’re Here is an HBO reality television series that transports drag queens to rural, politically conservative, and religiously restrictive contexts across the United States. On each visit, a trio of drag artists meaningfully engage with local queer people, their families, and community members. This article is based on an analysis of the first three episodes of Season 4, which was filmed in Tennessee amid legislative efforts to ban drag performances. A “genre blending” conceptual framework is introduced herein and employed as a lens through which to present features of We’re Here that are worthy of adaptation and methodological replication. Exemplary drag research pedagogies for policy scholars in education and other fields are highlighted. Also, potential ways to engage drag research pedagogies in qualitative policy studies are proposed – specifically, how to amplify the humanity of people whom policies are affecting, the value of being in spaces where policies are being created and implemented, and how to simultaneously engage in data collection activities while also disrupting harmful policy implementation actions in real time.

Abstract Community development represents the synthesis of post-war British colonial development policy. Officially used for the first time in 1948, in Arthur Creech Jones’ definition community development was a movement based on the active participation and cooperation of local community members promoting a better life for the community, encompassing all forms of improvement in the areas of agriculture, public health and sanitation, infant and maternal welfare, and the spread of literacy. The main purpose of this article is not to delve into the community development projects themselves but to discuss the ways this concept was implemented, used, and promoted by Britain in two different spaces: the colonies and the United Nations. These two contexts are pivotal for the promotion of the post-war British colonial rhetoric. In the colonies, British colonial discourse pursued two intertwined goals: on the one hand, the relegitimisation of the colonial empire and, on the other, the preparation of the transition to independence in order to maintain an influence that would replace political rule and physical presence. The United Nations were used instead by the British as an arena to internationalise their colonial policy and establish their legitimisation.

Rapa’i Geurimpheng Art is a form of traditional art which comes from Aceh, Indonesia covering the music and dance show by using rapa’i musical instrument. It has the great potential to be presebrved. In this context, this research examines the role and challenges in the effort of Rapa’i Geurimpheng Art preservation in Ukee Village, Pidie Regency, Aceh Province as an unseparated cultural heritage from Aceh. The research employed a qualitative approach with a method involving deep interviews as the main technique of the data collection. The respondents were the local community members who had knowledge and direct experience in the practice of Rapa’i Geurimpheng Art. They included the musician, the community leader, and the custom figure. The collected data were analyzed thematically to identify the pattern, main finding, and challenge in the art preservation. The findings show that Rapa’i Geurimpheng Art contains social and religious values imparted with the community. Those values are cooperation, honesty, discipline, and responsibility. The art preservation process is carried out through both formal and non formal education. One of the methods is by carrying out a training at school with speakers from the art craftsmen to attract the young generation interest into it.

This study aims to analyze the implementation of performance controlling of village officials based on quality management at the Mulya Agung Village Office, Lalan Subdistrict, Musi Banyuasin Regency. It examines the standard-setting process, the implementation of activities in controlling the performance of village officials based on quality management, compares actual performance with predetermined criteria, and explores ways to address problems in controlling the performance of village officials at the Mulya Agung Village Office. This research uses a qualitative method through field-based approaches, primarily using interviews. Data collection techniques include observation, interviews, and documentation. Data processing and analysis are carried out in three stages: data reduction, data presentation, and drawing conclusions. The informants in this study consist of the village head, village officials, the village consultative body, and local community members. The validity of the data was tested using triangulation, including source and technique triangulation. The results of the study indicate that the performance controlling of village officials at the Mulya Agung Village Office has been running well, as shown by the implementation of controlling in accordance with the applicable rules and regulations. For instance, when addressing performance-related issues among village officials or employees, the village head, together with all stakeholders, holds joint meetings or deliberations. These meetings help produce solutions that increase compliance and discipline among stakeholders, raise awareness among those facing issues, and serve as valuable lessons for the future. Keywords: Controlling, Village Officials’ Performance, Quality Management

IntroductionExposure to secondhand tobacco smoke generates a considerable health burden globally. In South-East Asia, most of that burden falls on women and children who are exposed to secondhand smoke (SHS) from male smoking in their home. Interventions to encourage smoke-free homes have tended to target people who smoke individually or within their family unit, although some evidence suggests a community-wide approach holds promise. The aim of this study was to codevelop a toolkit to increase the uptake of smoke-free homes within small village/town communities in Indonesia and Malaysia.MethodsDuring 2022/3, the CO-FRESH (COmmunities Facilitating incREasing Smoke-free Homes) study engaged with local community members in three villages in central Malaysia and one subdistrict in Indonesia. This toolkit-development study co-created: (1) online training materials to equip local health professionals to tackle smoking in the home; (2) a local public information campaign on the benefits of a smoke-free home; (3) methods to provide household air quality feedback to highlight the impact of smoking in the home; and (4) information on local services to support families to create smoke-free homes.ResultsCommunities welcomed the concept of tackling smoking in the home; however, there was limited knowledge about how SHS moved around the home and could enter indoor spaces from outdoor smoking. There were differences in the conceptualisation of what defined a ‘smoke-free’ home, alongside the delineation of indoor and outdoor spaces within the home setting. In addition, findings of high background air pollution levels mean that household air quality measurement may not be suited to providing SHS information in these communities.ConclusionsCommunities in Malaysia and Indonesia recognised the importance of reducing smoking in the home and welcomed the approach of co-developing community-wide methods of tackling the issue. The CO-FRESH toolkit requires evaluation to determine effectiveness and how it can be implemented at scale.

Nasem is an indigenous Papuan village endowed with coastal resources, particularly mangrove forests, which possess considerable potential for sustainable utilization. Preliminary observations indicated that the local community had not previously engaged in any form of mangrove use. To address challenges related to mangrove utilization and conservation—both to support ecosystem sustainability and to improve the livelihoods of coastal residents—a community service program was implemented. The program focused on raising awareness of the ecological and economic importance of mangroves through environmentally friendly practices, specifically training in ecoprint production using mangrove leaves. The activities were conducted at the Nasem village hall and involved local community members as participants. The implementation followed three main stages: preparation, process, and outcomes. Educational sessions highlighted the role of mangroves in maintaining environmental balance as well as their benefits for local communities. As ecoprint product training had never been introduced in Nasem, participants demonstrated high levels of enthusiasm and engagement. Evaluation results showed a 90% increase in knowledge regarding ecoprint and revealed that 85% of participants were able to independently produce ecoprint products by creatively designing patterns from mangrove leaves.

IntroductionAmerican Indian (AI) children have the highest incidence of dental caries of any ethnic group with 4 times the cases of untreated dental caries compared to white children. Great Beginnings for Healthy Native Smiles (NIDCR U01DE028508), a community focused oral health intervention, included culturally tailored oral health education materials utilized alongside adapted motivational interviewing (MI) techniques to promote oral health care and education at home.MethodsThe intervention was conducted by local community members from two partnered Indigenous communities. Using formative assessment data from semi-structured caregiver and provider interviews, session transcript data, and debriefing interview data from participants post-intervention, the objective of this study was to determine the impact of culturally tailored oral health education focused on behavior change in each community.ResultsResults suggest that discussion with community health representatives using adapted MI and culturally tailored materials can result in self-reported behavioral change.DiscussionThe findings highlight the importance of involving trusted community health workers in delivering culturally tailored oral health messages for mothers and their children to reduce ECC.

Sustainable tourism aims to maximize the potential of travel destinations while maintaining a careful balance between social, economic, and environmental factors, and coastal tourism such as that found at Mutun Beach in Lampung illustrates both the promise and the urgency of this approach. Coastal tourism is one of the fastest-growing segments of the global travel industry, offering visitors natural beauty, recreational activities, and cultural experiences that generate significant income for local economies. In Indonesia, beaches are major attractions that can boost regional development through job creation, small business opportunities, and improved infrastructure. Mutun Beach, a well-known coastal destination on the southern coast of Sumatra, contributes greatly to the Regional Original Income (PAD) of Lampung Province and provides livelihoods for surrounding communities. Yet despite its popularity, the area continues to face persistent problems such as weak administrative management, limited community participation, inadequate facilities, and signs of environmental degradation, all of which threaten its long-term sustainability. This service project therefore focuses on designing a comprehensive plan for sustainable tourism growth at Mutun Beach for the 2025–2030 period. A participatory strategy is employed through Focus Group Discussions (FGD) involving local government, tourism stakeholders, community members, academics, and potential investors to ensure inclusive decision-making. The resulting five-stage roadmap emphasizes strengthening tourism regulations, constructing eco-friendly infrastructure, empowering residents with training and entrepreneurial opportunities, creating tourism products that highlight environmental and cultural values, and adopting digital marketing to reach broader audiences. Success indicators include increased regional revenue, rising visitor numbers, higher tourist satisfaction, and measurable improvements in coastal environmental health. Implementing this roadmap is urgent because coastal tourism directly supports economic growth, provides steady employment, and safeguards natural resources, ensuring that Mutun Beach remains both competitive and environmentally resilient for generations to come.

This study examines the implementation of Community-Based Tourism (CBT) around the Seven Level Waterfall in Bukit Berantai Village, Batang Asai District, Sarolangun Regency, and evaluates the strategic role of local and village governments in developing sustainable community-based tourism. The research addresses the critical need for effective government strategies in managing tourism destinations that empower local communities while preserving environmental and cultural heritage. Using a qualitative research approach, this study conducted in-depth interviews with local government officials, village administrators, tourism stakeholders, and community members to gather comprehensive insights into current management practices and challenges. Data collection involved systematic field observations, participatory research methods, and thorough analysis of tourism-related policy documents and regulatory frameworks. The theoretical foundation integrates tourism management principles with SWOT analysis methodology to identify internal strengths and weaknesses alongside external opportunities and threats facing the destination. Findings reveal that while the Seven Level Waterfall possesses significant natural tourism potential, current management faces substantial challenges including inadequate infrastructure, limited accessibility, insufficient promotional activities, lack of professional tourism services, and poor connectivity. The study identifies key strategic principles essential for sustainable tourism development, emphasizing community ownership, participatory decision-making, equitable benefit distribution, environmental conservation, and cultural preservation. Results demonstrate that effective government intervention as both facilitator and regulator is crucial for establishing comprehensive tourism management frameworks that enhance community empowerment, economic development, and destination sustainability, ultimately contributing to the broader goals of rural development and poverty alleviation.

The present study documents the ethnomedicinal knowledge of plants used for gastrointestinal (GI) disorders in the Dhanaulti region of the Western Himalayas, Uttarakhand, India. A field survey conducted from 2023 to 2024, across spring, summer, and late winter, recorded 54 plant species belonging to 28 families traditionally employed for Gastrointestinal ailments. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, group discussions, and participant observation with local healers and community members, and verified through standard floras and herbarium authentication. Among the reported species, 22 were primarily used for diarrhoea and dysentery, 11 for abdominal colic, 8 for dyspepsia and appetite stimulation, 7 for hepatic conditions, and 6 for constipation. Herbs dominated the flora (57%), followed by shrubs (24%), trees (11%), and climbers (8%). Plant parts most frequently utilized included roots (20 species), leaves (19), and fruits (13). Asteraceae was the most represented family, with nine species. Notably, 30% of the documented plants were also referenced in classical Ayurvedic literature, reinforcing their traditional applications. The findings emphasize the continued reliance of rural communities on plant-based remedies due to limited healthcare access and highlight the urgent need to conserve and validate this indigenous knowledge for future phytochemical and pharmacological research and augmenting the Ayurvedic repository.