Local Development Research Articles

The 14th General Election (GE) showed Pakatan Harapan (PH) for the first time in the history of elections to form an administration in Perak. Changes in the results of this general election are certainly influenced by the tendency of voters to vote for parties or candidates who are able to benefit the community. In terms of electoral geography, the Manjoi and Behrang state assembly consists of urban, semi-urban and rural areas that have 18 and 20 voting district centers respectively. This area consists of ethnic Malays, Chinese, Indians and others. Thus, this study analyzes the tendencies of voters during the 14th GE in Manjoi and Behrang State Assembly by using the framework of rational choice theory to evaluate the factors related to respondents' choices. In order to achieve the objective of the study, a quantitative approach using questionnaire instruments was distributed face-to-face to a total of 450 voters in the area. Secondary sources are also used to support the findings. Quantitative data was analyzed descriptively using SPSS software in tabular form. The results of the study found that the voter's choice of party, economic and candidate factors was significant to the change in the election results in Manjoi and Behrang. Candidate choice is seen as dominant in influencing voter decisions during the 14th GE. It is clear that the respondents in Manjoi and Behrang have given the opportunity and chosen candidates who are believed to be able to improve local development to a better level than the administration before the 14th GE.

This study examines the implementation of the Halal, Safe, and Healthy Culinary Zone (Zona KHAS) business management through a case study of Warung Soto Bok Ijo in Tamanan Village, Kediri City, East Java. The research focuses on how the management of the Zona KHAS presents significant opportunities for traders, consumers, the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), and the Kediri City Government. The research used a qualitative approach, including in-depth interviews, field observations, and documentation, which were analyzed descriptively. The results show that for traders, the Zona KHAS opens opportunities to improve business image and marketing networks, and to attract consumers who prioritize halal products. For consumers, the Zona KHAS provides a guarantee of halal, safe, and healthy products. From the MUI's perspective, halal certification strengthens religious legitimacy. Meanwhile, for the Kediri City Government, the Zona KHAS supports local economic development and culinary tourism promotion. This research confirms that the management of the SPECIAL Zone not only strengthens halal culinary but also serves as a model of Islamic economic synergy based on multi-party collaboration.

The structure and functioning of all ecosystems face growing threats, ranging from local development to global climate change. Ecosystems with little to no in situ primary production may be disproportionately dependent on resources from other ecosystems. We examined the role of basal resource availability on community structure and ecosystem multifunctionality of sandy beaches. We hypothesized that substantial marine macrophyte wrack inputs from productive nearshore ecosystems, like kelp forests, would drive recipient beach ecosystem structure and function. Using piecewise structural equation modeling, we found wrack abundance had a strong positive effect on beach food web diversity and biomass of detritivorous and predatory macroinvertebrates as well as ecosystem multifunctionality, an integrative measure of ecosystem functioning. Resource inputs and biodiversity both explained ecosystem multifunctionality, but the role of biodiversity was strongly underpinned by wrack inputs. The diversity and abundance of top predators, shorebirds, responded similarly to resource availability. Our findings suggest the influence of marine foundation species, such as giant kelp, can extend to recipient ecosystems as detrital subsidies. The highly coupled nature of these coastal ecosystems increases the likelihood that negative impacts to donor ecosystems will cascade to affect the structure and function of subsidized recipient ecosystems.

Community-based ecotourism is increasingly recognized not only as a driver of rural economic growth and cultural preservation but also as a potential catalyst for enhancing community nutritional wellbeing. This study examined the case of Ara Village in Bulukumba, South Sulawesi, Indonesia, one of the pioneering ecotourism destinations that integrates cultural heritage, natural resources and community participation. Using a qualitative research design, this study explored how community-based ecotourism empowers local communities economically, socio-culturally, environmentally and nutritionally. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with 24 informants, including homestay owners, fishermen, government officials and local tourists. Findings revealed that beyond creating alternative livelihoods through homestays and tourism services, ecotourism has facilitated improved food access and promoted local dietary practices. Homestay operators frequently serve traditional meals using locally sourced ingredients such as fresh fish, vegetables and indigenous herbs, which help preserve local food culture while encouraging healthier eating patterns. Community engagement in ecotourism has also enabled families to diversify their income, increasing their ability to purchase nutritious food and invest in better household food practices. Moreover, interactions with tourists have introduced new insights into hygiene, food safety and balanced diets, contributing to shifts in nutritional awareness among community members. The study also highlights the role of socio-cultural empowerment, where the revival of culinary traditions and food-based storytelling becomes a tool for cultural pride and intergenerational knowledge transmission. However, the long-term sustainability of such impacts depends on inclusive planning and support mechanisms from external stakeholders to ensure that ecotourism continues to benefit both community livelihoods and health outcomes. By integrating perspectives on nutrition, empowerment and local development, this study provides new insights into how community-based ecotourism can serve as a pathway toward improving rural wellbeing. The findings offer practical implications for tourism planners, nutrition advocates, and policymakers working in similar rural contexts across the Global South. Key words: Community-based, Ecotourism, Nutritional wellbeing, Local food systems, Rural empowerment

In the context of development policies favoring marginal areas, the LEADER approach represents one of the most innovative tools for regenerating rural areas throughout Europe. It considers the territory in its complexity and uniqueness. This emblematic change inevitably goes, hand in hand with the downward transfer of powers enabling the transition from a top-down to a participatory bottom-up approach to take place. Several European experiences document successful practices in neo-endogenous rural development and the promotion of social innovation under the LEADER lens and this thanks to the local capacity to combine internal resources, human and social capital with scientific knowledge and technical inputs, to coordinate internal and external actors, all this contributing to the development of regeneration projects in the rural areas. This study aims to analyze the effects of this local development approach in the regeneration of two marginal areas considered significant in Spain and Italy. The methodology is based on the in-depth and qualitative study of two selected projects. The research method is a preliminary attempt to evaluate the dynamics and processes of territorial regeneration in two areas at different stages of the process, more mature in Spain, and more recent still ongoing in Italy. Regenerative, relational and transformative dynamics are key elements for understanding the meanings and functions of these neo-endogenous initiatives and, therefore, for encouraging the concrete implementation of community indications on a local scale.

In the local development field, it is important to have tools and instruments—methodologies—that make it possible to determine and evaluate the potential of each territory in order to be able to face future socioeconomic development processes. In view of the lack of such specific methodologies based on evidence and scientific rigour, the aim of this article is to address this need from two perspectives: on the one hand, through its practical application by administering the READI® matrix and its computer application—@plicaREAD—in eight counties in Valencia province (Spain); on the other hand, after the fieldwork, the aim is to determine a proposal for interpretation of the scenarios resulting from this application—scores—obtained through a Group of Local Development Experts who have implemented this matrix in other Spanish territories (Alicante, Castellón, Murcia, Albacete, Cuenca and Teruel), with the intention of presenting it to the scientific community for discussion. As a conclusion of the results, the proposal presented investigates more deeply into the search for methodologies for territorial development planning, based on the progress of a tool available for this purpose, the READI® matrix, from an integral, integrated and integrating vision.

The implementation of local content policies in Saudi Arabian construction projects is a key strategy for economic diversification, workforce development, and industrial self-sufficiency under Vision 2030. This study evaluates the awareness, adoption, challenges, and impact of local content policies among government officials, consultants, and contractors using quantitative analysis of survey data from 82 respondents. Findings indicate that while 85% of stakeholders are aware of local content policies, only 15% of firms source more than 50% of their materials locally, with high costs, regulatory constraints, and supply chain inefficiencies being the most significant barriers. Chi-square tests and cross-tabulation analysis reveal a strong correlation between experience levels and local content adoption, with more experienced professionals demonstrating higher engagement in local procurement and workforce development. Despite these challenges, local content policies have shown positive economic and employment impacts, particularly in job creation and project efficiency. The study recommends regulatory reforms, targeted training programs, financial incentives, and enhanced stakeholder collaboration to increase local participation in the construction industry. Strengthening policy enforcement, supply chain networks, and workforce capabilities will be essential to achieving Saudi Arabia’s long-term localization goals and maximizing the benefits of local content integration.

ABSTRACT Rural information systems initiatives (RISIs) are ICT‐based projects intended to drive institutional change and reduce inequalities in rural communities. However, the extant information systems literature shows that many such initiatives paradoxically aggravate inequalities in other domains, but the literature provides little theoretical explanation of the mechanisms involved. This study addresses this gap from an affordance‐based institutional logics perspective. Specifically, it conceptualizes a RISI as an institution that embodies a dominant institutional logic, which shapes how technology affordances are perceived and enacted. This lens is applied to an interpretive case study of an e‐governance initiative implemented in village municipalities (i.e., village councils) in Nepal aimed at reducing knowledge inequalities in the municipalities. The initiative introduced a self‐assessment logic for evaluating local development work, which amplified existing knowledge and power inequalities over time. The case study surfaced two mechanisms through which RISIs may aggravate inequalities: (1) by impeding logic hybridization and (2) by activating discriminatory logics. These findings contribute to the theoretical understanding of RISIs and provide critical insights into the design and governance of ICT‐based initiatives in rural contexts.

Astrotourism is gaining international recognition as a practice that integrates science, culture and sustainability, addressing global challenges such as light pollution and fostering inclusive local development. Although its environmental and economic impacts are widely acknowledged, its potential as a driver of social innovation remains underexplored. This study addresses this gap by examining how astrotourism activates social innovation across multiple governance scales. The objective is to identify the mechanisms, enabling conditions, and territorial arrangements through which astrotourism operates as social innovation in peripheral contexts. The research adopts a qualitative and exploratory approach, based on documentary and bibliographic analysis of four international cases: Alfa Aldea in Chile, Dark Sky Alqueva in Portugal, the Jasper Dark Sky Festival in Canada, and the National Astrotourism Strategy in South Africa. A comparative framework was applied to identify three recurrent dimensions of social innovation—social capital, redistribution of power, and collaborative responses to crises—drawing on both classical and contemporary literature. Findings show that, despite institutional and territorial differences, all four cases demonstrate the capacity of astrotourism to build trust networks, strengthen community protagonism, and generate adaptive responses to socioeconomic vulnerabilities. The study proposes an interpretive matrix that outlines pathways of social innovation, offering policymakers tools to design multi-scalar strategies that connect community initiatives with national frameworks to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Beyond astrotourism, the framework also provides insights for other sustainable tourism modalities based on natural and cultural heritage.

Prespa National Park, located in southeastern Albania, is part of the Transboundary Biosphere Reserve extending into Greece and North Macedonia. It offers a unique landscape where natural and cultural heritage elements coexist with high potential for sustainable tourism and local development. This study integrates climate data, satellite imagery, and geospatial datasets to evaluate the challenges of sustainable management of Prespa National Park under the conditions of climate change and growing tourism pressures. Data were obtained from Copernicus reanalysis (ERA5) and Earth Explorer satellite sources, and analyzed using GIS and Remote Sensing (RS) techniques in QGIS, combined with a multi-criteria evaluation (MCE) framework to map ecological sensitivity based on slope, forest density, and land-cover indicators. The analyses have revealed warming trends, variability in precipitation, and spatial changes in the forest cover and tree density, identifying areas of high ecological sensitivity requiring targeted conservation strategies. Results highlight both the urgency of climate adaptation measures and the strong potential of Prespa National Park for ecotourism and community-based conservation. The study demonstrates that GIS/RS-based approaches provide transferable and evidence-driven tools for managing protected areas and integrating climate resilience into spatial planning.

A crucial part of higher education institutions (HEIs) are Community Extension Services (CES), which operate as a conduit for converting academic knowledge into useful, community-focused solutions. The purpose of this study, "Identifying Best Practices and Current Strengths of Community Extension Services at Ifugao State University (IFSU)," was to investigate the institutional advantages, successful strategies, and sustainability mechanisms that contribute to the social relevance and impact of IFSU's CES programs. Dewey's (1938) Service-Learning Theory and DeBord's (2007) Collaborative Partnership Framework served as the foundation for this study, which used a qualitative case study design to investigate the dynamics of CES implementation on university campuses. Interviews, focus group discussions (FGDs), and document analysis were used to collect data from CES coordinators, students, professors, and community stakeholders. The results showed a number of interconnected themes that reflected IFSU's strengths and best practices in CES implementation. These include making sure that extension programs directly support institutional and national development agendas and that CES activities are strongly aligned with the university's vision, mission, and goals. Partnerships between local government entities, non-governmental organizations, and industry stakeholders improve resource mobilization and innovation, according to the study, which also recognized collaboration and partnerships as essential to program sustainability. Furthermore, departments used their academic knowledge to meet particular community needs, which strengthened the relevance and efficacy of discipline-based program implementation. While the volunteer culture promoted a sense of shared commitment among staff, students, and community members, the incorporation of service-learning methodologies further enhanced student participation and civic duty. Lastly, the continuity and long-term effects of extension initiatives were guaranteed by the existence of sustainability structures, which included community ownership and follow-up procedures. According to the study's findings, community involvement, academic integration, cooperative relationships, and institutional alignment all work together to make IFSU's Community Extension Services successful. Together, these elements support CES's long-term viability and revolutionary potential as a platform for social empowerment and inclusive development. In light of these conclusions, the study suggests that in order to improve community-university collaborations, service-learning should be further institutionalized, stakeholder collaboration should be improved, discipline-based extension programs should be developed, and sustainability models should be adopted. The findings offer a useful foundation for other public schools and universities looking to enhance their CES procedures and make a more significant contribution to national and local development.

Natura 2000, the largest coordinated network of protected areas in the world, plays a key role in biodiversity conservation across the European Union. Beyond their ecological value, Natura 2000 sites also present socio-economic opportunities — particularly through nature- based tourism. In the Baltic States (Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania), national parks within this network are both a core element of national conservation strategies and an underutilized driver of local and regional economic development.

Indonesia’s rapid development, especially in the implementation of democratic governance, has led to the strengthening of regional autonomy, which allows regions to manage their own government affairs. This autonomy is crucial for local development, particularly in infrastructure. The role of the Regional People's Representative Council (DPRD) is critical in overseeing infrastructure projects to ensure they align with set targets and standards. This study employs a qualitative approach to explore the oversight function of the Gorontalo City DPRD, specifically Commission C, in infrastructure development. Data collection involved interviews, field visits, and document analysis, focusing on the oversight activities of Commission C regarding infrastructure projects funded by the National Economic Recovery (PEN) program. The findings reveal that although Commission C performs oversight through hearings and field visits, the comparison between actual results and planned targets is not optimal. There is a significant gap between the established standards and the reality on the ground, which hampers the sustainability of infrastructure projects. Public pressure has emerged as a crucial factor in ensuring the completion of delayed projects. The oversight function of Commission C in Gorontalo City, while present, needs to be enhanced to ensure better alignment between project outcomes and standards. Active and continuous engagement, particularly in addressing community concerns, is essential for improving the effectiveness of DPRD's oversight role in infrastructure development

Sugarcane plays an important role in the agricultural economy of Pedras de Fogo, Paraíba, contributing to the economy in terms of generating jobs and income in the region. However, its production has been affected by challenges such as climate variations and traditional agricultural practices. The objective of this study was to analyze the productive dynamics of sugarcane in the municipality of Pedras de Fogo, PB, between 2004 and 2023, seeking to understand the factors that influence this production chain and offer subsidies for local development actions. The methodology consisted of analysis through a database, evaluating the variables: planted area, harvested area, quantity produced, productivity and production value. The results revealed a significant reduction in the cultivated area, which went from approximately 30.000 hectares (ha), in 2004 to approximately 18.000 ha in 2023, with emphasis on 2019, which presented the lowest production. Despite the reduction in area, a trend towards increased production was observed, reflected in the stability of productivity throughout much of the period. Therefore, to ensure the sustainability of the activity, it is necessary to invest in more efficient agricultural practices, adoption of technologies, adequate irrigation management and strengthening of public policies that support local producers.

ABSTRACT The purpose of this article is to provide a reflective historical analysis of assessment and quality in preschool, as it has emerged and changed in Sweden as an instrument for state governance and control and as a tool for local development. In an international standpoint, Sweden stands out for its large preschool expansions, a long pedagogical tradition of education and care across age groups, and a public governance of preschools combined with regional autonomy. In this article, the formulation arena is analysed and discussed, addressing how the Swedish government has, and continues to, formulated and handled the assessment of preschool quality.

Equipping local youth leaders with the right skills is an absolute necessity especially in the ongoing fight against drug abuse and the pursuit of community progress. This study explores the capacity-building initiatives for Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials in Sanchez Mira, Cagayan, focusing on their vital role as youth leaders in advancing drug prevention and community development. Anchored on the mandates of the Philippine Dangerous Drugs Board and aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the study employed a mixed-methods approach combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews with SK officials, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) personnel, and the Local Youth Development Office (LYDO). Findings revealed that the Trainers’ Training Program was generally effective in enhancing drug abuse prevention education, communication and life skills, and community immersion. However, persistent gaps emerged in the areas of program administration, formulation of action plans, practical application of knowledge, and post-training support. Key challenges included limited resources, lack of autonomy, weak inter-agency collaboration, and inadequate follow-through mechanisms. The study highlights the need for competency-based, participatory, and sustainable training models that foster leadership development, research skills, and strategic planning. By institutionalizing structured and context responsive programs, SK officials can be empowered to become more effective catalysts of community transformation. The study concludes that strengthening the capacities of youth leaders not only enhances their governance and advocacy skills but also contributes to the creation of healthier, safer, and more resilient communities. Ultimately, empowering SK officials through systematic training initiatives positions them as frontliners in promoting drug-free and youth-inclusive local governance. Keywords: Capacity-Building, Sangguniang Kabataan (SK), Youth Empowerment, Drug Prevention, Community Engagement

The One District One Product (ODOP) scheme, a visionary initiative introduced by the government of Karnataka, stands as a beacon of localized economic growth and industrial development. The study on the significance of this initiative highlights its crucial role in preserving cultural heritage, reducing regional imbalances, promoting economic growth, creating jobs, and fostering sustainable development. This article provides a comprehensive overview of its economic impact, successful case studies, challenges faced, and prospects, emphasizing the potential for sustainable growth and development in the state's districts. This analysis underscores the importance of ODOP as an ambitious development program with far-reaching benefits for the State's overall progress and development. In addition, the study's recommendations provide a roadmap for enhancing the scheme's implementation, including strategies for awareness campaigns, infrastructure development, market access facilitation, skill development, sustainable practices, resource allocation, and collaboration among stakeholders. Keywords: One District One Product (ODOP), Karnataka, Economic Impact, District-specific Products, Challenges, Rural Development and Sustainability.

Purpose. This study aims to provide an in-depth empirical assessment of the relationship between the density and structure of civil society organizations (CSOs) within selected Ukrainian territorial communities and citizens’ perceptions of their performance. The research explores whether the quantitative presence of CSOs correlates with higher levels of civic engagement, public trust, and satisfaction with cooperation with local authorities. The analysis also seeks to identify systemic challenges affecting informal and financial support mechanisms and to determine the conditions under which CSOs can effectively contribute to strengthening participatory governance and local development. Design/methodology/approach. He study is based on a structured empirical design, combining quantitative and comparative approaches. Primary data were obtained from surveys conducted among residents of four territorial communities, focusing on their evaluation of CSO activity, quality of informal support (informational, consultative, and organizational assistance), and financial support mechanisms. Descriptive statistics were used to determine distributions, and cross-community comparison allowed for the identification of correlational patterns between CSO density and perceived quality of interaction. The findings were synthesized to generate a set of analytical generalizations regarding the relationship between civil society capacity and citizen participation. Findings. Empirical evidence indicates that a greater number of CSOs does not necessarily translate into higher levels of civic participation or more favorable public evaluations of CSO activities. Respondents most frequently reported a moderate level of both informal and financial support, whereas consistently high ratings were rare. Limited financial assistance emerged as a critical barrier, suggesting that many CSOs operate with resource constraints that restrict their ability to scale activities and broaden community outreach. The results also highlight the significance of organizational focus and relevance of activities as decisive factors shaping public trust and engagement, thus underscoring the importance of aligning CSO agendas with local needs and policy priorities. Practical implications The research provides actionable insights for policy-makers, municipal administrations, and donor institutions. Recommended measures include the development of targeted funding instruments, capacity- building programs for CSO leadership, and institutionalized platforms for dialogue between civil society and government stakeholders. Implementing these measures may lead to improved public participation in decision- making processes, enhanced accountability of local authorities, and the creation of a more resilient civic ecosystem, particularly relevant in the context of Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction and democratic consolidation. Originality/value. This paper contributes to the literature by offering micro-level empirical evidence on the relationship between CSO density and civic engagement, moving beyond the traditional focus on national- level aggregates. By integrating community-level survey data with comparative analysis, it generates new insights into the structural and financial determinants of CSO performance. The study’s results have direct policy relevance and can inform both local and national strategies for strengthening civil society, reducing disparities in access to participation, and promoting inclusive local governance.

Distribution patterns and source contributions of emerging contaminants in urban wastewater systems: from pumping stations to wastewater treatment plants.

Traditional voting methods in Nigeria face numerous challenges, including logistic issues, security concerns, and allegations of fraud, which undermine public trust. This work develops a blockchain-based electronic voting system (EVS) that leverages the national identification number (NIN) for biometric verification to address these issues. The research identifies the limitations of current blockchain voting solutions, such as implementation complexity, scalability issues, user adoption resistance, and cybersecurity threats and provide a more secure and user-friendly alternative. The system integrates blockchain technology with biometric verification to create an immutable, transparent, and secure voting process. The methodology involves designing a system architecture that includes a blockchain network, an NIN verification module, and a user interface (UI). Users register using their NIN, authenticate themselves, and cast their votes, which are then encrypted and recorded on the blockchain. The system's functionality was tested using tools like Ganache for local blockchain development, MetaMask for Ethereum wallet integration, and Solidity for writing smart contracts. Results from the implementation indicate significant improvements in security, transparency, and user accessibility compared to traditional voting systems. The user authentication test achieved a 100% valid login success rate and 0% invalid login attempts. Meanwhile, the voting test accuracy was 100%.