Local Government Research Articles

ABSTRACT Nipah virus (NiV) outbreak was declared in Kozhikode district, Kerala state, India, on 12 September 2023. The local, state, and national authorities worked in an integrated way to tackle and control the outbreak. Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) deployed a team from the ICMR-National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune, India, along with an indigenously developed and validated Mobile BSL-3 (MBSL-3) laboratory for providing onsite NiV diagnosis. The Kozhikode district of Kerala state was the epicenter of three NiV outbreaks on May 2018, August 2021, and most recently in September 2023. The Ernakulam district of Kerala also reported a NiV outbreak in June 2019. In the 2023 outbreak, six confirmed NiV cases were detected, with two deaths. During previous outbreaks in 2019 and 2021, the team from ICMR-NIV, Pune, had successfully established a field laboratory utilizing the BSL-2 facility for NiV onsite diagnosis. BSL-3 personnel protective equipment and standard operative procedures were used to handle clinical specimens. Post COVID-19 pandemic, under the pioneering initiative of the Government of India, ICMR, and Klenzaids Contamination Control Pvt. Ltd, Mumbai developed a rapidly deployable, pragmatic, access control, and containment laboratory on bus chassis. The MBSL-3 laboratory was utilized for the NiV onsite diagnosis for early containment of outbreaks, reducing the turnaround time for diagnosis to just 4 hrs. The MBSL-3 laboratory plays a significant role in NiV outbreak response and could be utilized in the future also reaching the remotest areas of the country.

ABSTRACT Using panel data on Chinese A-share listed state-owned enterprises (SOEs) for 2009–2023, we investigate the effect of mixed-ownership reform on environmental disclosure. We find that the reform significantly depresses SOEs’ environmental disclosure quality. Moreover, this adverse impact intensifies when firms experience lower profitability, a result consistent with the mechanism of heightened private shareholder emphasis on financial performance. Finally, the heterogeneity analysis reveals that stronger media scrutiny markedly mitigates the reform’s negative effect, whereas heightened local government fiscal stress significantly amplifies it. By documenting the unintended consequence of mixed-ownership reform through the lens of environmental disclosure, this study provides critical empirical evidence and furnishes policy guidance on optimizing the reform’s design to mitigate these drawbacks.

Introduction: In Japan, over 28,000 witnessed OHCA (Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrest) cases occur annually. Bystander CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) rates remain around 50%, and AED (Automated External Defibrillator) use is below 4%, despite widespread AED availability. Inspired by King County in Washington State, USA, where public CPR education has led to bystander CPR rates exceeding 70%, we implemented a city-wide CPR program for 5th- and 6th-grade students in Kurume City, Fukuoka Prefecture, to assess its impact. Methods: From June 2022 to December 2023, we provided 45-minute CPR training to 2,730 students at 44 public elementary schools in Kurume City, Fukuoka Prefecture. We conducted a standardized BLS training session using a video-based program with hands-on practice kits, developed by a Japanese non-profit organization. Healthcare professionals led the sessions with support from local authorities and the fire department. Each child practiced compressions using an individual training kit. Self-assessment surveys rated students’ competency on six basic BLS actions—scene safety, responsiveness, emergency call and AED request, breathing check, chest compressions, and AED use—on a 4-point Likert scale (0–3), before and after the training. Results: Self-assessment scores improved significantly for all six BLS actions after training. The greatest improvements were observed in chest compressions (pre: 1.09 ± 1.05, post: 2.45 ± 0.72; mean difference: 1.36 ± 0.02, P<.0001) and AED use (pre: 0.87 ± 1.03, post: 2.48 ± 0.69; mean difference: 1.62 ± 0.02, P<.0001). Although 80% of students had previously seen an AED, most reported being unable to use one before the training. The hands-on format contributed to a substantial increase in self-reported confidence and skills. Conclusion: Hands-on,school-based CPR training improved self-assessed BLS skills among elementary students. Children were interested and receptive to learning CPR. Continued collaboration among healthcare providers, local authorities, and emergency responders is key to building lasting CPR education from an early age.

Introduction: Keeping children safe - by identifying safeguarding risks and taking prompt action - is part of all healthcare professionals’ roles [1]. However, practitioners experience numerous internal and external barriers to acting on suspected neglect - thereby delaying initial safeguarding conversations with parents [2,3]. Traditional safeguarding training is largely theoretical in nature - focusing on protocol, professional roles, and the law. Given the complexity of situations when neglect occurs, practical skills in early engagement of parents in safeguarding conversations are essential for safer outcomes for children, as is supporting practitioners to identify barriers to action. This study explored participants’ experience of, and the learning acquired from, a multi-agency simulation training on early childhood neglect. Methods: Practitioners (n=34) from Health, Education, Local Authority and Voluntary Sector services attended a one-day simulation course - ‘Strengthening Practice Around Early Neglect’ (SPAEN). This ran four times (May-July 2024). Scenarios engaged a simulated parent and a baby manikin and demonstrated increasing levels of physical, emotional, medical and educational neglect over several months. Course evaluation data was collected with pre-and post-questionnaires - exploring knowledge, confidence and attitudes - and an online evaluation form. Semi-structured interviews were conducted three months post-course. Analysis of quantitative data was conducted using SPSS Statistics for Windows (v29), and themes and subthemes within the qualitative data were identified using thematic analysis. Results: Quantitative data (n=34) demonstrated statistically significant (p<0.05) increases in: knowledge of neglect assessment tools; strategies for initiating safeguarding conversations; and confidence in explaining the Early Help process to parents. Online evaluation (n=27) confirmed high levels of engagement in both simulation training (4.96/5, average Likert scores) and multi-agency discussions (4.92/5). Three overarching themes were identified from the semi-structured interviews (n=6), Figure 1: Impact on personal and team safeguarding practice; Perception of simulation-based learning; and multi-agency learning opportunities. Sustained learning was reported, as were actions being taken to address gaps in practice across agencies following the training. Discussion: Multi-agency simulation training is an invaluable tool for exploring uncomfortable conversations around early neglect. Study data demonstrated increasing practitioner knowledge, confidence and attitudes for this complex work and may support earlier conversations around safeguarding concerns. Ongoing opportunities for experiential training of this kind, both at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, is needed to further improve safeguarding practice. These should remain multi-agency in nature wherever possible. Future involvement of parents and young people would complement course design, bringing greater understanding of parents’ perspectives of uncomfortable safeguarding conversations. Ethics Statement: As the submitting author, I can confirm that all relevant ethical standards of research and dissemination have been met. Additionally, I can confirm that the necessary ethical approval has been obtained, where applicable.

Abstract Rural environmental governance is the core link of rural revitalization. However, in practice, this model faces problems, such as a shortage of funds, unclear rights and responsibilities, and insufficient motivation. Therefore, by introducing a public–private partnership (PPP) model and based on principal-agent theory, this paper explores how to effectively design an incentive mechanism that will promote rural environmental governance. Firstly, a principal-agent incentive contract model is established, based on the PPP model, in which local governments are the principals and private enterprises are the agents. The analysis results show that, by reducing the risk aversion degree of private enterprises and improving their marginal output benefit coefficient, the investment intensity and effort level in environmental governance can be significantly enhanced. Secondly, in order to incorporate the participation of rural residents, the original model is expanded, and a PPP model principal-agent incentive contract model covering local governments, private enterprises, and rural residents is constructed. The analysis of this model shows that, compared with the non-cooperative model, the environmental governance model with the collaborative participation of local governments and rural residents is superior. Under the cooperative framework jointly constructed by local governments and rural residents, the enthusiasm of private enterprises to participate in environmental governance can be significantly improved by reducing the uncertainty of the external environment, alleviating the risk aversion degree of private enterprises, reducing the cost of environmental governance, and enhancing the overall efficiency of environmental governance. The research conclusions can provide scientific decision-making references for local governments when promoting rural environmental governance by applying the PPP model.

In Australia, there have been increasing culture wars on the topic of LGBTIQA+ inclusion in local government. Hely & Lew concerned comments from a male councillor (Lew) accusing a female councillor (Hely) of inappropriately prioritizing LGBTIQA+ issues that were alleged to be serious misconduct. In its determination, the Councillor Conduct Panel that hears allegations of serious misconduct found that this was simply “an example of vigorous political discourse” and “although being conduct which is to be discouraged, in the context of a ‘hot button’ political issue it was not behaviour which was unreasonable”. Whilst the Panel found that the behaviour of Lew towards Hely was “hostile”, ”disrespectful”, “unreasonable”, “inappropriate”, “aggressive” and “appalling”, it found that the behaviour did not constitute serious misconduct. This article reflects on this decision and how it undermines efforts to improve local government culture and to increase the number of women and LGBTIQA+ people elected to councils, as research shows that prejudice of this kind is a major barrier to lesbian, bi+ and queer women standing for local government—and no doubt affects heterosexual women too. In this spirit, the article rewrites the Panel’s determination in ways that are more sensitive and sensitized to issues of prejudice and exclusion. Keywords: local government; misconduct; LGBTIQA+

Local government administration in Nigeria, as the third tier of government, is designed to promote participatory democracy and bring governance closer to the people. It plays a vital role in fostering grassroots socio-economic development through the provision of essential services such as healthcare, education, sanitation, and rural infrastructure. This study examines the effectiveness of local government administration as a panacea for grassroots development, using Akoko Edo Local Government Area of Edo State as a case study. A descriptive survey design was adopted, and data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.0. Descriptive and correlation analyses assessed the relationships among administrative performance, fiscal autonomy, citizen participation, and socio-economic development. Findings show that local government administration moderately enhances grassroots development (Mean = 3.69, SD = 0.81). Administrative performance (Mean = 3.84), fiscal decentralization (Mean = 3.73), and financial autonomy (Mean = 3.65) positively influence local government effectiveness (Mean = 3.71). Community participation (Mean = 3.79) and citizen engagement (Mean = 3.67) also significantly improve development outcomes. Correlation results indicate strong positive relationships among the variables (r = 0.719–0.756, p < 0.01), validating Decentralization Theory. The study concludes that strengthening fiscal autonomy, administrative capacity, and citizen participation is crucial for effective grassroots governance. It recommends enhanced administrative efficiency, full fiscal decentralization, participatory governance, and reduced political interference to reposition local governments as catalysts for sustainable development in Nigeria.

The issue of Succession management and service delivery in the Nigeria local government Administration I s considered by researchers and practitioners as a yard stick for determining success and continuity in service delivery to the people. This matter has not been given adequate attention in recent times by extant studies. Succession management in public organizations, is desired to reposition the public sector for effective and efficient service delivery and good governance.This research work sought to bring to light the need for local government to pay attention to the succession management so as to enhance continuity in service delivery. Its specific objectives were to determine the influence of top political leaders support, identification and preparation of potential successor, challenges and strategies for succession management on politicians in relation to service delivery. The study employed field survey type of research. The total population was 616 political leaders from seven local government areas in Edo South Senatorial District, while 243 formed the sample size. It employed both primary and secondary sources. The instruments used were questionnaire administration and personal interview. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics, principal component factor and least square regression method. Having analyzed and tested various hypotheses, the study revealed that top political leaders support for succession management has significant positive relationship with service delivery in local government area. It also found that political leader’s identification and preparation for succession management have no significant influence, but has positive relationship with service delivery in local government areas. The study therefore concluded and recommended that government should encourage succession management in order to enhance service delivery to the people in local government area of Edo state and Nigeria in general

This article examines the production of local public action relating to environmental issues, in the specific case of coastal areas, which are subject to specific challenges in the context of ecological emergency. The research focuses on the public management paradigms underlying the production of public action. The approach adopted aims to identify the organizational routines at work in the production of environmental public action, in order to reveal its the founding paradigm or paradigms. The data, collected as part of a comparative study of two French Atlantic coastal conurbations, is based on observations and on interviews with stakeholders involved in the production of environmental public action. The results reveal that this production takes place within a combination of paradigmatic frameworks, inducing organizational tensions which require implicit or explicit coping strategies that differ between cases. They also highlight the advantages of co-producing environmental public action. Points for practitioners The comparative analysis of how environmental public action is produced in two coastal local authorities, conducted in this article, serves to inform elected officials and local authority managers in two ways: • it reveals the need to implement coping strategies in response to the combination of paradigmatic frameworks within which environmental public action is produced; • it underscores the value of co-producing environmental public action as a means of overcoming the paradoxes arising from the coexistence of different paradigmatic frameworks.

ABSTRACT In England, statutory decisions about whether to initiate education, health, and care needs assessments (EHCNAs) are made by local authority special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) panels, but there is currently no quantitative research exploring the factors that influence them. This study investigates whether evidence of prior educational psychology (EP) involvement is associated with an increased likelihood that a panel would agree to assess. A retrospective audit was conducted of 412 initial panel decisions from a London local authority in the first half of 2024. For each application, documentation was reviewed to code for prior professional involvement and logistic regression was used to model their relationship with panel outcomes. Previous EP involvement emerged as a significant predictor in the model (OR = 2.27), with EHCNAs agreeing more frequently if there was prior EP involvement, even when controlling for other prior professional involvements and year group. Implications and limitations are discussed.

Background: The Government of Nepal has recognized Information and Communication Technology (ICT) as a transformative tool for promoting development, improving public service delivery, and fostering good governance. The 2015 National ICT Policy outlines key priorities for leveraging technology across sectors. E-governance, in particular, is envisaged as an enabler of efficient, transparent, and citizen-centered governance, with local municipalities serving as critical platforms for its implementation. However, the journey from policy to practice is often challenged by infrastructural, institutional, and human capacity constraints. Objectives: This study aims to investigate the role of e-governance in promoting transparency, accountability, and corruption reduction in local governance. Specifically, it explores the use of ICT in e-governance within the context of Dhangadhi Sub-Metropolitan City, an established municipality in Nepal. Methods: The research adopted a positivist paradigm and a descriptive research design. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and interviews with 130 municipal staff members of Dhangadhi Sub-Metropolitan City, selected via simple random sampling. Secondary data were obtained from government publications, policy documents, and relevant literature. Quantitative data were analyzed to assess the status of ICT infrastructure, software application, and digital service delivery. Findings: The findings reveal a mixed implementation status. While foundational ICT infrastructure, such as computer availability and maintenance, is reasonably established (mean scores 3.2-3.6), key digital governance features are underdeveloped. Core administrative software for accounting, tax collection, and e-procurement is widely used and well-regarded (mean scores up to 4.2). However, systems for citizen interaction, grievance handling, social mobilization, and office automation are largely absent or poorly implemented (mean scores 1.2-2.7). Municipalities have official websites and emails, but lack advanced features like content management systems and interactive service portals. Social media is primarily used for one-way information dissemination, not for participatory engagement. Conclusion: The study concludes that while Nepal has made significant strides in establishing the technological foundations for e-governance at the local level, its implementation remains partial and fragmented. The gap between technological availability and effective utilization highlights significant socio-technical barriers, including bureaucratic resistance, limited digital literacy among staff, and a lack of citizen-centric service design. For e-governance to fulfill its potential in enhancing transparency and accountability, a shift from a technology-driven to a people-centered approach is necessary. Implications: The findings imply that future e-governance strategies in Nepal must move beyond infrastructure provision to address deeper institutional and human capacity challenges. Policy should focus on: Institutional Reform: Incentivizing digital innovation within the bureaucracy and fostering a culture of accountability and transparency. Capacity Building: Implementing continuous and widespread digital literacy and technical training programs for civil servants. Citizen-Centric Design: Developing interoperable systems that prioritize citizen needs, such as integrated grievance redressal mechanisms, interactive service portals, and open data initiatives. Scalable Models: Replicating successful participatory models, like those initiated by the Rural Urban Partnership Programme (RUPP), which combine technology with community mobilization.

This study addresses the paradoxical coexistence of advancing reforms to the land expropriation system and persistence of resistance to land expropriation in contemporary China. Building on institutional theory and procedural legitimacy frameworks, we investigate how implementation failures by local governments and village collectives shape farmers’ resistance behaviors, mediated by the development of rules consciousness. Our multilevel analysis of large-scale survey data has two key findings. First, procedural violations by implementing agencies show a direct positive correlation with incidence of resistance. Second, farmers’ understanding of formal procedures significantly influences their rules consciousness, creating a mediation effect that intensifies responses to procedural deviations. These results challenge conventional policy assumptions by revealing an institutional reflexivity paradox: while policy dissemination enhances farmers’ legal awareness, the very procedural shortcuts that once facilitated efficient land transfers now systematically compromise implementation effectiveness.

Abstract. Intense short duration rainfall events are expected to increase in severity and frequency due to climate change. Densely populated urban areas are vulnerable to these events, resulting in high losses. Implementing nature-based (e.g. green streets, rain gardens and green roofs) and other municipal adaptation measures (e.g. water storage facilities) can be a way to mitigate these damages. Little is known about the effectiveness of these measures combined in a municipality. This study assesses municipal climate adaptation measures being taken by the municipality of Amsterdam. Unique claims data of almost all Dutch insurers is used to understand the impact of these climate adaptation interventions. We study one neighborhood in Amsterdam which has been renovated using climate adaptation measures, including nature-based solutions. We implement a quasi-experimental difference-in-Differences (DiD) analysis that compares insured rainfall damages in the area to a similar neighboring area that was not renovated with climate adaptation measures. We find a negative significant relation between climate adaptation measures and insured damage when comparing the area where measures were taken to the similar area were measures were not taken, i.e. damage is reduced by climate adaptation measures by EUR 1375–5648 per rain day in the treatment area. Furthermore, precipitation per day is positively and significantly associated with insured damage. We suggest that nature-based and other adaptation measures can be installed by local governments and stimulated by insurers and banks to increase climate resilience in urban areas.

The environment as a legal subject is fundamentally regulated by law. Efforts to protect and manage the environment in Indonesia continue to experience developments in its regulations, especially with the enactment of Law No. 32 of 2009 concerning Environmental Protection and Management, which replaced Law No. 23 of 1997 concerning the Environment. In addition to Law No. 32 of 2009, which serves as the parent law in the environmental sector, there are also other sectoral laws related to the environment, such as laws in the fields of forestry, mining, natural resources, and others. Peat swamp forests are one of the types of wetlands that are most threatened in Indonesia due to pressure from various human activities. Forest conversion or forest conversion into agricultural land, plantations, and production forests can threaten the existence of natural peat swamp forests. The purpose of this study is to determine and analyze the role of local governments in protecting wetland production forests in supporting food security in South Kalimantan and analyze converted agricultural land. Based on the research results obtained, 1,300 hectares of agricultural land have become yellow due to the increasingly rampant land conversion. Farmer groups in South Kalimantan are still active as farmers, 75% of whom are sharecroppers. By using annual crops, farmers in South Kalimantan produce 10-11 tons of rice per year with a 6-month planting period. However, unfortunately, the government program that encourages farmers to achieve an agricultural index of 200 per year has not been fully achieved, South Kalimantan's agricultural index is still at 100, considering that natural conditions have a major influence on the success of planted rice. Through this research, all problems regarding wetland production forests will be solved in supporting food security in South Kalimantan.

In Kampung Pengkalan Rama Pantai, Melaka, this study examines the effects of the GLOW 2025 (Growth, Learning, and Opportunities for World-Class Tourism) initiative as a game-changing model for sustainable urban tourism. The research uses a quantitative method using survey responses from 65 participants, including local community, university affiliates, and government stakeholders, and is based on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and the Community-Based Tourism (CBT) paradigm. The results show a significant rise in social cohesion (72.7%), environmental awareness (97.1%), and entrepreneurial interest, especially in hospitality, craft, and culinary endeavors. These findings highlight the value of focused training, institutional support, and community involvement in creating sustainable tourist ecosystems. Despite being restricted to a single urban heritage site, the study provides insightful information that can be used to replicate CBT models in comparable settings. This study is unique since it focuses on an urban Malaysian context and offers a framework that is inclusive and scalable for community-driven tourism development that is in line with national sustainability objectives.

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

Groundwater is the primary source of domestic water in Kano Metropolis, yet its quality is increasingly threatened by rapid urbanization and anthropogenic activities. This study evaluated the spatiotemporal variation in groundwater quality using systematic sampling and multivariate statistical approaches. Forty-eight water samples (24 boreholes and 24 wells) were purposely collected across eight Local Government Areas during dry and wet seasons (feb-sept 2023). Physicochemical parameters were analyzed in line with WHO standards. Results indicated significant seasonal differences, with higher contamination observed during the dry season. Chloride concentrations peaked at 579.38 mg L⁻¹, turbidity at 8.01 NTU, and total dissolved solids (TDS) at 538 mg L⁻¹, both exceeding WHO permissible limits and posing potential risks of salinity-related health effects. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) identified four key factors explaining 76.1% of the total variance, attributed to salinity and mineralization, carbonate buffering, organic contamination, and sulphate enrichment. Agglomerative Hierarchical Clustering (AHC) distinguished boreholes, which showed relative stability, from wells, which were highly susceptible to surface contamination. Hydrochemical facies plots from Piper diagrams revealed dominance of Ca–Mg–SO₄–Cl and Ca–Mg–Cl–SO₄ water types, reflecting both geogenic and anthropogenic influences. The findings demonstrate that groundwater in Kano is vulnerable to deterioration from industrial effluents, poor sanitation, and unregulated land-use practices. To mitigate contamination risks, the study recommends an integrated groundwater management strategy that includes continuous monitoring, stricter waste disposal regulations, improved well and borehole siting, and community education on water safety. These interventions are critical to ensuring long-term groundwater sustainability and safeguarding public health in the metropolis

The nutritional, medicinal, cultural benefits and importance of Solanum melongena cannot be over emphasized. The study ascertained the proximate and phytochemical compositions of organically and inorganically cultivated S. melongena using standard procedures. Eight plots, each measuring 60ft by 40ft were used for the study. Two plots were cultivated in each of the four cardinal (East, West, North and South) locations of the town. This is done based on the geographical reconnaissance of the area. All the eight plots were cultivated during the early rainy season on March 15, 2025. Proximate and phytochemiacal analysis were carried out on the harvested garden eggs. The carbohydrate, protein and ash contents of organically cultivated S. melongena are respectively 80.94 ± 4.23 mg/100g, 3.83 ± 0.58 mg/100g and 2.45 ± 8.31mg/100g while their respective contents in inorganically cultivated S. melongena are 79.00 ± 2.61 mg/100g, 3.02 ± 3.02 mg/100g and 2.40 ± 2.22 mg/100g. Also, the moisture, fat and fiber contents of inorganically cultivated S. melongena are higher when compared with the organically cultivated S. melongena. The concentrations of phytochemical compounds are higher in organically cultivated S. melongena than in inorganically cultivated S. melongena. For instance, alkaloids (4.78 ± 3.87 mg/100 g), phenol (6.10 ± 3.97 mg/100g) and saponins (3.09 ± 0.43 mg/100 g) were higher in organically cultivated S. melongena than in inorganically cultivated S. melongena where alkaloids (4.52 ± 4.57 mg/100g), phenol (5.96 ± 7.03 mg/100g) and saponins (3.00 ± 8.65 mg/100g) are lower. In conclusion, the result revealed that S. melongena is rich in nutrients and phytochemicals which must have accounted for their medicinal properties.

This research was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of different fertilizers, to compare six distinct fertilizer application methods, to assess their respective yields, and ultimately to propose means of enhancing ginger production within the community. The study took place in Farman, Zangon Kataf Local Government Area, Kaduna State, Nigeria. A sample of four stems was selected via random sampling. Data collection was achieved through direct observation. The collected data were analyzed using a one‐way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The ANOVA results indicated that the calculated F value significantly exceeded the critical (tabulated) F value (49.111 > 0.001), leading to rejection of the null hypothesis at the 5% level of significance. Based on these findings, it is recommended that the government institute incentives and measures to make farming more attractive, thereby encouraging peasant farmers to increase production so as to satisfy market demand. Considering that smallholder farmers contribute a substantial share of Nigeria’s agricultural output, such support is vital.

Chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease are major contributors to the disease burden in low- and middle-income countries, including Indonesia. Despite the expansion of universal health coverage through Badan Penyelenggara Jaminan Sosial (BPJS) Kesehatan, Indonesia's national health insurance program, disparities in access to hemodialysis persist across different socioeconomic and geographic groups. Understanding these inequities is critical to advancing equitable health care access. This study aimed to examine disparities in hemodialysis claim patterns as a proxy for access among adult patients with renal failure enrolled in BPJS, focusing on differences by membership type, sex, age, geographic region, urbanicity, and facility ownership. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of 38,383 anonymized health insurance claims between 2017 and 2022 for patients with renal failure who were aged ≥18 years. The primary outcome was receipt of hemodialysis. We used multivariate logistic regression to estimate adjusted odds ratios (aORs) for receiving hemodialysis across BPJS membership types and other covariates. Subgroup analyses were performed by sex, facility ownership, urbanicity, and geographic region. Robust SEs and probability weights were applied to account for the sample design. Of the total renal failure claims, 75.6% (29,017/38,383) involved hemodialysis. Compared with individuals in the lowest income group (ie, members subsidized under the national government budget), informal workers (aOR 1.56, 95% CI: 1.34-1.82); P<.001) and members subsidized under the local government budget (aOR 1.31, 95% CI: 1.05-1.63); P=.017) had higher odds of receiving hemodialysis, while formal sector workers had lower odds (aOR 0.81, 95% CI: 0.68-0.98); P=.028). Disparities were more pronounced in rural areas and among women; for example, in rural regions, locally subsidized members had more than twice the odds of receiving hemodialysis compared with nationally subsidized members (aOR 2.40, 95% CI: 1.78-3.23). Men had higher odds than women (aOR 1.17, 95% CI: 1.04-1.32), and younger patients were more likely to receive treatment than older ones. Regional disparities were stark, with patients in Java or Bali having much greater access (aOR 8.30, 95% CI 5.33-12.94) compared with those in eastern Indonesia (Papua, Maluku, and Nusa Tenggara). Patients treated at private facilities (aOR 1.30, 95% CI 1.13-1.50) and in outpatient settings (aOR 3.74, 95% CI 3.36-4.17) were more likely to receive hemodialysis, whereas those in lower-level hospitals or clinics were less likely to access care. Substantial disparities in hemodialysis claim patterns (as a proxy for access) exist within Indonesia's national health insurance system, particularly affecting low-income populations, rural residents, women, and those in less advantaged regions. Policy efforts to enhance health infrastructure, improve service distribution, and reduce geographic and socioeconomic barriers are urgently needed to support equitable access to renal care services and achieve universal health coverage goals.