Local Socio-economic Development Research Articles

Environmental Constraints and Human Agency in Early Medieval Village Formation: A Geoarchaeological Approach in the Western Pyrenees (Navarre, Spain)

ABSTRACT The interaction between human agency and environmental factors is a key topic in the archaeological study of early medieval village formation. Such interactions are particularly visible in the construction and maintenance of agrarian landscapes, which often become central to the local socio-economic development. This article explores these processes in a local context of the western Pyrenees (Navarre, Spain) through a combined analysis of documentary sources, toponymy, field survey, and core sampling for geochemical analysis. The foundations of the local landscape were laid down in the Early Middle Ages, closely related to the establishment of a village settlement and the collective appropriation of agrarian resources. The local geological and soil features, marked by the presence of thick and soft, mineral nutrient-rich soils derived from the weathered volcanic rock substrate, permitted the construction and maintenance of a terraced field system. This fact has been key for later landscape evolution at the local and regional scales, including the formation of a supra-local valley community during the Late Middle Ages, or the deep agrarian and demographic transformations that followed the introduction of New World crops during the Early Modern period.

Tourism in Russia’s Altai Republic: Indigenous perceptions

ABSTRACT The government of Russia’s Altai Republic encourages tourism for local socio-economic development. The year 2020 brought 2.2 million visitors to the Altai Republic, an ecologically pristine but economically depressed region, with a population of just 220,200. Ethnic Russians constitute a majority of the Altai Republic’s citizenry, but Indigenous groups make up 34 percent of the population. Using surveys and interviews, this study analyzed perceptions of tourism among four rural Indigenous groups in 2018–2019 concerning maintaining local culture, improving the standard of living, and preserving the environment. Survey participants generally did not agree that tourism helps them to maintain local culture or to improve the local standard of living, although interview respondents gave positive and negative viewpoints. Both those surveyed and those interviewed expressed overwhelming concern for the preservation of the natural environment and alarm regarding illegal and excessive hunting by outsiders.

The Role of the Local Government in Fostering Entrepreneurship – Evidence from Municipalities in the Kraków Metropolitan Area

Abstract Subject and purpose of work The study was conducted in the municipalities of the Kraków Metropolitan Area. It aims to identify models for supporting local entrepreneurship and assess their effectiveness. The effectiveness of the models was evaluated by measuring the diversity and changes in the number of enterprises in the area. We also presented entrepreneurs’ opinions on their satisfaction with specific policies. Materials and methods: Secondary ( literature and statistical data) and primary data sources were used in the paper. The primary source was a survey among entrepreneurs. The survey research to assess the performance of entrepreneurship policy involved 21 municipalities. We apply a mixed-method approach here (comparative indicator analysis, cluster analysis and Kruskal-Wallis tests). Results: The research demonstrated that the policy involving entrepreneurship support through tax instruments (reduced local tax rates) does not contribute significantly to providing entrepreneurship-fostering conditions. The study revealed that the level of entrepreneurship may be affected more by the expenditure policy, such as the municipality’s efforts to establish special economic zones, organise training, establish business information points, etc. Conclusions: Local governments (LG) that are attractive to investors (such as easily available infrastructure and proximity to markets) should adopt high property-tax rates. The tax is undervalued in peri-urban municipalities (compared to property value) and does not burden the business. Second, LG should focus on hard projects. They should intensify spatial planning and land management to ensure space for business to grow. It will entail conflicts and balancing the needs of diverse social groups, but it must be done to stimulate local socioeconomic development.

Production Choices and Food Security: A Review of Studies Based on a Micro-Diversity Perspective.

Given the 'subsistence' character of smallholder production, agricultural production diversification is often seen as an effective strategy for smallholders to improve their diets' diversity and nutritional status, yet the existing evidence remains inadequate. The study applies bibliometric data from the "Web of Science" database to synthesize 46 papers from developing countries to explore the relationship between production diversity, dietary diversity, and nutrition in smallholder households. The study identifies the most influential journals, authors, organizations, and countries and reveals research themes related to agricultural production and food security. This data analysis can help researchers target potential collaborators and access influential literature in agricultural production diversity and dietary diversity research. In addition, the results showed that agricultural production diversity potentially influences households' dietary diversity, with mixed results: Agricultural production diversification is the primary way to improve food and nutritional security among smallholder families with low socio-economic status, inaccessible transportation, and poverty; market access and trade have more potential to improve dietary diversity among smallholder households with well-developed markets and higher income levels; the significant measures of agricultural production diversity include Crop Counts, FGPD, SI, and SWDI; the significant measures of dietary diversity include HDDS and IDDS. This paper provides a roadmap for agricultural production and food security researchers by conducting a systematic review of the literature, summarizing some research methods and perspectives applicable to local socio-economic development.

Land intensification use scenarios based on urban land suitability assessment of the national park

In designing national parks, it is important to balance land use with ecological protection and local socio-economic development. In the past decades, the national park has undergone landscape fragmentation and degradation of ecological functions due to climate change and land use change, especially in national parks with urban areas. Therefore, ecological environmental protection projects should include the assessment of land use when planning urban area development in the national park region. Consequently, we used the Land Suitability Evaluation (LSE) method, with 13 indicators for natural, social and ecological variables, to assess the suitability of the newly created national park for urban land use on the Tibetan Plateau. Combining results of the suitability assessment and the Cellular Automata (CA) method, three urban intensification scenarios were simulated for 2040: (1) unplanned, (2) intensified, and (3) strictly regulated urban growth boundaries (UGBs). The impact of land use on the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) was analyzed by remote sensing and GIS tools, and the landscape patterns of the three urban growth scenarios were calculated. Close to 87 % of the area was basically suitable, nearly 13 % was unsuitable, and only 0.06 % (43.4 km2–also included in the basically suitable) was suitable for urban land use. In 2040, the built-up areas are predicted to be 3.38, 2.71 and 2.32 times greater than in 2020 under the unplanned (without considering ecological restrictions), the intensive development (emphasizing the driving force of transportation and tourism on the expansion of built-up areas) and the strict control (maximizing ecological restrictions) scenarios, respectively. An ideal development model was used to balance ecological protection and population growth and economic development. The NDVI analysis revealed that the impact of land use on vegetation cover in the intensive development scenario was ranked as winter pastures > tourist development zones > summer pastures. It is concluded that the intensification scenario, with transport and tourism as the main spatial drivers, is the most desirable for the future coordination of ecological conservation and socio-economic development in the national park. This scenario may alleviate the current environmental pressure of livestock grazing on winter pastures in the national park on the Tibetan Plateau. However, realizing this model requires appropriate engineering design for town development. Future research should assess the impacts of urban growth on the ecological environment, with the aim to achieve sustainable urban development tailored to the various geographic regions.

Understanding groundwater use and vulnerability of rural communities in the Mekong Delta: The case of Tra Vinh province, Vietnam

Groundwater has been increasingly used for water supply to sustain local livelihood and socio-economic development in the Vietnam Mekong Delta (VMD). Yet, intensive groundwater use raises concerns on sustainability as available fresh groundwater is finite with little or limited natural recharge in the area on one hand and, on the other hand, groundwater levels have been decreasing, with induced land subsistence, increased flooding and inundation, and exacerbated salinity intrusion. This study aimed to develop understanding of groundwater use and vulnerability of rural communities in the VMD. It was motivated by both the significance and little knowledge of decentralized groundwater use of small capacity by rural communities that is not monitored and managed. In this study, we designed and conducted a structured survey in selected rural communities to collect information related to water supply and groundwater use for domestic purposes and agriculture. Combining survey data and information from different sources, our analysis found that: 1) groundwater plays a varying role in domestic water use, with a heterogeneous pattern consistent with the spatial distribution of groundwater salinity; 2) local dependence on groundwater increases spatially from inland towards coastal areas; 3) poor households in coastal areas are of high vulnerability to groundwater limitations imposed by salinity or resource depletion for domestic use; 4) groundwater use in agriculture appears to be complementary to available fresh surface water, non-essential while exhibiting a spatial pattern corresponding to groundwater salinity or availability; and 5) there is indication of groundwater depletion associated with groundwater use in agriculture. The study revealed locally developed water use behavior adapting to local water conditions and wealth level, with fresh groundwater being of strategic importance, particularly to domestic water use and poor households in coastal areas. The findings fill the knowledge gap in the literature while providing relevant information for welfare improving management decision making on groundwater in the VMD.

Developing a Conceptual Model for University 4.0 in the Digital Era

University 4.0 is a modern higher education model in association with the Fourth Industrial Revolution - Industry 4.0. The model aims to implement, not only two first missions of teaching and research, but mainly the third one of contributing to the local socio-economic development. This paper focusses on clarifying the core components and implementation conditions of University 4.0 model. Specifically, in the context of digital transformation, the main missions of University 4.0 consist in transferring knowledge, supporting and enhancing the innovation versus the professional world. So, the University 4.0 model should be focus on four core components, including: (i) competencies in education, R&D and innovation, (ii) new learning methods suitable to the digital era, (iii) information and communication technologies associated with the Industry 4.0, and (iv) innovative infrastructure to improve learning processes

ANALYTICAL RESEARCH OF THE RESULTS OF SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION BY THE LOCAL AUTHORITIES OF KRYVIY RIH AND STRATEGIC GOALS OF ITS ACHIEVEMENT

Objective. The objective of the study is the substantiation of the goals and principles of state programs of regional development, the identification of influencing factors on the process of developing programs of socio-economic development of the city of Kryvyi Rih, and the development of strategic directions for the effective and efficient implementation of regional development programs. Methods. When preparing the article, general and special methods of scientific research are used, in particular, the method of retrospective analysis and synthesis - to generalize the main theoretical approaches to the formation and implementation of the local socio-economic development program and the order of its development; dialectical method - for a comprehensive study of relations between state administrations and local authorities; graphoanalytical – for a schematic representation of the theoretical and practical provisions of the research; method of system analysis - to determine the priority directions of reforming the socio-economic development program by the local authorities of a specific territorial community. Results. The definition of «local program of economic and social development» is studied, in particular according to the term, as well as the concepts of «regional development program» and «budget programs», which are closely related to the local program of socio-economic development. It is proved that the principles of development of local socio-economic development programs are defined as the expected achievements based on the results of the implementation of a complex of interrelated tasks and measures aimed at solving the most important issues of the development of the united territorial community. Analytical studies of the results of the implementation of the Social Protection Program for certain categories of Kryvyi Rih residents and the dynamics of the total amount of funding under this program for 2018-2022 are out. It is determined that in order to implement the measures of the Program for the Perspective Development of Education in Kryvyi Rih for 2019-2024, free meals are provided to pupils and children from large families in general education institutions of the city, children from student families in preschool institutions of the city, children whose parents were involved or killed or went missing as a result of the events in the East of Ukraine. It is noted that culture, the financing of which is provided for by the legislation of Ukraine from the local budget, is of no less importance for the development of Kryvyi Rih in the humanitarian sphere.. Special attention is paid to the Program for the reimbursement of part of the loans provided by the association of co-owners of apartment buildings and housing and construction cooperatives for the implementation of energy-efficient measures in the housing sector for 2016-2023. It is emphasized that for the purpose of social support of all categories of citizens of Ukraine who are in the territory of the Kryvyi Rih urban territorial community, during the period of martial law in Ukraine, and to increase their social security, free travel in public municipal public transport is introduced in the city. It should be noted that the Strategic Development Plan of the city of Kryvyi Rih for the period until 2025 has been approved at the local level, based on a transformational version of the city's development, which reflects the focus on supporting the positive development vector of all spheres of the city's life, innovative renewal and diversification of the economy. It is emphasized that the chosen Strategy provides for the provision of coordinated joint actions of local executive bodies and local self-government bodies in the conditions of a military/post-war state in order to implement a unified state policy for the development of Ukraine at the district level. The authors formulate strategic directions for effective and efficient implementation of Kryvyi Rih Socio-Economic Development Program for 2023-2025 based on the principles of developing local socio-economic development programs, namely: decentralization of management; development of interregional cooperation; implementation of a system for identifying and assessing priority social problems of a certain territory; optimization of state management structures and procedures; implementation of an active resource strategy by bodies of executive power and local self-government; promotion of public activity and development of various forms of self-organization of the population; raising the level of social culture and education of employees of state administration and local authorities, deputies of all levels.

Green economic model adapting to climate change and disaster prevention in Bach Long Vi island district, Hai Phong city

In recent years, the economic model in Bach Long Vi island district has been maintained on a small scale, spontaneously, and heavily influenced by natural factors. Additionally, the impacts of climate change and the degradation of natural resources and the environment are increasing burdens on local socio-economic development. Therefore, this study aims to examine and build a compatible green economic model to help adapt to climate change and prevent natural disasters in the island district. The authors have researched and built a green economic model with three main activities (fishery logistics, tourism, and aquaculture), helping economic growth, improving people’s quality of life, and minimising the negative impact on the ecological system. The effectiveness of the green economic model is evaluated through a set of criteria with many contents, such as economic efficiency, the ability to create jobs and improve people’s living standards, and the level of renewable energy use, ecological and environmental conservation. In the end, groups of general and specific solutions are proposed to help strengthen the development and implementation of green economic models in the island district, ensuring adaptation to climate change, disaster prevention, and assurance of efficiency and sustainability for the environment, economy, and society.

A SWOT Analysis of Aquaculture for Sustainable Management in Coastal Waters of Ba Ria – Vung Tau Province, Vietnam

Aquaculture stands as a vital marine economic sector in Vietnam's coastal provinces, with specific significance in Ba Ria - Vung Tau. The steady growth of this sector plays a pivotal role in local socio-economic development. However, this growth has led to legitimate concerns about environmental sustainability and socio-economic progress. Building on the findings from sociological surveys conducted through questionnaires and comprehensive interviews in 2022, this article has applied the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis method to pinpoint the existing issues that need attention in the aquaculture sector. Moreover, this study proposes strategies and guidelines for aquaculture development in a manner that ensures responsible environmental management while balancing economic growth with societal well-being. The aquaculture industry in Ba Ria-Vung Tau is presented with numerous growth opportunities, driven by the rising consumer demand for seafood consumption, ongoing technological advancements, and the pursuit of sustainable development goals. Yet, it has to navigate challenges such as resource scarcity, market competition, regulatory constraints, and the perpetual threats of climate change and disease. The industry's advancement is contingent on the collaboration of stakeholders to leverage strengths, address weaknesses, seize opportunities, and confront threats, all while minimizing adverse impacts on nature, ecosystems, and socio-economic aspects. To secure long-term sustainability, the industry must embrace prudent management practices, foster innovation, encourage collaboration, and proactively tackle these challenges. This work underscores the multifaceted nature of sustainable aquaculture and underscores the indispensable role of informed, forward-thinking management in ensuring its enduring viability.

Suitability of bamboo to the ecological conditions in Ba Be district, Bac Kan province, Vietnam

In Vietnamese culture, bamboo holds deep symbolic significance. However, in recent years, as a result of evolving usage patterns and the introduction of alternative materials in the face of a rapidly developing modern market economy, industrialisation, and urbanisation, bamboo's economic and social value has dwindled. Nevertheless, with the pressing challenges of climate change, environmental pollution, and the depletion of natural resources, bamboo is experiencing a resurgence in importance within the lives of Vietnamese people. Ba Be district, situated in Bac Kan province, stands as one of the country's most impoverished regions. Natural bamboo thrives in 14 out of 15 communes, with Dong Phuc commune being the exception. Planted bamboo is found in 14 out of 15 communes, excluding Cho Ra town, covering approximately 7.9 % of the entire district's natural area (NA). The district's vast terrain, featuring slopes exceeding 15°, presents formidable obstacles to socio-economic development. This study aims to shed light on the distribution of bamboo forests in Ba Be district and presents an assessment of bamboo's suitability within its natural surroundings. The study employs the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) method and spatial statistics, using remote sensing data supplied by the Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Ba Be district. The results demonstrate that 60 % of Ba Be district's NA is conducive to bamboo cultivation and growth. The findings of this research provide local authorities with a scientifically grounded basis for strategic planning, enabling bamboo to emerge as a pivotal resource within production forests. This approach outlines the ideal spatial distribution for bamboo cultivation and development, ultimately fostering the sustainable utilisation of local natural resources to support both immediate and long-term local socio-economic development.

Analysis of the socio-economic benefits of on-grid hybrid solar energy system on Bugala island in Uganda

On-grid hybrid solar energy (HSE) infrastructure has become a popular transitional approach to support local socio-economic development on Bugala island, Uganda. However, studies on the spatial extent of HSE users and empirical evidence on the effects of HSE on education, health, local economy, and access to information on the island are scarce. Through a cross-sectional survey conducted on Bugala island, this study aimed at providing the spatial extent of HSE on the island while analyzing its associated socio-economic benefits among the islanders. Data on HSE users was acquired from Kalangala Infrastructure Services (KIS) and HSE infrastructures while data on socio-economic benefits was collected from a random sample of 357 households and 7 purposively selected key informants using questionnaires, and interview guides respectively. The optmized hotspot analysis results indicated 99 % confidence on HSE users in Kalangala Town Council compared to Mugoye and Bujumba. At a p-values <0.05 %, the ordinal logistic regression results indicated that there was an increase in the time spent by students on scholarly work including revising or studying or doing schoolwork at home (Coef. = 1.73). There was also an increased presence of teachers in schools (Coef. = 1.25), attendance of students to evening lessons (Coef. = 1.03), increased access to healthcare services in medical facilities (Coef. ∼ 1.26–1.77), increased access to information on both climate and agriculture (Coef. = 1.06) and increased working hours among businesses (Coef = 1.38). These results provide a basis for expanding solar energy to other islands. Policies focusing on lowering the energy access costs, streamlining flexible bill payments and connection mechanisms are required to benefit all the islanders. Future studies could focus on other potential renewable energy technologies for the islands as well as estimating the cost of supplying renewable energy to non-electrified islands of Lake Victoria.

Forecast of changes in the macroeconomic situation in Ukraine: smart economy of the future

Aims: to theoretical development of methodological tools for selecting national priorities for sustainable economic development based on the concept of a smart future economy. Methodology. This article uses a systematic approach to the study of change processes in the fields of macroeconomics, analysis and synthesis, induction and deduction, quantitative and qualitative scientific abstraction, comparison and analysis. Based on the modeling method, the article proposes a model for planning economic growth based on the indicators of socio-economic, investment, and innovation development of Ukraine and major countries of the world. Results. The paper proves the complexity of the problem of choosing the country's development priorities and its specialization, which is observed in many works of Ukrainian scientists and researchers from other countries. For this purpose, 40 scientific papers by foreign and domestic scholars were analyzed, and macroeconomic statistics data presented on official statistics websites were used. Based on the analyzed sources, the main problems of the socio-economic development of the country are determined, and the model provides a systematic approach to the formation and implementation of strategies for sustainable socio-economic development. The knowledge industry was developed, and a model was created for the selection of national innovative development priorities based on two main parameters: Overview of the national structure of innovative and specialized industries. The approach of information and communication platforms as a methodological tool for the formation of strategies for local socio-economic development is proposed. Scientific Novelty. With the help of the developed model, it is possible to determine the factors affecting the growth of Ukraine's GDP and forecast the growth of the country's economy. It is found that the transition to a smart economy and the use of the latest innovative smart technologies have the greatest impact on national economic growth. The proposed model for forecasting and evaluating the national socio-economic, investment, and innovation policy can provide the main directions for resource allocation and budgeting. Conclusion. The proposed proposals will contribute to the further development of an innovative program for socio-economic development of the country by applying the principles of the European concept of smart specialization to the Ukrainian economy. Implementation. The research materials can be used as methodological support for demonstrating the directions of regional socio-economic development.

Knowledge Production and Transmission of Higher Education Hubs in Emerging Asian Economies: A Preliminary Examination Using Hangzhou as an Example

In recent decades, some cities in emerging Asian economies have developed into international higher education hubs. This has been mainly facilitated by the rapid growth of their higher education and high-tech industries. This study analyzes the processes and outcomes of knowledge production and transmission in three types of higher education institutions and their interactions with the local socio-economic development in the case of Hangzhou, located in China’s Yangtze River Delta region. This paper aims to present an example of an emerging higher education hub at the city level that has been exposed to the impact of Internet thinking and indigenous traditions. This will offer an insight into the latest developments of city-level higher education hubs that are in the process of emerging in relatively developed and internationalized regions within emerging economies.

Hydrochemical Characteristics and Formation Mechanism of Quaternary Groundwater in Baoshan Basin, Western Yunnan, China

The shallow groundwater of the quaternary system in the Baoshan basin, Yunnan Province is seriously polluted, threatening human health and restricting local socio-economic development; therefore, it is necessary to investigate the hydrochemical characteristics and formation mechanisms of the shallow groundwater of the quaternary system in the Baoshan basin. This study used EVS 2022 to establish a 3D visual geological model of the quaternary system in the basin and divided the shallow groundwater aquifers of the quaternary system into three groundwater systems, sampling 22, 9, and 4 groups in each groundwater system, respectively. Mathematical statistics, Piper’s trilinear diagram, Gibbs plots, the Gaillardet model, the ion ratio method, groundwater saturation, and the PCA-APCS-MLR model were used to analyze the groundwater hydrochemical characteristics and genesis of the study area. The results show the following: (1) The types of groundwater chemicals are mainly HCO3-Ca-Mg type and HCO3-Ca, the causes of the water chemical characteristics are mainly influenced by water–rock interaction and alternate cation adsorption, and the rock types with which the groundwater exchanges substances are carbonate rocks and silicate rocks. (2) The Fe2+, Mn2+, and NH3-N contents in groundwater systems I and II exceed the standard, which is the human activity area, and groundwater pollution is mainly affected by human activities. (3) Four main categories of factors were obtained according to the PCA-APCS-MLR model, namely dissolution filtration, migration and enrichment factors, geological and human activity factors, and environmental factors and pollution factors; the cumulative contribution of variance was 77.84%, and the groundwater chemical characteristics were jointly influenced by hydrogeological conditions and human activities. The results of this study provide a basis for groundwater protection and management in the Baoshan basin, where groundwater system I is the key area for pollution and should be strengthened for control.

Local Non-Governmental Organizations Services and Socio-Economic Development in Rwanda: A Case of Rwanda National Union of Deaf (RNUD) in Kicukiro District

Local Non-Governmental Organizations Services and Socio-Economic Development in Rwanda: A Case of Rwanda National Union of Deaf (RNUD) in Kicukiro District

From Dadaab Camp to Kismayo City: A Call for Local Evidence to Inform Durable Solutions

Abstract These field reflections contribute to the discussion on durable solutions to displacement by providing empirical evidence of how intended spillover effects of carefully designed interventions and hybrid settlements can facilitate local integration and return and reintegration. A comparison between Dadaab and Kismayo reveals humanitarian and development aid’s influence and spillover effects on economic, social, cultural, and political life beyond the borders of refugee camps and returnee settlements. We argue for leveraging such spillover—in particular in the form of hybrid settlements—for achieving durable solutions to displacement cost-effectively and inclusively. Our observations show that several local stakeholders have recognized the potential of spillover, too and are actively embracing it to drive local socio-economic development. Lastly, we highlight the need for further research into the factors that enable or prevent spillover effects and hybrid settlements from reaching their full potential: the achievement of durable solutions for displacement-affected communities.

CSR in domestic and foreign SMEs in Kenya: on the relationship between the SME manager’s values, emotional commitment to long-term socio-economic development and the firm's CSR practices

PurposeCorporate social responsibility (CSR) remains a prevalent topic for businesses worldwide, especially for those operating in developing countries. The attention on small and medium-sized enterprises' (SMEs') CSR engagement in developing countries has been neglected, although SMEs play a vital role in socio-economic development in African countries like Kenya. This paper aims to conceptualize the relationship between the SME manager's values, ethics, emotional commitment to long-term socio-economic development and the firm's CSR practices.Design/methodology/approachThe authors conducted seven semi-structured interviews with Kenyan and German SMEs located in Nairobi. A deductive-inductive analysis approach was chosen, confirming previous findings and contributing new ideas to the International Business (IB) literature.FindingsThis paper develops a concept linking the values and beliefs of the SME manager with the firm's CSR practices in developing countries via the manager's emotional commitment to local long-term socio-economic development. The Kenyan managers tend to show a higher degree of emotional commitment, which the authors explain by two drivers: (1) philanthropic, self-motivated driver and (2) expectation-based, environment-motivated driver. The authors' findings add to the literature on SMEs' CSR engagement in developing countries by looking at the individual level of analysis.Originality/valueThis paper develops a concept linking the values and beliefs of the SME manager with the firm's CSR practices in developing countries.

Short-Term Responses of Aquatic Ecosystem and Macroinvertebrate Assemblages to Rehabilitation Actions in Martil River (North-Western Morocco)

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the Martil River rehabilitation project and recently constructed dam infrastructures to reduce flood risks and to promote local socio-economic development on the ecological integrity of the river. The assessment focused on changes in fluvial landforms over time and the evaluation of aquatic ecosystems based on six physicochemical parameters (temperature, pH, electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand, and chemical oxygen demand), morpho-hydrological variables (stream width, water depth, and current speed), habitat indices (QBR, IHF, and MQI), and macroinvertebrate assemblages of EPT, OCH, and Chironomidae (Diptera) at five stations from autumn 2015 to spring 2018 (prior to and during the rehabilitation actions). The results showed that the river rehabilitation project led to profound changes in Martil River’s ecosystem and water quality over time. Physicochemical and habitat measurements at the rehabilitated sites revealed a major change in macroinvertebrate communities due to changes in fluvial landforms in relation to flow-sediment regimes. As a result, some typical species of lentic habitats disappeared, while alien, opportunistic, and lotic species appeared.

IMPROVING THE TOOLS OF STATE MANAGEMENT OF LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

The study emphasizes the urgency of the problem of improving the system of tools that can be effectively used to ensure effective and balanced local socio-economic development in Ukraine. The purpose of the study is to improve the tools of state management of local economic development. It has been proven that the effective regulation of the development of territorial communities is based on the capacity of the tools of local economic development, which is a complete complex consisting of goals, strategic tasks, goals, mechanisms and means of regulation. The goal of designing local economic development is determined, namely, in the form of developing tools and means of increasing the resource potential of strengthening the capacity of the community through: improving the investment climate and activating the business environment; improvement of entrepreneurial skills of the local population; strengthening the budgetary stability of the community as the basis of economic progress; strengthening cooperation with various target groups (youth, women, IDPs). It has been proven that in the process of ensuring the local economic development of the community, it is important to focus on solving the following tasks: development of tools for strengthening the economic capacity (self-sufficiency) of the community; improvement of resources attraction tools; strengthening of budget sustainability; development of means and measures for activation of entrepreneurial activity; development of tools for youth participation in decision-making and implementation of ideas for the future vision of community development. It is summarized that the implementation of the local economic development program involves the interaction of such subjects as: state and local self-government bodies, industry associations and business associations, business entities, public organizations and political parties, and the population. The key elements of the implementation mechanism of the local economic development program have been identified.