Local Economy Research Articles

Ethnobotanical Knowledge of Nostocales and its Contribution to the SDGS

Objectives: This study explores the botanical and ethnobotanical knowledge, uses, and geobotanical distribution of Nostocales algae in high Andean communities of Huancavelica, Peru. It aims to document local knowledge and usage and understand the algae's distribution in relation to environmental conditions. Theoretical Framework: Nostocales algae are recognized for their nutritional and biomolecular value, with applications in human nutrition, animal feed, and environmental contexts. Understanding traditional and modern uses highlights their cultural and economic importance. Method: Data was collected through surveys of 610 individuals and botanical records using a photo-documentary herbarium, assessing local knowledge, usage patterns, and environmental distribution. Results and Discussion: Findings reveal that high Andean residents have significant knowledge about Nostocales algae, particularly Nostoc commune (34%) and Nostoc spp. (28%). The algae, known locally as "llullucha" are found in streams, consumed fresh, and sold at $1.80/kg. High knowledge levels are found among adult males with primary education. The algae are used as food for humans and animals and for economic support, with applications in fresh, dried, and processed forms. Geobotanically, Nostoc commune is common at altitudes between 4400 and 5320 meters, with temperatures of 4-10°C and relative humidity of 20-60%, thriving in puna and mountainous regions. Research Implications: It underscores the significance of Nostocales algae in local diets and economies, providing valuable data for conservation and sustainable management. Originality: It offers new geobotanical records and insights into local knowledge and uses, contributing to the understanding of these algae's cultural and economic roles in Peru.

Peningkatan Ekonomi Desa melalui Pariwisata: Memahami Regulasi dan Manfaatnya

Aik Bukaq Village possesses significant tourism potential, but it has not been fully leveraged to stimulate the local economy. This community service program aims to enhance the understanding of the Aik Bukaq Village community regarding tourism regulations and the benefits that can be derived from developing this sector. A thorough understanding of regulations, such as licensing, environmental conservation, and natural resource management, is crucial for ensuring that tourism development proceeds sustainably and generates positive economic impacts. The program also involves training and mentoring the community to optimize existing tourism potential, including local product development, marketing strategies, and tourism management. The expected outcome includes increased community knowledge of tourism regulations and improved economic income through better-managed tourism. Consequently, this program is anticipated to contribute to strengthening the economy of Aik Bukaq Village and improving the overall well-being of the community

Effects of Varied Tillage Practices on Soil Quality in the Experimental Field of Red-Soil Sloping Farmland in Southern China

Red-soil sloping farmland in southern China plays a crucial role in the local economy and food production. However, improper tillage practices have resulted in topsoil degradation and deteriorating soil quality. This study investigated changes in soil physico-chemical properties under four tillage methods—cross-slope ridge tillage (RT), down-slope ridge tillage (DT), plastic mulching (PM), and conventional tillage (CT)—on red-soil sloping farmland. The study applied the Soil Management Assessment Framework (SMAF) to assess the influence of these tillage practices on soil quality. Results indicated that PM can increase the total porosity of the soil, reduce soil bulk density, and simultaneously decrease soil surface-water evaporation, significantly improving the soil’s water-retention capacity. RT improved soil aggregate formation and stability, leading to increased macro-aggregate content, mean weight diameter, and soil water-stable aggregate stability rates. PM and RT effectively preserved soil nutrients like total nitrogen and organic matter, although PM lowered soil pH, potentially causing acidification. RT demonstrated the highest soil quality, with PM following. Crop growth positively impacted soil macro-aggregate content and stability, showing continuous improvement in soil structure and quality (p < 0.05). Priority should be given to RT in red-soil sloping farmland, followed by PM and CT, while avoiding DT if possible. This research furnishes valuable scientific substantiation for the selection of optimal tillage practices in the preservation of soil quality on red-soil slopes.

PEMBUATAN RENGGINANG oleh KKM 51 UNIVERSITAS BINA BANGSA di DESA KURUNG KAMBING.

Student Work Lecture (KKM) 51 activities carried out in Kurung Kambing Village aim to improve community welfare through developing the rengginang making business. Rengginang, as a traditional food made from sticky rice, has high economic potential if managed well. This activity involves training the local community regarding effective rengginang production techniques, starting from selecting raw materials, manufacturing processes, to attractive packaging. Apart from that, this program also teaches product marketing strategies, both traditional and through digital media, to expand market reach. The results of this activity show an increase in community skills in rengginang production as well as the formation of a new business group that focuses on rengginang production and sales. The rengginang products produced are of good quality, with a variety of flavors and attractive packaging. Overall, this program has had a positive impact on the local economy, creating new business opportunities and increasing the income of the people of Kurung Kambing Village. Recommendations from this activity include continuous coaching and product development so that this rengginang business can develop further and provide long-term benefits for the community.

Survival strategies of informal sector workers in Bali's tourism industry

The informal tourism sector plays a vital role in the local economies, particularly in destinations such as Bali. This aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 8, which focuses on promoting decent work and economic growth. These workers, who are often ignored, greatly enrich the experience of tourism but encounter distinct obstacles on a daily basis. Gaining insight into their methods for staying alive is crucial. Informal workers face distinct limits compared to formal sector employees, resulting in less defined sustainability and growth strategies. A thorough investigation was carried out in nine regencies in Bali, utilizing observations and interviews, in order to examine these tactics. This method facilitated a comprehensive comprehension of their day-to-day routines and difficulties. The study identified four crucial survival strategies: implementing prudent financial management to sustain businesses and meet daily needs, utilizing communication skills to maintain income and continuity, enhancing social capital through positive relationships with fellow workers, and comprehending government policies. Out of these factors, effectively managing economic capital is crucial for maintaining livelihoods in the fiercely competitive tourism business. The results of this study provide a basis for future policies or interventions aimed at supporting and enhancing the lives of informal sector workers in tourist areas such as Bali.

Socio-economic impacts of the recent bio-invasion of Callinectus sapidus on small-scale artisanal fishing in southern Italy and Portugal

IntroductionThe recent and growing bio-invasion of the Callinectes sapidus (known as blue crab) is causing damages in the European aquatic ecosystems, and affecting the livelihoods of the fishermen. In this context, this study explores the socio-economic impacts of this bio-invasion on small-scale artisanal fishermen in the Apulia (southern Italy) and Algarve (southern Portugal) regions, analyzing their perceptions and highlighting the repercussions of this bio-invasion on their livelihoods.MethodsFor this purpose, we carried out a field survey with representative small-scale artisanal fishermen based on the “Socio-economic Impact Classification of Alien Taxa” (SEICAT) approach by means of an “Exploratory Factor Analysis” (EFA), and a “Hierarchical Analysis and K-means Cluster Analysis”.Results and discussionThe findings reveal that the two study areas, Apulia and Algarve, exhibit markedly different perceptions of the impact of the blue crab invasion on the well-being and activity of fishermen. In Apulia, the invasion has led to extensive damage to fishing nets, physical harm, a decline in other commercial species, reduced catch quantities, increased working hours, higher costs, and lower incomes. Conversely, in the Algarve, while net damage is less severe, the primary concerns are physical harm, increased working hours, higher costs, and reduced income. Consequently, this research provides an empirical basis for the adoption of management measures and interventions to mitigate the socioeconomic impacts of the blue crab on the fishing community and local economy, thereby contributing to the well-being of both individuals and the marine ecosystem.

An innovative method for improving rainfall prediction in Gujarat state through a fusion model DWT, 1DCNN and LSTM

In countries like India where agriculture is a major industry, accurate prediction of rainfall is crucial. The ability to forecast rainfall helps in planning crop cultivation and has a positive impact on both local and national economies. Nevertheless, conventional statistical techniques prove inadequate for forecasting precipitation over extended periods of time owing to the erratic characteristics inherent in climate phenomena. To address this issue, various ML models such as Decision Tree (DT), Support Vector Machine (SVM), Random Forest (RF), and Discrete Wavelet Transform, have been explored for precipitation prediction. Large-scale data analysis and overcoming intricate challenges have become achievable through the utilization of deep learning, which has proven to be a potent approach. It combines the advantages of multiple methodologies and algorithms in order to develop accurate precipitation forecasting models. In this study, researchers treated rainfall time series as signals and used the Discrete Wavelet Transform method along with Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) and Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) network methods to analyze and reconstruct these signals. The research employed a dataset acquired from the Indian Meteorological Department and NASA, covering the years 1901 to 2022. This extensive collection comprised diverse meteorological parameters such as relative humidity, wet bulb temperature, Surface Pressure, soil dampness levels, relative humidity, temperatures (min and max), wind speed data in addition to rainfall records. The fusion of these three methods - DWT-CNN-LSTM deep model - consistently demonstrated excellent performance in key evaluation metrics such as MAE and RMSE. This approach achieved remarkable results in accurately predicting precipitation patterns for Gujarat State over the specified time period.

Jono Village Synergy in Improving Creative Tourism-Based on the Salt Industry

Grobogan Regency's tourist sector is still quite small and hasn't been able to significantly impact the growth of the travel and tourism sector in Indonesia. Even though Grobogan Regency has a lot of possibilities for overseeing local resources related to tourism. The Jono Tourism Village is one of the potentials in the Grobogan area that could be developed. The distinctive feature of Jono Village is its ability to generate salt products despite being distant from the ocean. At the end of 2016, the Ministry of Tourism designated Jono Village as a Tourism Village. Not much has changed in this community since it was recognized as a tourist village. This is due to the unrealized potential of other locations as tourist destinations, the dear th of facilities in this community, and the village's poor accessibility. As a result, the author wants to transform this vacation hamlet into a community-based destination with a hub for the salt industry serving as a major draw. A qualitative descriptive technique will be used in the design concept that will be put into practice. Reducing the unemployment rate, enhancing the local economy, protecting the area's cultural environment, and building the infrastructure necessary to support the tourist village's growth are just a few of the issues that need to be resolved to develop this village. Data collecting techniques employed in the construction of this creative tourism town include reading, interviews, and observation. Next, interactive analysis techniques and flow model analysis approaches are employed for data analysis. The study's findings enable Jono hamlet to develop into a creative tourism hamlet with attractions that match the community's capabilities, particularly the Jono Village Salt Industry.

Women and Entrepreneurship in Nepal

The concept of entrepreneurship of women in Nepal is becoming more popular as a means of socio-economic development. The lack of job opportunities and low business density often make entrepreneurship a possible option for those living in such locations, especially for women. A total of 16 women entrepreneurs were interviewed for this research project. All interviews for this study were conducted in English. All women participants were between the ages of 20 and 68. Thematic analysis was used to code the data. Research concerning women in Nepal and the ways they engage with entrepreneurship was undertaken in order to explore strategies used successfully by the women to identify ways of pursuing entrepreneurship in Nepal. Women entrepreneurs often boost local economies, create new jobs, use land in an environmentally friendly way, leverage local talent, products and resources, and improve the social sustainability of their communities. Women also launch innovative and sustainable projects that benefit people and revitalise local populations; while creating bonds and attracting new participants. Policy makers will find this research an important step forward, as it serves as a reference point for socio-economic reform. This study provides a valuable perspective on women’s entrepreneurship in Nepal.

The Importance of Input-Output Analysis in Advancing Sustainable Agricultural Development in Hulu Sungai Selatan Regency

This study explores the role of input-output (I-O) tables in promoting sustainable agricultural sector development in Hulu Sungai Selatan Regency, Indonesia. The agricultural sector is a critical component of the local economy, contributing significantly to the Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) and providing employment for the majority of the population. However, the sector faces challenges such as climate change, unsustainable farming practices, and limited access to modern agricultural technologies. By utilizing I-O tables, this research analyzes the interdependencies between the agricultural sector and other economic sectors, identifying opportunities for growth and the potential impact of sustainable practices. The findings reveal that integrating sustainable agricultural practices can enhance productivity, increase farmers' income, and contribute to environmental preservation. Policy recommendations are provided to support the adoption of sustainable methods, including incentives for environmentally friendly practices, education and training for farmers, and the development of supporting infrastructure. The study underscores the importance of data-driven approaches in formulating effective policies that promote both economic growth and sustainability in the agricultural sector.

Handling Out‐of‐Sample Areas to Estimate the Unemployment Rate at Local Labour Market Areas in Italy

SummaryUnemployment rate estimates for small areas are used to efficiently support the distribution of services and the allocation of resources, grants and funding. A Fay–Herriot type model is the most used tool to obtain these estimates. Under this approach out‐of‐sample areas require some synthetic estimates. As the geographical context is extremely important for analysing local economies, in this paper, we allow for area random effects to be spatially correlated. The spatial model parameters are estimated by a marginal likelihood method and are used to predict in‐sample as well as out‐of‐sample areas. Extensive simulation experiments are used to assess the impact of the auto‐regression parameter and of the rate of out‐of‐sample areas on the performance of this approach. The paper concludes with an illustrative application on real data from the Italian Labour Force Survey in which the estimation of the unemployment rate in each Local Labour Market Area is addressed.

RUANG PERMUKIMAN DI DESA TENGANAN DAUH TUKAD SEBAGAI WADAH PELESTARIAN BUDAYA DAN PENGGERAK EKONOMI LOKAL

Tenganan Dauh Tukad Village is one of the Bali Aga villages that still maintains the heritage of ancestral traditions and culture in everyday life. The uniqueness of residential architecture in this village is not only reflected in the layout of buildings, but also in the functional role of these spaces in supporting community cultural activities. This village maintains its traditions by organizing the spatial layout based on the hulu-teben concept, which distinguishes between sacred and profane zones. This research aims to identify and analyze the role of space in Tenganan Dauh Tukad Village as a place for preserving culture and driving the local economy. This research uses a descriptive qualitative method with a case study approach. The results showed that spaces in Tenganan Dauh Tukad Village settlements have a significant role in supporting cultural activities. Spaces such as Bale Agung and other structures not only function as physical places, but also become symbols of togetherness and collective strength in the Tenganan Dauh Tukad community. One of the cultural activities carried out at Bale Agung is the traditional ceremony of Perang Pandan (Screwpine War), which is also a tourist attraction that contributes to the local economy. This research concludes that residential architecture in Tenganan Dauh Tukad Village is not just a place to live, but also serves as an important platform to preserve community culture and support local economic sustainability.

Monitoring foodborne pathogens of food served at an institutional cafeteria

The provision of food by cafeterias is an opportunity to promote health through a balanced diet and safe food, offering the prospect of sustainably developing the well-being a community and the local economy. This study assessed the hygiene conditions of an institutional cafeteria. The presence of foodborne pathogens and indicators of general hygiene in 143 food and environmental samples were analyzed using the TEMPO and VIDAS food safety testing machines. All food samples tested negative for Salmonella sp., and Staphylococcus aureus counts were below the GCC Standardization Organization (GSO) limit. Escherichia coli was detected at level above the set limit in six food samples. Sixteen food samples showed aerobic bacterial counts above the set limit. Total coliforms and Enterobacteriaceae were each detected above the set limits in eight food samples. Yeasts and molds were detected above the set limit in 14 food samples. Coliform bacteria, S. aureus, and mold were detected on the hands and white coats of cafeteria workers and on work surfaces, machines, and cutting boards. The hygiene conditions of the cafeteria are not suitable for food preparation, and to improve hygienic conditions in cafeterias, regular inspection of food and food preparation facilities is strongly recommended.

High school graduates’ perceptions of space studies in formal education

Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects are a significant concern in educational systems worldwide. Students who learn these subjects acquire skills and knowledge that enable countries to develop advanced technological infrastructures in industry and academia, ultimately driving local and global economies toward a more advanced future. However, many countries have reported reduced student interest in STEM studies. While students become interested in STEM subjects after joining space education projects, these are often informal activities that occur outside schools. Space education allows students to explore several subjects simultaneously through a multidisciplinary approach and facilitates the development of important skills required in the knowledge-intensive industry and academia. Hence, this research aimed to analyze the perceptions and attitudes of high school graduates exposed to school-based space studies within the formal educational framework in relation to their motivation to undergo STEM studies and other pedagogical issues. The results reveal students’ high degree of motivation to undergo STEM studies through space education, which is an expected but not obvious finding. As for the pedagogical aspect, the issues highlighted by space education include learning activities outside the classroom, the acquisition of skills, and the use of the project-based learning (PBL) approach.

UTILIZING SURPLUS GEDONG GINCU MANGOES AS CHIPS TO IMPROVE FAMILY ECONOMIES IN JEMBARWANGI VILLAGE

This community service activity (PKM) was conducted in Jembarwangi Village, Tomo Subdistrict, Sumedang Regency, West Java, known for its cultivation of the exotic Indonesian fruit, Gedong Gincu mango. The village faces significant challenges during the harvest season. When the harvest is abundant, mangoes that do not meet export market criteria (grade Ab1) or local market criteria (grade Ab2) accumulate and rot, potentially harming the environment. To address this issue and boost the local economy, the Community Service Program (KKN) introduced the idea of processing these mangoes into value-added products, namely Gedong Gincu mango chips. However, after the KKN program ended, the activities ceased as the community still required ongoing support. Universitas Sangga Buana YPKP Bandung, supported by the PKM Program from Hibah Bima Dikti 2024, is aiding Jembarwangi Village to market the Gedong Gincu mango chips produced and generate significant profits. The methods used include direct demonstrations of mango chip-making techniques, interactive discussions, and practical training with the local community. The results showed high enthusiasm from the residents, but further support is needed to achieve the desired outcomes. The results of this training are detailed in the article titled "Utilizing Surplus Gedong Gincu Mangoes as Chips to Improve Family Economies in Jembarwangi Village."

Pendampingan Legalitas Usaha NIB (Nomor Izin Berusaha) dan Sertifikat Halal Bagi Pelaku UMKM di Kelurahan Gentong

This article discusses the importance of business legality, especially in obtaining Business Identification Numbers (NIB) and Halal Certificates for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Gentong Village, Pasuruan. Gentong District has many MSMEs that play an important role in the local economy, but face challenges in understanding and managing business legality, which results in limited access to wider markets. This article highlights the mentoring program carried out using the Service Learning method, which involves direct interaction between academics, students and MSME actors. This program aims to increase the understanding and skills of MSME players in managing NIB and Halal Certificates, as well as overcoming bureaucratic obstacles which often become obstacles in managing business legality. Through this approach, MSME players are expected to be able to increase the competitiveness and sustainability of their businesses. This article also examines relevant theories, such as Legitimacy Theory, Social Capital Theory, and Market Access Theory, which support the importance of business legality in building reputation, expanding markets, and reducing legal risks. The results of this mentoring program show that with adequate business legality, MSMEs in Gentong Village are able to expand business networks, increase credibility, and access larger market opportunities, both at the local and international levels. Thus, business legality is not only an administrative fulfillment, but also an important business strategy for the growth and sustainability of MSME businesses amidst increasingly tight market competition.

Place and mobility in Wales: Challenges and opportunities for reducing car use in a car-dependent, low-density country

The related concepts of 15‐minute city and 20‐minute neighbourhood have gained increased attention, contributing to planning and transport strategies and policies in many cities with the objectives of reducing car use, boosting local economies, improving liveability of places and the health of those who live there. However, there has been relatively little consideration of whether and how the 15/20‐minute place concept can be applied beyond world cities to the towns and suburbs where many people live. Taking the example of Wales, the paper develops empirical analysis to explore the nature of and variation in car-dependence in a range of different places, from densely populated city centres to residential suburbs and small towns. This analysis shows that the potential for developing more liveable, less car-dependent places exists not only in central cities but in some smaller places where there is a resident live-work population and relatively short commuting distances. For places like Wales, which has already incorporated the 15/20‐minute place ideal into its planning framework and transport strategy, the aspiration to reduce car dependency will require policies that reflect the very different starting points in Welsh places.

UTILIZATION OF HERBAL POWDER TO INCREASE THE ECONOMY IN NURUL HUDA ISLAMIC BOARDING SCHOOL, SIDOARJO

In the context of global economic contestation, the presence of an independent Islamic boarding school economic community will become social capital and inspiration for the community so that the local community's economy is not defeated and displaced by global players. The Nurul Huda Islamic boarding school is included in the category of Islamic boarding schools that do not yet have a business unit, even though the Nurul Huda Islamic boarding school has vacant land that can be utilized by students by managing herbal plants. Implementation of the community service program is carried out through several activities: 1) Providing material about various kinds of herbs and their benefits 2) Demonstration and practice of formulating and making various kinds of herbal powders 3) Demonstration and practice of formulating and making various kinds of herbal drinks 4) Demonstration and practice of formulation and making herbal granules 5) Demonstration, practice of formulation and making herbal effervescent powder 6) Packing and labelling practices for marketing 7) Making a website for product marketing. This community service produces output in the form of: 1) Publication in the Sinta 4 journal, namely the Abdinus journal / Journal of Indonesian Service 2) Publication on online news media. The results of implementing this activity were able to increase the knowledge and skills of students at Nurul Huda Islamic boarding school.

Gamification and economic behavior: Geospatial insights into mobile exercise app usage in South Korea

This study investigates how mobile exercise app-enabled gamified benefits (epistemic, personal integrative, and social integrative) independently and interactively influence economic outcomes from a nationwide perspective. Utilizing unique data on physical exercise and shopping activities collected from 7558 South Korean exercise app users over 3 years, we employed aspatial and spatial econometric models, along with visualization techniques, to examine the spatially varying relationships between gamified benefits and shopping behaviors at the municipality level. The results indicate that while social integrative benefits decreased shopping frequency and amount, the interaction terms of epistemic and social integrative benefits positively influenced shopping frequency. Furthermore, our spatial analysis suggests that the gamification–shopping relationship varied based on specific gamified benefits and across individual and clustered districts, cities, and counties across South Korea. These insights can guide local governments and tourism firms, suggesting opportunities to promote destination-specific gamified services for boosting the local economy.

Digitalization as a tool for Redevelopment – The Finiq case

Finiq, a rural town in the south of Albania, is experiencing a major demographic crisis. The lack of economic opportunities and difficult access to services discourage people from settling there. The various problems that characterise Finiq are mainly is isolation as it's difficult to reach it; the lack of identity due to depopulation and the lack of economic activities; the poor development and preservation of historical heritage as well as the deterioration of the landscape due to climate change and unsustainable human activities. Intervention in the landscape and cultural heritage can play a crucial role in mitigating these problems. Creating connecting paths, parks, rest areas, restoring historical buildings and monuments, together with the development of cultural programmes, could on the one hand provide Finiq residents with a sense of Identity and belonging to the area thus contributing to the promotion and preservation of the cultural heritage; on the other hand, stimulate tourism and investments which would be beneficial to the local economy. Digitalisation, in particular the use of block- chain technology, Building Information Modeling (BIM) and the Internet of Things (loT) could further mitigate these issues. Blockchain can be used for the provision of a secure and trans- parent register of historical and cultural heritage, thus facilitating access to information and knowledge about this heritage by citizens and tourists. At the same time, BIM can digitally represent the various areas of the city for easier and more timely planning of interventions in the landscape, built environment and cultural heritage. Creating a Digital Twin of the city of Finiq allows the different stakeholders to collaborate and exchange detailed and up-to-date information on the city's infrastructure and heritage, thus ensuring the quality of interventions and better management of the heritage itself. loT, through sensor technology, would enable the collection of real-time data on the state of preservation of cultural heritage and the use of resources. The data collected and exchanged with and certi- fied by a blockchain platform would increase transparency and citizen participation in cultural heritage management. Furthermore, loT can provide information on weather conditions and the impact of human activities on cultural heritage, serving as a useful tool for informed, data- driven decisions towards heritage conservation and enhancement. In summary, digitisation, in particular the proposed technologies, could prevent the deterioration of cultural heritage, pro- mote its knowledge and optimise the management of resources while promoting sustainable development. The creation of digital management systems for heritage and tourism activities is envisaged. However, the use of such technologies presents some barriers including the lack of adequate technological infrastructure and the need to train people involved in the use of such tools. The redevelopment of Finiq requires a balance between using the technology and understanding its limitations while analysing the needs and concerns of the community.