Local Support Research Articles

Local Support Practices Contribute into Strengthening Entrepreneurs Capacity

The pandemic severely affected local and small enterprises. During the lockdown, local entrepreneurs suffered due to low earnings and savings, weak informal support practices, inadequate risk transfer measures, and insufficient state recovery policies and budgets. This paper investigates the primary self-supporting practices of entrepreneurs during the pandemic, assesses how available informal support contributed to building resilience, and examines how local entrepreneurs sustained themselves during the crisis. It explores whether local practices such as self-saving, community support, and state assistance were adequate for resilience building. The study employed convenience sampling of over forty-one micro, small, and medium entrepreneurs across various districts in Nepal. Research methods included closed-ended questionnaires, phone interviews, and in-person discussions. Data analysis involved qualitative and quantitative methods, revealing that self-saving was crucial for resilience, followed by risk transfer practices. The study concludes that local self-saving capacities, coupled with community support, significantly enhance resilience among entrepreneurs. However, informal support practices and state policies for pandemic recovery fell short of expectations.

지방의회 정책지원관제도의 운영실태 분석:지방의회 자치법규를 중심으로

In the 30 years since the revival of local autonomy, the Local Self-Government Act has made significant progress through the introduction and supplementation of systems related to resident autonomy and organizational autonomy. In the process, local demands and the transfer of authority from the center were negotiated and struggled for, and were incorporated into the law and system one by one, culminating in the complete revision of the Local Self-Government Act in January 2021. The basis for the operation of local council policy support officers was also laid at this time, and the policy support officer system was introduced in response to the demand for responsibility and authority to 'strengthen local council professionalism' and is currently operating within the range of one in two local council members. Research on local council policy support professionals has been conducted steadily before the introduction of the policy support officer system, and after the introduction of the system, studies have centered on the effectiveness of the system, but comparative studies on the autonomy law, which is the basis for the operation of the system, are rare. Therefore, this study examines the issues surrounding the policy support officer before and after the introduction of the policy support officer system, and draws out the main issues through a comparative analysis of the operation of the policy support officer system based on the autonomy law. The results showed that the main issues surrounding the policy support officer system, which was introduced to improve the professionalism of local councils' legislative activities, are: (i) similar organizations, (ii) the scope of duties, (iii) performance evaluation, and (iv) office management process.

Rapid regional mobile laboratory response and genomic monkeypox virus (MPXV) surveillance in seven East African Community partner states, August 2024: preparedness activities for the ongoing outbreak.

The East African Community (EAC) is experiencing an unprecedented, emerging mpox outbreak since July 2024 in five of eight partner states. We highlight rapid regional response measures, initiated August 2024 coordinated by EAC: field deployment of six mobile laboratories in Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, South Sudan to high-risk areas, donation of one mobile laboratory to Democratic Republic of the Congo and genomic monkeypox virus (MPXV) surveillance support. These interventions aim to limit local mpox spread and support international containment.

Bridging the Gap: Reducing Health Inequities in Access to Preventive Health Care Services in Rural Communities in the Philippines.

We used an implementation science framework to investigate perceived health inequities in preventive health care initiatives in rural communities in the Philippines. We also identified health equity-focused quality improvement strategies. Three health care providers and 12 barangay clinic patients were interviewed. Patient interviews showed that social determinants of health, respect, and attitudes toward health care providers affected patient empowerment to engage in self-management for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). Health care providers identified six challenges in managing NCDs: (a) inefficient work processes; (b) staffing shortages; (c) insufficient access to low-cost medications; (d) inadequate primary preventive health education from the schools; (e) health care not considered a priority; and (f) lack of local government support. Inadequate preventive health care and education intensify health access and resource inequities in rural communities in the Philippines. A multi-sectoral plan may improve rural health infrastructure and education toward improving health care access and decreasing care disparities.

Welcome back! The impact of ‘return initiatives’ on return migration to rural regions

Abstract This article studies the effect of return initiatives in rural regions of Germany on interregional return migration. The initiatives aim to increase return migration by, amongst other things, providing information on local employment opportunities and personal support to workers interested in returning to find a job in the former rural region of residence. Analysing administrative data on individual labour market trajectories through survival analysis and difference-in-differences estimation, we find that return initiatives, on average, promote interregional return migration. Among the considered workers, particularly those in the middle and at the top of the wage distribution are more likely to return.

Exploring factors influencing the microfinance program sustainability

Ensuring the sustainability of development interventions such as microfinance programs is essential for making sure that the financial access is available for the poor in long term. However, many project-based microfinance have faced sustainability issues. Therefore, exploring the factors affecting the sustainability of the programs is essential. Using institutionalist view of microfinance sustainability and considering project implementation aspects, this study aims to explore the factors that influence the sustainability of project-based microfinance institutions (MFIs). Quantitative approach by using a statistical tool is used to analyse the survey of the 85 microfinance bankers from 65 Microfinance institutions (MFIs). The result showed that project-based microfinance sustainability is influenced by local project characteristics, community support and project management. It implies that project implementation and its sustainability is concomitant. Project implementation that considers local community and is supported by project management could hold an important role in the sustainability of the project. Furthermore, developing sustainability strategies in planning and implementation stages is crucial. Hence, international development project actors should take them into account.

FROM PERCEPTION TO SUPPORT: THE ROLE OF POLITICAL BUREAUCRACY IN RURAL TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN LOMBOK, INDONESIA

Numerous studies emphasise the importance of local governance and governmental support in promoting long-term rural tourist growth. Political bureaucracy, which encompasses the duties and activities of government officials and institutions, plays an important role in developing policies, providing required infrastructure, and fostering stakeholder collaboration. The challenge at hand is the ambiguous relationship between perceived benefits (economic, social, and environmental) and community support influenced by political structures. This study explores moderating role of political bureaucracy on the relationship between the impact of perceived tourism benefits and the community support for rural tourism development in Lombok, Indonesia. The objective is to understand how these perceptions affect support when moderated by political bureaucracy. Data were collected using quantitative methods from 183 residents via online surveys and analysed using SmartPLS SEM for measurement and structural model assessments. The findings revealed no significant relationship between perceived economic and social benefits and community support. However, environmental benefits showed a positive influence. The moderating role of political bureaucracy was found to be minimal. The study suggests that enhancing awareness and empowerment of local communities could improve support for tourism. These insights are vital for policymakers and stakeholders to develop strategies that foster sustainable rural tourism.

Residents’ Perceptions of the Benefits and Costs of Tourism Development: A Case Study of Riyadh City (Saudi Arabia)

This study examines residents’ perceptions of tourism development in Riyadh city, Saudi Arabia, focusing on its benefits and costs, guided by social exchange theory. The objective is to explore how the perceived impacts of tourism development, along with external factors such as community attachment, residents’ knowledge of tourism development, and community involvement, affect locals’ satisfaction with tourism and their intention to support tourism development. A survey of 427 locals, analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM), reveals a positive correlation between community attachment and the perceived benefits from tourism. Residents’ knowledge about tourism is linked to perceived benefits, but not to perceived costs, and community involvement does not significantly impact perceptions. Perceived benefits positively influence support for tourism, while perceived costs have a negative effect. Residents’ satisfaction with tourism, shaped by their perceptions of the benefits and costs, influences their future support for tourism initiatives. The theoretical implications highlight social exchange theory’s role in understanding community perceptions, while the practical implications emphasize inclusive and transparent tourism planning to gain local support. These results underscore the importance of considering locals’ perceptions and satisfaction in both current and future tourism planning and development strategies.

Revealing the Protective Dynamics of an Ecologically Engineered Wetland against Acid Mine Drainage: A Case Study in South Africa

This study investigated the Zaalklapspruit valley bottom wetland in South Africa, an ecologically engineered site influenced by acid mine drainage (AMD) from a defunct coal mine upstream. Conducted in 2022, the research aimed to elucidate the dynamics of contaminant dispersal within this wetland, focusing on the sources, pathways, and receptors of metals and sulfur compounds. The analysis revealed that the wetland’s bottom sediment is rich in organic material, with pH values ranging from 6.05 to 6.59 and low oxidation-reduction potentials reaching −219.67 mV at Site S3. The significant findings included the highest adsorption rates of manganese, contrasted with iron, which was primarily absorbed by the roots of Typha capensis and the algae Klebsormidium acidophilum. The macrophyte rhizospheres were found to host diverse microbiota, including families such as Helicobacteraceae and Hydrogenophilaceae, pivotal in metal and sulfur processing. This study highlighted the complex biogeochemical interactions involving sediment, macrophyte root systems, periphyton, and microbial populations. These interactions demonstrate the efficacy of ecologically engineered wetlands in mitigating the impacts of acid mine drainage, underscoring their potential for environmental remediation. Importantly, the sustainability of such interventions highlights the need for community involvement and acceptance, acknowledging that local support is essential for the long-term success of ecological engineering solutions that address environmental challenges like AMD.

How to build a powerline: Fast policies for decarbonization, the slow work of public participation, and the profitability of energy capital

Community opposition to new low-carbon energy infrastructure – and resulting project delays and cancellations – is increasingly taken by some climate activists, policymakers, and scholars as evidence of the incompatibility between urgent decarbonization and expanded public participation. This paper argues that too narrow a focus on this duality risks overlooking an additional mandate: the profitability of energy capital. This paper intervenes in the ‘rapid vs. just transitions’ debate by arguing that building low-carbon energy infrastructure requires a balancing of trade-offs between speed, local support, and profit for private developers. Using a case study of a controversial transmission project in the northeastern United States, I argue that project delays are attributable not (just) to uncooperative publics, but to energy capital's drive for profit, which discourages compromises with host communities that would increase project costs but cultivate local support. By treating the social legitimacy of low-carbon energy infrastructure as contingent on its ability to meet criteria for public acceptability, this paper argues that the slow work of public participation can in fact be the route to ‘fast policies’ for decarbonization when it fosters developer norms in line with community expectations for projects.

The Transition in Economic Theory from Linear to Circular for the Sustainability - A Case Study

The ability of our society to endure and expand while preserving enough natural resources for future generations to live is known as sustainability. Sustainable development, which combines structures, procedures, and local, national, and international support, supports its long-term goal. It is the high time, when the world is looking for the environmental conservation, conservation of the planet's biodiversity, social progress and better life style for the environment means a transition for the sustainability. The economy needs to undergo a profound transition because it was built on the principles of "take, make, consume, and discard" and the so-called "linear model," which was based on the idea that resources were infinite and easily accessible from the start of capital accumulation and the industrial revolution. According to this study, a product's value can only be increased by staying within the circularity loop, which means moving from the current linear model paradigm to a circular model. Study also reveals that the businesses and production units that want to generate a competitive edge while using fewer resources need to redesign and restructure their current processes. And it is highly required that the very last resort should be resource disposal and incineration. It is therefore highlighted that the program for the usage of material resources in respect to the global 2030 plan will not be implemented effectively unless the concept of a "circular economy" is adopted in place of the "linear economy." The author of this article examines how the "linear" to "circular" economy changes using a few chosen cases, offering a comprehensive grasp of the topic and the mechanisms of global transformation.

EVALUASI EFEKTIVITAS PENERAPAN MANAJEMEN BERBASIS SEKOLAH (MBS) DALAM MENINGKATKAN MUTU PENDIDIKAN DI SEKOLAH DASAR

The Indonesian government is trying to improve the standard of education that has so far lagged behind. To realize the quality of education in better school-based management, local support is needed in directing, checking and assisting schools in administration and educational experience. Elementary school education is a level of education that is part of the basic education level and is the foundation of knowledge and helps children grow and develop optimally through teacher-guided learning, so that it becomes the main tool in improving the quality of human resources. The main task of education is to develop the potential of human resources (HR) through various organizations, both governmental and non-governmental. One way of regulating it is through School-Based Management (SBM), which functions as a tool to manage the essence of teaching. Internal and external services provided by the school are directly supervised. This is in accordance with the philosophy of decentralization, which provides benefits to the community and school members by allowing principals, students, parents, and teachers to be involved in decision-making in a transparent, accountable and participatory manner. School-Based Management aims to improve the quality of education by involving cooperation from various parties, including principals, teachers, parents, and other stakeholders, as well as paying attention to facilities and infrastructure, motivation, self-concept, interests, and learning independence. In implementing the essence of education, schools seek their arrangements by implementing school-based administration. The purpose of this study was to determine how effective school-based management or MBS is in overcoming problems in schools and improving the quality of education in elementary schools. Qualitative descriptive methods are one of those used in this study. The diversity of information is generated through significant web-based writing and journals.

Implementation of the Gianyar Aman Sejahtera Regional People's Business Credit Program (KURDA GAS) in Pre-Prosperous Community MSMEs

KURDA GAS was launched to help the community in obtaining capital without the need for collateral, especially for the underprivileged. The purpose of this study is to find out how the Implementation of the Gianyar Aman Sejahtera Regional People's Business Credit Program (KURDA GAS) in MSMEs of the Underprivileged Community. This study uses a qualitative descriptive research method with an inductive approach. This research was conducted at PT. BPR Regional Bank Gianyar (Perseroda) The results of the study show several factors that cause the KURDA GAS program to not be maximized. Inhibiting Factors: Lack of Understanding and Knowledge, Complicated Administrative Procedures, Weak Business Capacity and Management, Limited Guarantees, Market Competition. Supporting Factors: Local Government Support, Training and Assistance Programs, Improved Economic Conditions, Partnerships with Financial Institutions, Infrastructure and Access to Technology.

The Complex Pathway to Green Fields: Opportunities and Challenges of Organic Agriculture in Thailand

This article explores the complex dynamics of organic agriculture in Thailand, focusing on the interplay of economic viability, environmental sustainability, and consumer awareness. Since the implementation of the National Economic and Social Development Plan in 1961, Thailand has emphasized cash crop production, leading to increased reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides, which have raised significant environmental and health concerns. The article highlights the pivotal role of non-governmental organizations, such as the Alternative Agriculture Network, in advocating for sustainable farming practices and facilitating knowledge transfer between producers and consumers. Despite the potential benefits of organic farming, challenges persist, including labor-intensive production methods, declining interest among younger generations in agricultural careers, and a general lack of consumer understanding regarding organic products. The article underscores the importance of local financial support systems, such as cooperative loans, and government initiatives aimed at promoting organic agriculture. It argues that enhancing consumer awareness and demand for organic products is essential for fostering a sustainable agricultural future in Thailand. Ultimately, the findings suggest that a multi-faceted approach involving policy support, education, and community engagement is necessary to overcome the barriers to organic farming and ensure its growth in the Thai agricultural landscape.

Birds, bees and CSR managers: why is biodiversity conservation challenging for companies?

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to learn what kinds of obstacles Indian businesses face when trying to make biodiversity protection a top priority as part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts. Interventions are proposed to elevate biodiversity protection to the ranks of CSR priorities among Indian businesses.Design/methodology/approachThis study applies an interpretive phenomenological analysis strategy to glean information from in-depth interviews with leaders and professionals in CSR.FindingsThe findings of the study revealed that the main factors influencing Indian companies’ CSR area choices are existing processes and stakeholder pressures. Companies prioritise engaging with local communities and employees when selecting CSR activities. The major challenge is integrating biodiversity into business plans, with CSR heads struggling to secure investment due to long gestation periods and limited media coverage. Implementing agencies face issues with project deliverables, mainly due to land ownership and lack of local government support. Companies can also encourage employee involvement in pro-environmental behaviours. The study also provides practical solutions for Indian companies to enhance their CSR engagement in biodiversity conservation.Research limitations/implicationsThe research only focuses on the opinions of CSR specialists and leaders, so it may only consider part of the situation’s complexity inside the organisation. The results may only apply to the business climate in India; hence, extra care is warranted when extrapolating them to other countries. Nonetheless, the study provides valuable insights into the interplay between CSR and biodiversity protection that might inform future studies and policy initiatives.Originality/valueThis research fills a gap in the literature by investigating an uncharted territory: the role of CSR in protecting biodiversity in India. Examining obstacles and variables affecting CSR objectives illuminates business involvement in biodiversity conservation. The recommended treatments have real-world consequences for improving CSR involvement in this critical area.

(098) IMPACT OF PRE-TREATMENT COUNSELLING ON DECISIONAL REGRET OF PROSTATE CANCER SURVIVORS: CROSS-SECTIONAL ANALYSIS OF PATIENT REPORTED EXPERIENCE FOLLOWING DIAGNOSIS OR TREATMENT

Abstract Introduction Prostate cancer (PCa) impacts patient lives beyond oncological concerns alone. PCa survivorship includes the mental, physical, sexual, emotional, and financial effects patients endure from time of diagnosis, through treatment, and beyond. For some, this includes decision regret (DR). We aim to determine survivor experiences and understanding from a functional perspective throughout survivorship. Objective Our objective was to describe the local experiences and perspectives of PCa survivors regarding their functional outcomes at both the pre and post treatment level. Additionally, we sought to investigate the relationship between patients’ understanding of sexual and urinary side effects of treatment as well as modality of care delivery (ie virtual or in person) and development of treatment DR. Methods This is a cross-sectional survey of survivors. Our survey was circulated to all members of the Manitoba Prostate Cancer Support Group. Topics included erectile dysfunction (ED), penile shortening, urinary incontinence, and patient understanding throughout their care. Survey items included binary and Likert scale questions regarding patient understanding and treatment impact, as well as an open answered question asking how survivorship care may be improved. Responses were used identify predictors of DR. Results 514 patients received our survey with a response rate of 23.7% (n = 122). The average age of diagnosis and treatment were 65.2 and 65.9 respectively. Most common treatments included 63.9% radical prostatectomy (RP), 54.1% radiotherapy (RT), and 36.1% androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). 71.9% reported sexual health to be very or somewhat important, but 27.9% reported no pre-treatment discussion of potential ED. 14.9% reported lacking understanding of treatment impact on erections. 76.9% reported no counselling on penile shortening and 95.0% reported no counselling on climacturia, prior to treatment. 27.3% reported no pre-treatment discussion of urinary incontinence and 11.5% reported lacking understanding of treatment impact on urination. Predictors of DR included treatment with RP, and low pre-treatment understanding of potential ED and urinary incontinence. Common open answer responses included desire for more information regarding support groups, treatment side effects, and management of such. Conclusions PCa survivors are at high risk of DR. Virtual care does not seem to impact DR. However, the degree of pre-treatment understanding of treatment options and their functional impact does. Survivors are motivated to learn about their condition, requesting more information on treatments, side effects, and local support groups. Apart from PCa diagnosis and management, it is equally as important to discuss functional aspects. Disclosure No.

Pertanian Terpadu dan Dukungan Lembaga Lokal dalam Upaya Konservasi DAS Hulu Desa Beruk Jatiyoso Karanganyar

<p><em>The sustainable management of natural resources is crucial for maintaining ecosystem sustainability and ensuring long-term fulfillment of basic needs. Farmers in Beruk Village, residing in the upstream area of the Watershed (DAS), are able to meet their basic needs through farming on steep landslide-prone land, which should ideally be designated as conservation areas. The research aims to examine integrated farming practices, assess local institutional support in conservation activities, and identify the sustainability of conservation-based farming efforts. The study employs a qualitative method, conducted in Beruk Village, Jatiyoso Sub-district, Karanganyar Regency. Fifteen informants were selected using purposive and snowball sampling methods. Data analysis utilized the interactive inductive analysis approach by Miles and Huberman. The research findings indicate that farmers in Beruk Village practice integrated farming systems that combine food, feed, and fertilizer concepts. Local institutional support from Beruk Village includes active participation of members in various conservation activities. The study concludes that farmers in Beruk Village implement integrated farming systems combining food, feed, and fertilizer concepts, but not all farmers apply conservation principles in their farming practices. The study recommends enhancing education and intensive training for farmers on the benefits and techniques of implementing conservation practices. This could be achieved through collaboration with educational institutions, local governments, and non-governmental organizations.</em></p>

Evaluation of Open Defecation Free Program Policy in Tambak Osowilangun Village Surabaya City

This study evaluates the implementation of the Open Defecation Free (ODF) Program in Tambak Osowilangun Village, Surabaya City using a qualitative approach with in-depth interviews, documentation, and observation. The findings of the study show that the program has been successful in increasing access to proper sanitation facilities and reducing the incidence of sanitation-related diseases such as diarrhea. Significant challenges still exist, especially related to uneven changes in community behavior and suboptimal maintenance of sanitation facilities. The success of the program is supported by the active involvement of local communities and policy support from local governments, but is hampered by factors such as limited infrastructure in remote areas and cultural resistance to changes in sanitation practices. The limitations of this study include geographic coverage limited to a single village and a qualitative approach that may not cover the variation of experiences across the regions affected by the ODF program.

An intelligent garment for online fetal well-being monitoring

Considered as one category of wearable systems, intelligent garments represent an opportunity for meeting special needs of various populations on well-being monitoring. In this paper, we present a new wearable system based on an intelligent garment specially designed for online monitoring of fetal movements, which are usually taken as a key indicator for fetal well-being during pregnancy. This intelligent garment is composed of the following components: (1) a garment carefully designed for enhancing pregnant women’s comfort and increasing measured signal quality, (2) a network of sensors integrated into the right positions of the garment, (3) a microcontroller also integrated into the garment, permitting to merge and analyze data measured from these sensors and (4) an Android application connected to the garment, allowing the mother to visualize key information related to her baby’s health. Moreover, in the frame of the wearable system, this garment is connected to both the wearer’s smartphone which makes basic diagnosis on fetal well-being (local decision support system) and a medical expert system on the cloud computing platform with which clinicians can make advanced medical diagnosis. In this wearable system, the techniques of artificial intelligence have been used for extracting relevant features of fetal movements and supporting medical decisions of clinicians. Different from the existing wearable systems, both the electronic/signal issues and textile/garment design have been fully taken into account in the proposed intelligent garment and the capability of accurate fetal movement monitoring has been further enhanced by the well-designed algorithms.

Sounding out solutions: using SONAR to connect participants with relevant healthcare resources.

This article outlines a scalable system developed by the All of Us Research Program's Genetic Counseling Resource to vet a large database of healthcare resources for supporting participants with health-related DNA results. After a literature review of established evaluation frameworks for health resources, we created SONAR, a 10-item framework and grading scale for health-related participant-facing resources. SONAR was used to review clinical resources that could be shared with participants during genetic counseling. Application of SONAR shortened resource approval time from 7 days to 1 day. About 256 resources were approved and 8 rejected through SONAR review. Most approved resources were relevant to participants nationwide (60.0%). The most common resource types were related to support groups (20%), cancer care (30.6%), and general educational resources (12.4%). All of Us genetic counselors provided 1161 approved resources during 3005 (38.6%) consults, mainly to local genetic counselors (29.9%), support groups (21.9%), and educational resources (21.0%). SONAR's systematic method simplifies resource vetting for healthcare providers, easing the burden of identifying and evaluating credible resources. Compiling these resources into a user-friendly database allows providers to share these resources efficiently, better equipping participants to complete follow up actions from health-related DNA results. The All of Us Genetic Counseling Resource connects participants receiving health-related DNA results with relevant follow-up resources on a high-volume, national level. This has been made possible by the creation of a novel resource database and validation system.