Non-governmental Research Articles

What Works for the Youth: Analysis of Youth Employment Policies in Rwanda

In Rwanda, over 75 percent of youth are not in education, employment and training (NEET). These are mostly absorbed in the informal sector that provides little or no protection to workers against shocks, and are prone to several socio-economic, technical, and financial constraints. Through desk review of existing policies and studies, key informant interviews (KIIs), and focus group discussions (FGDs), this study reviews and analyzes the existing youth employment policies (YEPs) and interventions with intent to identify the hurdles and outcomes of the actual implementation of these YEPs in Rwanda. Youths aged 18 to 30, policy makers, policy implementers, and implementing partners were the key target respondents. The study finds a multitude of YEPs and interventions to promote youth education and skilling, entrepreneurship, and business development funding; though most of them are more focused on supply than demand-side of the labor market, with limited vulnerable youth inclusivity. Common hurdles encountered during implementation of YEPs include: poor coordination among the vast YEPs causing monitoring challenges both at national and district level, and duplication of services. Difficulty to integrate education and skilling into decent youth employment, matching labor laws with youth welfare, cultural bias limiting young women from participating in some labor market activities, funding gaps, and limited youth engagement during program design. Addressing these challenges requires a well-coordinated stakeholder engagement, and strong collaboration between the public and private sector, as well as civil society organizations.

Mental health and humanitarian crisis: Moral stress in trauma therapy.

This articleoffers a narrative analysis of the contributing factors of moral distress (MD) and moral injury (MI) among mental health clinicians working amidst humanitarian crises. It discusses the impact of moral stress on therapeutic relationships in mental health trauma. The articleoriginated from the author's experience developing a peer-to-peer support program at a nongovernmental organization (NGO) and conducting peer-to-peer support for mental health clinicians and healthcare providers in Ukraine and Turkey. A significant amount of literature has documented the detrimental effects of MD and MI on mental health, job sustainability, and resilience of healthcare providers and first responders. The negative effects of MD and MI are particularly relevant in trauma counseling, where clinicians must draw upon the use of self to develop therapeutic relationships with their clients. This process demands a high level of moral reasoning and self-awareness, which can be severely tested under the morally challenging conditions of a humanitarian crisis. There is an imperative need to deepen our understanding and to swiftly address the factors that precipitate MD and MI in mental health clinicians working in crisis zones. By doing so, we aim to bolster their resilience and the enduring nature of their commitment to help and save others. This, in turn, will not only contribute to saving more lives but also enable those who are affected by trauma to flourish in the aftermath of their experiences.

THE NEW ECONOMIC SECURITY OF THE EUROPEAN UNION

Geopolitical changes have shown that current threats are not only directed at the state’s security but also at the individual’s. Besides the traditional concept of security, a new concept has emerged: economic security. The liberal conception was based on the hypothesis that economic interdependence would lead not only to prosperity but also to greater security. Traditional analyses do not sufficiently capture the real connections between the economy and security. In traditional approaches to security, the key concept was state security; in neo-traditional ones, new actors such as international organizations and non-governmental organizations also intervene alongside the state. Transformations in the international system demonstrate the need for a geostrategic renegotiation of relations at the regional level to ensure states of regional economic cooperation based on principles promoted by the European Union. Our analysis is a qualitative one, examining documents relevant to our topic, as well as a series of theories that underpin our analysis. Our research methods include content analysis of important documents and a SWOT analysis of the current crisis generated by the conflict in Ukraine. The central issue is given by these major changes that challenge the European project. In the face of these geopolitical changes, the following question arises: “Can economic interdependence be used to create stable bilateral relations between EU member states and between the EU and third countries to ensure European economic security?” The research starts from the following hypothesis: “As long as there is cooperation between the countries neighbouring the EU, there will be no risk of conflicts.” Since the EU acts not only in its own interest but also to create a business environment conducive to the development of enterprises in member countries, the risks the EU is exposed to as a global actor will also impact various industrial sectors and the internal market. Our objective is to demonstrate that the European Union, as a regional actor, can ensure the economic security of member states in the face of new hybrid threats. Our analysis focus on examining the economic relations between the European Union and its Eastern neighbours in the context of rapid changes in the international arena.

Strategy of geothermal energy development as a renewable energy source in West Java Indonesia

Background: Indonesia has vast renewable energy potential, including biofuels, biomass, and bioenergy from tropical biodiversity spread across the country. Hydropower and geothermal energy are the only forms of renewable energy used to generate electricity and are connected to the grid. Geothermal energy may be incorporated into the grid to create hybrid energy systems that will help to reduce the high energy demand while maintaining low energy costs and net present costs. There are now 14 biosphere reserves in Indonesia, divided into 24 units of core zones, six units of buffer zones, and 13 units of transition zones. The West Java Province has a geothermal potential of 6,101 MWe or 21% of Indonesia's total geothermal resources. Currently, the installed capacity of electricity from geothermal energy in West Java is 1075 MWe or 89% of the total national installed capacity of 1196 MWe. Method: This paper reviews West Java Province data collection from official government bureaus, state-owned businesses, and non-governmental organizations (NGO) reports on geothermal energy capacity, electricity installation, and used area of ​​geothermal power plant and will be limited to the years 2010 through 2020. The collected data will then be refined, extrapolated, and analyzed by the connected trend to aid in studying West Java geothermal growth and use SWOT method analysis. Finding: The result of this research is a strategy for optimizing the development of geothermal energy utilization. The strategies that can be developed are infrastructure improvement as an investment facilitation strategy, a strategy to leverage a costly investment and capital investment, underground mining in conservation forest areas to avoid degradation improvement and supervision of related institutions and stakeholders, implementation of environmentally sustainable development, and socializing programs and providing job opportunities for the local community. Conclusion: Indonesia has an enormous potential for renewable energy, especially geothermal, with West Java Province having the largest installed capacity. This study suggests strategies to optimize geothermal energy development, including improving infrastructure, investment facilities, underground mining, improving supervision, and sustainable development. Novelty/Originality of this study: Research on geothermal energy in West Java provides a comprehensive analysis and specific strategies to optimize the development of this energy in the area, including innovative underground mining approaches.

Estimating the Impacts of Livelihood Support Interventions on Poverty Reduction in Rural Balochistan

The study evaluates the impacts of livelihood intervention programs implemented by the Balochistan Rural Support Program (BRSP) on poverty reduction in Balochistan. The estimation of livelihood impacts is gauged through several indicators, including the Income Generating Grant (IGG), Community Investment Fund (CIF), and Skill Development (TVET). To this end, data from 1500 households segregated into 950 IGG, 250 CIF, and 300 TVET are selected using a two-stage stratified sampling technique in 8 selected districts of Balochistan. This study mainly adopted mixed research approaches, including the descriptive analysis of the data to reflect the role of these interventions in poverty reduction in Balochistan. In addition, Poverty Score Cards (PSC) values have been used to determine the poverty levels. After implementing livelihood support intervention, it was obtained that Households (HHs) monthly income of IGG, CIF, and TVET beneficiaries increased by 17%, 20%, and 39%, respectively, on average. The meaningful tabulation of livelihood interventions positively impacts multifaceted aspects of rural HHs. The results also give evidence of employment generation and income-earning prospects in rural Balochistan. The results also show that gender equality and support for women's empowerment are positively changed in rural Balochistan. Therefore, the tabulated results of community and HHs’ specific funding programs and human capital formation via skills provisions to ultra-poor and poor rural people justify Balochistan Rural Development and Community Empowerment (BRACE) as a livelihood support initiative for poverty reduction in rural Balochistan. The government and non-government organizations (NGOs) may get insightful policy interventions from this study to bring effective socioeconomic development in rural Balochistan.

Civil Society and International Accountability

Abstract The role of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in pursuing accountability for atrocity crimes through international law is more diverse than ever before, and the breadth of CSO activities and the modalities of their engagement with international justice institutions has been overlooked in the scholarship to date. This article explores various CSO approaches to advancing accountability, including at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), International Criminal Court (ICC), investigative mechanisms (for Syria, Myanmar, and Iraq), and selected United Nations treaty bodies and regional human rights courts. Civil society actors take on many roles, including as advocates, documenters, analysts, victims’ representatives, and international law experts. While often described as indispensable to international justice efforts, the relationship between civil society and formal justice mechanisms remains novel and can feel incongruous with traditional and ostensibly independent and impartial legal processes. This is evolving as CSOs enter traditional international justice spaces in diverse ways. This article provides a framework to understand the modalities of CSO engagement with international legal processes, as well as critical challenges.

A Case Study of Migrant Children at Baity Center, Enrolled in Public System Through Civil Society Organisation, Delivering Integrated Services – Arousing Lives - From Dust to Dawn

A Case Study of Migrant Children at Baity Center, Enrolled in Public System Through Civil Society Organisation, Delivering Integrated Services – Arousing Lives - From Dust to Dawn

Upaya Perlindungan Hukum bagi Perempuan dengan Disabilitas Korban Tindak Pidana Kekerasan Seksual

Indonesia has a fairly large population of people with disabilities. This suggests that the likelihood of violations of the rights of persons with disabilities will also be high. This research aims to determine legal protection for women with disabilities who are victims of criminal acts of sexual violence and determine recovery efforts for women with disabilities who are victims of criminal acts of sexual violence. The research method used is normative juridical with statutory, analytical and case approaches. The data source used is secondary data, consisting of primary, secondary and tertiary legal materials collected through literature study. The research results show that legal protection for women with disabilities who are victims of sexual violence is still not optimal. The inhibiting factors are the lack of specific laws and regulations, stigma and discrimination, as well as the lack of accessibility of legal services. Legal protection for women with disabilities who are victims of sexual violence is a shared responsibility. Synergy is needed between the government, law enforcement officials, civil society organizations and the wider community to achieve justice for them.

Youth empowerment for national development in Cameroon: The case of youths in Buea municipality, south West Region

Youth empowerment remains a major issue in Cameroon and the world at large. This study sought to establish the link between youth empowerment and National Development, examine the activities of the government in the process of empowering youth as well as asses the challenges faced in empowering youths in Buea municipality, South West Region of Cameroon. A cross-sectional descriptive design was used. Random sampling procedure was used to select the youths. The sample size comprised 60 respondents. A 5-point Likert scale was, where variables were categorized as follows: strongly agree, agree, neutral, disagree, and strongly disagree. Data were presented as means of each group of charts and graphs. The results revealed that there were strategies used by the government to empower youths in the municipality with policies that emerged from the study such as the Cameroon national youth policy (2006), Special youth triennial plan, Growth and Empowerment Strategy Paper (GESP 2010) even thou they were not that adequate enough. Conclusion given was that such as financial literacy training should be open for all youths, public partnerships should be fostered between the government, development partners, non-governmental organizations, financial institutions and other relevant financial institutions to help youths to access information and capital were then given to ensure and promote adequate youth empowerment.

Analysis of One Data Indonesia Portal User Satisfaction Using the Pieces Framework

One data Indonesia is a platform created by the Ministry of National Development Planning or the National Development Planning Agency (PPN/BAPPENAS) to facilitate access to information for all levels of society regarding development in Indonesia. The One Data Indonesia Portal contains data and information from various government agencies, non-governmental organizations and other sources. Through the One Data Indonesia Portal, users can search for data and information related to topics such as the economy, education, health, social and environment. User satisfaction is a person's emotional feelings of pleasure or disappointment that occur when the performance (outcome) of a product is compared to the expected result (or results). The number of website users, the researcher wants to know the level of user satisfaction of One Data Indonesia Portal from the user's point of view by paying attention to user satisfaction indicators. The quantitative analysis used in the research is presented on the Satu Data Indonesia website ( www.data.go.id ), the research findings are presented as accurate numerical data. the results of the research are in the form of satisfaction level values and validity and reliability tests. The conclusion from the analysis of user satisfaction on the Indonesian one-data website using the PIECES method was carried out on 100 Indonesian one-data website user respondents whose characteristics were obtained based on the age, gender and occupation of the respondents using the PIECES domain. Keywords: User Satisfaction, Quantitative Analysis, PIECES Method

CONCEPTUALIZING THE SUBJECTIVITY OF GLOBAL LEADERSHIP IN CONTEMPORARY INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS THEORY

This article, based on an interdisciplinary approach and structural-functional analysis tools, examines the transformation of classical forms of conceptualizing the subjectivity of global leadership in contemporary international relations theory under the influence of new global political realities. It emphasizes that the initial classical positioning of international leadership as the primacy or hegemony of a single state on the international stage is yielding to other political practices that have not yet gained normative consolidation and theoretical conceptualization. It has been identified that modern international processes demonstrate a trend towards the institutionalization of international leadership in the form of a collective subject of international relations, endowed with exceptional powers and special status. New theoretical approaches increasingly note a shift in focus from classical factors ensuring leadership in international relations by enhancing the status and leadership potential of individual actors to the formation of collegial global leadership, including the concept of global governance, which is increasingly seen as the most probable and conventionally interpreted prognostic model for the transformation of the modern world order. Contemporary international relations theory identifies several subjects of international relations, with the nation-state traditionally occupying a leading position. In recent decades, other actors have been added to the list, including international governmental and non-governmental organizations, transnational corporations, civil associations, and private individuals. The emergence of new types of international relations subjects on the international stage, combined with the increasing importance of integration associations and the growing technological potential of digital networks, alongside the practical impossibility of establishing control over them, and the transfer of certain sovereign powers from national states to international institutions, indicates that traditional methods of governance and regulation in world politics are becoming outdated, losing their relevance and effectiveness in contemporary conditions. This necessitates the formation of an institutional foundation appropriate to the modern international system. Increasingly, this foundation of world order is associated with the phenomenon of global leadership. However, attempts to conceptualize it based on classical subjects of international relations are demonstrating increasing methodological inefficiency, leading to the search for new forms of the subjectivity of global leadership on the international stage.

Effect of Pre-Harvest Losses on Profitability of Plantain Production in Bayelsa State, Nigeria

The study examined the effect of pre-harvest losses on profitability of plantain farmers in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. The specific objectives were to: describe the socio economic characteristics of plantain farmers, examine pre-harvest losses of plantain on profitability and determine factors that influence pre-harvest losses of plantain. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select five (5) local government areas (Yenagoa, Ogbia, Kolokuma-Opokuma, Sagbama and Southern Ijaw) purposively based on their predominance in commercial plantain farmers and six (6) communities each from the 5 LGAs respectively, and, furthermore, eight (8) plantain farmers in each community, making a total number of two hundred and forty (240) plantain farmers. Structured questionnaire was used to elicit the required information from the selected respondents. The result indicates that 55.1% of the respondents fall between the age range of 31-50 years, with the mean age of 44 years. Males (51.9%) dominated plantain production in the study area. The majority of the plantain farmers were married (60.0%), 95.5% had formal education, 60.0% had 1-15 years of farm experience, 77.9% were part-time farmers, 98.3% had family size of 1-10 persons in their households with a mean of 5 persons, and 56.7% had farm size of 2-4 hectares. The result further shows that 56.7% used hired labour while 86.7% had no month contact with extension agent. Sucker, fertilizer, household size, and educational level had a significant relationship with plantain production at various probability levels, indicating profitability. Based on the findings, it was therefore recommended that there is a need for the farmers to put up parameter fencing to prevent theft cases which is extremely high and adversely affects net farm income. However, government and non-governmental organizations can support in terms of granting farmers' soft loans in order to reduce the burden.

Attitudes and perceptions of school stakeholders on comprehensive sexuality education in primary schools: A study of junior grades in Zimbabwe

This study investigates the attitudes and perceptions of school stakeholders, specifically principals and teachers, regarding the implementation of Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) in primary schools. It focuses on junior grades (grades 3-7) in Mashonaland in the Eastern Province of Zimbabwe. Given the increasing prevalence of child marriages, sexual abuse, and early pregnancies, delivering CSE effectively is crucial. This research uses a qualitative approach rooted in the interpretive paradigm and informed by Urie Bronfenbrenner's socio-ecological theory to explore stakeholders' perspectives on the dynamics of CSE implementation. Through a case study design, semi-structured interviews were conducted with twelve participants, including school principals and teachers, to shed light on systemic barriers that hinder effective CSE integration. These barriers include ambiguous policy frameworks, entrenched cultural beliefs, resource constraints, and inadequate training. Despite generally positive attitudes towards CSE, the study reveals persistent challenges that undermine its successful integration into the curriculum. To address these issues, the study advocates for collaborative stakeholder engagement in curriculum development, emphasising community support and ownership. Furthermore, targeted initiatives such as in-service training for principals and teachers, along with the provision of adequate teaching materials, are recommended to enhance implementation efficacy. By addressing these challenges, stakeholders—such as parents, teachers, and non-governmental organisations—can help create an enabling environment conducive to CSE in junior grades, thereby empowering learners and promoting their overall well-being.

Posttraumatic stress disorder and its associated factors among people living in Dabat district, northwest Ethiopia.

The conflict between the Ethiopian government and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) in the Dabat district of Ethiopia has led to significant civilian casualties, instances of rape, sexual abuse, and property theft. These traumatic events contribute to the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among local residents. However, there is currently no available data on the prevalence of PTSD and its associated factors in this region. This study seeks to fill this gap by assessing PTSD prevalence and identifying related factors among residents of the war-affected Dabat district in northwest Ethiopia. A community-based correctional study was conducted in the Woken and China kebeles of Dabat district, northwest Ethiopia, spanning from July 13 to September 19, 2023. A total of 410 participants were selected using systematic random sampling, making a 100% response rate. The study utilized an interviewer-administered questionnaire, which included the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist (PCL-5) to assess PTSD. The research investigated the association between PTSD and various demographic and psychosocial characteristics using both bivariate and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses. Statistical significance was set at a P-value of 0.05. The majority of participants in the study were male (62%) with a mean age of 33 ( ± 1.67) years. The overall prevalence of PTSD was 30.7% (95% CI: 26.6-35.10). Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified several factors significantly associated with PTSD: symptoms of depression (AOR=3.5; 95% CI: 1.13-6.89), age between 45 and 67 years (AOR=1.68; 95% CI: 1.04-5.78), experiencing stressful life events (AOR=1.63; 95% CI: 1.05-7.86), experiencing sexual abuse or rape (AOR=1.53; 95% CI: 1.07-6.75), chewing khat (AOR=1.48; 95% CI: 1.08-4.56), being female (AOR=1.43; 95% CI: 1.13-3.67), and having an income of 34.6 USD (AOR=1.28; 95% CI: 1.07-4.67). This study reported that the prevalence of PTSD was high. As a result, the study suggested that governments and other stakeholders should be involved in implementing efficient interventions and quick measures to mitigate the effects of war on mental health following the conflict. The government and nongovernmental organizations were also advised by these studies to continue providing humanitarian assistance, which should include access to food, clean water, clothing, shelter, and education. This study also suggested that people living in conflict zones should be legally protected from rape, sexual abuse, arson, detention without cause, and kidnapping.

Analisis Sumber Daya Manusia Dalam Usaha Kecil Pertanian

This study aims to analyze human resources in small agricultural enterprises, focusing on identifying factors that influence productivity and business sustainability. The research subjects are small-scale farmers in the Garuda 12 Women's Farming Group in Cipayung, Ciputat, South Tangerang, who own less than 200 m² of agricultural land. The research method used is a qualitative approach involving in-depth interviews and participatory observations. Data were collected from 30 members of the Garuda 12 Women's Farming Group in Cipayung, Ciputat, South Tangerang, using purposive sampling to ensure the selected respondents have high relevance to the research topic. The collected data were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify main themes related to human resources. The results indicate that technical skills, access to training, and time management are key factors influencing the productivity of small-scale farmers. Additionally, support from government and non-governmental organizations in the form of extension services and technical assistance also plays a significant role in improving human resource quality. However, limited capital and access to modern technology remain major challenges. The implications of this research suggest that enhancing human resource quality can be achieved through continuous training programs and better access to resources and technology. This study contributes to the understanding of the importance of human resource development in small agricultural enterprises and can serve as a basis for designing more effective policies to support small-scale farmers

Stakeholder dynamics in rural Lebanese women’s entrepreneurship

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the challenges faced by rural women entrepreneurs in Lebanon and explore how stakeholder engagement strategies, guided by stakeholder theory, can mitigate these challenges. By analyzing the interactions between stakeholders and women entrepreneurs, the study aims to uncover effective solutions that contribute to the sustained success of women entrepreneurs in Lebanon's rural areas.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses participatory action research (PAR) and narrative inquiry. PAR involves women entrepreneurs as active collaborators, fostering participation and enabling marginalized voices to address business challenges. Narrative inquiry delves into their experiences deeply, accessing multiple perspectives and insights.FindingsThis study uncovers challenges in resource accessibility, societal norms and market limitations for rural women entrepreneurs in Lebanon. Stakeholder influence, especially community support and tailored training programs, proves crucial. However, governmental involvement remains limited, relying more on nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and expert mentorship. Targeted interventions and policies are essential for inclusive growth and gender equality in entrepreneurship.Originality/valueThis paper offers a unique perspective by focusing on rural women entrepreneurs in Lebanon, exploring their specific challenges within the country's socioeconomic landscape. Its interdisciplinary approach and actionable recommendations for practical strategies, along with a comprehensive stakeholder analysis, provide novel insights into women's entrepreneurship in rural settings.

Women Empowerment in India since 1947: A Critical Analysis

The issue of women's empowerment is not new, this is an early concept. To empower the nation, we should empower the women. Discrimination between men and women, domestic violence, lack of education, lack of awareness about the government's efforts for women's empowerment and sexual harassment are the most common problems faced by women. Although various measures have been taken by the government and supporting bodies. The purposes of this paper are to explore the various schemes, acts, and laws for women's empowerment and to identify the status of women at present. For this research, various secondary resources like research papers, reports by various ministry organisations and reports by government, non-government and international organizations are used. Government and other supporting bodies' role in women's empowerment is reviewed. Based on analysis, it was found that women are not aware of their social and legal rights, especially in rural areas. They feel inferior to themselves economically or socially or prestigiously compared to men. Though several steps have been taken by the government and other supporting bodies like NGO’s, still the women's condition in society is not satisfactory. Various rules and regulations have been formulated but the government must ensure that these rules are followed properly in the society. Women do not even know their rights; education can improve these inequalities. So, more efforts need to be made for women empowerment, so that women can use their full potential and contribute to themselves, family, society, and country. At the end of research paper, it was concluded that to encourage women empowerment women’s education, employment opportunities and support for self-employment must be promoted.

The Role of Civil Society Organizations in Solving Some the Rural Social Problems in Assiut Governorate

The Role of Civil Society Organizations in Solving Some the Rural Social Problems in Assiut Governorate

Examining the Mediating Effect of the Rural Economic Dynamization between the Socio-Environmental Heritage and Sustainability of Protected Areas

This study examines the mediating effect of rural economic dynamization between socio-environmental heritage and the sustainability of protected areas in the buffer zone of the Serranía de las Quinchas Regional Natural Park, located in the municipality of Otanche, Boyacá Department, Colombia. The study population includes families that are part of the productive units in this area. The methodological approach of this study is based on partial least squares structural equation modeling. The working unit was established in the regional protected areas of Colombia, specifically in the Serranía de las Quinchas Regional Natural Park. A sample of 172 participants was selected using a non-probabilistic intentional sampling method, covering academics, company representatives, social leaders, local authorities, and representatives of non-governmental organizations. The study variables were measured using a scale with satisfactory psychometric properties, which included 12 items for socio-environmental heritage, 17 items for rural economic dynamization, and 11 items for the sustainability of protected areas. These were structured into subcategories based on the ecosystem services approach (factors that demonstrate social and economic dynamics). Responses were collected using a five-point Likert scale. The sample was analyzed using SmartPLS 3.3.3 software, applying a reflective–reflective hierarchical component model to evaluate the first- and second-order relationships among the variables. The results demonstrate the importance of socio-environmental heritage for local communities as a strategic component that facilitates the rural economic dynamization of protected areas based on sustainability. This research contributes to understanding the relationship between socio-environmental heritage and the sustainability of protected areas, mediated by rural economic dynamization, highlighting the relevance of in situ conservation strategies and prospective planning of these territories to implement sustainability dynamics. It is concluded that rural economic dynamization acts as a significant mediator in the relationship between socio-environmental heritage and the sustainability of protected areas, emphasizing the need to integrate these dynamics into the management of natural resources and the promotion of sustainable development in rural communities.

A Critical Review on Fostering Community Involvement in Sustainable Horticulture Initiatives

Community engagement and participation play pivotal roles in advancing sustainable horticultural development. This study explores the impact of community involvement in horticulture, emphasizing collaborative efforts that drive sustainable practices and innovation. Engaging communities in horticultural activities fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility, leading to improved environmental stewardship and sustainable agricultural practices. Key strategies include participatory planning, local knowledge integration, and inclusive decision-making processes. These approaches enhance resource management, boost productivity, and ensure the long-term viability of horticultural projects. Furthermore, community participation in horticulture promotes social cohesion and empowers marginalized groups by providing economic opportunities and fostering resilience against climate change. This paper highlights successful case studies where community-driven horticultural initiatives have led to significant environmental and socio-economic benefits. The findings underscore the necessity of fostering strong community networks and partnerships with governmental and non-governmental organizations to support sustainable horticultural development. By actively involving community members in the planning and implementation stages, horticultural projects can be tailored to meet local needs and preferences, thereby enhancing their sustainability and effectiveness. This research advocates for policies that encourage community participation and provide the necessary support and resources for communities to actively engage in horticultural activities. In conclusion, community engagement is not merely an auxiliary component but a fundamental driver of sustainable horticultural development, essential for achieving environmental sustainability and social well-being.