Sustainable Development Goal Number Research Articles

La economía circular del agua como camino a la sostenibilidad

The urgent need to take actions on water mana-gement due to its from its growing demand, derived from population growth. It driven the search for a new model which maximize the use of resources in general and minimize both its waste and the environmental impact of its exploitation. In this context, the circular economy (CE) satisfies this search and it is a key approach to guarantee the sus-tainability of the planet and the supply of this vital liquid globally, that is, for everyone. Consistently and directly impacting the achievement of the sustainable development goals (SDG) of the 2030 agenda of the United Nations (UN), being closely linked to each of them for their achievement. But very specifically to SDG number 6 “water and sanitation”. However, there are barriers to the transformation towards CE, as in any transition. This document analyzes some of the barriers to the change from the linear economy to a circular economy, with the aim of providing an overview of the context. current situation and pre-sent some practices that we can adopt for better water management for the benefit of future generations.

Material flow cost accounting in Vietnam: a multi-level exploration

PurposeOf critical concern to the world is the need to reduce consumption and waste of natural resources. This study provides a multi-level exploration of the ways situational and transformational links between levels and challenges are related to the adoption and utilization of material flow cost accounting in Vietnam, to encourage green productivity.Design/methodology/approachBased on triangulation of public documents at different institutional levels and a set of semi-structured interviews, situational and transformational links and challenges for material flow cost accounting in Vietnam are examined using purposive and snowball sampling of key actors.FindingsUsing a multi-level framework the research identifies six situational and transformational barriers to implementation of material flow cost accounting and suggests opportunities to overcome these. The weakest links identified involve macro-to meso-situational and micro-to macro-transformational links. The paper highlights the dominance of meso-level institutions and lack of focus on micro transformation to cut waste and enable improvements in green productivity.Practical implicationsThe paper identifies ways for companies in Vietnam to reduce unsustainability and enable transformation towards sustainable management and waste reduction.Originality/valueThe paper is the first to develop and use a multi-level/multi-time period framework to examine the take-up of material flow cost accounting to encourage transformation towards green productivity. Consideration of the Vietnamese case builds understanding of the challenges for achieving United Nations Sustainable Development Goal number 12, to help enable sustainable production and consumption patterns.

SDGs in master’s theses: a study of a Finnish University of Applied Sciences

PurposeHigher educational institutions, such as universities of applied sciences, have a significant role in promoting progress towards a sustainable future as defined by the United Nations (UN) sustainable development goals (SDGs). This paper aims to identify how the UN SDGs are featured in master’s theses set in work–life contexts.Design/methodology/approachUsing a descriptive review and content analysis, this study identified the number of SDGs appearing in 31 master’s theses. Sustainable development (SD) and corporate social responsibility were reflected using the approaches and models in the literature. Finland’s eight objectives for committing to SD were used to examine the commitments made by the business school of the university of applied sciences to achieve Agenda 2030.FindingsEmphasising the value of higher education for SD, this study found that SDGs three, eight and 12 appeared most frequently in the theses. Sustainable and responsible dimensions reflected several issues concerning both the worlds of business and industry among the firms and organisations investigated by the master’s degree students in the business school at the Jyväskylä University of Applied Sciences.Practical implicationsThis research holds practical and pedagogical value, serving to encourage master’s and PhD students to further explore research on SDGs and to shape public policy.Originality/valueSustainability was looked at in a new way as investigated by the theses. Ways to integrate the SDGs into management degree programmes and conduct research in the fields of business administration, tourism and hospitality management were identified.

Mapping workforce contributions to the Sustainable Development Goals: a tool to enhance staff capacity and inspire action

The United Nations’ Agenda 2030 provides a framework of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to achieve peace and prosperity for people and planet, now and into the future(1). The United Nations Decade of Action on Nutrition emphasises that food and nutrition are key levers for optimising both human and planetary health and that individuals working in food, nutrition and health play an essential role in contributing to the SDGs(2,3). This project aimed to (i) map the work being done by staff and higher degree students at Monash University’s Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food and its alignment with the SDGs, and (ii) assess the impact of this process on workforce capacity to embed the SDGs in future work activities. Three mapping workshops; one pilot, one in-person and one online, were conducted (n = 28), beginning with a short expert-led seminar about the SDGs before participants engaged in an interactive activity to record their work activities (research, education or engagement) relating to the SDGs. Mapping data were analysed to determine which SDGs were being prioritised and in what type of activities. To determine the impact on workforce capacity, participants completed pre- and post-workshop surveys that assessed their knowledge of and confidence regarding the SDGs. From the three workshops, 129 work activities were described, each linked to one or more of the SDGs. Of those, 41% were education, 36% were research, and 23% were engagement activities. Work activities spanned all 17 of the SDGs, with the most commonly aligned being Goal 3 Good Health and Wellbeing (53% of work activities), Goal 10 Reduced Inequalities (37% of work activities), Goal 4 Quality Education (36% of work activities), Goal 12 Responsible Consumption and Production (34% of work activities), and Goal 17 Partnerships for the Goals (27% of work activities). The pre- and post-workshop surveys indicated increased staff knowledge and confidence related to the SDGs. The percentage of participants that could correctly identify the number of SDGs increased from 43% to 96%, and the percentage of participants that recognised the correct aim of the SDGs increased from 43% to 86%. Regarding confidence in talking about the SDGs, the percentage of staff who indicated that they ‘avoid talking about them’ or are ‘not confident’ decreased from 39% to 4%, and the number of staff who were confident talking about the SDGs ‘in general terms’ increased from 39% to 75%. Nutrition professionals are well-placed to support progress towards each of the SDGs. Workshops such as these provide an opportunity to increase workforce capacity to discuss, share and relate their work to the SDGs and provide a periodic pulse-check to identify opportunities for greater contribution to this urgent, global Agenda.

Analisis Potensi dan Kemajuan dalam Pengelolaan Air Bersih dan Sanitasi Berkelanjutan (SDGs 6) di Indonesia

The aim of this research is to provide an analysis of how efforts have been made to achieve Sustainable Development Goal number six (SDGs 6), namely Clean Water and Sanitation. The main focus of this research is to assess the implementation of policies and projects related to water and sanitation and understand the impact they will have on society and the environment. This study collects data from government reports and other relevant research. Universal access to clean drinking water, adequate sanitation, efficient water use, and protection of water ecosystems are the main indicators of SDGs 6. The research results show great progress in achieving SDGs 6 in several aspects. Access to clean water has increased and many sanitation projects have been implemented successfully. Challenges remain, especially in achieving sanitation goals in rural areas and in managing water quality. Integrated water resource management and protection of water ecosystems are highlighted in this analysis. The research also underscores the need for international cooperation and community participation in addressing clean water and sanitation challenges. Data limitations and unequal access continue to be important issues that need to be addressed. Therefore, this study recommends increased detailed data collection and capacity building of local communities. By detailing the challenges and potential solutions, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of achieving SDGs 6. The implications of these findings can help civil society in designing more effective policies and projects to achieve clean water and sustainable sanitation.

Enhancing Students’ Sustainability Understanding Through Air Quality Monitor Project Using Arduino

As an environmental degradation, air pollution is contrary to sustainable development goals (SDGs). Therefore, through education for sustainable development (ESD), there is a need to enhance students’ capability in solving such problem. STEM learning encourages students to work on real-world problem through hands on activity in line with ESD necessity. This research aims to analyze how the ESD-based STEM learning practice through air quality monitor project using Arduino could influence students’ sustainability understanding in solving air pollution. Students’ sustainability understanding towards air pollution which was measured is based on cognitive learning objectives related to SDGs number 3 good health and well-being, SDGs 7 affordable and clean energy, SDGs 12 responsible consumption and production, SDGs 13 Climate action, and SDGs 15 Life on land. The research uses quasi experimental method with pretest-posttest design. This research also developed the instrument to measure sustainability understanding about air pollution. The result of data analysis shows that after the treatment, there is no significant difference between control and experiment class in students’ sustainability understanding. The result implies that the activity of making air quality monitor does not give significant difference in enhancing sustainability understanding. However, the result migh be influenced by some factors which make the implementation of ESD-based STEM learning to be not optimal

The Argentinian experience with yerba mate in agroforestry

Agroforestry is able to address two of society’s great contemporary issues, climate change mitigation and food security. Characterised by the presence of trees within croplands and farmland, agroforestry has been recognised for its ability to enhance biomass and soil carbon while sustaining agricultural production. Agroforestry’s many environmental and ecosystem services - including water quality improvement, erosion control, and biodiversity enhancement - may also help achieve a number of other United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including renewable energy, responsible consumption and life on land. Yerba mate (YM) is a tree species that is native to South America, which has traditionally been harvested for its leaves, which are used to prepare a traditional infusion. Over the years, new YM products have emerged, including dehydrated powder for instant preparation. The cultivation of YM has evolved from traditional forest stands to large-scale monoculture plantations, but there is recent interest in sustainable agroforestry approaches. Research in Argentina's Misiones Province has demonstrated the benefits of YM being shaded by other trees in agroforestry systems, including increased yields of YM and an enhancement of preferred flavours of the leaves, as well as increased soil fertility, carbon sequestration and protection against extreme weather conditions. To continue to improve upon YM agroforestry, the I 049 Agroforestry project plans to study YM cultivation in agroforestry arrangements to better support sustainable agroforestry practices and innovative marketing strategies in Argentina.

A science-based heuristic to guide sector-level SDG investment strategy

ABSTRACT Aligning investments with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has been a longstanding ambition for many private investors. The assessment of corporate impact on the SDGs is not a trivial task, and most present-day attempts often overlook SDG interactions, and lack scientific anchoring and transparency. We present an evidence-based review approach for investors to assess sector-level impacts on individual SDGs, and score these using a traffic-light system. Our initial review documents impacts of 81 economic sectors on SDGs 1-16. Results show that environmental SDGs are impacted negatively by most economic sectors, and that primary sector activities negatively impact the highest number of SDGs. Using the agricultural sector as a case, we draw on Causal Loop methodology to illustrate spillovers resulting from SDG interactions. Our findings point to three key considerations of relevance for sustainable investment strategies; the necessity to capture ‘impact shadows’, spillovers across SDGs, and the hierarchical nature of the SDGs.

Causal Relationship Between Maize Production and Its Price in Zambia

In Zambia, changes in food prices specifically maize prices have received much of the attention of late because of its effect on national food security, farming systems, and political-economic conditions of the country. Measures have been taken in order to prevent future food crises and to achieve zero hunger by 2030 as per Sustainable Development Goal number 2 targets 2.4 and 2.c. The national strategies to stabilise the price and influence productivity depend on availability of data from different researchers. Most studies on maize production in Zambia have focused on climatic and demographic factors with insufficient efforts taken in addressing price changes on maize production. The article examined the consequences of changing price from 1990 to 2021 of maize on maize production in Zambia. It used a cross sectional research design to analyse secondary data from Zambia Statistics Agency and Food Agriculture Organization. The use of Granger causality test (time series) during analysis revealed unidirectional causation between price and production. This implies that price of maize is the Granger cause of maize production (p-value = 0.0010). The increase of price of maize influences maize productivity among peasants. The policy implication stemming from this study is that since price influences maize production, controlling maize production without stabilizing price levels cannot be enough to boost the agricultural economy and alleviate poverty. The government needs to control maize prices to meet the domestic self-sufficient and affordable prices.

Augmented intelligence for open education: bridging the digital gap with inclusive design methods

Artificial Intelligence (AI) development with an inclusive vision will not happen without the design theory and committed practice, but neither can it be carried out from a biased in-a-silo design vision. Having as its primary goal to augment human capacities, it is crucial to overcome the bias produced by human fuzziness. The application of the DM4O design methodology enables the envisioning of different scenarios to conceptualize inclusive digital education platforms as key resources to bridge the digital gap for learners in a global context. Aligned with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) number 4, the objective of this study is to identify potential higher education (Hi-Ed) students’ limitations when interacting with an open education digital platform (OE-DP), to propose a set of inclusive design guidelines. Following a mixed methods approach, this article sets the state of the art across a systematic literature review; then presents the DM4O design method as the data gathering tool; and finally reports the results of a survey application to capture the perceived limitations experienced by Hi-Ed students as users of an OE-DP. This study marks valuable insights for designers, educators, and institutional administrators, toward a digital transformation that promotes inclusive OE-DPs innovation in three dimensions: (a) inclusive guidelines for digital platforms; (b) a comprehensive list of interaction tasks suitable for digital platforms; and (c) the potential limitations that these platforms must cover during the design process.

Disrupting Human Trafficking in Canada: A Case Study in the Gaps of Meeting the UN Trafficking Protocols

ABSTRACT The signing of the 2002 United Nations’ Trafficking Protocol marked a major global shift in efforts to combat human trafficking. Based on its four pillars (4Ps) (i.e. prevention, protection, prosecution, & partnership), all signatory member States were expected (legally binding) to model their response strategies around the 4Ps, which also align with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals number 5 (i.e. gender equality) and 8 (i.e. decent work and economic growth). As a signatory member of the Trafficking Protocol and rated as a Tier 1 country, Canada is presented as a case study of how, despite the considerable resources and initiatives being directed to combatting human trafficking, there remain notable gaps and limitations in the country’s efforts to combat human trafficking. Drawing on a wide range of examples and available data, it is suggested that Canada’s effort resembles a “quilted patchwork.” The article concludes with several recommendations on how Canada can address the various limitations and close the gaps across the respective pillars.

Identifying and Predicting Muslim Community Funeral Funding Protocols

This research aims to understand funeral poverty among the Muslim community in Malaysia by using Machine Learning algorithms. Generally, funeral poverty in Malaysia can be described as funerals in Malaysia being exorbitantly priced, inflicting a disproportionate amount of financial hardship on the poor. As the death rate continues to climb year after year, we may conclude that funeral fees are an unavoidable risk. This research problem was inspired by Sustainable Development Goal number 1 and 3 where the goal of this initiative is to increase awareness about the need of having funeral expenditures and how to prevent funeral poverty. Previous works have shown promising results. However, they are not conclusive enough as they lack predicting capability that Machine Learning can offer. Selected Machine Learning algorithms such as Decision Tree, Random Forest, and Naïve Bayes were used to classify the people that will go through funeral poverty based on a selected dataset and a survey conducted. The research methodology is as follows: 1. Collecting the data, 2. Pre-Process the data, 3. Exploratory data analysis, 4. Selecting the feature, 5. Modeling, 6. Evaluation. The results showed that the accuracy value for the selected algorithm is 0.95, 0.95, and 0.95 for the awareness and 0.8, 0.8, and 0.75 for B40 Status in survey datasets. With a larger taxonomy and more extensive, diverse sets of data, these figures are expected to improve. Linear Regression has been applied to help understand the features of a death rate. Both outcomes serve distinct reasons. Because the individuals who would experience funeral poverty are in lower-income neighborhoods, it was necessary to classify impoverished communities in order to anticipate funeral poverty. Following that, the findings of what causes death to rise aid in understanding how the B40 community has been impacted by funeral poverty. In the future, this study will aid future research on funeral poverty on a larger scale. When the two datasets are integrated rather than separated, better results can be obtained. The accuracy of the findings may also be improved by employing a wider range of Machine Learning methods and deep learning implementation. A more coherent and detailed model for forecasting funeral poverty can be developed.

In vitro propagation and DNA barcoding of the rare near endemic Plantago sinaica (Barnéoud) plant in Saint Katherine, Sinai

Plantago sinaica is a rare perennial shrub near-endemic to Egypt and found in Saint Katherine Protectorate in Sinai. The first successful in vitro propagation protocol was conducted to protect the plant outside its natural reserves. Shoot tip, stem node section, cotyledonary node, and root explants separated from in vitro germinated seedlings were cultured in vitro on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium enriched with different concentrations and types of cytokinins. It was found that 6-benzyl adenine (BA) is the most efficient cytokinin. MS medium containing 3.33 µM BA and 0.54 µM α-naphthalene acetic acids (NAA) produced 10.25 and 11.30 shoots/explant using shoot tip and stem node section, respectively. Conversely, MS medium + 2.22 µM BA + 0.54 µM NAA produced 13.25 shoots from root explants. Surprisingly, the cotyledonary node explants favored MS medium free from plant growth regulators (PGRs), which produced only 4.25 shoots/explant. The multiplied shoots were rooted successfully with a 100% rooting percentage on half MS medium containing 1.23 or 2.46 µM indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). In vitro, rooted plantlets were efficiently transferred to the greenhouse with a 90% survivability. Finally, the plant was identified using three DNA barcodes; 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase large subunit (rbcL), plastid photosystem II protein D1 intergenic spacer region (psbA–trnH), and Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) barcodes. Additionally, psbA–trnH and ITS were novel and submitted to the GenBank databases for the first time for Plantago sinaica. Our study supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal number 15, which is to preserve, restore and reinstate sustainable usage of terrestrial ecosystems and to stop biodiversity loss.

USE OF KECOMBRANG FLOWER EXTRACT (ETLINGERA ELATIOR) AS AN ALTERNATIVE FOR DETERGEN SURFACTANT TO MAXIMIZE THE POTENTIAL OF LOCAL PLANTS OF NORTH SUMATRA

Detergent is a chemical compound used to wash clothes. Unfortunately, detergents contain the dangerous substance LAS (Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonate). Detergent waste containing LAS can pollute rivers, thereby hampering Sustainable Development Goal number 6, namely clean water and sanitation, even though many Indonesians still use river water as a source of clean water. Therefore, an environmentally friendly substitute for LAS is needed, such as the saponin contained in the kecombrang plant, which is a local plant from North Sumatra. Saponin is a nonionic surfactant and has the potential to be used as a cleaning agent. From the formulation of the problem, the objectives of this research are: 1) to find out liquid detergent formulations that are environmentally friendly and in accordance with SNI 06-4075-1996 by minimizing the use of LAS and replacing it with kecombrang flower extract from North Sumatra; 2) prove the potential for the saponin content in kecombrang flowers from North Sumatra to be an ingredient in making liquid detergent that can replace LAS. The research uses quantitative analysis chemical methods, namely carrying out formulations in making detergent products. There are four detergent formulations with varying ratios of kecombrang flower extract and LAS of 1:1 (formula 1), 2:1 (formula 2), 3:0 (formula 3), and 0:3 (control formula). Research stages: 1) extraction of kecombrang flowers; 2) making detergent; 3) testing saponins in combrang extract; 4) detergent quality testing. The research results show that formula 1 is recommended as the best formula because it has a pH value of 11.7; specific gravity 0.99 g/ml; as well as organoleptic test results (homogeneous shape, color and distinctive odor) which are in accordance with SNI (Indonesian National Standardization). Combrang extract has also been proven to contain saponin which forms foam, thereby increasing the detergency power of detergent.

USE OF KECOMBRANG FLOWER EXTRACT (ETLINGERA ELATIOR) AS AN ALTERNATIVE FOR DETERGEN SURFACTANT TO MAXIMIZE THE POTENTIAL OF LOCAL PLANTS OF NORTH SUMATRA

Detergent is a chemical compound used to wash clothes. Unfortunately, detergents contain the dangerous substance LAS (Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonate). Detergent waste containing LAS can pollute rivers, thereby hampering Sustainable Development Goal number 6, namely clean water and sanitation, even though many Indonesians still use river water as a source of clean water. Therefore, an environmentally friendly substitute for LAS is needed, such as the saponin contained in the kecombrang plant, which is a local plant from North Sumatra. Saponin is a nonionic surfactant and has the potential to be used as a cleaning agent. From the formulation of the problem, the objectives of this research are: 1) to find out liquid detergent formulations that are environmentally friendly and in accordance with SNI 06-4075-1996 by minimizing the use of LAS and replacing it with kecombrang flower extract from North Sumatra; 2) prove the potential for the saponin content in kecombrang flowers from North Sumatra to be an ingredient in making liquid detergent that can replace LAS. The research uses quantitative analysis chemical methods, namely carrying out formulations in making detergent products. There are four detergent formulations with varying ratios of kecombrang flower extract and LAS of 1:1 (formula 1), 2:1 (formula 2), 3:0 (formula 3), and 0:3 (control formula). Research stages: 1) extraction of kecombrang flowers; 2) making detergent; 3) testing saponins in combrang extract; 4) detergent quality testing. The research results show that formula 1 is recommended as the best formula because it has a pH value of 11.7; specific gravity 0.99 g/ml; as well as organoleptic test results (homogeneous shape, color and distinctive odor) which are in accordance with SNI (Indonesian National Standardization). Combrang extract has also been proven to contain saponin which forms foam, thereby increasing the detergency power of detergent.

Analisis Dampak Sektor Perkebunan terhadap Pertumbuhan Ekonomi Mengacu pada SDGs Indonesia 2021

Purpose: This study aims to explain the impact of the plantation sector on Indonesia's economic growth in 2021, focusing on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) number 8, which emphasizes decent work and economic growth. Methodology/approach: This study adopts a quantitative approach using secondary data obtained directly from the Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS). Multiple Linear Regression is the method employed, along with testing for Classical Assumptions and T-statistics (partial test) using the STATA analysis tool. Results/findings: The research findings from the t-test indicate that out of the eight types of crops in the plantation sector, only tea significantly influences Indonesia's economic growth in 2021. Limitations: The limitations of this study include the number of dependent variables (eight) and the range of data time in 2021. Contribution: This research can serve as a reference for prioritizing the plantation sector, which has significant development potential, considering Indonesia's favorable geographical location. Therefore, it is expected that this potential can positively contribute to Indonesia's economic growth by aiming to achieve prosperity and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

STREET VENDORS PERCEPTION OF THE EFFECTS OF THEIR ACTIVITIES ON ENUGU URBAN MORPHOLOGY

This study examined the activities of street vendors operating within the informal economy in Enugu City with regard to its effects on the economy, human relations, environment and resulting government responses. A total of thirteen street vendors were purposively selected for in-depth interviews and non-participant observation. Variables of interest were vendors' perceptions of contributions to urban mobility, community relations and economic dynamics. The analysis was done using content analysis. Findings show that street vendors play pivotal roles in community relations. It was also found that street vendors offer convenient and accessible services, saving residents’ time, convenience of shopping in transit and saving foregone transport money. In terms of the dynamics within the informal economy, it was discovered that some vendors adapt innovative pricing strategies to offer affordability. Based on these findings, it is concluded that street vendors make multifaceted contributions to Enugu's urban economy, cityscape and positive community living. It is therefore recommended that rather see them as a nuisance, urban policymakers and planners have to recognize the significance of street vendors and the informal economy generally in shaping the city's social fabric, mobility patterns, and economic landscape as they strive to create resilient, inclusive urban environments as enshrined in Sustainable Development Goal number 11.

Financial assessment of groundwater and rainwater treatments for school clean water supply

The global primary school population has experienced a significant increase, in line with the pursuit of Sustainable Development Goal number 4 which strives to ensure inclusive, equitable, and high-quality education, fostering lifelong learning opportunities for all. However, not all schools, especially in developing countries, have access to a sufficient supply of clean water. For example, a 2021 World Bank study found that almost half (47%) of schools in Indonesia have no access to soap and flowing water, which is critical to disease prevention. In this study, we featured a case study of a school in Indonesia that mainly obtains its clean water supply from pumped underground water and treats it with reverse osmosis technology. This study analyzed the potential financial savings from adding combinations of a rainwater harvesting system, an adsorption–filtration system, an ultraviolet radiation disinfection system, and solar photovoltaics to the existing underground water pumping system in a case study school. We utilize local data encompassing factors such as rainfall intensity, facility investment, operation, and maintenance costs in the evaluation of financial performance for each scenario, employing methods such as net present value (NPV), benefit–cost ratio (BCR), and payback period. The findings indicate that the adoption of constructed scenario 1, incorporating an adsorption filtration system and UV disinfection, yields superior financial outcomes in this study. Scenario 1 results in 167,890 IDR NPV over its 12-year lifespan, 1.10 BCR, and a payback period as short as 2 months. The results from this study provide knowledge about the potential financial gains and technological alternatives for other schools in developing countries without access to a centralized clean water or energy supply.

Micronutrient diversity in pole and bush type Dolichos bean germplasm: identification of gene sources from biofortification perspectives

AbstractExploring the nutritional potential of underutilized legumes such as Dolichos bean (Lablab purpureus L.) is of great significance, particularly, in view of accomplishing the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goal number two, which emphasizes on improving food and nutrition security by 2030. A thorough understanding of genetic variability is crucial for developing biofortified cultivars of Dolichos bean. In this study, the Dolichos bean genotypes represented by pole and bush types (28 bush and 19 pole types) were assessed for genetic variability for Cu, Mn, Fe and Zn contents. Pole type genotypes had higher average contents for all micronutrients except manganese. Among micronutrients, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn, content ranged from 10.10–19.95, 77.13–331.93, 22.78–46.40 and 42.03–102.85 mg kg−1 in pole type, and 8.2–18.5, 50.8–99.3, 25.65–53.25 and 37.15–63.25 mg kg−1 in bush type beans, respectively. Strong positive correlations between Cu, Fe and Zn concentrations occurred, which indicates the possibility of simultaneous improvement of these nutrients. Pod pigmentation was positively correlated with contents of Fe and Zn. There was an association of micronutrients with yield. The pole genotypes VRSEM-1000, VRDB-01 and VRSEM 109 and bush type genotypes VRBSEM-3, VRBSEM-35 and VRBSEM- 200 are good source of microelements and high yielders. Gene sources with enhanced nutrients may be used as cultivated forms or as input material for breeding nutritionally rich biofortified varieties of bean.

Human capital development and economic sustainability linkage in Sub-Saharan African countries: Novel evidence from augmented mean group approach

Sustainable Development Goal number four (SDG-4) strongly emphasizes quality education, which is crucial to human capital development. The importance of human capital development for sustainable economic development has thus risen to the top of the global policy agenda. However, the empirical literature on the topic has several limitations, including utilizing inappropriate measurement of human capital development and being unable to investigate the quality dimensions of education. Therefore, this study used years of schooling and return on education to fill the gap, and also considered the role of institutional and political factors in its empirical estimation. The main objective of this study is to investigate the effect of human capital development on economic sustainability in 30 Sub-Saharan African countries, employing panel data from 2000 to 2020. The augmented mean group model was used in the empirical investigation. The findings of the study showed that human capital development negatively and significantly affects economic sustainability in Sub-Saharan African countries. Thus, among the policy alternatives that Sub-Saharan African countries and policymakers should pursue to attain the goals of economic sustainability is revisiting the entire human capital development architecture and putting more of an emphasis on quality education than on access to education.